Density Indices of Grey Francolin (Francolinus Pondicerianus) in District Yamuna Nagar using Call Counts Method

The call count method provides density indices, which are not absolute measures of the density of a population. Use of this method for obtaining density indices is most widespread method for census of galliformes as it provides an accurate mean of bird population indices. Study was conducted in district Yamuna Nagar to obtain the population indices of grey francolin since March 2007 to September 2009. Objective of the counts is to understand the ecological distribution of the species, then the counts carried out only during spring season would be more reliable as the birds tend to disperse to wider areas, occupying their breeding habitat during this season. Density indices from call counts of Grey francolins were analyzed between the three years of study. The difference between density indices among three years was not significant. The mean density index of Grey francolin was maximum in month of January whereas, it was minimum in July The mean density index of Grey francolin was higher in non- breeding season than that in the breeding season. The density index of Grey francolin was found to be maximum in block nine, Whereas, it was minimum in block three. The mean density index in breeding and non- breeding seasons of all three years was compared. Calling can also be affected by several factors such as weather, time of the day and year. Therefore, using the highest number of birds heard during a survey may be prone to errors. The most reliable population index may be derived from the mean number of callers heard from different points. These estimates also take care of variations in the calling frequency of groups between days as all the calling groups may not call every morning.