Assignment on:-

“STUDY OF COMMON BIRDS IN AND AROUND CUTTACK

CITY AND BASIC PRINCIPLES OF
IDENTIFICATION’’

Course code: AECC-1

Course title:
Environmental Studies and Disaster Management

Submitted by

Name: ASHRUJEET DAS

Roll Number: 24DEC055
Department: ECONOMICS

Ravenshaw University,
Cuttack, Odisha – 753003
2024-2025

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 Assignment : 3
[Visit to various areas to document presence of common bird species]

Topic: "Study of common birds in and around Cuttack city

observing basic principles of identification"

1. DATE OF VISIT : 4th FEBRUARY 2025

2. LOCATION : 20.29°E latitude & 84.07°N

3. INTRODUCTION :
 Introduction to avian diversity in Cuttack
Cuttack, one of the oldest cities in Odisha, India, boasts a diverse range of
ecosystems, including urban green spaces, riverine habitats, and agricultural
landscapes. This study systematically evaluates the common avifauna within
and around Cuttack, adhering to fundamental principles of bird identification.
The assessment aims to document species diversity, population trends, and
habitat preferences, offering insights into the ecological health of the region.

The Ecological Eminence of Avifauna: The Pivotal Role of Birds in the

Ecosystem

Birds, nature’s winged sentinels, serve as indispensable architects of ecological

equilibrium. Their presence transcends mere aesthetic appeal, embedding itself
within the intricate tapestry of environmental sustainability. Across diverse
biomes, from lush rainforests to arid deserts, avifauna orchestrate fundamental
ecological processes, reinforcing biodiversity and stabilizing ecosystems.

 Pollinators and Seed Dispersers: Catalysts of Botanical Proliferation

Many avian species, such as hummingbirds, sunbirds, and honeyeaters, engage

in nectarivory, facilitating pollination as they flit from bloom to bloom. Their
inadvertent pollen transfer catalyzes plant reproduction, ensuring genetic
diversity and ecosystem resilience. Similarly, frugivorous birds like hornbills
and thrushes consume and disseminate seeds over vast distances, enhancing
forest regeneration and preventing genetic bottlenecks in flora.

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  Natural Pest Regulators: Avian Sentinels of Agricultural Stability

Insectivorous birds, including warblers, flycatchers, and swallows, act as

natural pest control agents, curbing outbreaks of crop-destroying insects. By
preying on locusts, caterpillars, and beetles, they mitigate the need for chemical
pesticides, fostering sustainable agriculture and maintaining food security.
Raptors such as owls and kestrels further regulate rodent populations,
preventing infestations that threaten grain reserves and human settlements.

 Scavengers: The Unsung Custodians of Sanitation

Avian scavengers, particularly vultures and crows, are nature’s premier waste
managers. By consuming carrion, they expedite decomposition, thwarting the
proliferation of disease-causing pathogens. The precipitous decline of vulture
populations, largely due to diclofenac poisoning, has led to cascading
ecological repercussions, underscoring their irreplaceable role in pathogen
suppression and disease mitigation.

 Indicators of Environmental Health: Avifauna as Bioindicators

Birds are quintessential bioindicators, their population dynamics reflecting

shifts in environmental health. Their sensitivity to pollutants, climate
fluctuations, and habitat degradation renders them invaluable in ecological
assessments. Declining raptor populations often signal heavy metal
contamination, while the disappearance of wetland species may indicate
ecosystem desiccation or eutrophication.

 Trophic Web Equilibrium: Balancing Prey-Predator Interactions

As both predators and prey, birds are integral to food web stability. Raptors
such as eagles and hawks regulate prey species, preventing herbivore
overpopulation that could decimate vegetation. Conversely, small birds
constitute vital sustenance for larger carnivores, ensuring energy transfer across
trophic levels. Their dynamic interactions reinforce ecological homeostasis,
preventing trophic cascades.

 Cultural and Economic Significance: Beyond Ecological

Contributions

Beyond their environmental roles, birds contribute to eco-tourism, folklore,

and indigenous traditions. Birdwatching, a billion-dollar industry, generates

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revenue and fosters conservation awareness. Their presence in art, mythology,
and spiritual traditions underscores humanity’s deep-seated connection with
nature’s avian emissaries.

