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?
- Painted Stork
- Common Myna
- Black-necked Crane
Smart Elimination
Cranes and Storks are water/wetland birds (they have long legs for wading in water). They do not typically walk in dry grass fields next to cows. The Common Myna is a bird found everywhere near humans and cattle.
Potential Trap
Confusion with Cattle Egret: The Cattle Egret is the most famous bird for this behavior. However, the Common Myna also exhibits this behavior.
Answer Key & Explanation
Answer: BThe correct answer is Option B.
Explanation:
- Painted Stork: It is a fish-eating bird found in wetlands. It does not typically stalk cattle for insects.
- Common Myna: It is an omnivorous bird often seen perched on cattle or walking alongside them to eat insects disturbed by the cattle's movement.
- Black-necked Crane: A high-altitude bird (Ladakh/Tibet) found in wetlands/marshes, not associated with cattle in the countryside for insects.
Value Addition
- Commensalism: This relationship (where the bird benefits and the cattle is unaffected) is an example of commensalism.
- Black-necked Crane: State bird of Ladakh (previously J&K).
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Foundational question based on core concepts.