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Red-wattled LapwingAlternative name: "Red-wattled Plover" Size: 32-35 cm; wing span 80 cm |
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Taxonomy, classification |
See Red-wattled Lapwing
at Wikipedia 
.
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Sightings |
Red-wattled Lapwings are permanent residents on the campus of Sultan Qaboos University, near Muscat. First seen by us there in August 2009.
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Photos |
Frontal view of an adult Red-wattled Lapwing
Now turned slightly...
Lateral view of a Red-wattled Lapwing
Different light conditions change the appearance slightly; note
how in this photo the legs of the Red-wattled Lapwing appear to be
brighter yellow
Adult Red-wattled Lapwing seen from behind
Adult Red-wattled Lapwing approaching a pond to take a bath
Dip in to check the water temperature...; the guy in the
background who looks like a member of "Baywatch" is a
Common
Myna 
... then start the real big splash...
... and finally really go for it!
Immature Red-wattled Lapwing
Here it is approaching the bathroom
Nobody looking? 
OK, then dip in... 
Immature Red-wattled Lapwing drinking
Lateral view of a Red-wattled Lapwing in flight
Red-wattled Lapwing in flight seen from underneath
Adult Red-wattled Lapwing caught by surprise, with a chick out in the
open; note the clear black-and-white colour pattern on the chick's neck
Here is a Red-wattled Lapwing chick hiding, making use of its excellent
camouflage; now the black-and-white colour pattern on the neck is almost
completely hidden from view
This is the other Red-wattled Lapwing chick's sibling, also pretending
to be a stone; both chicks are still quite young - one can still see
the horn used to crack open the eggshell
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Behaviour |
Red-wattled Lapwings are very vigilant birds that defend their nests and their territories. As such they are used by other birds, for example by Grey Francolins, as sentries.
Red-wattled Lapwing raising an alarm
