International Journal of Scientific Research in Environmental Sciences (IJSRES), 1(11), pp. 306-316, 2013 Available online at http://www.ijsrpub.

com/ijsres ISSN: 2322-4983; 2013 IJSRPUB http://dx.doi.org/10.12983/ijsres-2013-p306-316

Full Length Research Paper Assessment of Bird Population in Different Habitats of Agricultural Ecosystem
Natarajan Mariappan1*, B.K. Ahamed Kalfan2, Srinivasagam Krishnakumar1
1

Assistant Professors, Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture, Manakkadavu, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, India 2 Research Scholar, Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture, Manakkadavu, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, India *Corresponding Author, Email: mariappann21@gmail.com
Received 20 July 2013; Accepted 30 September 2013

Abstract. The study was carried out in Vanavarayar Institute of agriculture, Manakkadavu, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, India during January, 2012 to January, 2013. The institutes agricultural area classified four different habitats namely, crop land, wetland, plantations, and fallow land. The data were analyzed using Shannon Wiener function formula; species diversity (H), maximum diversity (Hmax), and evenness (J). Based on this study we found variations in bird population distribution based on the cropping pattern and seasons of the year. ShannonWiener Index for diversity richness for different habitats of agroecosystem shows that fallow land recorded highest diversity (3.4619) and maximum diversity index (4.1271) compared to other habitats. Thus, fallow lands are not subject to practices of crop production and therefore supported birds nesting and breeding. Thus, most of the birds hunt their food from agricultural field and from water bodies and made their rest place at fallow land; therefore it indicates highest number of species in all the seasons of the year. Rare birds like Indian grey hornbill, yellow - footed green pigeon, common tern, paradise flycatcher, black headed ibis, white browed bulbul, striated heron, and barn owl were observed in particular season shows the richness of the habitats in the study area. The considerable numbers of trees in fallow land and boundary of agricultural land accommodate the large number of birds population. Thus planting trees in agricultural lands can increase bird population. Key words: Birds, species, agriculture ecosystem, habitats, richness, fallow land, India

1. INTRODUCTION Birds are the key species in an agricultural ecosystem for maintaining the ecological balance (Haslem and Bennett, 2008). Their positive and negative roles in agriculture production were very well illustrated (Ali, 1949 and 1971). Agriculture provides a concentrated and highly predictable source of food for birds. This food in general is of three kinds: (i) grain, seeds and fruits, (ii) green vegetation of the crop plants and grasses, and (iii) insects, other arthropods, rodents, etc., found in the soil, crops and other plants (OConnor and Shrubb, 1986). There are many good reasons for counting birds but this study aims to promote better knowledge to help conservation. Within sites, it is fairly evident that habitat is likely to be an important determinant of the distribution and number of birds. For sites which are not protected, habitats might be changing, for instance as a result of developmental works. Adequate management obviously depends on understanding the relationship between birds and their habitats. If a study is oriented to a particular species, it is also evident that questions about its distribution, ecology and threats to its status, will partly be answered with an understanding of its habitat requirements. While much about a bird's ecology might be studied directly in terms of its diet, foraging behaviour or population dynamics, important

knowledge of habitats can be gleaned from good census studies (Bibby et al., 1998). Approaches with a combination of both sitespecific biodiversity measures and assessments of habitat diversity and heterogeneity at Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture which is spread over 248 acres are yet to be established. In a time when the global environment around us is getting destroyed at an alarming rate, maintaining high levels of overall biodiversity in agro-ecosystems may become an important measure for ecological sustainability and to maintain the high abundances of presently welladapted beneficial organisms (Duelli, 1997). But ever increasing population and the related urbanization has resulted in the depletion of the agricultural and wet lands. On the other side wetlands like rivers, streams, lakes, tank bodies and reservoirs in this area are getting deteriorated in an alarming rate due to their contamination with various pollutants and the increase in developmental activities. This is making the wetland lose its viability to support the aquatic organisms and the other organisms that birds depend on. Wetlands associated with agricultural lands also attract more number of bird species, especially migratory species. In the case of Pollachi, the water bodies are heavily polluted, which is seriously affecting the seasonal migration, nesting and breeding

