Birds Around Me 0048 - Red-wattled Lapwing (टिटहरी) - Vanellus indicus

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Red-wattled Lapwing (टिटहरी) - Vanellus indicus
Taken on November 10, 2017
Location: Sanjivini Nagar, Jabalpur, India (Latitude: 23.172826, Longitude: 79.881881)  

Red-wattled Lapwing (टिटहरी): The Watchful Guardian of the Ground 

The Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus), known as टिटहरी in Hindi, is a striking ground bird with long legs and a distinctive appearance. It has a light brown body, a red fleshy wattle in front of each eye, and a red beak with a black tip. Unlike many birds, lapwings cannot perch and are strictly ground dwellers. 

Distinctive Calls and Behavior 

One of the most recognizable traits of the Red-wattled Lapwing is its loud alarm calls, often described as _"did he do it?"_ or _"pity to do it!"_. These calls serve as a natural warning system, alerting humans and animals to movement in their surroundings. 

Cultural Significance in India 

The Red-wattled Lapwing holds special significance in Indian folklore: 

- In Rajasthan, the bird’s habit of laying eggs on high ground is believed to predict good monsoon rains. 

- A popular Hindi metaphor, "टिटहरी से आसमां थम जायेगा?" ("Will the lapwing support the heavens?"), is used to describe someone attempting a task beyond their strength or capability.  




Red-wattled Lapwing (टिटहरी) - Vanellus indicus

Red-wattled Lapwing (टिटहरी) - Vanellus indicus

Red-wattled Lapwing (टिटहरी) - Vanellus indicus

Birds Around Me - Ashutosh Jhureley

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