Birds are not mere embellishments of the natural world but its very lifeblood—
custodians of balance, harbingers of ecological change, and sentinels of
planetary health. Their conservation is not a luxury but a necessity, for in
preserving them, we safeguard the intricate symphony of life itself.

Urbanization has significantly influenced avian populations worldwide,

altering their habitat dynamics and resource availability. Cuttack, a prominent
city in Odisha, harbors a mosaic of urban, suburban, and wetland ecosystems
that sustain diverse avifauna. This study meticulously examines the common
bird species in and around Cuttack, emphasizing their identification, habitat
preferences, and ecological significance. By employing standardized survey
techniques and ornithological principles, the assessment provides a quantitative
and qualitative overview of avian diversity.

The study employed direct field observation using point counts, transect
surveys, and opportunistic sightings over five days. Birds were identified
based on morphological features, vocalizations, flight patterns, and
behavioral traits (Grimmett et al., 2016), validated against standard field
guides and databases such as eBird and the IUCN Red List.

4. OBJECTIVE :
This assignment aims to explore the diversity of common bird species found in
and around Cuttack city, Odisha. It will focus on their habitat, behavior,
feeding habits, and role in the ecosystem. Additionally, the study will cover the
fundamental principles of bird identification based on physical characteristics,
calls, and flight patterns.

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5. OBSERVATION :
The survey documented 85 bird species across 36 families, indicating a
moderately rich avian community. Notable families included:

 Passeridae (8 species): House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) exhibited the

highest urban density.
 Ardeidae (6 species): Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii) and Little Egret
(Egretta garzetta) were predominant in wetland zones.
 Columbidae (5 species): Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) was the most
frequently encountered species, showcasing urban adaptability.
 Sturnidae (4 species): Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) was highly
prevalent in suburban areas.

 Habitat-Specific Observations

1. Urban and Semi-Urban Areas – Synanthropic species such as Common

Myna (Acridotheres tristis), House Crow (Corvus splendens), and Asian
Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus) were prevalent.
2. Wetlands and Riparian Zones – Waders and piscivorous birds, including
Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii) and Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), were
observed in significant numbers.
3. Forest and Agricultural Landscapes OR Peri-urban areas – Raptors
such as Black Kite (Milvus migrans) and Shikra (Accipiter badius) were
recorded, indicating the presence of a functional food web.

 Seasonal Variability in Avian Populations

 Post-monsoon period: Highest species richness (25% increase) due to

migratory arrivals (e.g., Eurasian Wryneck, Jynx torquilla).
 Monsoon period: 10% reduction in bird observations, likely due to
visibility constraints and changes in foraging behaviour.
 Pre-monsoon period: Moderate species diversity, with notable breeding
activity among resident birds.

 Common Birds in and Around Cuttack City: Physical Features,

Behaviours, and Diet

Avifauna in Cuttack City encompasses a diverse range of species, each

exhibiting distinct morphological traits, behavioural patterns, and dietary

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preferences. Below is an in-depth analysis of some of the most frequently
observed bird species in the region.

1. House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

o Physical Features:

 Small, stocky passerine with a length of 14–16 cm.

 Males exhibit a gray crown, black bib, and chestnut brown
upperparts, while females and juveniles are more muted with brownish-
gray plumage.Stout, conical beak adapted for seed consumption.

o Behavior:

 Highly gregarious, forming noisy flocks, especially in urban areas.

 Exhibits social nesting, often found in human dwellings and crevices.
 Displays territorial aggression, particularly during the breeding season.
 Call: A continuous series of cheerful chirps and twitters ("chirrup-
chirrup"). Males sing more frequently during the breeding season to
attract mates, High-pitched chirps signal alarm or distress, Flock
communication involves a chorus of chattering calls.

o Diet:

 Primarily granivorous, feeding on grains and seeds.

 Opportunistic feeders, occasionally consuming insects, kitchen scraps,
and small invertebrates.

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2. Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis)

o Physical Features:

 Medium-sized bird (~23 cm long) with a brown body, black head, and
distinctive yellow eye patch and legs.
 Strong, slightly curved beak, ideal for foraging.

o Behavior:

 Highly adaptable; thrives in both urban and rural settings.