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of many exotic birds in this region. Birds are integrated with farmers everyday activity, since it is an important and effective organism controlling pests in the agricultural lands. But, extensive application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has tremendously affected the birds population through unavailability of its regular prey and through the harmful effect of chemicals (Blus and Henny, 1997). On the basis of general survey we found that in and around Pollachi areas, agricultural and wetlands areas has immense potential to attract bird population. Even though these areas are serving as habitat of birds traditionally due to conversion of landscapes into residential blocks, untreated sewage grounds, dumping yards of organic, inorganic pollutants and decades of continuing land use intensification, the status of the habitat has changed. The study was carried out in an area of 248 acres of agriculture land in Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture, Manakkadavu village, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, India. Bird population in this area was studied through scientific approach and was favored on to create awareness through education and to conserve agriculture lands, wetlands and other bird areas against birds habitat degradation.

2. STUDY AREA AND METHODOLOGY Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture, Pollachi (10.67N 77.02E) has various landuse patterns within 248 acre. Pollachi is rich in soil, vegetation and birds population. The agricultural landscape predominantly covers coconut based mono-cropping system. There are four types of habitats available in the institute for the purpose of education and research. These are 1) plantation (coconut, mango), 2) crop lands (cereals and vegetables), 3) wetlands (farm pond, paddy field and adjoining area of river), and 4) fallow land (uncultivated land). The line transect method was followed (Bibby et al., 2000). Birds survey were conducted in five seasons of the year viz., spring (midApril to mid-June), summer (mid-June to midAugust), rainy (mid-August to mid Oct), autumn (mid Oct to mid Dec) and winter (mid-Dec to mid-April). Within each habitat four transects were established about 500 m long and 50 m wide in each habitat. The detailed bird survey was conducted twice in a week in the early hours (6 am to 11 am) and evening hours (4 pm to 6.30 pm) from January, 2012 to January 2013 by using binocular. Data were analyzed using the ShannonWiener function formula; species diversity (H), maximum diversity (Hmax), and evenness (J) were calculated as:

Where s is the number of species present in the sample area (habitat);

Pi is the proportion of species in a sample (habitat) of s species (Whittaker, 1975).

Fig. 1: Map which shows southern part of India; Coimbatore Map: located Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture, Manakkadavu, Pollachi (Google map)

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Table 1: Bird species and their population in different land use systems in agro-ecosystem during the year 2012-2013
S.No 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. Species Ashy drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus) Ashy wood swallow (Artamus fuscus) Asian koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus) Asian palm swift (Cypsiurus balasiensis) Asian-paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradasi) Barn owl (Tyto alba) Baya weaver (Ploceus philippinus) Black drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) Black headed cuckoo shrike (Coracina melanoptera) Black headed ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) Black headed munia (lonchura malacca) Black hooded oriole (Oriolus xanthornus) Black kite (Milvus migrans) Blue-bearded Bee-eater (Nyctyornis athertoni) Blue-tailed bee-eater (Merops philippinus) Blyth's pipit (Anthus campestris) Brahminy kite (Haliastur indus) Bronze-winged jacana (Metopidius indicus) Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) Chestnut-headed bee-eater (Merops leschenaulti) Common hawk cuckoo (Hierococcyx varius) Common goldenback Woodpecker (Dinopium javanense) Common hoopoe (Upupa epops) Common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) Common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) Common iora (Aegithina tiphia) Common myna or Indian myna (Acridotheres tristis) Common sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) Common tailor bird (Orthotomus sutorius) Common tern (Sterna hirundo) Coppersmith barbet (Megalaima haemacephala) Cotton pygmy-goose (Nettapus coromandelianus) Crimson backed sunbird (Leptocoma minima) Darter (Anhinga melanogaster) Drongo cuckoo (Surniculus lugubris) Great egret (Casmerodius albus) Great goldenback woodpecker (Dinopium benghalense) Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis) Green sandpiper (Tringa ochropus) Grey francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus) Grey wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) House crow (Corvus splendens) House sparrow (Passer domesticus) Indian golden oriole (Oriolus kundoo) Indian cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscicollis) Indian cuckoo (Cuculus micropterus) Indian grey hornbill (Ocyceros birostris) Indian jungle crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) Indian pond heron (Ardeola grayii) Indian roller or Blue joy (Coracias benghalensis) Intermediate egret (Mesophoyx intermedia) Jungle babbler (Turdoides striata) Jugle bush quail (Perdicula asiatica) Lesser whistling duck (Dendrocygna javanica) Little cormorant (Phalacrocorax niger) Little erget (Egretta garzetta) Little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) Little swift (Apus affinis) Orange minivet (Pericrocotus flammeus) Oriental magpie robin (Copsychus saularis) Paddy field pipit (Anthus rufulus) Pied bushchat (Saxicola caprata) Pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) Plain prinia (Prinia inornata) Purple heron (Ardea purpurea) CL 0 0 18 240 0 12 126 56 0 0 230 0 0 0 77 24 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 135 0 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 125 0 36 0 112 97 0 0 0 0 53 10 0 14 0 195 32 0 0 0 0 277 0 15 39 63 0 48 0 WL 11 501 42 225 0 0 0 63 43 27 0 66 0 103 192 0 35 62 0 132 0 0 0 0 49 0 339 65 0 272 75 80 0 74 0 259 0 109 8 0 14 88 0 0 256 64 0 135 0 396 74 113 1043 0 177 288 1299 110 224 0 0 0 0 83 0 52 Pl 0 0 29 0 0 0 0 27 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 18 0 62 0 4 48 4 54 11 57 192 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 611 18 85 0 18 0 146 0 0 0 44 0 148 73 47 38 0 122 0 0 0 275 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 FL 0 386 55 461 20 0 0 137 26 0 416 44 7 0 0 111 61 0 42 257 23 44 7 44 0 94 500 0 89 0 144 0 45 0 8 75 18 448 0 21 0 85 0 62 0 27 18 97 77 0 37 0 660 18 0 0 63 0 683 30 24 39 117 0 63 0

