Spotted Owlet Athene Brama Research Articles

Pesticide Residue Anlysis in Excreta of Spotted Owlet Athene Brama and Barn Owl Tyto Alba

The continuous use of pesticides to improve agriculture has not only affected the crop but also altered the food chain and worst affected the non-target organisms. Birds utilizing agricultural landscapes for feeding get exposed to these chemicals through ingestion of sprayed soils, treated granules or seeds and prey items. Raptors like owls are the most likely victims of pesticide exposure as they are at the top level of food chain. In present study, excreta samples of barn owl and spotted owlet were collected from three locations and tested for presence of pesticide residues using gas chromatography. The organophosphate residues of dichlorvos, monocrotophos, phorate, malathion, quinalphos, profenophos, ethion were not reported in excreta of both owl species but the residues of chlorpyriphos (0.037 ppm) were detected in spotted owlet samples collected from village Barnhara only. The pyrethroid residues cyhalothrin, permethrin, cypermethrin were also found to be absent or below detectable limit in samples collected from different locations. The feeding habits of birds attribute to the level of contamination in predatory birds. Although the level of chlorpyriphos residues excreted out from the body of spotted owlet does not reflect the actual level of exposure to this bird but gives an indication of their being at the risk of exposure in the environment.

Raptors observed (1983–2016) in National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary: semi-arid biogeographic region suggestions for parametric studies on ecological continuity in Khathiar-Gir Ecoregion, India

The birds of prey or raptors in the National Chambal Sanctuary (NCS) assume importance as they are among the top predators of the region, predating on small crocodilians, turtles, and birds. Our checklist of 30 species of raptors is developed from observations made during winter surveys conducted between 1983 and 2016. The study area covered the course of river Chambal including its confluence with river Kuno that leads from Palpur-Kuno Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh. The raptors which use the steep and inaccessible mud cliffs of the Chambal landscape include Bonelli’s Eagle Aquila fasciata, Laggar Falcon Falco jugger, Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus, White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis, Spotted Owlet Athene brama, and the Indian Eagle-Owl or Rock Eagle Owl Bubo bengalensis. Most of the other raptors noted in NCS appear to visit from and around the adjoining wildlife areas of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. According to two methods of classification the study comes in the semi-arid biogeographic zone or Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forest ecoregion. The list of raptors from NCS-Kuno has been compared with previous reports and the list available for Sariska Tiger Reserve and Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan. The present work is the outcome of a long-term ecological monitoring that primarily focused on the Gharial Gavialis gangeticus and its ecological associates in water and the riverine shores. The birds of prey demanded time and attention for looking above and away from the water surface or the shorelines. Yet, our meticulous records maintained over 34 years have generated a basal profile that is expected to inspire focused studies on parameters that sustain ecological association of raptors of NCS adjoining forest habitats and wildlife sanctuaries in the ecoregion.

Impact of vehicular traffic on birds in Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu, India

Roads have numerous direct and indirect ecological impacts on wildlife. Roads constitute an extensive and integral part of our environment. Collisions with vehicles kill a large number of birds every year. The present study was carried out from January 2016 to December 2016. The data was collected from Nehru Memorial College to Pavithram Lake of Thuraiyur to Namakkal road of Musiri Taluk, Tiruchchirappalli District. During this study, we recorded a total of 64 birds belonging to 12 species killed due to vehicular traffic. A maximum of 11 birds were killed in the months of January and October, and a minimum of two bird kills were observed in the months of September and December. Of the 64 birds, the roadside mortality was observed to the tune of 25%, 20.3%, 14%, 12.5%, 10.9%, 4.6%, and 4.6% for Southern Coucal Centropus parroti, Common Myna Acridotheres tristis, House Crow Corvus splendens, Spotted Owlet Athene brama, Indian Jungle Crow Corvus culminatus, Yellow-billed Babbler Turdoides affinis, and Large Grey Babbler Turdoides malcolmi. Other birds such as Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus, Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis, Shikra Accipiter badius, White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus, and White-browed Bulbul Pycnonotus luteolus accounted for 1.5% mortality. Suggestive measures to prevent wildlife loss due to vehicular traffic are presented in this communication.

