Community Structure of Insectivorous Birds of Cabbage Fields

Abstract

Community structure of insectivorous birds on insects infesting cabbage, (Brassica oleracea) was studied at Anand, Gujarat during January – March 2012. Bird activity in the field was observed through binoculars during 07:00 to 10:00 hrs and evening 16:00 to 18:00 hrs. Standard field guides were used to identify the birds. Birds recorded from cabbage fields represented three foraging guilds: ground feeder (4 spp.), aerial feeder (2 spp.) and canopy feeder (8 spp.). The canopy feeding species (n=8) were more compared to ground (n=4) and aerial feeding (n=2) species. Nine species were insectivorous whereas five species were omnivorous. A Total 14 bird species were recorded feeding mainly on upon cabbage aphids, (Lipaphis erysimi) from field. Red-wattled Lapwing was the most dominant and frequently observed species. Abundance of aphids as well as birds species activity was significantly high in pesticide free plot (27.22 ± 46.44 aphids/plant and 9.75 ± 11.63 bird numbers, respectively) compared to treated plots (9.15 ± 7.76 aphids/plant and 4 ± 2.17 bird numbers, respectively). Birds can act as bio-control agent for management of insect pests of cabbage crop and can be encouraged for their abilities to regulate the insect pests of crop pests.