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67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. Purple rumped sunbird (Leptocoma zeylonica) Purple sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus) Purple swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) Red vented bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) Red wattled lapwing (Vanellus indicus) Rock dove or Rock pigeon (Columba livia) Rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri) Rufous treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda) Scaly breasted munia (Lonchura punctulata) Shikra (Accipiter badius) Southern coucal (Centropus [sinensis] parroti) Spotted dove (Stigmatopelia chinensis) Spotted owlet (Athene brama) Stork-billed kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis) Striated heron (Butorides striata) Tickell's flower pecker (Dicaeum erythrorhynchos) White breasted water hen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) White browed bulbul (Pycnonotus luteolus) White cheeked barbet (Megalaima viridis) White rumped munia (Lonchura striata) White rumped spinetail (Zoonavena sylvatica) White-bellied drongo (Dicrurus caerulescens) White-browed wagtail (Motacilla maderaspatensis) White-throated kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) Yellow footed green pigeon (Treron phoenicopterus) Yellow wagtail (Motacilla flava) Total 0 0 0 85 0 236 301 0 432 15 17 79 18 0 0 0 0 0 0 113 0 0 29 25 0 0 3430 0 0 67 352 161 0 0 0 0 0 54 183 0 73 3 77 4 87 0 0 12 178 0 156 0 6 8661 0 0 0 0 0 0 140 91 0 17 60 25 60 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 36 0 0 2562 56 6 0 201 54 0 481 25 437 18 49 102 49 0 0 85 0 2 90 68 0 6 73 83 4 0 7572

CL-Cropland, WL-wetland, Pl-Plantations, FL-Fallow land

3. RESULTS The results revealed that there is a difference in bird richness and diversity between the habitats of agroecosystem in the study area. Birds richness in agricultural area is dependent upon various factors such as food, nesting and breeding places, and all of these factors are being observed in Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture. Different habitats of the agriculture can accommodate different types of bird species. These were very clearly reported that the number of species and their population varies between land use systems (habitats) viz., plantations (coconut, mango), crop lands (cereals and vegetables), wet land (farm pond, paddy field and adjoining area of river), and fallow land (Table.1). From the fallow land, the highest number of species diversity (62) was observed followed by wetland (53), cropland (37) and lowest in plantations (31). However number of birds were recorded to be highest in wetland ecosystem (8661) followed by fallow land ecosystem (7572), cropland ecosystem (3430) and lowest in plantations (2562). There are twelve species (Table 1) were observed in all four types of habitats viz., Asian koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus), black drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus), Brahmny kite (Haliastur indus), common myna (Acridotheres tristis), green bee-eater (Merops orientalis), house crow (Corvus splendens), Indian jungle crow (Corvus macrorhynchos), Indian roller (Coracias benghalensis), jungle babbler (Turdoides striata), southern coucal (Centropus [sinensis] parroti), spotted dove (Athene brama) and

