Grey-headed Lapwing (Vanellus cinereus)
The Grey-headed Lapwing is a medium-sized wading bird that belongs to the family Charadriidae. It is found in parts of Asia, including India, Southeast Asia, and China.
These birds have a distinctive appearance, with a grayish-brown plumage on their upperparts, a white belly, and a striking black and white pattern on their wings. They have a long, slender bill and relatively long legs.
Grey-headed Lapwings are typically found in wetland habitats, such as marshes, ponds, and rice paddies, where they feed on a variety of prey, including small invertebrates such as insects and crustaceans, and small vertebrates such as fish and frogs.
During breeding season, Grey-headed Lapwings build a shallow scrape on the ground, laying 3-4 eggs per clutch. Both parents share the duties of incubating the eggs and caring for the young.
Grey-headed Lapwings are considered a species of least concern by the IUCN Red List, although some populations are threatened by habitat loss and degradation, pollution, and disturbance from human activity. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their habitats, including the designation of protected areas and the implementation of sustainable land use practices.
Overall, the Grey-headed Lapwing is an interesting and important species that plays a significant role in many wetland ecosystems in its range.