Birds In India Research Articles

Roosting and nesting ecology of house sparrow (\(\textit{Passer domesticus}\)) in Guwahati city, Assam

Aves are unique in having a coat of feathers and in balancing on the hind limbs alone. They are known as the feathered bipeds. Roosting, nest building in birds has been considered a remarkable behaviour in aves. The nesting ecology of birds is likely the most important component of its life history and it is affected by several ecological and environmental factors. Guwahati city, a rapidly growing city in northeast India inhabits a lot of species of birds. It is located between the Brahmaputra River’s southern bank and the Shillong plateau’s foothills. Total of the 57 nests, 28% were discovered in the rolling shop shutters, followed by 27% in the tin sheet roofs of homes, followed by 19% in building crevices, 9% in building holes, 7% in advertisement hoarding and 5% in AC outdoor units and 5% in unused building pipes. It is also observed that 49% of the nests are located at a height between 2–4 metres from the ground level, 70% of the nests are located between 1–5 metres from the nearest food source, and 58% of the nests are located between 1–5 metres from the nearest water source. Out of the 57 nests observed, 50 were found to be solitary, 5 were found to be Pair, and 2 were found to be cluster type. The study found that choosing a nest is influenced directly by the location of the nearest food source and nearest water source in Guwahati city. The study presents the merit and needs for studying the nesting ecology of birds in India, also suggests best practices to conserve bird’s nest specific to the Indian context which might provide important information for the nesting ecology of House Sparrows (Passer domesticus).

Correlation and related impact of migratory routes of seasonal birds in India and Japanese encephalitis (JE) epidemic regions in India

Japanese encephalitis (JE) which is also called epidemic encephalitis B, is able to cause severe inflammation in human body especially the central nervous system (CNS). Base on the fact that birds are able to transmit virus as same as pigs in the local regions in India, here will be more discussions and analyses about the correlation and related impact of migratory routes of seasonal birds in India and JE epidemic regions in India base on the case studies in the upcoming articles. Additionally, to figure out the solution of the problem of the continuously JE epidemic over the whole country. Throughout the process, a tight relation between wild birds and JEV was discovered from the previous researches, which also reflected the tendency of JE endemic in regions in India affected by the distribution of bird sanctuaries. Based on policies established for other epidemic prevention before in other countries, a few suggestions were listed to give a supportive reference for potential JE epidemics. This can either enhance the security of citizens living in the endemic area and raise the awareness to wildlife around them.

Building a Better Home for Birds in India: A Novel Approach to Design

Abstract: This paper explores the declining population of birds in India due to human activities such as deforestation and urbanization, which has led to a significant decrease in the number of bird nests. With over 1,300 bird species in India, it is essential to conserve their populations and nesting habitats. The paper studies the problems faced by birds in natural nests and proposes an innovative approach to designing smart nests that can improve nest success rates and promote bird conservation. The research methodology includes contextual inquiry, flow modeling, and a cultural model to understand the regional culture of birds and their significance. The study analyzes the process followed by birds to build a natural nest and identifies decision points, dependencies between tasks, and the roles of birds and interference by humans and predators in their nests. The paper also presents different innovative approaches to nest design and construction, such as the use of recyclable materials, technology, and green roofs. Ultimately, this paper aims to raise awareness of the importance of bird conservation and provide a roadmap for creating better nesting habitats for birds in India

Assessing genetic diversity and population structure for prioritizing conservation of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (Aredotis nigriceps)