white throated kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis). Some birds like white browed bulbul (Pycnonotus luteolus) and yellow-footed green pigeon (Treron phoenicopterus) in fallow land; striated heron (Butorides striata) and white breasted water hen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) in wetland; common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) and indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) in cropland; black kite (Milvus migrans) and common hawk cuckoo (Hierococcyx varius) in coconut and mango plantations, were observed as a rare visitors and recorded as lowest population in respect of the habitats (Table 1). Out of 92 species, 64 species visited in all season of the year in this campus shows richness of the site. Some bird species can visit to particular place for their food, nesting and breeding that clearly identified in this study and depicted in the Table 2. Common tern (Sterna hirundo), yellow footed green pigeon (Treron phoenicopterus) and black headed ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) are very rare and visited this campus as winter visitor. White browed bulbul (Pycnonotus luteolus) generally found in higher elevation of Western Ghats, once visited during the autumn season. The unique species like green sandpipers (Tringa ochropus) were observed in rainy season as limited numbers. Purple sunbirds (Cinnyris asiaticus) are always in good numbers in agricultural landscape but it is a rare visitor of this campus during the summer. During the spring and summer season, orange minivet (Pericrocotus flammeus) and striated heron (Butorides striata) were the special visitor thereafter the species were absent rest of the season.

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Baya weaver (Ploceus philippinus), white rumped munia (Lonchura striata), white bellied drongo (Dicrurus caerulescens), and yellow wagtail (Motacilla flava) were visited during the rainy and autumn. Some of the birds like ashy drongo (Dicrurusleucophaeus), Asian paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradasi), blue beard bee-eater (Nyctyornis athertoni), and grey wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) were frequent visitors during the autumn and winter. One of the rare birds, Barn owl visited during both summer and winter. Solitary bird but commonest bird in agricultural ecosystem is common hoopoe visited during spring and winter. Ahsy wood swallow (Artamus fuscus), blue tailed bee-eater (Merops
S.No 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43.

philippinus) and white rumped spintail (Zoonavena sylvatica) were visited in considerable number in three season of the year except spring and summer. Drongo cuckoo (Surniculus lugubris) prefer to visit during the spring, summer and winter season. The scavenger black kite (Milvus migrans) observed during spring, summer and rainy season. Good numbers of scaly breasted munia (Lonchura punctulata) and limited numbers of crimson backed sunbird (Leptocoma minima) and Indian grey hornbill (Ocyceros birostris) were observed during the all the seasons except winter. Black headed munia (Lonchura malacca) and chestnut headed bee-eaters (Merops leschenaulti) avoided during spring only (Table 2).
S5 6 260 25 123 12 6 0 36 14 27 20 15 0 52 92 12 24 15 5 0 4 14 6 18 9 34 120 20 8 272 29 7 0 18 2 109 4 22 0 15 8 80 2

