Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 November 2023 | 15(11): 24169–24183

 

ISSN 0974-7907 (Online) | ISSN 0974-7893 (Print) 

https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.8573.15.11.24169-24183

#8573 | Received 05 June 2023 | Final received 02 October 2023 | Finally accepted 14 October 2023

 

 

Diversity and distribution of birds in the Bharathapuzha River Basin, Kerala, India

 

P.N. Anoop Raj 1, A.D. Velankar 2 & P. Pramod 3

 

1,3 Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, South India Centre of Wildlife Institute of India, Anaikatty (Post), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641108, India.

1 Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Madhav Nagar, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India.

1 Siddharth foundation, No 26, Abbas garden, TVS Nagar, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641025, India.

2 12, Saisanket CHS, Ganeshwadi, Panchpakhadi, Thane, Maharashtra 400601, India.

1 anupnarayanan1@gmail.com (corresponding author), 2 avadhoot.velankar@gmail.com, 3 neosacon@gmail.com

 

 

                                  

Editor: H. Byju, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.                    Date of publication: 26 November 2023 (online & print)

 

Citation: Raj, P.N.A., A.D. Velankar & P. Pramod (2023). Diversity and distribution of birds in the Bharathapuzha River Basin, Kerala, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 15(11): 24169–24183. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.8573.15.11.24169-24183

  

Copyright: © Raj et al. 2023. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.  JoTT allows unrestricted use, reproduction, and distribution of this article in any medium by providing adequate credit to the author(s) and the source of publication.

 

Funding: Kerala State Biodiversity Board.

 

Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

 

Author details: Anoop Raj is a doctoral student of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal and affiliated with the Salim Ali Center for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON). He is a researcher in bird ecology with a wildlife biology science background. He is working on riverine bird communities of the Western Ghats for his PhD. Dr. Avadhoot Dilip Velankar is an independent researcher. His area of specialization is primatology. Dr. Padmanabhan Pramod is a senior principal scientist and head of the Nature Education Division of SACON. He has 27 years of research experience in the bird community, biodiversity assessment and applied ornithology.

 

Author contributions: ARPN-—study design, field surveys, data analysis and preparation of manuscript, PP—study design, review, preparation of manuscript, ADV—data analysis, preparation of manuscript.

 

Acknowledgements: We acknowledge the Kerala State Biodiversity Board for the funding through the Doctoral fellowship programme. Also extending gratitude to Mrs. Nila, Mrs. Sheena, and Mr. Subhash for their constant support in data collection. We thank Mr Sethu M.R. (Doctoral fellow at Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies), Mr Ibrahim M and Mr Nandu V. S from SACON for their support in developing maps. We thank Mr. Anoop N.R., and Dr. Swapna Devi Ray for their comments on the improvement of the manuscript.

 

 

Abstract: Bharathapuzha River is the second largest, west-flowing river in Kerala, Western Ghats. This river is exposed to high levels of anthropogenic and natural pressures. This study attempts to understand the diversity and distribution of birds in this river basin. The observations were made from October 2017 to July 2019 in 70*1 km2 grids distributed in three strata (i.e., upper, middle, and lower reaches). A total of 262 bird species were recorded from the river basin. The diversity and richness of birds were found high in the upper reaches of the river and the species abundance was found more in the lower reaches. Due to the high turnover of migratory species, the rank abundance model for upper and lower reaches showed a high degree of dominance while middle reaches showed a relatively even distribution of abundances. Deforestation, sand mining, and water pollution were found to be the major threats in the river basin. Hence the results show the importance of the protection and rejuvenation of the ecosystems associated with the river for the conservation of avian diversity in the region.

 

Keywords: Bird community, ecological indicators, ecological zones, migrant birds, Nila river, rank abundance models, resident birds, riverine biodiversity, riverine birds, Western Ghats.

 

 

 

Introduction

 

Rivers are considered an important ecological entity that supports rich biodiversity. The water flow, geography, interaction between the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and the dynamic nature make the rivers one of Earth’s most complex biophysical systems (Naiman et al. 1993). Though the rivers harbour rich biodiversity, they are also prone to many natural and anthropogenic challenges. Therefore, understanding the biological communities of the river system is essential for its management and conservation prioritization. The diverse habitats on the river corridors support many birds (Stevens et al. 1977; Stauffer & Best 1980; Knopf 1985). Since birds are considered as ecological indicators, habitat quality can be assessed through long-term avifauna monitoring. Understanding the bird communities and habitat association of different species (including migratory species) in different seasons is important for planning conservation strategies (Rice et al. 1980; Naiman et al. 1993; Gergel et al. 2002).

