Migratory Birds & Wildlife — Set 6

Correct Answer: B. Electrocution of birds including migratory species on uninsulated power lines

Electrocution on uninsulated power lines is a major mortality cause for large birds across India including migratory species. Many thousands of vultures, bustards, eagles, and storks die annually from electrocution on low-hanging or poorly insulated power distribution lines. The Supreme Court has ordered insulation of power lines in Great Indian Bustard habitat. While West Bengal's power utility is not specifically controversial, nationwide electrocution of birds on power infrastructure remains a serious conservation problem.

Correct Answer: B. Migratory bird watching, especially ducks and waders

Sultanpur National Park near Gurgaon, Haryana (close to Delhi) is famous for migratory bird watching, especially ducks, geese, waders, and raptors that visit during winter. Over 250 species have been recorded. The park is a seasonal wetland that dries up in summer and fills during monsoon, attracting birds from Central Asia and Siberia. It is popular with Delhi-NCR birdwatchers for accessible birding. The park was established largely due to the efforts of ornithologist Salim Ali.

Correct Answer: B. A broad geographic corridor followed by migrating birds between breeding and wintering grounds

A Flyway is a broad geographic corridor or pathway followed by populations of migratory birds between their breeding and wintering grounds. Major flyways include the East Atlantic Flyway, Central Asian Flyway, East Asian-Australasian Flyway, and Americas flyways. India is situated on the Central Asian Flyway, one of the world's most important. These flyways are not single narrow routes but broad geographic zones encompassing multiple alternative paths, key wetlands, and mountain passes used by billions of birds seasonally.

Correct Answer: B. Resident breeder in Indian wetlands that also undertakes local movements

The Painted Stork is a resident breeder in Indian wetlands and other parts of South and Southeast Asia, not a long-distance intercontinental migrant. It does undertake local seasonal movements between wetlands following rainfall and flooding. Painted Storks breed in large colonies (heronries) in trees over water in places like Vedanthangal in Tamil Nadu and Bharatpur. They are closely associated with freshwater wetlands and feed on fish. Their distinctive pink-and-white plumage with a yellow bill makes them striking wetland birds.

Correct Answer: B. Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh

The Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis) breeds in India at Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh, which hosts one of India's largest colonies. Other breeding sites include Kokkare Bellur in Karnataka. This pelican undertakes seasonal movements within India between breeding and feeding sites but is primarily a resident species in South and Southeast Asia. It is listed as Least Concern globally but faces habitat loss threats in India. Nelapattu is a Ramsar site.

Correct Answer: B. Indian Roller (Blue Jay)

The Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis), locally called 'Blue Jay' or 'Nilkantha', is the state bird of Odisha. It is also the state bird of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana — making it one of India's most widely honoured birds. The Indian Roller is famous for its spectacular tumbling courtship flight display. Though not migratory, it is a celebrated bird of Indian open country and farmlands. It feeds on insects, frogs, and small lizards.

Correct Answer: B. November to February (winter)

November to February (winter) is considered the peak bird watching season in India because this is when the largest number of migratory birds from Central Asia, Siberia, and Europe arrive to spend the winter in Indian wetlands, forests, and grasslands. The weather is also pleasant for outdoor activities. Major wetlands across India swell with migratory ducks, geese, waders, and raptors during this period. The breeding season of many resident birds also occurs during the cool winter months.

Correct Answer: B. The scientific study of birds including their biology, ecology, behaviour, and distribution

Ornithology is the scientific study of birds including their anatomy, physiology, behaviour, ecology, evolution, distribution, and conservation. India has a rich tradition of ornithology with pioneers like Salim Ali (the 'Birdman of India') who catalogued Indian birds through decades of fieldwork. The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has been central to Indian ornithology. Modern ornithology uses technologies like satellite tracking, DNA analysis, and citizen science platforms like eBird to study bird migration and populations.

Correct Answer: C. Indian Sarus Crane

The Indian Sarus Crane (Grus antigone) is the tallest flying bird in the world and among the heaviest in India, with males reaching up to 1.8 metres in height and weighing 8-10 kg. The Great Indian Bustard is slightly heavier in some individuals. The Sarus Crane is non-migratory in India, living as resident pairs in marshes and farmlands of northern and central India. It is revered in Indian culture as a symbol of marital fidelity as pairs mate for life. The answer here reflects the Great Indian Bustard being technically heaviest but Sarus being tallest.

Correct Answer: B. 1883

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) was founded in 1883 in Mumbai by seven naturalists including S.H. Inverarity, making it one of India's oldest scientific societies. It was established to promote natural history and conservation of nature in South Asia. BNHS has published the landmark Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society and the Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan by Salim Ali and Dillon Ripley. It runs bird ringing, monitoring, and conservation programmes across India.