Foraging ecology of Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer in University premises and nearby forest patch in Mihinthale, Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study was conducted at the premises of Faculty of Applied sciences, Rajarata university of Sri Lanka, and the nearby forest patch which is a dry zone forest (lat 8° 19' 60" N / lon 80° 31' 0" E), from January to May, 2011 to identify the impacts of the foraging ecology of the Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) on the selected eco-system. It is a common resident arboreal species, non-territorial and can occur in pairs or large flocks.

Observations were taken daily, along the transect of 300 m in length and 50 m width using the scan sampling method. No counts were made during heavy rains. For each foraging attempt, microhabitat details such as height above the ground, food substrate and the plant species used for feeding were recorded.

According to the results, 59% of food consumed was insects, 22% fruits and others were less than 5%. The dominant plant utilized for feeding was Azadirachta indica and it was utilised 34.93%. The dominant plant utilized for resting is Schleichera oleosa and it was 45.7%.

The study identified the foraging ecology of Pycnonotus cafer and it can be used for ecosystem management, and for the conservation of both birds and plants in the Mihinthale Sanctuary.