Rural lifestyle was established long ago to meet demands of human life. Since the way of life has gradually changed for human, rural lifestyle has evolved as well. With the development of civilization we have started to become more accustomed with urban lifestyle. With time, thanks to modern technology, various infrastructures (e.g. roads, buildings etc.) have emerged throughout our cities. A number of birds have disappeared due to Insufficiency of trees, caused by urbanization. But few species of birds are still surviving by altering their habits (e.g. feeding, breeding etc.) to get adapted to changed urban environment. These birds have grown intimacy with city dwelling human. Sparrow, Starling, Kite, Crow, Owl, Dove, Sunbird, Parakeet, Tailorbird etc. are remarkable among those birds. Since our large cities are highly populated, increased amount of wastes can be seen there. As a result, scavenger birds have easily adapted to our urban environments. Crows are the most advanced among such birds. They can be seen in every city. Their population is richer than other birds. Though Crows are not that popular among common people, they are useful for urban ecosystem. Few species of Starling can be seen in urban areas. Common Myna and Asian Pied Starling are mentionable among those. Asian Pied Starlings are the most available among Starlings. Because they depend on waste more than other Starlings. They collect food from waste in flock. Common Myna also fearlessly roam in urban areas. Black Kites can also be seen in urban areas. They are well-known as scavenger. Since they have very keen eyesight, they forage for feeding by flying high. Hundreds of them flock together to feed on wastes. Brahminy Kites are also available in urban areas. Being a scavenger bird they have also become accustomed with urban life. Sparrows are a common urban bird. They can also be seen in crowded areas. They roam in buildings, small bushes and trees. They can be seen roam as couple or in small flocks. Sometimes hundreds of them can be seen together. They build nest in buildings. Spotted Dove is also an urban bird. They can be seen roosting on urban electric wires. They are gray-brown colored bird. They have black & white spots on their neck. Rock Pigeon is well-known for religious reason. Hundreds of them can be seen roaming together in urban shrines and temples. They also build nest in buildings with straws. Among nocturnal birds Barn Owl & Spotted Owlet can be seen in various cities. In breeding season they build nest on the roof of buildings. Though they remain silent during daytime, they become active at dusk. Common Tailorbirds can be seen sometimes in urban areas. These little birds look wonderful. They roam restlessly from branches to branches. Mechanized cities become melodious with their calls. Since they are insectivorous, small urban plants are their habitat. Despite being forest bird, Rose-ringed Parakeet can also be seen in urban areas. It’s a gorgeous bird. They mainly live in small flock but can also be seen as couple. Melodious bird Sunbird can also be seen in urban areas. Presence of these birds make urban plants colorful. These birds feed on flower honey and, in chorus, help in pollination. A number of water bodies are still surviving in our urban areas. These water bodies contain some water throughout the year. As a result, some aquatic birds (e.g. Heron) roam in those water bodies. Wagtails can be seen in around those water bodies and sometimes in house yards. Most of the time they walk shaking their tail. These urban birds are keeping cities green by helping in pollination. Some of them are maintaining environmental balance by feeding on insects. Scavenger birds are keeping cities clean. Above all, these birds are inseparable part of urban areas. But their population is falling due to food shortage, destruction of urban trees etc. So we must ensure their safe habitat by protecting existing trees and planting new trees. Ensuring food and habitat will help them to maintain healthy lifestyle. Only then our healthy and prosperous urban life will be ensured.

• published: 11 Jan 2015
• views: 1