Question map
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.
Explanation
The correct answer is option B (2 only - Common Myna).
The Common Myna is an opportunistic feeder on insects, disturbed by grazing cattle.[1] This directly describes the behavior mentioned in the question of stalking alongside cattle to seize insects disturbed by their movement.
The Painted Stork is not associated with this behavior. Painted Storks breed in colonies from September–January on platform nests,[2] and they are wading birds that typically feed in wetlands rather than following cattle through grasslands.
The Black-necked Crane is also not known for this behavior. As the world's only alpine crane species, the black-necked crane resides almost exclusively at high altitudes on the Tibetan Plateau and in the Himalaya,[3] and it winters in farming communities where it has grown dependent on grain stubble fields for its very survival.[4] This crane feeds on grain stubble rather than insects disturbed by cattle.
Therefore, only the Common Myna exhibits the characteristic behavior of following cattle to catch disturbed insects.
SourcesPROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Full viewThis is a classic 'Eyes-Open' question. Standard textbooks (Shankar/PMF) list species status but rarely describe behavioral ecology like 'stalking cattle'. The answer relies on common observation in Indian rural landscapes or watching nature documentaries (Attenborough style). It tests if you know the difference between a generalist scavenger (Myna) and a specialist wetland bird (Stork/Crane).
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
- Statement 1: Does the Painted Stork commonly stalk alongside cattle to seize insects disturbed by the cattle's movement through grasses?
- Statement 2: Does the Common Myna commonly stalk alongside cattle to seize insects disturbed by the cattle's movement through grasses?
- Statement 3: Does the Black-necked Crane commonly stalk alongside cattle to seize insects disturbed by the cattle's movement through grasses?
- Explicitly states a species that does stalk alongside grazing cattle to take insects: the Common Myna.
- Shows that the cattle-associated foraging behavior is documented for mynas, implying this behavior is characteristic of species other than storks.
- Describes Painted Stork as a wetland species seen year-round at specific wetlands and breeding colonially in trees on platform nests.
- Provides habitat and breeding behaviour (wetland, colonial nester) with no mention of following cattle to catch insects, which argues against the statement.
Describes large numbers of cattle kept on tall grass/bushes in savanna environments where cattle are moving and grazing.
A student could combine this with the general fact that moving large grazing animals can disturb small fauna in vegetation to hypothesise birds might exploit such disturbance.
States the savanna is 'natural cattle country' with pastoralists and cattle grazing on local grasslands.
Knowing Painted Storks occur in some open wetland/grassland regions, a student might check overlap of stork range with savanna grazing areas to assess plausibility of cattle-following behaviour.
Notes that livestock farming in equatorial/highland regions is handicapped by tall coarse grass and that few animals are kept—implying varied vegetation structure where animals move through tall grasses.
A student could infer that in areas with tall grasses, animal movement could flush insects from cover and then look for observational evidence of birds taking advantage.
Describes nomadic herders migrating regularly with livestock, implying regular, large-scale movement of cattle across landscapes.
A student might extend this to consider that repeated livestock movement creates opportunities (predictable disturbances) that foraging birds could exploit, then seek species-specific foraging reports.
Mentions ranching and replacement of tufted grasses by forage crops, indicating varied grazing systems and differing vegetation that influence how animals move through and disturb ground cover.
A student could use this to reason that in some grazing regimes (open pastures) insects are more likely to be exposed by cattle movement and so check whether Painted Storks forage in such pastures.
Describes cattle being kept in large numbers on savanna/tall grass, establishing frequent cattle presence in grassy habitats where animals move through vegetation.
A student could combine this with general knowledge that birds exploit foraging opportunities near large mammals to hypothesize mynas follow cattle in such habitats.
Notes the savanna as 'natural cattle country' with tall/coarse grasses, indicating ecosystems where cattle and hidden arthropods likely co-occur.
Use this to infer that cattle movements in these grasslands would disturb invertebrates, creating feeding opportunities for opportunistic insectivorous birds.
Mentions grasses that are tall and coarse and that livestock graze in such vegetation, implying many insects may be concealed in the sward.
Combine with common-sense ecology that trampling or grazing can flush or expose insects for nearby predators (e.g., birds).