Kerala is one of the important places for avian research. The high level of habitat heterogeneity and its mosaic nature supports a wide range of birds (Neelakantan 1969, 1970, 1981, 1982; Neelakantan & Sureshkumar 1980; Neelakantan et al. 1980; Ali & Ripley 1983; Pramod 1995). The wetlands in Kerala enhance avian diversity by hosting migratory birds, hence many of the larger wetlands in Kerala were announced as Ramsar sites (Jayson 2002; Nameer 2005)

Bharathapuzha River (10.416–11.25 N and 75.833–76.916 E) in Kerala is known for its cultural and ecological significance. This river is considered as the cradle of civilization in Kerala. The major portion of the Bharathapuzha River flows through a human-dominated and agricultural landscape. The diverse habitat in the fluvial channel of the river supports great bird diversity. Many researchers have attempted to document the bird diversity in the river basin (Namassivayam & Venugopal 1989; Namassivayam et al. 1989; Kurup 1991; Uthaman & Namassivayam 1991;  Neelakantan et al. 1993; Pramod 1995; Kurup 1996; Bijukumar 2006; Arif et al. 2010). However, the information available about the bird diversity of this river basin is sporadic.

In this investigation, we considered the river basin as a single ecological entity. We employed a ridge-to-reef approach to document the bird diversity from headwaters, main tributaries, mainstream and estuary. This study aims to establish baseline information about the avifauna of the Bharathapuzha River Basin and as a potential survey design for other river basins.

 

Materials and method

 

Study area

The river Bharathapuzha originates from the southern part of the Palakkad Gap, in the Anamalai hills in the state of Tamil Nadu. It flows through the Palakkad gap covering Pollachi in Tamil Nadu; Palakkad, Thrissur, and Malappuram districts in Kerala and debouches into the Arabian Sea at Ponnani on the Malabar coast. The total length of the river is 250 km, of which 209 km flows through Kerala and 41 km through Tamil Nadu (Figure 1). The total extent of the river drainage basin is 6,186 km2 between an elevation gradient of 2,461–0 m with an annual discharge of 3.94 km3 water. The study divided the river drainage basin into three different ecological zones based on the stream orders as per Strahler (1957). Streams of order one to three were denoted as upper reaches (Image 1), order four to five as middle reaches (Image 2) and sixth-order streams were denoted as lower reaches (Image 3) (Abel et al. 2008).

The major tributaries of the river are Chiturpuzha, Gayathripuzha, Kunthipuzha, and Kalpathipuzha. All these tributaries originate from the northern and southern tips of the Palakkad Gap, which are the permanent and important water sources for the river. There are 11 dams constructed on this river for drinking water supply and irrigation to serve millions of people in the region.

 

Study design

The hydrology layer for the river basin was extracted using ASTER GDEM V2 and stream orders were established using the Strahler (1957) method. Field surveys were conducted along 453 km stretches at these ecological zones (Figure 1). These stretches were divided into 70 grid cells of 1 X 1 km. These selected locations were sampled from October 2017 to July 2019 in three replications which include two migratory (November–March) and one non-migratory season (April–October).  In each cell bird observations were made for a 15 min period using point count with the fixed-width method (Reynolds et al. 1980). A total of 840 point counts were conducted in the sampling area. Over-flying birds, bird detections >50 m, and uncertain bird identifications were truncated from the data to improve the robustness of the study. Direct and indirect signs of birds were observed at 0600–1100 h and 1530–1900 h in each location. Direct observations were made using binoculars and spotting scopes. Bird identification was done using field guides (Ali & Ripley 1983; Ali 1999; Grimmett et al. 1999; Kazmierczak 2000) and photographs. The bird checklist was prepared using Praveen et al. (2020).

Opportunistic bird observations, i.e., the birds observed in the study areas after the predesigned observation period were recorded as ad libitum. The time of observation, date and number of individuals sighted, and habitat were noted.

Data analysis: Bird abundance data was arranged in the species vs sites contingency table. Absolute species richness for each region was tabulated. To check sampling adequacy, species richness was also estimated using Chao 1 ™index. To compare diversity, dominance and evenness Shannon-Weiner (H’) and Simpson index were estimated (Magurran 1988). Relative abundance for all species was calculated in each ecological zone (Sutherland et al. 2004) using the formula.

 

 

 

Where RA = relative abundance of species i, Ni = Abundance of species i in ecological zone, P = Population of all species in river basin.

Relative abundance was calculated with the whole population of birds in the river basin to make it comparable between ecological zones. The relative frequency of occurrence (RF) of birds in grids was used to understand the commonality/rarity of birds in each ecological zone. Hence the birds with RF more than 50% are considered as common, 20% to 50% as less common and >20% as rare.

To understand the migratory species of birds, bird species observed were classified into three categories such as resident, local migrant or long-distance migrant (SoIB 2023). To assess species distribution patterns, rank abundance distribution patterns were examined. All statistical analyses were performed using R statistical language V4.3.0 with R Studio IDE for R V2023.03.01. Diversity indices and rank abundance distributions were estimated using ‘vegan’: Community Ecology Package 2.6-4 (Oksanen et al. 2013).

