Population, diurnal activity patterns and feeding ecology of the Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis (Linnaeus, 1758)

Abstract

Population, diurnal activity pattern, roosting behaviour, and feeding ecology of the Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis (Linnaeus, 1758) was studied during January to March 1997 in the Mayiladuthurai and Sirkali taluks of Nagappattinam District, Tamil Nadu. Line transect surveys showed that the Indian Roller's density was high in agricultural habitat (50 birds km -2 ), which suggested that they could play a role in controlling agricultural insect pests. Pellet analyses showed that insects were the principal food, which was also confirmed by focal observations. Studies on the diurnal activity pattern of the Indian Roller revealed that they feed mainly on ground insects. Their feeding activity was more in the evening hours, prior to roosting.