Preliminary Observations on the Ecology of Harriers (<I>Circus</I> Sp.) Roosting at Hessarghata, North Bangalore in Karnataka, South India with Special Reference to Eurasian Marsh Harrier (<I>Circus aeruginosus</I>)

Abstract

Harriers are widespread winter migratory raptors to India. A communal roost comprising of over 100 harriers was recorded at Hessarghata, North Bangalore (Karnataka) in South India during January 2005. Of six species of harriers reported wintering in India, four were found roosting here including globally threatened Pallid harrier. Eurasian Marsh harrier was the most dominant species at the roost. They took shelter in a fodder grassland patch belonging to a Cattle Breeding Farm every evening and deserted the area by early morning around sunrise. The pellets of harriers collected from the roost showed birds and rodents as their major prey in South Indian wintering ground. The paper also discusses about their population structure, winter diet, and roosting behaviour and suggests measures for their conservation.