States that in some regions grasses are wiry and bunchy and unsuited for animal farming — indicates structural grass types where insects could be sheltered and disturbed by movement.
A student could extrapolate that movement of cattle through bunchy grass would dislodge insects, potentially benefiting birds that forage near cattle.
Describes insect-trapping plants and the prevalence of insects in wet/marshy habitats, showing that insects are a common and available food resource in many plant communities.
Combine this with the above habitat clues to reason that insect-rich grasslands could support birds that exploit insects flushed by large mammals.
- Explicitly describes the black-necked crane as an alpine species resident almost exclusively at high altitudes.
- Being an alpine, high‑altitude species implies it is not typically the lowland countryside bird that stalks alongside cattle for insects.
- States the species winters in farming communities and depends on grain stubble fields for survival.
- Dependency on grain stubble suggests feeding on agricultural leftovers rather than actively stalking cattle for disturbed insects.
- Lists key habitats as high altitude lakes and marshland.
- Habitat emphasis on high‑altitude wetlands further indicates the species is not a typical lowland cattle‑associated insect forager.
Describes cattle kept in large numbers feeding on tall grass in savanna environments—establishes a context where large grazing mammals move through tall grasses.
A student could combine this with the ecological rule that ground-dwelling insects are abundant in tall grass to hypothesize that grazing cattle might flush prey for opportunistic birds.
States the savanna is 'natural cattle country' with many pastoralists and cattle moving through grasslands—reinforces the frequent presence and movement of cattle in grassy habitats.
One could map black-necked crane wintering or foraging areas against pastoral grasslands to see spatial overlap necessary for following behavior.
Notes that savanna vegetation is tall and provides camouflage, implying that many animals and likely invertebrates are concealed in the grass layer.
Combine with the idea that movement of large animals through camouflaging tall grass would disturb hidden fauna, potentially offering foraging opportunities to birds.
Lists cranes (though not Black-necked specifically) among winter birds, indicating that crane species do use some of the regions/habitats discussed.
A student could check where Black-necked Cranes winter or forage relative to pastoral areas to assess plausibility of cattle-following for feeding on disturbed insects.
- [THE VERDICT]: Sitter (for observers) / Bouncer (for book-only students). Source: General Awareness / Nature Observation.
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Ecological Interactions (Commensalism) and Bird Foraging Guilds.
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: 1. Cattle Egret (The most famous cattle-follower). 2. Black Drongo (Perches on cattle/buffalo). 3. Painted Stork (Wetland specialist, fish-eater, Near Threatened). 4. Black-necked Crane (High-altitude wetlands, Ladakh/Tibet, Near Threatened). 5. Sarus Crane (Agricultural marshes, UP State Bird).
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Do not just memorize IUCN status. Profile the 'Habitat & Diet'. Ask: Is this bird aquatic (Stork) or terrestrial? Is it high-altitude (Black-necked Crane) or plains? A stork has a fishing beak; it won't chase grasshoppers in dry grass. A high-altitude crane won't be in the general 'countryside'.
The statement involves cattle moving through grasses; several references describe the savanna as a cattle region but stress that grass quality is poor, which affects cattle behavior and land use.
High-yield for paper II/GS geography: explains why pastoralism predominates in some tropical regions and why large-scale ranching is limited. Connects to topics on land use, agricultural suitability and rural livelihoods. Learn by comparing climatic zones and their pasture quality, and practise map-based and cause-effect questions.
- Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 30: Climatic Regions > Cattle Rearing > p. 439
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 17: The Savanna or Sudan Climate > Problems, Prospects and Development of the savanna > p. 170
The question presumes insect disturbance by cattle in grasses; references repeatedly note tall/coarse grasses and disease vectors (tsetse/ngana) that shape livestock presence and productivity.
Important for answering questions on development, health, and agricultural constraints in the tropics. Links to human geography (rural economies), epidemiology (vector-borne disease impact on livestock), and policy responses. Master by summarising key constraints and their socioeconomic consequences with examples.
