UPSC Prelims 2014·GS1·geography·ecology and environment

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.

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. A1 and 2
  2. B2 onlyCorrect
  3. C2 and 3
  4. D3 only

Explanation

Let's analyze the feeding behavior of each bird in relation to cattle: 1. Painted Stork: Painted Storks are large wading birds typically found in wetlands, feeding primarily on fish, frogs, and other aquatic life. They forage by probing in shallow waters with their long bills and are not generally seen stalking alongside cattle for insects in grasslands. 2. Common Myna: Common Mynas are highly adaptable and often found in open grasslands, cultivated fields, and human habitations. They are opportunistic feeders, and it is a very common sight to see them walking alongside grazing cattle or other livestock to catch insects (like grasshoppers, beetles, grubs) that are disturbed or flushed out by the movement of the animals. This is a classic example of commensalism. 3. Black-necked Crane: The Black-necked Crane is a large, high-altitude crane species primarily found in the wetlands and alpine meadows of the Tibetan Plateau and parts of the Himalayas. Their diet includes roots, tubers, insects, and small vertebrates, but their habitat and specific foraging behavior do not typically involve stalking cattle in countryside grasslands. Based on their typical habitats and feeding behaviors, the Common Myna is the most suitable bird for the described phenomenon.
geography: If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects dis

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