Population and roosting behaviour of Barn Swallows Hirundo rustica wintering in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India

Authors

  • S.K. Verma

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o2161.721-3

Abstract

Population size and roosting behaviour of Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica a non-breeding winter visitor was studied from September 2006 to April 2008 in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand (India). The swallows first appeared in the month of September after which their populations increased till December. The maximum numbers recorded were 15,300 in 2006 and 16,700 in 2007. Their departure commenced in early March and most of them had left by mid-April. During their stay, large numbers of swallows roost gregariously in overhead wires in the town. Routes in these areas were illuminated throughout night, which probably helped them to detect predators easily. The observed roosting time varied between 13 and 28 minutes after sunset. It was found that availability of light and ambient temperature were the most important factors which determined the roosting time and duration.

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Published

26-02-2010

Issue

Vol 2, No 2 (2010)

Section

Notes

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