Population status, feeding behaviour and breeding biology of brown-headed barbet (Megalaima zeylanica) in districts Ludhiana and Moga
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Date
2019
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Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
Abstract
Present investigations were carried on population status, feeding behaviour and breeding biology of Brown-headed Barbet (Megalaima zeylanica) at three selected locations i.e. Punjab Agricultural University campus (location I), Kot Ise Khan (location II) and Baranhara (location III) from June 2018 to May 2019. The relative abundance of Brown-headed Barbet was 1.70%, 0.26% and 0.25% at location I, II and III respectively. At location II, bird data taken on three ponds had revealed 25 species. Brown-headed Barbet was observed feeding on figs/ berries/ drupes of twelve indigenous and one exotic tree species. Breeding season of Brown-headed Barbet was recorded from February to end of August. Detailed observations on 11 nests of Brown-headed Barbet (11 first brood and 7 second brood) were taken. Nest excavation period was from 6-9 days. Clutch size (3 to 4 eggs), nest depth (25.70 cm to 30.50 cm), nest hole diameter (4.7 cm to 5.1 cm) and incubation period (16 to 20 days) was recorded. Brown-headed Barbet was observed to utilize six indigenous and one exotic tree species for nesting. Inter-species conflict of Brown-headed Barbet with Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) and Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psitacula krameri) had led to failure of second brood rearing at location I while predation led to nesting failure at all the studied locations. Plantation of indigenous trees might help in providing suitable habitat for Brown-headed Barbet in semi urban and agro ecosystems.
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