On Thu, Apr 25, 2013 at 1:35 AM, Adesh Shivkar <adesh.shivkar@gmail.com> wrote:
A couple of more images .....On Thu, Apr 25, 2013 at 1:32 AM, Adesh Shivkar <adesh.shivkar@gmail.com> wrote:
Common Name : White-browed Bushchat (Stoliczka's Bushchat)
Species: Saxicola macrorhynchusStatus in the Region: RarePlace: Outskirts of Tal Chappar WLS, Churu District, Rajasthan
Site Habitat: Dry fallow land interspersed with thorny shrubsDate: 4th March, 2013
Equipment: Canon 40 D with Canon 100-400 mm IS lensRemarks:Birds have been studied extensively in India and elsewhere and with the spurt in digital photography, awareness and information technology new insights are revealed about birds every day. Some not so easily seen birds are showcased to a much larger audience and deeper studies are conducted.
Yet, there are few birds which still lead a mysterious life.... their lifestyle still un-explored and their status yet unknown. One such bird seems to be the strange Stoliczka's Bushchat - Saxicola macrorhynchus (Also called as White-browed Bushchat) whose behaviour, routine and status is still unclear. This species is known to occur in Dry (arid) thorny scrubland in pockets of NW India and presumably in Pakistan and is vulnerable with declining population. It is indeed surprising to know that very little is known about the breeding habits of this bird. Presumably no one has yet recorded either its nest or its courtship ritual. It differs from other bushchats by its longer and pointed (almost triangular beak) that probably helps it to dig out insects (have seen this act on several occasions) as also its long legs that helps it to pursue prey on ground just like a pipit. Infact it spends so much time on ground pursuing insects that a first timer would easily confuse this as a Pipit..... The species name macrorhynchus is derived from Greek (makros=large, rhunkhos=bill)
But what's even more intriguing is its "Puff & Shake" behaviour that has baffled bird experts. While feeding, the bird suddenly puffs up its belly (like in this image) and shakes side-ways, relaxes and resumes its activity. It does this periodically (we have seen the "puffing" part also while it is perched)...... No one knows for sure what this means and there are several hypothesis to this. Some experts say that it is a courtship ritual, while others feel it could be a threat display, yet others feel this could be a tactic to flush out insects. The later explanation seems more in-line with the chat family behaviour. Whatever, it is, there is a need to study and probe this interesting and unique behaviour..... However, it is always very amusing to witness this "Puff & Shake" antic of this adorable bird :-)
For those groups that do not support attachments, may click here.....Thanks to Mr.Surat Singh Poonia Ji (DFO-Tal Chappar WLS) who has been studying this bird in Tal Chappar and for helping us to see this one.
Warm Regards,Adesh--
I Believe In God, Only spell It Nature
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