FORAGING EFFICIENCY ALONG WITH FORAGING METHODS UTILIZED BY LITTLE EGRET (EGRETTA GARZETTA) IN DIFFERENT HABITATS OF JAMMU REGION

Pawandeep Kaur*, Dr. Sakshi Koul, D. N. Sahi and Roopma Gandotra

ABSTRACT

The foraging efficiency and foraging methods of Little Egret Egretta garzetta were studied during March 2013 to February 2016 by direct observation of individuals foraging in various habitats of Jammu.“Walk Slowly” (40.72%) was discerned to be their most common and preferred method of foraging followed by “Stand and Wait” (31.13%) and juveniles of Little Egret were less successful than adults in foraging. Most preferred habitat utilized by Little Egret was Lentic followed by lotic. Karl Pearson correlation coefficient was also deduced between various foraging variables which showed positive correlation between average pecks and successful attempts (r= 0.548, p<0.05) in open agricultural fields by adults. Lentic, lotic and urban habitats also recorded positive correlation viz., (r= 0.427, p<0.05), (r=0.390, p<0.05) and (r= 0.098, p<0.05) respectively between average pecks and successful attempts of adults.

Keywords: Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), foraging efficiency, foraging methods, habitats and correlation.