Population densities and diurnal activity pattern of the Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis (Aves: Coraciiformes) in Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu, India

Population densities and diurnal activity pattern of the Indian Roller were studied in Nagapattinam District over three years in different habitats. The agricultural lands supported the highest populations (41km-2), followed by river banks (36km-2) and social forests (32km-2); populations showed yearly variations in numbers and density in all habitats. On average, birds were observed to spend most of the day scanning (57%), with the remainder divided among feeding (16%), flying, (12%), preening (10%) and resting (5%). Some variations in activity breakdown were observed between time blocks, seasons and habitats.