Insectivorous bird communities of diverse agro-ecosystems in the Bengaluru region, India

Abstract

A majority of bird species are insectivorous that check the buildup of insect pest species in agro-ecosystems. A study on insectivorous bird communities was conducted at selected ten major agro-ecosystems in the Bengaluru region. Thirty eight species of insectivorous birds belonging to 17 families under 26 genera were recorded. The number of insectivorous bird species was highest in Chandapura, Hesaraghatta and Thippagondanahalli and lowest at Sarjapura regions. The percentage of population density of insectivorous birds was highest in Hesaraghatta (14.23) and lowest at Somanahalli (6.99). The relative percent abundance of Apus affinis was highest (8.36) and it was recorded lowest (0.01) for Parus nuchalis. Muscicapidae was the most abundant family. Maximum insectivorous bird species belonged to Motacillidae and Muscicapidae (six each). The variation in abundance of different species of insectivorous birds was found to be dependent on the availability of variety of crops, number of nesting sites and density of perching trees in the vicinity of agro-ecosystems. The current study will be helpful for preparing and implementing the explicit conservation plans for insectivorous avifauna in different agro-ecosystems.