India, May 10 -- In our obsession to spot charismatic migratory waterfowl that visit the Sukhna lake during winters, the resident and common birds are overlooked. The Red-wattled lapwing (Titeeri) is one such bird that breeds along the rocky slopes of the lake.

The fierceness with which parent lapwings defend their ground nest and chicks by dive-bombing humans, dogs, jackals and grazing cattle is an instinct that human parents could emulate. Parents also resort to adroit manoeuvres such as "broken wing" distractions to divert predators. Young ones match the alertness, courage and guile of their parents to survive multiple threats that include getting trodden over by heavy-hoofed animals such as cattle.

Dr Rajiv Narwal holds the charge o...