At the Tal Chhapar Sanctuary, a one-year study on Black Drongo breeding activities was conducted from April 2023 to August of 2023. At the studied area, Black Drongo's breeding season ran from May to August. Detailed observations were done on ten Black Drongo nests about the breeding parameters and features of the eggs. A clutch could contain between two and four eggs. The incubation period was 14 days on average. The Black Drongo's successful hatching and fledging was observed. The information acquired on the breeding biology of the Black Drongo could encourage efforts to conserve this species within the field of agriculture.

The goal of the current study was to observe breeding biology of Black Drongo in Tal Chhapar Black buck Sanctuary, Churu agricultural landscape.

Black Drongo is a fairly terrestrial bird that perches near the ground in grasslands and cultivations, Okosodo et al., (2016). Black Drongo relative abundance was reported by Kaur et al., (2018) to range from 1.73% to 4.38% in and around village ponds in Punjab's Barnala district. Black Drongo was reported by Sidhu and Kler (2018) to be a less common bird species in orchards, primarily found close to crop fields.

Study area

The study was conducted at Tal chhapar sanctuary, situated at the intersection of 27⁰ 42’ N and 74⁰ 20’ E in the Sujangarh tehsil of district Churu. The sanctuary is home to "the black buck," one of the most graceful antelopes found in India. With its nearly level terrain and sporadic shallow low-lying regions, the Tal Chhapar Sanctuary resembles a typical Savannah thanks to its open grasslands and strewn Acacia trees. "Tal" signifies to "plane land." Rainwater gathers in small seasonal water ponds after flowing through low-lying, shallow areas. It is situated in the path taken by numerous migratory birds, including harriers. In September, these birds travel through this region. The eastern imperial eagle, tawny eagle, short-toed eagle, sparrow, little green bee-eaters, black ibis, and demoiselle cranes are among the birds that are frequently spotted in the sanctuary. These birds remain there until the month of March. However, throughout the year, one can see ring doves, brown doves, skylarks, crested larks, black drongos and blue jays (Ojha 2016). The climate is very hot (45-50⁰c) in the summer and very cold (4⁰c) in winter and rainfall mainly in June to September. Black Drongo is found in large amount and a residential bird species at study area.

At all the locations under study, three times a week, in the morning and evening, direct observations of Black Drongo breeding activities were recorded. With a Nikon Aculon 10x50 binocular, it was possible to observe the individuals' breeding behaviours without upsetting them. Black Drongo's nesting sites were identified using the point count method (Verner 1985). A variety of breeding activities, including the choice of clutch size, incubation duration, and nestling behaviour, were noted through observations. The total number of eggs laid by the female during a single breeding attempt was regarded as the clutch size.

The amount of time that passed between the last egg in the clutch being laid and the last young one hatching was known as the incubation duration. The amount of time that passes between the first young bird hatching and all of the hatched birds in the nest flying out is known as the nestling period (Skutch 1960). To find the reason behind the loss of eggs or nestlings, observations were also made. The Nikon 5300D camera was used for the photography.

The hatching and fledgling success of Black Drongo was determined using the 

formula of given as under:-

Hatching success (%) = number of egg hatched/total number of egg laid×100

Fledging success (%) = number of nestling fledged/total number of egg hatched×100

Result

Total 10 nests are observed in study area. Typical desert plants are found in study area

like Acacia, Prosopis etc. mostly nests of Drongo was found at Acacia tree. Clutch size varies from 2 to 4 eggs. Total 10 nests are observed in which total 32 eggs are laid. 27 eggs are hatched so hatching success rate is about 84.37%. Average incubation period is about 14 days. Incubation is done by both parents. Nestling of hatching eggs is shared by both parents. 22 successfully fledged so fledging success is about 81.48%.

Clutch size

Clutch size – 2

Clutch size – 3

Clutch size – 4 in which two hatched

Nestling

It was discovered that Black Drongo's typical clutch size ranged from three to four. The result correlated with Ali et al., (2010). Comparing the clutch size range to earlier research by Ali and Ripley (1998), it was about constant. Hussell and Quinney (1987) had noted that clutch variation is frequently correlated with food material abundance in many bird species. According to authors, the availability of the female's nutrient reserves or protein-rich diet determines the final clutch size in birds (Krapu 1981). Ndithia et al (2007) had noted that the age of the parents frequently influences the size of the bird clutch, with younger parents laying fewer eggs. Both of the parents incubated the Black Drongo's egg. The other parent was seen not far from the nest while one of the parents was tending to the eggs. The average incubation period for Black Drongo was found to be 14 days. It was observed that Black Drongo incubation took place for roughly 13–16 days. According to current observations, both parents contributed equally to the nestling stage and the chicks' nourishment. Ali et al., (2010) reported similar outcomes. Because of the species' declining population due to the loss of its natural habitat as a result of rapid deforestation and urbanization, breeding records for this species need to be periodically checked. Such first-hand information will be beneficial in examining their population decline.

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