Migratory Birds & Wildlife — Set 4

Correct Answer: B. Scientific study of migratory behaviour, routes, physiological adaptations, and ecological roles of migratory species

The Ecology of Migratory Birds is concerned with the scientific study of migratory behaviour, migration routes, physiological adaptations for migration, stopover ecology, breeding and wintering biology, and ecological roles of migratory species in different habitats. Understanding migration ecology is essential for effective conservation of migratory birds, particularly identifying and protecting critical stopover sites and wintering areas. Threats like climate change, habitat loss, and hunting are studied to inform conservation interventions.

Correct Answer: B. Wetlands serve as critical stopover, feeding, resting, and wintering sites that make long-distance migration possible

Wetlands serve as critical stopover, feeding, resting, and wintering sites that make long-distance migration biologically possible for billions of birds. Migratory birds depend on networks of wetlands spaced along flyways to refuel, rest, and complete their journeys. Loss of even a few key wetlands can break the entire migratory chain, causing population crashes. This is why the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was established — to protect internationally important wetlands for migratory birds and other biodiversity.

Correct Answer: B. Loktak Lake

Loktak Lake in Manipur is known for its unique 'phumdis' — floating biomass of vegetation, soil, and organic matter — making it a unique floating lake ecosystem. It is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India and a Ramsar site. Loktak is famous for the Keibul Lamjao National Park built on the floating phumdis, the only floating national park in the world and the last natural habitat of the endangered Brow-antlered Deer (Sangai). The lake also hosts migratory waterbirds.

Correct Answer: B. Rajasthan (Mount Abu area)

Nakki Lake is located in Mount Abu in Rajasthan's Sirohi district. The area attracts migratory birds during winter and is a popular birding destination. While Rajasthan's bird festivals are celebrated across the state at sites like Bharatpur and Nakki Lake, Mount Abu's cooler climate and lake habitat attract birds typical of both Himalayan foothills and Rajasthan plains. The Rajasthan State Bird Festival is celebrated to promote bird conservation and eco-tourism.

Correct Answer: B. Sites that are critical for the survival of bird species, identified for conservation action

Important Bird Areas (IBAs) are sites that are critical for the survival of bird species, identified through scientific criteria by BirdLife International and its partner organisations (Bombay Natural History Society in India). IBAs provide a globally consistent approach to identifying sites that need conservation action. India has over 400 designated IBAs covering diverse habitats. IBAs serve as the basis for site-based conservation planning, protected area notification, and monitoring of bird populations and habitat health.

Correct Answer: B. Breeding colony of waterbirds including painted storks and herons

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary in Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu is one of India's oldest protected areas and is famous for its large breeding colony of waterbirds. Thousands of painted storks, little cormorants, open-billed storks, herons, and egrets breed here from October to March. The sanctuary has been protected by local villagers for over 250 years. It covers only 30 hectares but hosts up to 30,000 nesting birds in peak season, making it one of India's most bird-dense sanctuaries.

Correct Answer: B. Disorients nocturnal migrants causing them to circle lights exhaustedly, collide with buildings, or get attracted off course

Light Pollution disorients nocturnal migrants — the majority of small migratory birds migrate at night using stars for navigation. Artificial lights from cities attract and confuse these birds, causing them to circle lights for hours until exhausted, collide with lit buildings, or be drawn off their migration course. In India, large coastal cities during spring and autumn migration can cause mass mortality events of migratory birds. 'Lights Out' programmes during peak migration periods are implemented in some North American cities.

Correct Answer: B. Using rising columns of warm air (thermals) to gain altitude without flapping, conserving energy

Thermal Soaring is the technique used by migrating raptors (eagles, hawks, storks, and kites) to use rising columns of warm air called 'thermals' to gain altitude without flapping their wings, conserving enormous amounts of energy. After gaining height in a thermal, they glide in the direction of migration. This energy-efficient technique allows large birds to cover great distances. Major raptor migration flyways often follow mountain ridges and valleys where thermals form consistently. Thol and Vautha in Gujarat are famous for watching soaring migratory raptors.

Correct Answer: B. November to April (winter)

Chilika Lake hosts flamingos and other migratory birds approximately from November to April, which corresponds to the winter season in India and the migration period from Northern and Central Asian breeding grounds. The birds arrive after the breeding season to spend winter in the warmer Indian climate with abundant food resources. As summer approaches and breeding grounds in the north become available again, the birds begin their return migration northward. Peak bird numbers are typically in December-January.

Correct Answer: B. Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), established in 1883 in Mumbai, is India's most prominent organisation for bird conservation, research, and monitoring. BNHS runs bird ringing programmes, produces scientific publications, and has catalogued Indian bird diversity. It is the BirdLife International partner in India and coordinates the Important Bird Area (IBA) programme. BNHS published the landmark Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan and maintains major bird collections. It played a crucial role in the Salim Ali Bird Count and other citizen science initiatives.