22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Lapwing on guard
A red-wattled lapwing shielding its egg by standing over them to provide shade, ensuring the embryos remain cool and protected from overheating. Known for their piercing calls, these birds are highly territorial and fiercely protective of their nests. When sensing threats, they employ distraction displays, such as feigning injury, to lure predators away from their eggs or chicks. This behavior demonstrates their remarkable survival strategies in increasingly urbanized landscapes, where natural habitats are scarce. Despite their adaptability, they remain vulnerable to habitat loss and human disturbances.
Photo Detail
Date Taken: | 07.2024 |
Date Uploaded: | 12.2024 |
Photo Location: | Colombo, Sri Lanka |
Camera: | ILCE-7RM5 |
Copyright: | © Lakshitha Karunarathna |