Welcome back.
You have seen these birds, haven't you? These birds are endemic to India and are the resident birds in Namma Bengaluru.
These birds have adapted well to the urban settings. They can be seen here near lakes, in the open parks and grounds, near water tanks atop the buildings, and even around sewage water canals! Because they need a permanent source of fresh water to live. They prefer an open ground to walk, run around and gather large amounts of insects they need, as their diet. They also feed on aquatic insects.
Their breeding season falls between March and October. They need secure nesting sites to raise their young, preferably near lake banks. But crevices and pipes in the buildings will do, if there are no lakes! In natural settings, they build their nests with twigs, grass, leaves, fur, feathers, etc. In the urban settings, they have learned to use human hair, fur, strings, paper, pieces of clothes, plastic, etc. for their nests.
According to some studies, heavy metals and pharmaceutical chemicals entering their bodies via polluted water, as well as food from the untreated sewage water lead to organ failures and reduced successful reproduction. The landfills, that are close to the lakes and in open grounds, host predators like stray dogs, cats, etc., which directly threaten the lives of these birds and their chicks. Ever expanding human habitats and thus shrinking open grounds is a hindrance to their livability and movement.
Akhila Hegde
You have seen these birds, haven't you? These birds are endemic to India and are the resident birds in Namma Bengaluru.
These birds have adapted well to the urban settings. They can be seen here near lakes, in the open parks and grounds, near water tanks atop the buildings, and even around sewage water canals! Because they need a permanent source of fresh water to live. They prefer an open ground to walk, run around and gather large amounts of insects they need, as their diet. They also feed on aquatic insects.
Their breeding season falls between March and October. They need secure nesting sites to raise their young, preferably near lake banks. But crevices and pipes in the buildings will do, if there are no lakes! In natural settings, they build their nests with twigs, grass, leaves, fur, feathers, etc. In the urban settings, they have learned to use human hair, fur, strings, paper, pieces of clothes, plastic, etc. for their nests.
According to some studies, heavy metals and pharmaceutical chemicals entering their bodies via polluted water, as well as food from the untreated sewage water lead to organ failures and reduced successful reproduction. The landfills, that are close to the lakes and in open grounds, host predators like stray dogs, cats, etc., which directly threaten the lives of these birds and their chicks. Ever expanding human habitats and thus shrinking open grounds is a hindrance to their livability and movement.
Akhila Hegde
