If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects, disturbed by their movement through grasses. Which of the following is/are such bird/birds?

1. Painted Stork
2. Common Myna
3. Black-necked Crane

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 and 2
2. 2 only
3. 2 and 3
4. 3 only

Explanation

Painted Stork is incorrect

• Painted stork is a large shorebird endemic to the Indian subcontinent and SE Asia.
• It is a wading bird that primarily feeds in shallow water on fish and aquatic organisms, not insects disturbed by cattle.
• Distribution: River plains of the Indian subcontinent and mainland SE Asia.
• Habitat: Freshwater marshes, lakes and reservoirs, flooded fields, river banks, etc.
• Threats: Hunting, pollution, invasive species.
• IUCN:LC

Common Myna is correct

• Common mynas (Acridotheres tristis) are native to south Asia.
• Ecological Role: Plays a role in pest control but can compete with native species for resources.
• Their natural breeding range is from Afghanistan through India and Sri Lanka to Bangladesh.
• This bird is frequently observed near cattle. It opportunistically feeds on insects flushed out by grazing animals, making the statement correct
• IUCN: LC

Black-necked Crane

• The Black-necked crane is the state bird of UT of Ladakh (it was the state bird of erstwhile J&K).
• Distribution: It is native to Ladakh, Sichuan (China) and Tibet. It migrates to Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan during the winter.
• It inhabits wetlands and high-altitude regions, feeding mainly on plants, grains, and small animals; it is not associated with cattle-following behavior.
• Habitat: Inland grassy wetlands at high elevation.
• IUCN: NT | CITES: Appx I | CMS: Appx I | WPA: Sch I

Answer: (b)  2 only ; Difficulty Level: Easy