Winter ecology of harriers roosting at Akola, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

A study was undertaken on wintering ecology of harriers during February 2003 and October 2004 at Akola district of Maharashtra, western India. The data collected from a communally roosting harriers estimated a maximum population at roost was ca. 200 and 72 harriers during February 2003 and October 2004, respectively. Four species of harriers roosted namely Eurasian Marsh, Montagu’s, Pallid and Hen harriers. Montagu’s harriers dominated the roost. In all, 105 pellets were collected from the roost to obtain information on diet composition of wintering harriers at Akola. More than 80% pellets contained locust remains. Other prey items consumed by harriers included reptiles (lizards, skinks and snakes), birds (small land birds) and small mammals (rodents). The diet was compared with other harriers’ roosting elsewhere in India and Africa. The paper also describes roost habitat and roosting behaviour. Major threats of roosting harriers are highlighted.