Quaternary climatic fluctuations and resulting climatically suitable areas for Eurasian owlets.

AimThe nested pattern in the geographical distribution of three Indian owlets, resulting in a gradient of endemicity, is hypothesized to be an impact of historical climate change. In current time, the Forest Owlet Athene blewitti is endemic to central India, and its range is encompassed within the ranges of the Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum (distributed through South Asia) and Spotted Owlet Athene brama (distributed through Iran, South and Southeast Asia). Another phylogenetically close species, Little Owl Athene noctua, which is largely Palearctic in distribution, is hypothesized to have undergone severe range reduction during the Last Glacial Maximum, showing a postglacial expansion. The present study tests hypotheses on the possible role of Quaternary climatic fluctuations in shaping geographical ranges of owlets.MethodsWe used primary field observations, open access data, and climatic niche modeling to construct climatic niches of four owlets for four periods, the Last Interglacial (~120–140 Ka), Last Glacial Maximum (~22 Ka), Mid‐Holocene (~6 Ka), and Current (1960–1990). We performed climatic niche extent, breadth, and overlap analyses and tested if climatically suitable areas for owlets are nested in a relatively stable climate.ResultsClimatically suitable areas for all owlets examined underwent cycles of expansion and reduction or a gradual expansion or reduction since the Last Interglacial. The Indian owlets show significant climatic niche overlap in the current period. Climatically suitable areas for Little Owl shifted southwards during the Last Glacial Maximum and expanded northwards in the postglaciation period. For each owlet, the modeled climatic niches were nested in climatically stable areas.Main ConclusionsThe study highlights the impact of Quaternary climate change in shaping the present distribution of owlets. This is relevant to the current scenario of climate change and global warming and can help inform conservation strategies, especially for the extremely range‐restricted Forest Owlet.

Analysis of regurgitated pellets of Spotted Owlet Athene brama (Temminck, 1821) (Aves: Strigiformes: Strigidae) from Punjab, India

The present study was conducted to determine the diet of Spotted Owlet Athene brama. Analysis of 200 regurgitated pellets collected from eight different locations in Punjab (India) determined average weight, length, breadth and thickness to be 1.0g, 27.0mm, 16.0mm and 12.0mm, respectively. Remains of a total 433 individual prey were found in these pellets. Diet of Spotted Owlet consisted of both vertebrates (45.7%) and invertebrates (54.3%). Among vertebrates, mice (45.0%) were predominant, followed by frogs (0.5%) and birds (0.2%). Among invertebrates, diet mainly consisted of insects (53.8%) followed by molluscs (0.5%). Insects preyed upon by Spotted Owlet were predominantly of orders Coleoptera (34.9%), followed by Orthoptera (10.2%), Dermaptera (7.9%) and some unidentified orders (0.9%). The remnants of insects and molluscs in the pellets comprised of wings, legs, head, shells etc. The average number of mice consumed per pellet was 1.32, with a maximum capacity of consuming up to five mice per night.

Nest trees, habitat and breeding biology of the spotted owletAthene brama brama(Temminck, 1821) in human habitation and agricultural landscape of India

This study examined nest tree, habitat characteristics and breeding biology of the spotted owlet Athene brama brama in two habitats, viz. human habitation (HH) and agricultural landscape (AL). From 2008 to 2009, 27 spotted owlet nests (15 in HH and 12 in AL) were observed in Madurai district of southern India. We found that most tree characteristics were significantly different between habitats. The percentage availability of various habitats in a 1-km radius from nest trees varied significantly between HH and AL. The breeding season for spotted owlets started in early January and continued until the end of April. Variations in (a) clutch size, (b) egg dimensions, (c) incubation period, (d) hatching success, (e) brood size, (f) fledgling success, (g) fledgling rate, and (h) breeding success of spotted owlets were observed between HH and AL. We provide photographic documentation of developmental stages of the nestlings.

