Abundance and feeding ecology of Black Ibis (Pseudibis papillosa) in agricultural fields of Punjab, India

Abstract

The present investigation was undertaken to study the abundance and feeding ecology of Black Ibis Pseudibis papillosa in agricultural field areas of Ludhiana, Punjab from March 2015 to February 2016. Over all annual relative abundance of Pseudibis papillosa was 11.79% and total feeding niche recorded was 32 in the area under investigation. The field area under study was divided into four different sites i.e. Site I, II, III and IV. The relative annual abundance of Black Ibis was highest (15.74%) at site III making it the most preferred habitat having irrigated agricultural fields, large tree plantation providing roosting places, presence of water bodies having abundance of feeding materials. Maximum flock size of 28 individuals was recorded feeding together. Probbing, standing fly catching, bill dragging, head swaying and hopping were the feeding activities recorded. It was concluded from the study that the habitat preference was directly proportional to the presence of feeding materials and roosting places.