Threskiornis Melanocephalus Research Articles

Assessment of Bird Population in Different Habitats of Agricultural Ecosystem

The study was carried out in Vanavarayar Institute of agriculture, Manakkadavu, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, India during January, 2012 to January, 2013. The institute's agricultural area classified four different habitats namely, crop land, wetland, plantations, and fallow land. The data were analyzed using Shannon-Wiener function formula; species diversity (H), maximum diversity (Hmax), and evenness (J). Based on this study we found variations in bird population distribution based on the cropping pattern and seasons of the year. Shannon-Wiener Index for diversity richness for different habitats of agroecosystem shows that fallow land recorded highest diversity (3.4619) and maximum diversity index (4.1271) compared to other habitats. Thus, fallow lands are not subject to practices of crop production and therefore supported bird's nesting and breeding. Thus, most of the birds hunt their food from agricultural field and from water bodies and made their rest place at fallow land; therefore it indicates highest number of species in all the seasons of the year. Rare birds like Indian grey hornbill, yellow - footed green pigeon, common tern, paradise flycatcher, black headed ibis, white browed bulbul, striated heron, and barn owl were observed in particular season shows the richness of the habitats in the study area. The considerable numbers of trees in fallow land and boundary of agricultural land accommodate the large number of bird's population. Thus planting trees in agricultural lands can increase bird population.

Assessment of Wetland Water Quality and Avian Diversity of a Human-Modified Floodplain Wetland on River Yamuna

Okhla Bird Sanctuary (OBS) is an Important Bird Area, which comes under the protected area network of Uttar Pradesh with one-third area lying in the state of Delhi (India). OBS has widest flood plains along the Delhi stretch of river Yamuna and is important in conserving the ecological wealth of floodplains of the river. Rapid urbanization and industrialization and discharge of untreated wastewater into the river have resulted in deteriorated water quality. The present study focused on assessment of water quality, aquatic flora and avifaunal diversity in the OBS. Water quality was analyzed following methods of APHA. For vegetation analysis, sub-merged and free-floating plants were scooped up from five randomly selected sites. Total bird counts were conducted for water birds and species richness, evenness and Shannon-Weaver species diversity indices were calculated. Results indicate that the organic load is very high in the wetland as evident from low levels of dissolved oxygen (2.26 ± 1.62 mg/l) and high Biological and Chemical Oxygen Demands (15.20 ± 3.75 mg/l, 44.60 ± 12.07 mg/l). Nine species of free-floating and submerged plants were recorded; Hydrilla verticillata, Vallisneria spiralis, Azolla pinnata and Ceratophyllum demersum dominated both deep and shallow water areas. 52 species of waterbirds including four near-threatened species viz., Anhinga melanogaster, Mycteria leucocephala, Threskiornis melanocephalus and Aythya nyroca were recorded. OBS provides opportunities for conservation in a metropolitan area, thus, appropriate measures should be taken to maintain its ecological integrity.

Status and conservation of avian fauna of Sultanpur National Park Gurgaon, Haryana (India)

The present study was conducted in Sultanpur National Park Gurgaon, Haryana (India) from February, 2011 to January, 2012 to analyze the avian diversity along with its status and abundance. During the study period, a total of 113 species of birds belonging to 14 orders, 35 families and 80 genera were identified. Maximum 41 species belonging to 12 families of order Passeriformes represented 36.28% of the total identified avian fauna while Podicipediformes and Strigiformes were the least represented avian orders (0.88%) with one species each,namely, Little Grebe, Tachybaptus ruficollis and Spotted Owlet, Athene brama respectively. Out of total reported 113 species, 64 were ‘resident’ species and 49 were ‘migrant’ species. Most of the migratory species were winter visitors except Red throated flycatcher, Ficedula parva; Orange Headed Thrush, Zoothera citrine and Eurasian Golden Oriole, Oriolus oriolus which were summer visitors. In all, 42 species were ‘common’, 33 species were ‘uncommon’ and 38 species were ‘occasional’ bird species. Based on sighting, White Breasted Kingfisher, Halcyonsmyrnensis; White Breasted Water Hen, Amaurornis phoenicurus; Common Moorhen, Gallinule chloropus; Black Wing Stilt, Himantopus himantopus; Red Wattled lapwing, Vanellus indicus; Cattle Egret, Bubulcus ibis and Indian Pond Heron, Ardeola grayii were common wetland bird species of Sultanpur National Park while Pied king fisher, Ceryle rudis and Coppersmith Barbet, Megalaima haemacephala were ‘rarely sighted’ bird species. During the study period, 7 ‘globally threatened’ species, namely, Painted Stork, Mycteria leucocephala; Black neck Stork, Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus; Black headed Ibis, Threskiornis melanocephalus; Darter, Anhinga melanogaster; Pacific Reef Egret, Egretta sacra; Sarus Crane, Grus antigone alongwith Hogson bushchat, Saxicola insignis were also recorded from the study area.

