Ecological role of Indian robin (Saxicoloides fulicatus) in agricultural insect management

Abstract

In present study an effort has been made to document the Ecological role of a passerine bird the Indian Robin (Saxicoloides fulicatus). This bird species is member of Muscicapidae family. Indian Robin is a territorial and non-migratory bird, mostly found in scrub forests, rocky areas, open grasslands and near human habitation. The bird is often seen running on the ground for searching food and always perching on rooftops, shrubs, trees, and backyard of home for singing and territory marking. It is a common garden bird, and its foraging sites are mainly grassland, shrubs, and human associated places. Indian Robin is mostly an insectivorous species of bird but, it also feeds on food grains, rice, and pulses. The Indian Robin feeds on insects and could help in controlling the population of insects, minimizing the use of insecticides and pesticides in agriculture for insect control and help in conservation of innocence of the environmental aspects. The birds are good Indicators of environmental changes. This insectivorous species Indian Robin could play key role in agriculture for insect control. The bird could indirectly help human beings with stopover insect born disease. By feeding on insects, the bird favors the mankind to overcome health hazards in a positive manner. This research paper is based on authors' field observation, in which they observed the role of insectivorous bird Indian Robin in stabilizing agro-ecosystem in eco-friendly manner.