Table 2: Bird species and their populations in different seasons during 2012-2013 in Agro-ecosystem Species S1 S2 S3 S4 Ashy drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus) 0 0 0 5 Ashy wood swallow (Artamus fuscus) 0 0 322 310 Asian koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus) 32 33 32 17 Asian palm swift (Cypsiurus balasiensis) 188 149 283 183 Asian-paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradasi) 0 0 0 8 Barn owl (Tyto alba) 0 6 0 0 Baya weaver (Ploceus philippinus) 0 0 54 72 Black drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) 61 49 81 56 Black headed cuckoo shrike (Coracina melanoptera) 12 16 8 19 Black headed ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) 0 0 0 0 Black headed munia (lonchura malacca) 0 16 286 324 Black hooded oriole (Oriolus xanthornus) 24 31 34 6 Black kite (Milvus migrans) 4 6 7 0 Blue-bearded Bee-eater (Nyctyornis athertoni) 0 0 0 51 Blue-tailed bee-eater (Merops philippinus) 0 0 81 96 Blyths pipit (Anthus campestris) 30 27 40 28 Brahminy kite (Haliastur esch) 27 16 35 32 Bronze-winged jacana (Metopidius indicus) 4 13 15 15 Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) 26 19 41 13 Chestnut-headed bee-eater (Merops eschenaultia) 64 131 194 0 Common hawk cuckoo (Hierococcyx varius) 2 9 4 8 Common goldenback woodpecker (Dinopium javanense) 16 23 30 9 Common hoopoe (Upupa epops) 5 0 0 0 Common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) 23 27 20 17 Common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) 8 20 10 13 Common iora (Aegithina tiphia) 30 39 16 32 Common myna (Acridotheres tristis) 242 190 302 312 Common sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) 13 7 11 14 Common tailor bird (Orthotomus sutorius) 18 14 30 36 Common tern (Sterna hirundo) 0 0 0 0 Coppersmith barbet (Megalaima haemacephala) 59 61 30 40 Cotton pygmy-goose (Nettapus coromandelianus) 20 15 29 9 Crimson backed sunbird (Leptocoma minima) 14 8 16 7 Darter (Anhinga melanogaster) 14 14 12 16 Drongo cuckoo (Surniculus lugubris) 4 2 0 0 Great egret (Casmerodius albus) 176 198 312 150 Great goldenback woodpecker (Dinopium benghalense) 6 11 10 5 Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis) 206 216 275 48 Green sandpiper (Tringa ochropus) 0 0 8 0 Grey francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus) 18 11 18 13 Grey wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) 0 0 0 6 House crow (Corvus splendens) 66 72 130 83 House sparrow (Passer domesticus) 44 27 14 10

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Mariappan et al. Assessment of Bird Population in Different Habitats of Agricultural Ecosystem 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. Indian golden oriole (Oriolus kundoo) Indian cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscicollis) Indian cuckoo (Cuculus micropterus) Indian grey hornbill (Ocyceros birostris) Indian jungle crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) Indian pond heron (Ardeola grayii) Indian roller or Blue joy (Coracias benghalensis) Intermediate egret (Mesophoyx intermedia) Jungle babbler (Turdoides striata) Jugle bush quail (Perdicula asiatica) Lesser whistling duck (Dendrocygna javanica) Little cormorant (Phalacrocorax niger) Little erget (Egretta garzetta) Little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) Little swift (Apus affinis) Orange minivet (Pericrocotus flammeus) Oriental magpie robin (Copsychus saularis) Paddy field pipit (Anthus rufulus) Pied bushchat (Saxicola caprata) Pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) Plain prinia (Prinia inornata) Purple heron (Ardea purpurea) Purple rumped sunbird (Leptocoma zeylonica) Purple sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus) Purple swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) Red vented bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) Red wattled lapwing (Vanellus indicus) Rock dove (Columba livia) Rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri) Rufous treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda) Scaly breasted munia (Lonchura punctulata) Shikra (Accipiter badius) Southern coucal (Centropus [sinensis] parroti) Spotted dove (Stigmatopelia chinensis) Spotted owlet (Athene brama) Stork-billed kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis) Striated heron (Butorides striata) Tickells flowerpecker (Dicaeum erythrorhynchos) White breasted waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) White browed bulbul (Pycnonotus luteolus) White cheeked barbet (Megalaima viridis) White rumped munia (Lonchura striata) White rumped spinetail (Zoonavena sylvatica) White-bellied drongo (Dicrurus caerulescens) White-browed wagtail (Motacilla maderaspatensis) White-throated kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) Yellow footed green pigeon (Treron phoenicopterus) Yellow wagtail (Motacilla flava) Total 16 43 37 2 84 26 83 34 20 345 11 29 56 217 18 140 17 2 22 30 13 6 10 17 0 14 123 62 54 52 19 11 13 35 82 24 10 2 28 14 0 17 0 0 0 48 49 0 0 3391 10 52 33 4 94 32 73 36 26 412 12 32 47 283 26 258 13 8 22 39 18 15 10 19 6 18 132 44 44 82 31 71 12 41 79 22 9 1 22 14 0 13 0 0 0 51 41 0 0 3783 24 55 26 4 110 48 97 41 34 541 11 38 62 418 34 420 0 13 18 60 25 39 12 11 0 8 155 54 66 446 27 451 9 50 104 31 14 0 15 26 0 18 92 24 12 82 57 0 0 6672 8 48 21 8 82 33 98 29 18 414 9 36 57 396 18 268 0 8 10 36 18 48 10 7 0 16 125 27 40 307 20 336 8 33 69 31 18 0 10 12 6 26 89 34 6 54 80 0 2 5092 4 58 18 0 63 21 92 23 15 308 7 42 66 323 14 98 0 8 6 15 9 3 10 2 0 11 103 28 32 35 19 0 8 21 55 19 22 0 10 11 0 16 0 29 0 45 73 4 4 3295