Analysis of avian-biodiversity in rural wetland environs in Panipat district in Haryana, India

The present study has observed 67 species of wetland birds, belonging to, 10 orders and 18 families from rural wetland Environs in Panipat district located at a distance of 90 KMs north of Delhi on National Highway No.1 (29.39°N 76.97°E) in Haryana, India. Out of 67 species, 35 species were winter migrants, 18 residents, 10 local migrants and four species were summer migrants. Peculiar species of birds recorded in Panipat rural ponds are Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala, White-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus, Asian openbill- Stork Anastomusoscitans, Lesser Adjutant Stork Leptoptilos javanicus, Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus, Oriental White Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus, Black Ibis Pseudibis papillosa, Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus, Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia, Brahminy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea, Comb Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos, Tufted Pochard Aythya fuligula and Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus. On the other hand, familiar species include amongst others, Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus, Common Coot Fulica atra, Northern Shoveller Anas clypeata, Northern Pintail Anas acuta, Common Teal Anas crecca, Common Pochard Aythya ferina, Gadwall Anas strepera and Lesser-whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica etc. Longest stay during winter season was demonstrated by birds like Northern Shoveller, Northern Pintail, Bar-headed Goose, Greylag Goose and Rudy Shelduck, whereas shortest winter sojourn was observed in case of Mallard, Eurasian Wigeon and Common Pochard. It is interesting to note that migratory birds like Northern Shoveller, Northern Pintail, Common Teal, Bar-headed Goose, Tufted Pochard, and Common Pochard come to Panipat rural ponds from very far off places like Central Russia, Caspian USSR, Siberia, Ladhakh and Central Asia, West and Central Asia and Siberia respectively.

Avifauna of wetlands of Amravati region, Maharashtra, India

This paper presents our observations, between March 2006 and March 2008, on the birdlife of the wetlands of the Amravati region, Maharashtra. In total, 97 species of birds, including Oriental White Ibis, a near-threatened species were recorded. Among the wetlands, Wadali Lake records the highest number of bird species. Current threats to these wetlands are also briefly discussed.

Levels of Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Blood Plasma of Various Species of Birds from India

Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were measured in blood plasma of 13 species of birds collected from Ahmedabad, India. Among the various OCPs determined, HCHs and its isomers had higher contribution to the total OCPs. Concentration of summation operatorHCHs varied from 11.4 ng/mL in White ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus to 286 ng/mL in Sarus Crane Grus antigone, while summation operatorDDT ranged between 19 ng/mL in Black Ibis Pseudibis papillosa and 147 ng/mL in Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala. p,p'-DDE was accounted for more than 50% of total DDT in many of the samples analysed. However, a p,p'-DDT to p,p'-DDE ratio higher than one obtained for many species of birds indicates the recent use of DDT in this study region. The concentrations of cyclodiene insecticides, heptachlor epoxide, dieldrin and total endosulfan ranged from 15.8 to 296.2 ng/mL, below detectable level to 15 and 41.1-153.2 ng/mL, respectively. The pattern of total OCP load generally occurred in the following order: granivores < insectivores < omnivores < piscivores < carnivores. Although, the organochlorine residues detected in blood plasma of birds are not indicative of toxicity, the presence of residues in birds over the years (2005-2007) indicates continued exposure to organochlorine compounds. However, continuous monitoring is recommended to facilitate the early identification of risks to the survival of a species.

Type of intraspecific and interspecific interaction among three heron species, while foraging around Pulau Dua Nature Reserve, Serang, Banten's province

This research intends to know interaction type among three heron species while foraging around Pulau Dua Nature Reserve, SerangBanten's Province. Observational method that is utilized is direct observing up to 6 months, pictures taking supported watch utilizeHandycam by focal observation method, meanwhile data analyze was done by using scan sampling method. The research’s result points out that interaction during foraging for three species herons, namely Casmerodius albus, Egretta garzetta, and Bubulcus. Ibis, cover neutralism, competition and cooperation. C. albus showed cooperative's interaction as much as 66.67%. This interaction is happening between C. albus and Phalacrocorax sp. The competition and neutralism on C. albus each of them are 16.67%. E. garzetta showed neutralism as much as 50%, between E. garzetta and other waterbird which are Threskiornis melanocephalus and Plegadis falcinellus. Meanwhile, cooperative as high as 37.50% and competitions as high as 12.50%. B. ibis showed neutralism, as high as 44.44% between B. ibis and both Ardeola speciosa and P. falcinellus. Neutralism and competition interaction each of them are 33.33% and 22.22%.© 2007 Jurusan Biologi FMIPA UNS SurakartaKey words: interaction, cooperation, neutralism, competition, heron.

