Population densities and diurnal activity pattern of the Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis (Aves: Coraciiformes) in Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu, India

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S. Asokan
A.M.S. Ali
R. Manikannan
G.T. Nithiyanandam

Abstract

Population densities and diurnal activity pattern of the Indian Roller were studied in Nagapattinam District over three years in different habitats. The agricultural lands supported the highest populations (41km-2), followed by river banks (36km-2) and social forests (32km-2); populations showed yearly variations in numbers and density in all habitats. On average, birds were observed to spend most of the day scanning (57%), with the remainder divided among feeding (16%), flying, (12%), preening (10%) and resting (5%). Some variations in activity breakdown were observed between time blocks, seasons and habitats.

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Author Biographies

S. Asokan

Dr. S. Asokan is currently teaching, undertaking and supervising various research activities. He has produced 7 PhD and 40 MPhil scholars in wildlife biology and zoology. He has published more than 35 research papers in leading national and international journals.

A.M.S. Ali

A. Mohamed Samsoor Ali obtained his MSc degree in Wildlife Biology from A.V.C. College, Mannampandal in 2003 and has been working on various fields of ornithology since 2004.

R. Manikannan

R. Manikannan is working as a lecturer and also doing PhD on ‘Diversity of wetland birds in Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary’.

G.T. Nithiyanandam

G. Thomas Nithiyanandam is working on ‘Birds of agro-ecosystem in Nagapattinam District’ for a PhD degree.