S1- spring (mid-April to mid-June), S2 summer (mid-June to mid-August), S3- rainy (mid-August to mid-Oct), S4- autumn (mid-Oct to mid-Dec), S5- winter (mid-Dec to mid-April)

The greatest differences in richness and diversity between the four habitats of the agro-ecosystem study areas were economically important for production of crop except fallow land. Bird species richness were almost twice found in the fallow land (Table.1) compare to cropland (62 to 37) and plantations (62 to 32) and one time greater than wetland (62 to 53). Concerning diversity measurements (H, and Hmax) in

the different habitats of the agro-ecosystem (Table.3), the fallow land ecosystem exhibit greater differences than any habitat of the agro-ecosystem (H: FL= 3.4619, WL= 3.3770, CL= 3.1278, Pl= 2.8431 and Hmax: FL= 4.1271, WL= 3.9703, CL= 3.6109, Pl= 3.4340). In the diversity measurements (H and J) of different seasons of the year in agro-ecosystem (Table

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2 and 4), the spring season showed higher diversity (H: 3.6831, J: 0.8584) compared to other four seasons due to individual population numbers were proportionally higher than any other season of the year even though autumn seasons recorded higher number of species (80). Autumn season showed maximum diversity (Hmax: 4.3820) followed by winter season (Hmax: 4.3694) and lowest was recorded in spring season (Hmax: 4.2905).

The correlations studies (Figure 2 and 6) showed that species density with abundance (R2=0.828 and R2=0.882), bird frequency and density (R2=0.082 and R2=0.057) and bird frequency and abundance (R2=0.278 and R2=0.057) have positive correlation in both the habitats and seasons that has been showed in Figure 3, 4, 6 and 7. The correlation study indicated that, increase in species density will also mean increase in species abundance.

Table 3: Comparison of the ShannonWiener Index for different habitats of agro-ecosystem

Habitats Crop land Wet land Plantation Fallow land H 3.1278 3.3770 2.8431 3.4619 Hmax 3.6109 3.9703 3.4340 4.1271 J 0.8662 0.8506 0.8279 0.8388

H: diversity; Hmax: maximum diversity, and J: evenness

Table 4: Comparison of the ShannonWiener Index for different seasons of the year (2012 to 2013) in agro-ecosystem
Seasons Spring Summer Rainy Autumn Winter H 3.6831 3.6795 3.6168 3.6128 3.6365 Hmax 4.2905 4.3175 4.3438 4.3820 4.3694 J 0.8584 0.8522 0.8326 0.8245 0.8323

H: diversity; Hmax: maximum diversity, and J: evenness

4. DISCUSSION There were 92 species of birds observed in the different habitats with five seasons of the year that indicates the bird diversity in small agricultural landscape which is because of continuous availability of food, suitable place for nesting and breeding in Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture. This Institute

has different land use patterns which encourage the birds diversity. Birds species richness, density and their frequency of visits were dependent on the land use pattern and seasons (Bolwig et al., 2006). In other words, habitats (land use patterns) and seasons influences the bird diversity, population and frequency of visits.

Fig. 2: Correlations between bird abundance and density in different habits of agricultural ecosystem

Some researchers (Fischera et al., 2011; Marsden and Whiffin 2003; Zhijun and Young, 2003) reported that bird species richness, density and frequency decreases due to intensive agricultural practices. Our results also supports the above statements and we found that higher bird diversity (62 species) in fallow land than other habitats, which is due to the presence

of diversity of herbs, shrubs, grasses and trees in fallow land which provided a place for nesting and breeding for different trophic levels of birds. Different season of the year in particular locality not only influence the different types of vegetation but also other biodiversity like animals, birds, insects, fishes, and microorganisms, particularly birds are