The critically endangered Great Indian Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps (GIB) is on the verge of imminent extinction, and exists as fragmented populations with 100–150 birds in India and a few in neighbouring Pakistan. Rajasthan holds the largest population of ∼128 birds, Gujarat has ∼5, and Maharashtra-Karnataka-Andhra Pradesh having ∼10 birds. Their range and abundance have reduced by 90% within last 50 years, primarily due to hunting, habitat loss to agriculture and industry, and power-line collisions. Conservation agencies are implementing habitat protection/restoration and conservation breeding as insurance against extinction and for future reintroductions/supplementation. To guide these ongoing in-situ and ex-situ conservation measures, we examined patterns of genetic diversity, population structure, bottlenecks and dispersal using microsatellite and mitochondrial markers. Analyses of 73 individual GIB revealed low mt-DNA (h=0.554, π = 0.001) and microsatellite diversity (Ho=0.32). Bayesian clustering analysis identified three genetic populations. Migration between these populations was low and asymmetric, highest being from Rajasthan into Maharashtra (9%) and Madhya Pradesh (4%), perhaps due to extreme habitat fragmentation and small numbers. Rajasthan population encompassed the maximum genetic diversity, that along with its large size and availability of breeders, made it ideal for sourcing founders for conservation breeding. However, the presence of private alleles in other populations implies that additional sourcing of birds from Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat may be required to capture the extant gene pool of GIB in captive founder population.

Analysis of object detection techniques for bird species identification

The birdwatching community in India is extensive. Wildlife enthusiasts often face difficulty in identifying a particular bird. There exist, separately, object detection Machine Learning models as well as online directories for manual bird identification, but there is no approach combining the two for easy identification of birds in India. We present a technique that uses object detection algorithms such as Faster R-CNN and YOLOv5 to solve this challenge. Our dataset includes a total of 60 species of birds found in Maharashtra. Furthermore, these methods have been tested on datasets of various sizes to provide a thorough comparison of the two techniques and to better understand their behaviour as the dataset size and classes grow. The YOLOV5 model trained on 100 epochs for 3000 images achieved a mAP score of 0.78 whereas Detectron2 when trained on the same dataset achieved an IOU score of 0.001. These methods have not been tested on a dataset containing birds from peninsular India, particularly Maharashtra. As a result, we intend to extend the dataset and make bird identification easier for birdwatchers.

Simultaneous detection of velogenic Newcastle disease virus of genotype XIII 2.2 from spot-billed pelicanand backyard chicken: implications to the viral maintenance and spread.

Despite the widespread occurence of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in different avian species, there has been scanty reports on genetic characterization of NDV strains from wild birds in India. During 2017-18, atotal of forty eight cloacal swab samples were collected from apparently healthy migratory birds (painted storks, n=32 and spot-billed pelicans, n=16) at the Telineelapuram bird sanctuary of Andhra Pradesh, India. NDV was isolated from aspot-billed pelican (NDV/Pelican/Telineelapuram/2018) which is genetically identical to that isolated from anaturally infected backyard chicken flock (NDV/Chicken/SKLM-1/2018). The isolates are found to be velogenic based on mean death time, intracerebral pathogenicity index and the putative fusion protein cleavage site (112R-R-R-K-R-F117). Phylogenetic analysis based on full-length fusion gene classified the isolates into genotype XIII, sub-genotype 2.2, however these isolates demonstrated multiple amino acid substitutions in the critical domains of Fand HN proteins. The pelican strain (MIG-9) was tested for its pathogenic and transmission potential in three-weeks-old broiler chickens and the isolate proved to be highly virulent to chickens. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first evidence for the role of spot-billed pelicans in the maintenance of virulent NDV and its transmission to chickens in India. This study further highlights the role of wild birds in NDV transmission and the need for enhanced biosecurity in commercial poultry operations. Keywords: Newcastle disease virus; Pelecanus philippensis; chicken; transmission; pathogenicity; India.

The expanding distribution of the Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) as an indicator of changing climate in Kerala, southern India: A modelling study using MaxEnt

Abstract Avian species can be regarded as a bioindicator of environmental change. However, limited analysis are available on the effect of climate change on the distribution of birds in India. During recent years the distribution of the Indian Peafowl, (Pavo cristatus), a dryland species was observed to be expanding in Kerala, southern India, a region falling under the humid tropics. A study was conducted to understand the reasons for this expanding distribution, the influence of climatic variables and the future extent of distribution using MaxEnt. A Mean ensemble of five CMIP5 models were used to predict the potential distribution for the period 2050s (2041–2060) and 2070s (2061–2080) under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios. The study identified that seasonality of temperature and precipitation during the driest quarter will be the major factors which determine the distribution of P. cristatus. The model showed that in current conditions 19.15% of the study area provides a suitable habitat for P. cristatus, whilst future predictions suggest that there may be a range expansion of 41.44% and 55.33% during the 2050s under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, respectively. In the 2070s, area of habitat range may decline to 22.09% and 32.22% under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, respectively. Comparison of various RCP scenarios showed high habitat suitability under RCP 8.5. Central Kerala is found to be the hotspot for the Indian Peafowl population expansion and the distribution may be prominent towards southeast and northwest during the 2050s and 2070s respectively. The study reveals that the Indian Peafowl acts as a bioindicator of the changing climate in Kerala.

