<p>Anti-predator responses are not well explored in river lapwings; hence, in this investigation, we identified and quantified different anti-predator responses. The focal sampling method was used to estimate anti-predator responses. Crows and dogs were recognised as the most potential and abundant predators of river lapwings. However, kites, snakes, cows/buffaloes and foxes were identified as other predators. The vigilance rate was comparatively lower in larger flocks and at greater distances from predators. We documented that the river lapwing exhibited camouflage response (eggs and chick crypsis) to avoid nest predators. In a nutshell, alarm calls, mobbing, crouch run and swooping attack were the predominant anti-predator responses, whereas pecking attack and ungulate display were the least recorded anti-predator responses. Generalised linear mixed model (GLMM) analysis indicated that the river lapwing elicited more significant anti-predator responses at incubation as lapwings exhibited more investments in defending large-egg nests or clutches nearing hatch. Ground and perched predators were more responsive to predators due to the close proximity of nests; hence, river lapwings had to respond very quickly to these predators. The anti-predator responses of lapwings showed considerable individual variation, influenced by a combination of intrinsic (age and boldness) and extrinsic factors (predator type and nest visibility). River lapwings elicited maximum anti-predator responses against crows, dogs and herbivore (cows/buffaloes) predators. We conclude that river lapwings may demonstrate discrepancies in anti-predator defence, which may be consistent with numerous ideas drawn from the parental investment theory.</p>