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 15: The Hot, Wet Equatorial Climate > Factors Affecting the Development of Equatorial Regions > p. 154
- Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 30: Climatic Regions > Difficulties In Livestock Farming > p. 429
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 17: The Savanna or Sudan Climate > Problems, Prospects and Development of the savanna > p. 170
The statement implies cattle moving across grasses; references discuss nomadic herding, transhumance and seasonal driving of cattle to pastures — relevant to how and where cattle move and interact with their environment.
Frequently tested in GS and geography: explains mobility patterns, resource access, and cultural-economic systems of pastoralists. Connects to topics on land tenure, climate impacts and rural livelihoods. Prepare by comparing nomadic, transhumant and commercial ranching systems and their drivers.
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 20: The Temperate Continental (Steppe) Climate > Economic Development > p. 192
- Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 10: Locational Factors of Economic Activities > Pastoral Nomadism > p. 9
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 26: Agriculture > 2. Temperate agriculture > p. 249
References describe differences in grass types and their suitability for cattle (savanna vs temperate grasslands), which determine grazing behavior and how animals move through vegetation — a key factor if one is assessing whether birds might exploit insects disturbed by cattle.
High-yield geography topic: questions often ask about pastoralism, pasture quality and regional livestock productivity. It links to land use, biomes and rural economies and helps answer questions about animal–habitat interactions. Prepare by comparing grassland types, cattle productivity and examples (savanna, Pampas, Queensland).
- Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 30: Climatic Regions > Cattle Rearing > p. 439
- Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 30: Climatic Regions > Difficulties In Livestock Farming > p. 429
- Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 30: Climatic Regions > Ranching > p. 446
Movement patterns of herds (nomadic herding) affect how and where cattle disturb vegetation and associated invertebrates — directly relevant to any claim about animals (e.g., birds) following cattle to catch disturbed insects.
Frequently tested in physical and human geography for land-use and pastoral systems. Connects to topics on nomadism, transhumance and socio-economic adaptations; useful for structuring answers on animal–human–environment interactions. Study through case examples and cause–effect chains (movement → disturbance → ecological consequences).
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 20: The Temperate Continental (Steppe) Climate > Economic Development > p. 192
Evidence on insect-trapping organisms highlights the presence and ecological importance of insects in habitats; understanding insect distributions and predators provides context when evaluating claims about insectivorous birds exploiting insects disturbed by larger animals.
Relevant for ecology questions bridging biology and geography (food webs, species interactions). It helps frame questions about predator strategies and resource exploitation. Learn core insectivory mechanisms and habitat links, and practice applying them to interaction scenarios.
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 13: Plant Diversity of India > 13.3.1. Insectivorous plants of India The Indian Hunters > p. 198
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 13: Plant Diversity of India > 13.3. INSECTIVOROUS PLANTS > p. 197
Several references describe the savanna as the natural area for cattle rearing while also noting limitations in productivity and quality of cattle—directly relevant to understanding cattle presence in grassland ecosystems.
High-yield for UPSC geography/ecology: explains biome-based human livelihoods and constraints (pastoralism, ranching). Connects to land-use, pastoral societies, and agricultural economics questions. Prepare by comparing biome characteristics and human adaptation strategies; practise source-based questions on savanna livelihoods.
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 17: The Savanna or Sudan Climate > Problems, Prospects and Development of the savanna > p. 170
- Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 30: Climatic Regions > Cattle Rearing > p. 439
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 17: The Savanna or Sudan Climate > Animal Life of the Savanna > p. 168
The 'Cattle Egret' is the biological sibling here—it is actually more famous for this behavior than the Myna. A future question might ask about the 'Black Drongo' (King Crow) which displays similar commensalism by perching on cattle to catch flying insects.
Apply the 'Habitat Mismatch' heuristic. 'Painted Stork' implies water/fishing (Storks wade, they don't stalk grass). 'Black-necked Crane' implies a specific, exotic location (Himalayas), not general 'countryside'. 'Common Myna' literally has 'Common' in its name—it fits the generic description best. Eliminate 1 and 3.
Link Black-necked Crane to GS3 Environment (Wetland Conservation). It is a flagship species for the 'Changthang Cold Desert Sanctuary' and 'Tso Kar' (Ramsar Site). Its conservation is geopolitically linked to India-China border ecology.