Food Habits of Spotted Owlet Athene brama (Temminck, 1821) in the Campus of Tropical Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur: an Ecological representation of Central India

Food Habits of Spotted Owlet Athene brama (Temminck, 1821) in the Campus of Tropical Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur: an Ecological representation of Central India

Behavioural Ethogram of Spotted Owlet <I>Athene brama</I>(Temminck, 1821)

The Spotted Owlet Athene brama is a common nocturnal raptor widely distributed in the Indian Subcontinent and neighbouring regions. Though subject to some studies, there is only fragmentary data available on its behaviour. Hence, we undertook a study in an urban habitat to construct a comprehensive behavioural ethogram of the species. A pair of Spotted Owlets with two juveniles was observed near their nesting site in the Fergusson College campus, Pune. Following the focal animal sampling method, the owlets were observed for 303 hrs (89 nights during pre-mating and mating, and 214 nights during post-mating periods). A total of 34 behaviours were compiled and classified into 10 functional groups, and a maximum number of behaviours(11) were recorded for the functional group Comfort and Maintenance. Out of the 50 mating/mounting events observed, 12%(n=6) involved ritual feeding before mating/mounting, and 88%(n=44) were direct mounting/mating instances. The availability of baseline information that defines each behaviour would be important for further quantitative studies.

Roost and diet selection by Southern Spotted Owlet Athene brama brana (Temminck, 1821) in the Cauvery Delta of Nagapattinam District, southern India

The Spotted Owlet Athene brama is the commonest among the 62 species of owls of India and also a widely distributed bio-control agent of agricultural pests in India. We studied the roost site selection and diet composition of the Southern Spotted Owlet A.b. brama in the Cauvery Delta in southern India during 2007-08. The roost selection evaluated based on roost site characteristics observed from 22 roost sites revealed that the owlets preferred to roost closer to human habitation than in agricultural fields, with all the roosts found among trees. Albizia saman (Rain Tree) was the most commonly used roost tree species. Tree species with 20-30 m height and 1-3 m gbh were most preferred for roosting due to the presence of a greater number of branches. Roost species and size class selection appeared to depend on availability of suitable locations with better protection from weather and concealment to avoid disturbance from humans and other birds. Diet composition examined through analysis of 55 regurgitated pellets revealed that undigested food items from insects constituted the bulk of the owls diet (57%) followed by mammals (rodents) (24.4%), reptiles (7.8%) and birds (7.3%). However, it is argued that mammals in the form of digestible parts could have contributed more to the diet of the owlet than any other taxa. Higher consumption of rodents and insects is discussed in the light of reducing agricultural pests; adequate roosting sites (mature trees) and creating awareness among the local community about the role of Spotted Owlets will improve their population and help control agricultural pests more effectively.

On usage of perches by the Spotted Owlet

The Spotted Owlet Athene brama (Temminck, 1821), although a common, native species in India, is poorly studied. The present study examines the use of various perch substrates and perching heights by Spotted Owlets between 2007 and 2009 in Madurai District (9°30’N, 77°28’E), Southern India. Four habitats; rural, urban, riverbanks, and agricultural lands (transects of 4500m length and 50m width were used for each habitat) were selected and surveyed between 18:00 and 22:00 h for usage of perches. In each survey, perching substrate and perching height used (height on which Spotted Owlet perched) while foraging were recorded following Bell & Ford (1990). The perching heights were grouped into various class intervals: 0–2m, >2–4m, >4–6m, >6–8m, >8–10m, >10m. The chi-square test was applied for testing percent usage of perch substrates and perching heights between habitats.

