Redwattled Lapwing

Its call is definitely its most easily identifiable feature, a clear and loud tee-tee-teeew..tee-tee-teeew; a call which many of us would have heard quite often, but may find difficult to visually identify the bird.

The lapwing has jet black upper head and a black patch over its throat and upper chest, with white abdomen. A white band connects the abdomen to the head behind its black eyes. The wings are brownish-grey and extend into black tail. A fleshy red wattle is present on its slender red bill. 

Its long stalk-like yellow legs allow easy movement on open grassy or sandy, wet surfaces near wetlands. It is observed singly or in pairs. 

It feeds by constantly running around, using its bill very effectively to pick up food. 

It is quick on its feet; extremely alert at all times and swiftly takes flight at the slightest hint of any alarm. While flying, it appears overall white and black.

Photograph location: Varca, Goa

Name	Redwattled Lapwing
Alternate name(s)	Titeeri (Hindi), Titwi (Marathi)
Size	Crow
Occurrence	May be spotted on open grassy or sandy, wet surfaces near wetlands
Status	Fairly common
Distinct features	Overall white & black bird with white abdomen and brownish-grey body, long yellow legs and slender red bill
Male/Female	Alike