Abstract
Population size and roosting behaviour of Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica a non-breeding winter visitor was studied from September 2006 to April 2008 in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand (India). The swallows first appeared in the month of September after which their populations increased till December. The maximum numbers recorded were 15,300 in 2006 and 16,700 in 2007. Their departure commenced in early March and most of them had left by mid-April. During their stay, large numbers of swallows roost gregariously in overhead wires in the town. Routes in these areas were illuminated throughout night, which probably helped them to detect predators easily. The observed roosting time varied between 13 and 28 minutes after sunset. It was found that availability of light and ambient temperature were the most important factors which determined the roosting time and duration.
Highlights
The Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica is a non-breeding winter visitor to Jamshedpur, Jharkhand (India)
The approximate population of H. rustica during the entire roosting period was determined by random counting
The average number of Barn Swallows settled on 1m wire was determined which was multiplied by the total length of wire
Summary
The Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica is a non-breeding winter visitor to Jamshedpur, Jharkhand (India). There is lack of information about the roosting behaviour of Barn Swallows wintering in Jamshedpur, the present study. Methods The roosting pattern of Barn Swallows was studied from September 2006 to April 2008. The approximate population of H. rustica during the entire roosting period was determined by random counting.
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