Flock Size, Density and Habitat Selection of Four Large Waterbirds Species in an Agricultural Landscape in Uttar Pradesh, India: Implications for Management

Agricultural landscapes provide a wide variety of avian habitats that vary seasonally. The effects of seasonal habitat changes on the habits of four large waterbird species in an agriculture-wetland mosaic are investigated in this paper. The habits of Painted Storks (Mycteria leucocephala), Asian Openbills (Anastomus oscitans), Woolly-necked Storks (Ciconia episcopus) and Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) were documented over a 15-month period in Etawah and Mainpuri districts, Uttar Pradesh, India. Monthly road transects were undertaken to determine flock sizes, density, and habitat preference of these species. Flock sizes varied significantly with season for Woolly-necked Storks and Black-headed Ibis and with habitat for Painted Storks. Flock size and density were strongly correlated in all four species. Increasing wetland size and extent of wetlands in the landscape affected flock size of Asian Openbills implying that food availability may be the most important factor affecting flocking in this species. Density differed seasonally for Woolly-necked Storks and Black-headed Ibis. Density of all four species did not vary with extent of wetlands in the landscape. Monthly densities of Black-headed Ibis were correlated to that of all the other three species. Habitat use varied widely across species and seasons. Natural wetlands but not rice fields were preferred by all four species in nearly all seasons. Irrigation canals were avoided consistently by the Black-headed Ibis and used to different extents by the other three species. Flooded agriculture fields did not compensate adequately for natural wetlands. Wetlands need to be retained in agricultural landscapes to ensure continued survival of these species.

A checklist of avifauna of the Bharathapuzha river basin, Kerala

The Bharathapuzha river basin of Kerala state was surveyed from Parali to Purathoor estuary region during January 1998 to December 2004 period. A total of 140 species of birds in 49 families were recorded. Sixty-five per cent of the bird species recorded was resident forms and 35% migrants. In Kerala the Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) and Brahminy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) were recorded only from the Bharathapuzha river basin. Among the bird species recorded from the Bharathapuzha basin, the Darter (Anhinga melanogaster), the Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala), the Oriental White Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) and the Black-bellied Tern (Sterna acuticauda) are Near Threatened. The river basin has been identified as a preferred breeding site of the Black-bellied Tern.

Avifauna of agro-ecosystems of Maidan area of Karnataka

© Zoo Outreach Organisation; www.zoosprint.org Manuscript 1277; Received 23 October 2004; Revised received 11 November 2005; Finally accepted 06 March 2006; Date of publication 21 March 2006 2217 April 2006 | ISSN 0973-2535 (Print edition); 0973-2551 (Online edition) ABSTRACT Diversified wetland agro-ecosystems of Maidan areas of Karnataka have provided congenial habitats for the survival of 27 species of water birds belonging to 13 families. The relative composition of aquatic bird species and their density varied significantly. Further, the Ardeidae members dominated and were common in all habitats. Interestingly, the area was found congenial for certain resident migrants viz., Painted Stork (Mycteria lencepahala), Black Ibis (Pseudibis papillosa) and Oriental White Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus), which were recorded every winter. The study showed that, the varied composition of water birds associated with the wetland agro-ecosystem is for sharing common habitat for different purposes. It is hoped that this study would provide a preliminary database for the avifauna of this area, for further research.

The status and conservation of threatened and near-threatened species of birds in the Red River Delta, Vietnam

SummaryThe Red River Delta in northern Vietnam is an important stopover and wintering site for migratory waterbirds. During the spring of 1994, six globally threatened and five near-threatened species were observed in the coastal areas of the Delta. According to current applications of threat categories, one of the species has Critical status (Black-faced Spoonbill Platalea minor), three are Endangered (Nordmann's GreenshankTringa guttifer, Saunders's Gull Larus saundersi and Chinese EgretEgretta eulophotes), two are Vulnerable (Spoonbill SandpiperEurynorhynchus pygmaeusand Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis) and five are Near-threatened (Asian DowitcherLimnodromus semipalmatus, Grey-headed LapwingVanellus cinereus, Black-headed IbisThreskiornis melanocephalus, Painted Stork Mycterialeucocephalaand Japanese Paradise-FlycatcherTerpsiphone atrocaudata). A nature reserve, also listed as a Ramsar area, already exists in the middle of the Delta. The Cua Day Estuary in the southern part of the delta is not included in either the nature reserve or Ramsar area. However, observations of 260 Saunders's Gulls and 41 Black-faced Spoonbills, which represent 9% and 12% of the estimated respective world populations, indicates the international importance of this area. The major threats to the waterbirds using the delta are reclamation of intertidal sand- and mudflats for aquaculture, increased disturbance associated with collection of sea products and hunting. Recommendations are made for future conservation actions.