Abstract

The activities of cropland birds in an agricultural land are most likely unpredictable in the rain fed region of Maharashtra, India, and therefore the exposure to risk of pesticides application by cropland bird species cannot be sufficiently categorized. The pattern of abundance, territorial, foraging and other activities of cropland avian species was examined at two croplands in Amravati District of Maharashtra State to distinguish the susceptibility of bird species to the application of pesticide use. Overall, 53 bird species were identified in the two croplands over two years period during 2011 and 2012, from June to December. However, out of 53 species, only 14 species were common (recorded at ≥50 of visits) in both croplands. Twenty-one (21) bird species were recorded at Zadgaon Cropland in crops of tur (Cajanus cajan), cotton (Gossypium arboreum) and soybean (Glycine max). Nineteen (19) bird species were recorded at Bhankhed Cropland for more than 50% of visits in crops of jawar (Sorghum bicolor), cotton and mung (Phaseolus aureus). For Zadgaon cropland, territorial activity is most significant for four species: house sparrow (Passer domesticus), jungle babbler (Turdoides striata), yellow-eyed babbler (Chrysomma sinense) and red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus). House sparrow and jungle babbler were maximum, yellow-eyed babbler was less frequent but more than other species in the month of June, while red-wattled lapwing was maximum in the month of July. Foraging was the imperative activity for most of the species in all months: 24 to 49% of the birds in June; 41 to 61% of the birds in July; 63 to 90% of the birds in August; 77 to 97% of the birds in September; 57 to 97% of the birds in October; 66 to 98% of the birds in November and 74 to 97% of the birds in December. For Bhankhed cropland, foraging was significantly less for Ashy Prinia (Prinia socialis), Brahminy Myna (Sturnia pagodarum) and Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) in the month of June. The application of pesticides in croplands took place from June to August, which means four species were under high risk, 13 species were at medium risk and eight species at low risk. The level and intensity of this exposure depends on occurrence of types of species in both croplands. This study is significant to recognize crucial species that can be used for detailed study on exposure to pesticides used in cropland.

Key words: Cropland birds, agricultural activities, risk exposure, pesticide use, India.