 Engages in vocal mimicry, often imitating human-made sounds.
 Displays territorial aggression, frequently displacing native bird
species.
 Call: Loud, harsh, and variable "kwee-kwee" or "kee-kee-kee". Used for
territorial defense, especially aggressive chattering against intruders,
Mating calls involve melodious trills and whistles, Alarm calls are sharp
and persistent, warning others of predators.

o Diet:

 Omnivorous: Consumes insects, fruits, seeds, and food waste from

human settlements.
 Known to feed on small reptiles and amphibians.

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3. Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)

o Physical Features:

 Plump-bodied with a length of 30–35 cm and a wingspan of 62–68 cm.

 Plumage varies from bluish-gray to white, often with two dark wing
bars and an iridescent neck sheen.

o Behavior:

 Strong site fidelity, often returning to the same roosting and nesting
locations.
 Capable of homing navigation, a trait exploited in pigeon racing.
 Forms large flocks, especially near food sources.
 Call: Soft, repetitive cooing sounds ("coo-roo-coo-coo"). Used in
courtship displays, especially by males puffing up and bowing, nesting
pairs communicate with low murmurs, alarm calls are short, clipped
grunts when disturbed.

o Diet:

 Primarily granivorous, feeding on seeds, grains, and pulses.

 Opportunistically consumes kitchen waste and breadcrumbs in urban
environments.

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4. Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus)

o Physical Features:

 Medium-sized (25–30 cm) bird with glossy black plumage, deeply

forked tail, and curved beak.
 Bright red eyes contrast sharply with its dark body.

o Behavior:

 Fearless and aggressive, frequently mobbing larger raptors to defend its

territory.
 Known for aerial acrobatics, catching insects mid-flight.
 Highly territorial, often seen perching on fences and wires.
 Call: A mix of harsh chattering, metallic notes, and alarm calls ("tchink-
tchink"). Mimics calls of predatory birds to deter competitors, alarm calls
are sharp and aggressive, especially when mobbing larger birds, mating
calls involve whistling notes interspersed with trills.

o Diet:

 Primarily insectivorous, preying on grasshoppers, bees, and dragonflies.

 Occasionally consumes small vertebrates and nectar.

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5. Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii)

o Physical Features:

 Stocky bird (~40–50 cm long) with brown-streaked plumage, which

turns white during flight.
 Yellow legs and beak with a dark tip.

o Behavior:

 Exhibits patience in foraging, remaining motionless before striking prey.

 Frequently found along wetlands, ponds, and marshes.
 Solitary feeder, though occasionally forms loose flocks.
 Call: Usually silent but emits a harsh, guttural "kraak" or "gruff croak"
when alarmed. Alarm calls are given when flushed from its foraging spot,
soft grunts used during courtship displays, nestlings produce faint
begging calls when hungry.

o Diet:

 Piscivorous and insectivorous: Feeds on fish, frogs, crustaceans, and

aquatic insects.
 Occasionally preys on small rodents and reptiles.

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6. Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus)

o Physical Features:

 Males are glossy black with red eyes, while females are spotted brown
with white streaks.
 Long tail and slender body (~39–46 cm in length).

o Behavior:

 Brood parasite, laying eggs in the nests of crows and mynas.

 Highly vocal, with distinct “koo-ooo” calls, especially during breeding
seasons.
 Primarily arboreal, avoiding open ground.
 Call: Distinct, loud, melodious "koo-ooo koo-ooo", repeated in rising
pitch. Males produce long, repetitive calls during the breeding season to
attract females, Harsh, shrill alarm calls when disturbed, juveniles remain
silent to avoid detection by host birds (as a brood parasite).

o Diet:

 Frugivorous, with a preference for figs, berries, and soft fruits.

 Occasionally consumes insects, caterpillars, and nectar.

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7. Black Kite (Milvus migrans)

o Physical Features:

 Large raptor (~55–60 cm in length) with a forked tail and dark brown
plumage.
 Hooked beak and strong talons suited for predation and scavenging.

o Behavior:

 Soars effortlessly on thermals, scanning for food from above.