A review of “Discovery of possible hybrid of the Critically Endangered Forest Owlet Athene blewitti and Spotted Owlet Athene brama from northern Maharashtra”

Pande et al. (2011) have reported possible hybrid of the Forest Owlet Heteroglaux blewitti and Spotted Owlet Athene brama. This has begun an intriguing debate on hybridization among owls. Their claim is based on field observations; photographic and videotaped evidences however, the interpretation offered by the authors would seem unlikely. We found several anomalies in this paper pertaining to identification of the species, vocalization, behaviour and logic presented for hybridization. There are many points in the communication that need a wellsupported reference. The first paragraph of the paper describes about lowest hybridization rate among owls (Mikkola 2003) however authors make a contradictory statement in the second last paragraph of the paper giving a reference of del Hoyo et al. (1999) addressing it as a well-known phenomenon. However, del Hoyo et al. (1999) state

Response to “Discovery of a possible hybrid of the Critically Endangered Forest Owlet Athene blewitti and Spotted Owlet Athene brama (Aves: Strigiformes) from northern Maharashtra, India” by Pande et al.

The recently published article by Pande et al. (2011) in the JoTT explores speculation on natural hybridization between two closely-related species of owlets using behavioural and phenotypic data. I am left unconvinced by the data presented to verify the hybridization. It is interesting to read that the authors observed a family of owlets with “intermediate” plumages, behaviours and vocalizations defending the territory with a recently fledged young owlet, concluding that it was a fertile hybrid of the two species. A rather too brief description on plumage and behaviour has been given along with a comparison of vocalization duration but no information at all on “intermediate” vocalizations. Given that the call of both Forest Owlet and Spotted Owlet is very distinctive, it would be useful to know the “intermediate” call of the observed family. In addition, the Forest Owlet’s call varies during the breeding season, especially when accompanied by a juvenile and is described in detail by Ishtiaq & Rahmani (2005). The “intermediate” vocalization mentioned however

Response to “Discovery of a possible hybrid of the Critically Endangered Forest Owlet Athene blewitti and Spotted Owlet Athene brama (Aves: Strigiformes) from northern Maharashtra, India” by Pande et al.

1799 We welcome the immediate response to our paper (Pande et al. 2011) by Ishtiaq (2011). In today’s ‘Publish or Perish’ ideology, many a scientific papers are published and simply fade away, therefore, even though hurriedly written and harshly worded, the response is heartening. We are sure that the response is prompted out of concern for conservation implications from possible hybridization. We are well aware of the proposed revision of the genus Athene to Heteroglaux for the species blewitti. However, as is well known that this species was considered to be extinct for a long time, was recently rediscovered, is poorly studied and has been subject to taxonomic revisions earlier. We have decided to keep the previous generic name Athene, particularly because we have reported a possible hybrid between Athene brama and Athene blewitti in our paper. If our fear is true, then intra-generic hybridization is likely to be more common than inter-generic hybridization. The paper also brings forth a vital issue of forming a national level scientific body well represented by qualified subject experts to authenticate and endorse the proposed changes in nomenclature (both for common names and zoological scientific names), particularly when such taxa Reply to the Response to Pande et al. by Ishtiaq

A review of “Discovery of possible hybrid of the Critically Endangered Forest Owlet Athene blewitti and Spotted Owlet Athene brama from northern Maharashtra”

A review of “Discovery of possible hybrid of the Critically Endangered Forest Owlet Athene blewitti and Spotted Owlet Athene brama from northern Maharashtra”

Discovery of a possible hybrid of the Critically Endangered Forest Owlet Athene blewitti and Spotted Owlet Athene brama (Aves: Strigiformes) from northern Maharashtra, India

The Forest Owlet Athene blewitti is considered to be critically endangered and at an extremely high risk of extinction. It was recently rediscovered after 113 years and little is known about this endemic species, which has a very limited distribution in central India. In early February 2004, the Earth Lovers Association (ELA) and the International Birding and Research Centre in Eilat (IBRCE) arranged an expedition to the Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR) and mapped all known and newly discovered territories of Forest and Spotted owlets (A. brama

Nesting and Breeding Habits of the Spotted Owlet (Athene brama) in Punjab, Pakistan