Is current information on organochlorine exposure sufficient to conserve birds in India?

Organochlorine compounds (OCs) pose a serious threat towards the wildlife due to their well-known adverse effects. India is the second largest producer of pesticides in Asia, with DDT production still ongoing, and is ranked amongst the leading countries of pesticide consumption. However, a significant data gap in avian biomonitoring studies has been identified in Asia. The objective of this review is to compile and discuss the available literature on concentrations of organochlorine pesticides and PCBs in Indian birds. The review of 18 articles showed that DDTs were the OCs most frequently analysed, followed by HCHs and PCBs (highest hepatic mean values: 11.6, 1.8 and 1.03 µg/g ww, respectively). The most frequently analysed matrix was whole body homogenates, followed by internal tissues. Plasma, eggs, feathers and guano were poorly sampled. The range of sampling years was 1980-2007. In general, hepatic OC concentrations were below the level known to cause adverse effects, although p,p'-DDE in eggs was found in concentrations associated with eggshell thinning. Most of the studies were carried out in Southern India (Tamil Nadu). Out of 106 species studied, house crow (Corvus splendens) was the most frequently monitored. However, the number of individuals sampled per species is generally low and different sample types are used, thus, huge limitations to compare OC exposure exist. This review shows that there is a clear deficit of data on OC concentrations and sublethal effects that needs to be addressed to understand the status of OC exposure, spatio-temporal trends and potential impacts in Indian avifauna.

Over-religious Activity, A Threat to Biodiversity - A Case Study (4): The Indian National Bird Peacock (Pavo cristatus) is in Danger

Peacock (Pavo cristatus) is the National Bird of India. It has rich religious and legendary involvement in Indian traditions. The bird’s feathers are inordinately used for religious purpose with go...

Effect of Cysteine Protease in Diet to Reduce Soybean Meal Without Affecting Performance of Kadaknath Birds in India

Effect of Cysteine Protease in Diet to Reduce Soybean Meal Without Affecting Performance of Kadaknath Birds in India

Pathogenicity and Genotyping of Fowl Adenoviruses Associated with Gizzard Erosion in Commerciallayer Grower Chicken in India

During the year 2013–2014, commercial layer birds showed heavy economic losses due to gizzard erosion (GE) and mortality (10 to 30%). The affected birds revealed dullness, uneven growth, decreased feed and water intake. GE with detachment of the koilin layer and blackish discoloration of gizzard contents were observed during necropsy examination. Fowl adenoviruses (FAdVs) were isolated using passage in chicken embryo liver cells and genotyped by DNA sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis of the hexon loop L1 gene FAdVs isolates was grouped into FAdV-A (serotype 1), FAdV-C (serotype 4), D (serotypes 2, 3 and 11) and E (serotype 8) species. The pathogenicity of FAdVs was investigated in 4-week-old specific pathogen-free chickens; FAdV serotypes 4, 8 and 11 were found pathogenic and cause GE. Histologically, basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies were seen in the gizzard mucosal layer from day 7 to 11-day post infection. This is the first report of the GE associated with FAdV serotypes 4, 8 and 11 in layer birds. These findings suggest that GE outbreaks associated with FAdVs lead to economic losses in commercial layer grower birds in India.

