ARCHIVES
VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Sun-orientation behaviour and perching spacing in Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) during morning and evening
Authors
Huda Naaz, Shalie Malik, Sangeeta Rani, Sudhir Kumar
Abstract
It has been observed that
the sun is used as a compass by migrating birds. During the day, birds rest
after their exploratory behavioral display. We observed that Common mynas rest
about 2-3 hours after sunrise and again 2-3 hours before sunset, often perched
on electric wires. This prompted us to study (i) If the number of birds sitting
facing or opposed to the sun varied in the morning and evening times, (ii) if
the sitting space between the birds varies, and (iii) if it has some relation
to the temperature and day length. We conducted our study on a river bridge
with a clear view of sunrise and sunset, from early November to December. The
birds, while sitting on the wires, were counted, and the space between them was
measured. We found that the number of birds sitting in the morning and facing
the sun was higher than that of evening birds. Also, the space between birds
was higher in the birds during the evening than in the morning. The distance
between birds did not correlate with the space available, but the temperature
seems to have some effect. This study suggests that
birds show a higher tendency to orient toward the sun during morning hours
compared to evening, possibly related to thermoregulation or behavioural
rhythms.
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Pages:86-90
How to cite this article:
Huda Naaz, Shalie Malik, Sangeeta Rani, Sudhir Kumar "Sun-orientation behaviour and perching spacing in Common Myna (<i>Acridotheres tristis</i>) during morning and evening". International Journal of Zoology Studies, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 86-90
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