Nidificacion Y Habitat Reproductivo De Athene brama En Punjab, Pakistan Estudiamos el habitat de nidificacion y de reproduccion de Athene brama en un ecosistema agricola de la provincia Punjab, Pakistan, desde diciembre de 2000 hasta noviembre de 2002. Veintiuno de 23 nidos se encontraron en huecos de arboles y los dos restantes en grietas de paredes. La puesta de huevos se registro desde la ultima semana de febrero hasta fines de abril. La eclosion ocurrio desde la ultima semana de marzo hasta mediados de mayo, y los polluelos salieron del nido desde fines de mayo hasta comienzos de junio. El tamano de la puesta vario entre 1 y 5 huevos, con un promedio de 3.8±0.2 (EE; N = 34 intentos de nidifcacion). El tamano promedio de la nidada fue de 3.3±0.2 (EE; N = 31 intentos de nidifcacion) y el 91% de los nidos fueron exitosos, produciendo por lo menos un volanton. [Traduccion del equipo editorial]

Analysis of nesting material in bird nest boxes

Seven wooden nest boxes for birds each of 20x22x25cm dimensions with an opening of 5.6cm diameter were installed on 30 October 2001 on different trees in Punjab Agricultural University Campus, Ludhiana (30056'N & 70052'E). The study aimed to understand the acceptance and adoption of wooden nest boxes by birds. Only one of the nest box installed on the Indian Coral tree Erythrina indica was occupied by Common Myna Acridotheres tristis and Spotted Owlet Athene brama at different durations over a period of two years. The nest box was emptied out first on 25 May 2002 and again on 31 March 2003 to examine and weigh the nesting materials gathered by Common Myna and Spotted Owlet after their respective periods of nest box occupation.

On the prey of the Spotted Owlet Athene brama (Temminck) in a forested ravine in Auroville

On the prey of the Spotted Owlet Athene brama (Temminck) in a forested ravine in Auroville

Some observations on the nesting behaviour and food of the Spotted Owlet Athene brama

1163 Abstract Observations on the nesting behaviour and food of the Spotted Owlet Athene brama occupying a wooden nest box were recorded in March-April 2002 at Anand, Gujarat. The clutch size was three and average egg measurements were: length 30.9mm, width 26.3mm, weight 11.6g. An egg was destroyed due to a crack in the shell during later stage of the incubation. A young chick died, probably due to a dipteran parasite. Removal of old nest material helped to get rid of the parasite and survival of the other chick. Regurgitated pellets of the adults contained coleopteran beetles and other insects and mammalian fur. Marbled Toad Bufo stomaticus and cockroach Periplanata americana were dominant food items in the diet of the young one. Toads were recorded for the first time in the diet of the Owlet. Blind snake and bat were also recorded.

Seasonal Adreno-Cortical Cycle of a Nocturnal Bird, Indian Spotted Owlet Athene brama: Biochemical and Morphological Observations

It is well reported that the environmental factors along with different endocrine stimulus play a crucial role in maintenance of adrenocortical activity in birds. This study is first to report a detailed seasonal activity cycle of adrenal cortex, particu-larly its secretory physiology in a tropical nocturnal bird, Indian spotted owlet Athene brama. The maximum cortical activity having highest glandular mass, glandular free cholesterol, esterified cholesterol profiles, and peak level of corticosterone in plasma coincided with the long day length, highest temperature and increasing amplitude of relative humidity and rainfall of the early summer month, May. Cortical activity declined to minimum level in August when the ecofactors also declined parallely and hence, the birds entered into partial hibernation. The cortical activity progressed slowly throughout the winter (September–March) to reach maximum level in May. Further, the electron microscopic observations of cortical cell morphology strongly supported the above seasonal activity status of the gland revealing a comparatively large number of mitochondria during May than August, along with lipid filled vacuoles during May but not in August. Besides, assessment of gonadal and pineal hormones in relation with seasonal activity of adrenal cortex presented a parallel relationship with gonad while completely inverse relationship with pineal. Therefore, the study concludes that the seasonal adrenocortical activity of this tropical nocturnal bird might be regulated by multiple factors, particularly by the environmental temperature, humidity/rainfall and photoperiod along with the internal factors at least by gonadal and pineal hormones.