Reassessment of the Distribution and Threat Status of the Western Ghats Endemic Bird, Nilgiri Pipit Anthus nilghiriensis

Montane grasslands in India face threats from habitat modification and climate change, but have received little conservation attention. In the Western Ghats, 55-80% of this habitat has been converted to commercial and non-commercial plantations. We examine the distribution of a range-restricted, grassland-endemic bird, the Nilgiri Pipit Anthus nilghiriensis through both fieldwork and literature survey. We combine our mist-net-based capture data with museum records that appear to indicate a smaller distributional range for the species than indicated by secondary sighting records. We argue that the species is limited to grasslands above 1900 m. Using GIS methodology, we estimate the area of this habitat to be only 441 sq. km. Spread over just two mountain-tops, our analyses indicate a drastic reduction from the presently projected distribution, making this species one of the most restricted-range birds in India. We discuss potential causes for this discrepancy, including misidentification, which may mislead potential conservation action for such threatened birds. We propose palaeoclimatic changes to be the cause for the present distribution limit to the two large mountains (Nilgiris hills and Anamalai-Palani hills), while anthropogenic habitat modifications may limit the distribution at a finer scale within these mountains. Given the combined effect of historical large-scale landscape modification in this region and the possibility of climate change affecting this species, the Nilgiri Pipit and its habitat appear to be under considerable threat and the bird requires urgent conservation measures, starting with an elevation of IUCN threat level to 'Endangered'.

Productive Performance of Rajasri Bird at Farmer's Backyard: A Study in Southern State of India

Backyards poultry farming is an age old practice among rural people especially women with desi birds in India. Under Rastriya Krishi Vikasa Yojana of Government of India,an improved variety for backyard i.e. Rajasri birds were distributed among the rural poor in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh to uplift the socio-economic status through backyard poultry which is an age old tradition in among rural Indian masses.. In this context, a study was carried out to assess the performance of birds at farmer’s backyard and its impact on the livelihoods of farmers. The results revealed a significant (p

Some updates with successful first breeding report of Great Indian Bustard from Vidarbha region, Maharashtra

Great Indian Bustard (GIB), Ardeotis nigriceps is a threatened bird species and listed as critically endangered. Presently, GIB is found only in six states of India i.e. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. During the last 20 years the GIB population has crashed in many areas and presently the population could be as low as 500 birds in India. In Maharashtra, as per survey conducted during 2005-06, about 30 to 36 GIBs were counted. Out of these, 08 birds were reported from Chandrapur and Nagpur districts in Vidarbha region. Habitat of the GIBs in Chandrapur district is cultivated agriculture lands and grasslands around villages. During 2010-11, conducting regular visits, continuous monitoring and collecting information from foresters, local people we documented a breeding report of GIB from Vidarbha region. Total four nests were sighted in Warora and Bhadrawati talukas of Chandrapur district. Each nest contained a single egg. Out of these four nests, hatching took place in only two nests but only one chick survived; in the third nest the egg did not hatch for 40 days while at the fourth nest the egg was accidentally broken. So, immediate protection to nesting sites is required.

Behavioural ethogram of the Great Indian Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps (Vigors) 1831

The Great Indian Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps, a large ground-dwelling bird of India and Pakistan, is declining throughout its entire range. Little has been published in detail on the behaviour of this species. This work presents an ethogram of the species describing 63 individual behaviours grouped under 11 broad categories: alert, resting, comfort and maintenance, locomotion, ingestive and excretory, antagonistic, interspecific response, sexual, maternal, vocalizations, and reflexes. National and site-specific recovery action plans for Great Indian Bustard are in process and ex situ conservation is one of the proposed measures. A better understanding of Great Indian Bustard behaviour is essential for both ex situ and in situ conservation. Precise descriptions of behaviours presented here provide a standard that can be used for systematic and quantitative study of behaviours of the species and which could be of significance in ex situ breeding.

Accumulation pattern and distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in liver tissues of seven species of birds from Ahmedabad, India, during 2005–2007

Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in liver tissues of seven species of birds collected from Ahmedabad, India during 2005-2007. All the samples collected were dead as victims of kite flying. Concentrations of ∑PAHs in livers of birds were ranged from 110 ± 32.6 ng/g wet wt (1,078 ± 320 lipid wt) in common myna Acridotheres tristis to 382 ± 90.1 ng/g (2,388 ± 563 lipid wt) in white-backed vulture. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences in ∑PAHs were observed among species. However, year of collection and sex of birds did not show significant differences in concentrations of PAHs. The levels of ∑PAHs measured in the present study species were higher than the levels documented for a number of avian species and were lower than those reported to have deleterious effects on survival or reproduction of birds. Presence of PAH residues in birds of Ahmedabad city show the continuous input of PAHs through environmental exposure. Although no threat is posed by any of the hydrocarbons detected, continuous monitoring of breeding colonies of birds is recommended in unpolluted reference sites as well as polluted sites. It is also the first account of a comprehensive analysis of PAHs in various species of birds in India. Therefore, the values reported in this study can serve as baseline values for future research.

