Keywords
Egg Shape Index. Spotted Owlet
Bio-Control Agent.
How to Cite
Abstract
Research and monitoring schemes of birds have shown that the declining species in Asia and Europe are mostly those which are connected to farmland. The use of insectivorous birds like Spotted Owlet Athene brama as bio-control agents is beneficial, both economically as well as ecologically, in controlling rodent and insect pests. To combat the decline and to conserve beneficial bird species, there is a mandate for testing and evaluation of wooden nest boxes for Spotted Owlet and other beneficial species under the All India Network Project on Agricultural Ornithology. In the present study, we have designed and standardised wooden nest boxes for Spotted Owlet in field areas of Punjab Agricultural University Campus, Ludhiana. The observations on breeding in the nest boxes were recorded for two years in relation to nesting sites which are discussed. This farmer-friendly technology needs to be implemented around the villages to reverse the decline of such beneficial bird species.References
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