Avifaunal diversity in Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum) crop fields of Ludhiana, India

Abstract

Egyptian clover or Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) is a winter season leguminous fodder crop. The study was carried out at agricultural field areas in district Ludhiana of Punjab state. Avifaunal diversity in berseem crop was studied and a total of 25 species of birds were observed. These bird species recorded belongs to 9 orders and 20 families. The most dominant order was Passeriformes (52%), followed by Pelecaniformes (12%). Based on the status of birds, 76% of the bird spices observed was resident and 24% were resident migrant.Insectivorous bird species were dominant in berseem crop throughout the study. Maximum species richness was recorded in the month of January, February and April. Common Myna was most dominant bird species. Egyptian clover acts an important habitat for bird species and the presence of the higher relative abundance of insectivorous birds in this crop do have positive role in controlling insect pest population and ultimately helpful in intensive agro-ecosystem.