Accumulation pattern of persistent organochlorine pesticides in liver tissues of various species of birds from India

As part of a large study on assessing the impact of environmental contaminants in Indian avifauna, the presence of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in liver tissues of 16 species of birds collected from Ahmedabad, India during 2005-2007 was quantified. The higher concentrations of total organochlorine pesticides were detected in livers of shikra Accipiter badius (3.43 ± 0.99 μg/g wet wt) and the lower levels in white ibis Pseudibis papillosa (0.02 ± 0.01 μg/g wet wt). Marked differences in the concentrations of total OCPs occurred among species (p < 0.05). Concentrations of DDT and its metabolites, hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and isomers, dieldrin, and heptachlor epoxide were lower than the concentrations reported for various species of birds in India. Accumulation pattern of organochlorine pesticides in birds was, in general, in the order HCH > DDT > heptachlor epoxide > dieldrin. Among various pesticides analyzed, p,p'-DDE and β-HCH contributed maximum towards the total OCPs and study indicates the continuous use of lindane and DDT for agriculture and public health purpose, respectively. Although no serious threat is posed by any of the organochlorine pesticides detected in the present study species, continued monitoring is recommended.

Avian pox infection in different wild birds in India

Amplicons of fpv167 and fpv140, of 578 and 1,800 bp, respectively, characteristic of the avipox viral genes, were amplified by PCR using DNA from viruses isolated from eight Indian wild birds. BLAST and phylogenetic analysis of the sequences of the fpv167 and fpv140 amplicons indicated that Fowlpox virus (FWPV) was the nearest phylogenetic neighbour to the viral isolates, from two Indian peacocks (Pavo cristatus), two golden pheasants (Chrysolophus pictus), one silver pheasant (Lopahura nycthemera) and one sparrow (Passer domesticus). However, the two isolates from the Indian little brown dove (Stigmatopelia senegalensis) and the common wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) formed a separate cluster with turkeypox and pigeonpox virus (PGPV) isolates when the phylogenetic tree was constructed using the sequence of fpv167. When the phylogenetic analysis was done using the fpv140 gene sequence both isolates formed a cluster with isolates of PGPV. Thus, the results support that fpv140 gene along with the fpv167 gene should be used for phylogenetic analyses of avipoxviruses for better discrimination of the viruses. Additionally, avian poxvirus isolated from wild birds of India were identical to those reported in Indian domestic birds, and phylogenetically related to avian poxviruses reported from different parts of the world. To our knowledge, this is the first molecular characterization of avian poxviruses infecting different wild birds in India. The study shows that FWPV and PGPV cause infection in wild birds irrespective of the species of birds indicating that these viruses are not species specific. Thus these viruses, which are not host specific have the ability to cause infection in game birds, endangered birds and domestic birds and therefore could spread easily.

The eye of the peacock

Peacocks are revered and respected in many countries and are believed to possess medicine magic. They are the national bird of India and their ‘eyes’ are considered to see the past, the present and the future. Peahens are considered excellent mothers and care for their young until ready to leave the nest. Peacocks are symbolic of vision, wisdom, honour, love, protection and re-birth. The colours of their feathers shimmer when displayed, which is unique.

Cattle Egrets and dry fish business in coastal areas

AbstractCattle Egret is one of the common wetland birds in India known for its efficiency to make use of human interfered habitats. The present study is an attempt to document maggots of houseflies and calliphorids in the coastal sun drying fish yards and the role of the species in containing the vector species. The number of flies and maggots were found related with the visit of cattle egrets, demonstrating the importance of the species in controlling the vectors.