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.

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2014 Prelims]

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3

(d) 3 only

Answer: (b)        

Explanation:

• Common Myna is an opportunistic feeder on inspects, disturbed by grazing cattle.
• It is an omnivorous open woodland bird with a strong territorial instinct.
• It has adapted extremely well to urban environments. Hence Code 1 is Correct.
• Painted Stork is a fish-eating bird – does not feed on insects. Hence Code 2 is Not Correct.
• Black-necked Crane is found in the Trans-Himalayan region.
• They are found around Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
• So it is unlikely to find it while walking through the “countryside” in all states and places. Hence Code 3 is Not Correct.