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sensitive to seasonal changes, because of their breeding and nesting behaviour heavily depends upon climatic factors of the locality (Huston and Huston, 1994). Therefore, some birds are migrating within the geographical region and even from continent to continents for their breeding and nesting (Berthold, 2001). Thus, the birds distribution and their population trends in different seasons of the year. The findings of Brandle and Brandl (2001), Gregory and Gaston (2000), Thiollay (1992), Seagle and McCracken (1986) and Mac Nally (1989) supported the correlation study that local abundance and distribution of the bird species highly relate with

habitat usage and area availability for their whole life. Thus, the young developing institute covering the area of 248 acres of land is supporting 92 bird species by different land use patterns and providing sufficient food. However, some of the birds like munia and parakeets reduces the 50% of the grain yields of sorghum, pearl millet, maize etc., though the presence huge number of birds in this institute is eco-friendly and useful for controlling the crop pest. More over limited use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers were valuable reason for bird abundance and density in small area of agricultural landscape.

Fig. 3: Correlations between bird frequency and abundance in different habits of agricultural ecosystem

Fig. 4: Correlations between bird frequency and density in different habits of agricultural ecosystem

There were clear difference concerning bird richness and diversity between the four habitats of the agro-ecosystem. In all comparable categories from the cropland, wetland, plantations and fallow land we found greater richness and diversity of birds in fallow land followed by wetland than cropland and plantations. Concerning bird diversity there was a greater bird species diversity (H), maximum diversity (Hmax) and evenness (J) fallow land. According to Newton (1998), the different seasons of the year influences the number of birds within the ecosystem. The bird population in an agro-ecosystem showed that the numbers of birds were higher in croplands during

the August to December due to the intensive cultivation of cereals and vegetables in this period. The availability of matured grains of sorghum, pearl millet and maize during these period attracted bird species in huge number particularly scaly breasted munia (Lonchura punctulata), black headed munia (Lonchura malacca) and rose ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri). However, seasonal variation influences the bird species and diversity within the region. ShannonWiener Index for diversity richness for different habitats of agro-ecosystem shows that fallow land recorded highest diversity and maximum

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diversity index compared to other habitats. Thus, fallow lands are not subject to practices of crop production therefore, it supported birds nesting and breeding at the study site. Thus most of the birds looked for their food in the agricultural field and from water bodies and made the fallow land their resting and breeding place. Therefore it indicated highest number of species in all the seasons of the year. Zhijun and Young (2003) clearly indicated from their

study that different human uses of the land have been the reason for such clear differences in richness and diversity. Moreover multi cropping system of land-use pattern encourage more number of birds than monocropping cropping pattern that resultant availability of variety of food supported different types of birds. As supported by the findings of Mudri-Stojni (2012), Thomas et al, (2011), and Franz (2004).

Fig. 5: Correlations between bird abundance and density in different season of the year during 2013-2013

Fig. 6: Correlations between bird frequency and density in different season of the year during 2012-2013

Fig. 7: Correlations between bird frequency and density in different seasons of the year during 2012-2013

5. CONCLUSION The study Assessment of bird population in different habitats of agricultural ecosystem conducted in Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu (India) for bird population and their conservation over the small agricultural landscape

created great awareness among the students community. Higher diversity of birds was found in all habitats compare to plantation (mango and coconut plantations). Highest diversity of birds was found in fallow land compared to all other forms of land use pattern. The highest diversity of birds was due to more diversity of plants which gives more choice for the

