Habitat-related density and activity patterns of the White-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis in Cauvery Delta, southern India

Population density and activity patterns of the White-breasted KingfisherHalcyon smyrnensis were studied in the Cauvery Delta of Tamil Nadu, Southern India from2004 to 2006. Population density was estimated by a line transect method. White-breasted Kingfisher density varied between 70 and145 individuals per square km. The river-banks generally supported highest numbers than agricultural lands or social forests. The Whitebreasted Kingfisher population showed year-on-year variations in all three habitats, reaching, respectively, high densities during 2005 (137/km2), 2006 (125/km2) and 2006 (95/km2). Significant seasonal density variations in each habitat were also recorded (P<0.05). Field observations of the species diurnal activities during four time blocks in the day showed that they spent an average of 54% of their time scanning, 23% feeding, 13% flying, 6% preening and 4% resting. Time spent on feeding and flying activities did not change (P>0.05) between years and seasons, but varied (P<0.05) among time blocks.Scanning and resting activities differed between years (P<0.05) and seasons (P<0.05) (in2006), but did not differ (P>0.05) among time blocks and habitats. Preening varied between years (P<0.05), seasons (P<0.05) (in 2006) and among time blocks. The present study could be useful in planning the conservation measures and population management strategies for avian species in the study area.