J. Exp. Zool. Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 219-220, 2013 ISSN 0972-0030

A CHANCE OBSERVATION REVEALS A MARKED SHIFT IN NEST LODGING PATTERNS IN CASE OF PIED IN URBAN SUBURBS IN KURUKSHETRA CITY

Prem Kumari Gupta, Rohtash Chand Gupta* and Tirshem Kumar Kaushik** Department of Chemistry, Indira Gandhi National College Ladwa, Kurukshetra - 136 119, India. *Senior Visiting Faculty, Institute of Environment Studies, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra - 136 119, India. email:[email protected]; [email protected] (Accepted 25 July 2012)

ABSTRACT – are a common site in the Indian Scenario. Popularly seen Mynas include Indian Myna Acridotherus tristis, Brahminy Myna Sturnus pagodarum, Greyheaded Myna Sturnus malabaricus, Bank Myna ginginianus, Acridotheres fuscus, Hill Myna Gracula religiosa and Pied Myna Sturnus contra. In the present studies attention has been focused on Pied Myna and its nest lodging habits. Moreover, the present studies concern a marked shift in nest lodging patterns in the breeding season of 2010-11(April to June). It is pertinent to mention that Zoology Department of Kurukshetra University conducted detailed studies on Pied Myna during 1989-1995 and found that, amongst other nesting sites, electric poles were the most preferred ones. However, today there were no nests lodged on electric poles in Kurukshetra and its sub- urbs. There are atleast more than 6000 electric poles in Kurukshetra. There is a marked shift in the nest lodging sites and electric poles have been completely discarded in the present times. The present studies warrant investigations on this crucial issue. During 1989-1996 studies, it was concluded that Pied Myna was demonstrating evolution in action wherein it was found lodging nests on newer and funny sites like TV-ANTENNA of 1970s, 1980s. Today that conclusion is further corroborated by the chance discovering of no –nests were found on electric poles during the breeding season of 2010-11(April-June). As such, Pied Myna is a funny and amazing . Bank Myna has not at all deflected from its traditional habit of lodging its eggs in burrows/holes in abandoned brick houses and sand dunes. On the other hand, is certainly showing deflection in its predictions for lodging nests Key words : Pied Myna, shift in nest lodging sites, electric poles, evolution in action.