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food preference of the bird species as well as nesting and breeding place. However, particular crops such as sorghum, bajra, maize etc., cultivate as mono-crop attracted particular types of birds frequently in large number. Rare birds like Indian grey hornbill (Ocyceros birostris), yellow footed green pigeon (Treron phoenicopterus), common tern (Sterna hirundo), paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradasi), black headed ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus), white browed bulbul (Pycnonotus luteolus), striated heron (Butorides striata), and barn owl (Tyto alba) that visited the study site in particular season shows the richness of the habitats in the study area. The considerable numbers of trees in fallow land and boundary of agricultural land accommodate the large number of birds population. Thus shows planting trees in agricultural lands can increase the bird diversity. This study strongly supported limited use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers as they do not pose danger to various types of bird species that visited the site in large numbers. The study site (Vanavarayar Institute) has been shown to support various species of birds, migratory birds inclusive due to availability of crops, and diversity of other plants as well as reservoir and river which also support some wetland birds. REFERENCE Ali S (1949). Bird friends and foes of the cultivator. Indian Farming, 10: 385-387. Ali S (1971). Sunder Lal Hora memorial lecture. Ornithology in India: its past, present and future; Proc. Indian Natl. Sci. Acad, B37: 99113. Berthold P (2001). Bird Migration: A General Survey. Oxford University Press, New York. pp. 253. Bibby C, Jones M, Marsden S (1998). Expedition Field Techniques: BIRD SURVEYS. Royal Geographical Society. pp. 143. Bibby, Bibby CJ, Burgess ND (2000). Bird Census Techniques. Academic Press. pp.302 Bolwig S, Pomeroy D, Tushabe H, Mushabe D. (2006). Crops, trees, and birds: Biodiversity change under agricultural intensification in Ugandas farmed landscapes. Danish Journal of Geography, 106(2): 115-130. Brandle M, Brandl R (2001). Distribution, abundance and niche breadth of birds: scale matters. Global Ecol. Biogeogr., 10: 173177. Duelli P(1997). Biodiversity evaluation in agricultural landscapes: An approach at two different scales. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 62(2 3): 8191. Fischera C, Flohra A, Clementb LW, Batrya P, Weisserb WW, Tscharntkeb T, Thiesb C

(2011). Mixed effects of landscape structure and farming practice on bird diversity. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 141: 119125. Franz S (2004). The effect of cattle grazing in riparian areas on winter biodiversity and ecology.M.Sc Thesis.University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada. pp.127. Gregory RD, Gaston KJ (2000). Explanations of commonness and rarity in British breeding birds: separating resource use and resource availability. Oikos, 88: 515526. Haslem A, Bennett AF (2008). Birds in agricultural mosaics: the influence of landscape pattern and countryside heterogeneity. Ecological Applications, 18:185196. Huston MA, Huston MA (1994). Biological Diversity: The Coexistence of Species. Cambridge University Press, United Kingdom. pp.681. Mac Nally RC (1989).The relationship between habitat breadth, habitat position, and abundance in forest and woodland birds along a continental gradient. Oikos, 54: 4454. Marsden SJ, Whiffin M (2003). The relationship between population density, habitat position and habitat breadth within a neotropical forest bird community. Ecography, 26: 385392. Mudri-Stojni S, Andri A, Jzan Z, Vuji A (2012). Pollinator diversity (hymenoptera and diptera) in semi-natural habitats in serbia during summer. Arch. Biol. Sci., 64(2): 777-786. Newton I (1998). Population Limitation in Birds. Academic press, California, USA. pp. 597. OConnor RJ, Shrubb M (1986). Farming and birds. Cambridge University Press, pp. 304. Seagle SW, McCracken GF (1986). Species abundance, niche position, and niche breadth for five terrestrial animal assemblages. Ecology, 67: 816818. Thiollay JM (1999). Responses of an avian community to rain forest degradation. Biodiv. Conserv, 8: 513534. Thomas PJ, Martin P, Boutin C (2011). Bush, bugs, and birds; interdependency in a farming landscape. Open Journal of Ecology, 1(2): 9-23. Whittaker RH (1975). Communities and Ecosystems. Macmillan, New York. pp.61-65. Zhijun W, Young SS. (2003). Differences in bird diversity between two swidden agricultural sites in mountainous terrain, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China. Biological Conservation, 110: 231243.

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NATARAJAN MARIAPPAN; He works as Assistant Professor (Forestry) in Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu (India). He received M.Sc (Forestry) from Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh (India) and B.Sc (Forestry) from Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. He has published books, national and international research papers. His field of interest includes forest and wildlife sciences.

B.K. AHAMED KALFAN; He received his Bachelor Degree in Agriculture in Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. At present he works as Research Scholar at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (India). His filed of interest about bird research and making awareness about wildlife and environmental conservation.

SRINIVASAGAM KRISHNAKUMAR; He works as Assistant Professor in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry department in Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu (India). He has got the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarship (JNMF), New Delhi for doing part of Ph.D. Research work at International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines and Tamil Nadu Student Council for Science and Technology (TNSCST), Chennai for doing post graduate Research programme. He has published number of books, national and international research papers.

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