Migratory Birds & Wildlife — Set 7

Correct Answer: B. A global citizen science database for bird observations run by Cornell Lab, widely used in India

eBird India is part of the global eBird citizen science programme run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It allows birders across India to submit their bird observations online, creating a massive real-time database of bird distribution and abundance. With millions of observations from Indian birders, eBird has transformed bird monitoring in India. Data is used for research, conservation planning, and tracking migratory bird arrivals and departures. India is consistently one of the top 10 countries in eBird global records.

Correct Answer: B. Goa (on Chorão Island)

The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located on Chorão Island in Goa, named after Dr. Salim Ali, India's greatest ornithologist. It is a mangrove forest sanctuary along the Mandovi river estuary. The sanctuary hosts resident birds and some migratory visitors in its mangrove habitat. The sanctuary was named in memory of Salim Ali who conducted extensive bird surveys across India. Dr. Salim Ali is also called the 'Birdman of India' and 'Father of Indian Ornithology'.

Correct Answer: B. Amur Falcon — migrates from breeding grounds in China and Russia through Northeast India to Africa

The Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis) makes one of the most remarkable migratory journeys through India. These small raptors breed in China and southeastern Russia, then migrate through Northeast India in enormous flocks (millions passing through Nagaland in autumn), cross the Bay of Bengal, and winter in South Africa. Nagaland's Doyang reservoir area hosts millions of Amur Falcons in October-November. Historically hunted in Nagaland, conservation campaigns have now protected this spectacular migration.

Correct Answer: B. A network of Indian ornithologists and bird conservation organisations including BNHS, Salim Ali Centre, and others

The Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN) is a network of Indian ornithologists, researchers, conservation organisations, and birdwatchers including the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), and Wildlife Institute of India (WII). The network coordinates bird monitoring, conservation research, and capacity building for bird conservation in India. It serves as the national partner for BirdLife International's activities in India.

Correct Answer: B. Jammu and Kashmir

Kokernag Bird Sanctuary is located in Jammu and Kashmir near Anantnag district. It is situated in the Breng valley and hosts numerous Himalayan bird species and some migratory birds that pass through or winter in the Kashmir Valley. Kokernag is also famous for its springs and trout hatchery. The sanctuary is part of the broader Kashmir Valley ecosystem which includes Hokersar Wetland and Wular Lake as important bird habitats.

Correct Answer: B. Birds that migrate to India for winter from breeding grounds in northern or central Asia

Winter Visitor is the designation for bird species that migrate to India for the winter months (typically October-April) from their breeding grounds in northern or central Asia, Siberia, or the Himalayan region. These birds spend only the winter in India and return to their breeding grounds in spring. Examples include numerous duck species (Pochard, Teal, Pintail), Common Crane, Spotted Flycatcher, and many waders. India's mild winters provide ideal temperatures and abundant food for these seasonal visitors.

Correct Answer: B. A location along migration routes where many birds pass, used for systematic migration monitoring

A Bird Migration Watch Point is a strategic location along migration routes where concentrated bird movements can be observed and counted systematically. These points are typically at geographic bottlenecks like mountain passes, peninsular tips, offshore islands, or narrow coastal strips where migrating birds are channelled. In India, sites like Thol in Gujarat, Cape Comorin in Tamil Nadu, and various Himalayan passes are migration watch points. Regular counts at watch points provide valuable data on migratory species' population trends.

Correct Answer: B. Predation by feral and domestic cats and dogs kills millions of birds at stopover sites and wintering grounds

Feral and domestic cats are among the world's greatest killers of birds, responsible for billions of bird deaths annually globally including at migratory stopover sites. In India, feral cats and dogs near wetlands and bird sanctuaries kill ground-nesting birds and weak migrants. Studies have documented significant predation on birds at key Indian wetlands. This is why many bird sanctuaries have programmes to manage feral animal populations near sensitive nesting and roosting areas.

Correct Answer: B. Peregrine Falcon in a stoop (dive) — speeds over 320 km/h

The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) holds the record for the fastest animal on Earth in a stoop (diving attack), reaching speeds exceeding 320 km/h (200 mph). In level flight, the Spine-tailed Swift reaches the fastest level flight speeds. The Peregrine Falcon is a migratory species that visits India during winter, hunting ducks and other birds at wetland sites. India has a small resident breeding population plus significant wintering visitors from Central Asia and Russia.

Correct Answer: B. Vedanthangal, Tamil Nadu

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, established in 1858 (with villager protection dating back over 250 years), is considered one of India's oldest protected areas for birds. The sanctuary has been protected by local villagers of Vedanthangal village since at least the 18th century, making it a remarkable example of community conservation. It became an official government sanctuary in 1936. The British ornithologist E.H. Aitken described it in his 1900 account as already being protected by villagers.