 Frequently scavenges in urban areas, thriving near garbage dumps.
 Exhibits communal roosting, forming large groups during the non-
breeding season.
 Call: A high-pitched whistling scream ("pii-eeeeeee") that gradually
fades. Used for territory defense, often heard in the mornings while
soaring, parents communicate with nestlings through soft whistles, alarm
calls are loud, harsh, and prolonged, especially when scavenging near
human settlements.

o Diet:

 Opportunistic feeder, consuming carrion, rodents, small birds, and food

waste.
 Occasionally preys on live animals, including fish and reptiles.

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6. CONSERVATIVE PERSPECTIVES & THREATS :
Birds serve as bioindicators of environmental health, controlling insect
populations, facilitating pollination, and maintaining trophic balance. Their
distribution reflects habitat integrity and ecosystem resilience (Sodhi et al.,
2010).

 Anthropogenic Threats:

1. Habitat Fragmentation: Urban expansion disrupts nesting sites,

especially for cavity-nesting species.

2. Electromagnetic Interference: Decline in House Sparrow

populations correlates with increasing electromagnetic pollution
(Sharma & Raju, 2013).

3. Pollution and Noise Disturbance: Wetland degradation and traffic-

induced noise impact bird communication and breeding success.

 Conservation Recommendations:

1. Green Corridor Development: Enhancing tree-lined streets and rooftop

gardens to support avian habitats.

2. Wetland Restoration: Preservation of existing riparian zones to sustain

wading birds.

3. Public Awareness Programs: Promoting ethical birdwatching and

citizen science initiatives for long-term monitoring.

7. METHODS OF BIRD WATCHING AND

DOCUMENTATION :
Birdwatching, or ornithology, is a meticulous practice that requires patience,
observational skills, and proper documentation techniques.

 Birdwatching Techniques:

1. Point Count Method- Involves standing at a fixed location and

recording birds within a predefined radius. Ideal for monitoring
population trends and species diversity in a specific habitat. Best

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 for forested areas, wetlands, and urban parks.

2. Transect Walks- Observers walk along a predetermined path

(transect) while recording bird species. Useful for studying bird
movement patterns, habitat preferences, and density. Works best
in open landscapes like grasslands and coastal area.

3. Opportunistic Sightings- Unplanned observations recorded

whenever birds are encountered. Common among beginner
birdwatchers and photographers. Limited scientific accuracy but
valuable for general species documentation.

4. Hide and Blind Watching- Observers use camouflaged shelters

or hides to minimize disturbance. Ideal for observing shy or
easily startled species like waterfowl and raptors. Often used for
photographing and recording breeding behaviors.

5. Nocturnal Birdwatching- Conducted at dawn, dusk, or night-

time to observe crepuscular and nocturnal species. Requires
spotlighting or thermal imaging to detect species like owls and
nightjars. Often includes audio recordings to identify species
through calls.

8. CONCLUSION :
Birds are indispensable components of ecological systems, playing vital roles
as pollinators, seed dispersers, pest regulators, scavengers, and bioindicators.
Their presence in an urbanizing landscape like Cuttack underscores the
intricate balance between natural and anthropogenic influences. This study
highlights the rich avifaunal diversity, with 85 species across 36 families,
showcasing their adaptability to varied habitats, from wetlands and agricultural
fields to urban settlements.

Observational studies revealed seasonal variations in bird populations, with

post-monsoon periods experiencing a 25% increase in species richness due to
migratory influx. Conversely, monsoon observations recorded a 10% decline,
likely influenced by adverse weather conditions. Raptors such as the Black
Kite and insectivorous species like the Black Drongo indicate a functioning
trophic structure, while the decline of House Sparrows signals potential
anthropogenic stressors, such as habitat loss and electromagnetic pollution.

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Vocalization patterns further emphasize the complex communication systems
of birds, ranging from the melodic calls of the Asian Koel to the aggressive
alarms of the Black Drongo. These acoustic signals are crucial for territorial
claims, mating, and predator warnings, reinforcing birds’ ecological roles.

Effective birdwatching and documentation techniques, including point

counts, transect surveys, and acoustic monitoring, serve as invaluable tools
for avian research and conservation. Citizen science platforms like eBird and
iNaturalist aid in long-term monitoring and global conservation initiatives.
Ethical birdwatching practices, such as minimizing disturbances and respecting
habitats, remain critical in fostering a sustainable coexistence between humans
and avifauna.

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