Ecology and Breeding Biology of Indian Stone Curlew (Burhinus indicus)

The ecology and breeding biology of Indian stone curlew was studied in two selected sites of Kurukshetra, Haryana. Indian stone curlew morphologically characterized by sandy black bill, large yellow eyes and prominent black and white wing bars. The nest was found to build on furrowed soil with fine clay, gravel or sand having free drainage during the months of March and April. The vegetation in breeding ground mainly comprised of species of Family Amaranthaceae, Solanaceae, Malvaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Polygonaceae and Asteraceae. During the breeding both the parents defend breeding ground against their natural enemies by maintaining the nest territory of 100 meters. Two eggs dirty white in colour with dark brown irregular patches were observed in each nest. The incubation period was 27 days. Both the parents participate in incubation and rearing the hatchlings. Hatchlings are precocial and start feeding after hatching. The young one migrates to feeding grounds after a span of approximately three to four months. Due to intensive anthropogenic activities, Indian stone curlew is facing habitat and breeding ground shrinkage. The farmers and town planners should be advised to manage some area with natural habitation to ensure its nesting, feeding and breeding success of this important species.