 

 

Results

 

Diversity

The bird observations were conducted from 0ctober 2017 to July 2019. A total of 262 species of birds were recorded belonging to 20 orders and 71 families (Table 1). Out of 262 bird species recorded in the study area 235 species of birds were recorded while employing the bird survey method; 27 bird species were observed in the opportunistic observations. Ecological zone-wise sampling efforts, bird species observed and the number of individual birds sighted are shown in Table 2. A total of 36,811 individuals were recorded from the river basin in migratory (n = 27,242) and non-migratory (n = 9,569) seasons during the survey. Passeriformes were the most dominant group in the river basin (42%) followed by Charadriiformes (13%), Falconiformes (8%), and Ciconiformes (6%). Passerine birds were the most dominant group (N = 146) followed by waders (N = 33), raptors (N = 20), and shorebirds (N = 19).  Absolute species richness and estimated species richness using Chao–1 was similar (Table 3) indicating sampling was adequate. While the Shannon-Weiner index (H’) shows higher species diversity in upper reaches (Table 3) than in middle and lower reaches. However, Simpsons’ index for evenness and dominance was found to be similar across all ecological zones.  

 

Bird species occurrence in different ecological zones

Rare birds were more compared to common and less common birds in all ecological zones. The upper reaches of the river basin reported 45 species of resident, two species of local migrants and four species of long-distance migrant birds as common, while 91 residents, 10 local migrants and eight long-distance migrants were rare. In the middle reaches, 43 residents, two species of local migrants and one species of long-distance migrant birds were common. 58 residents, six local migrants and three long-distance migrants were rare.  In lower reaches, 48 residents, two local migrants and five migrant species were common and 48 residents, two local migrants and 10 migrant species were rare (Table 4).

Zipf-Mandlebrot distribution was found to be the best-fit model for upper reaches (deviance = 401.60) and lower reaches (deviance = 465.40). However, bird species in the middle reaches followed a log-normal abundance distribution (deviance = 615.83) (Table 5). Lower reaches had a steeper distribution than upper reaches and middle reaches indicating a high species turnover rate. While upper and lower reaches show shallow slopes, Middle reaches have more even abundances with species ranked with log-normal distribution.

 

 

Discussion

 

Being a human-dominated landscape, some synanthropic birds such as the Common Myna Acridotheres tristis, House Crow Corvus splendens, and Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus, were dominant in the three ecological zones of the river basin region. However, Purple-rumped Sunbird Leptocoma zeylonica, Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer, Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius, Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis, Yellow-billed Babbler Turdoides affinis, and White-cheeked Barbet Psilopogon viridis were the other common resident birds in the river basin. The wetland associated birds such as Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis, Little Cormorant Microcarbo niger, Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii, and White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis were also found commonly in the river basin. Most of these birds are generalist feeders and adapt themselves to survive in any condition. Black-bellied Tern Sterna acuticauda, Dark-fronted Babbler Rhopocichla atriceps, Asian Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica, Indian Spotted Eagle Clanga hastata, Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus, Striated Heron Butorides striata, Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis, Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis, and Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus found as rare resident birds in the river basin in which a few of these birds were specific to ecological zones.

Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides, Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea, and Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica were found to be the common local migrant birds in the river basin. Chestnut-tailed Starling Sturnia malabarica, Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus, and Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica were the rare local migrant birds.

Blyth’s Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum, Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos, and Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus were the common long-distance migrants. Booted Warbler Iduna caligata, Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata, Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus, and Amur Falcon Falco amurensis were the rare long-distance migrants.

Malayan Night-heron Gorsachius melanolophus, Chestnut-winged Cuckoo Clamator coromandus, Black-bellied Tern Sterna acuticauda, and Indian Spotted Eagle Clanga hastata were some of the important sightings during the study period. The maximum flock size is seen in Little Cormorants with <300 individuals in a single location at Walayar dam. Gull species such as Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus and Pallas’s Gull Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus congregated highly in the estuarine region. Totally, 2,200 individual birds were encountered in a single grid at Ponnani. 

The study identified 60 species that are specific to the upper reaches, four to middle reaches and 16 to the lower reaches. 119 birds were common to all regions (Figure 2). Out of these, 17 birds were endemic to Western Ghats including one ‘Endangered’, seven ‘Near Threatened’, and four ‘Vulnerable’ birds as per the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This indicates that productive and heterogeneous habitats of the Bharathapuzha River Basin support birds from different niches and foraging guilds from forest to wetland-dependent birds as well as synanthropic species. 

Upper reaches show higher species richness than middle and lower reaches because of the presence of primary forests, human habitations, and dams. Hence this region supports different foraging and feeding guilds (Ali & Ripley 1983; Wiens 1989). Also, the presence of dams in the upper reaches and the presence of estuary and check dams in the lower reaches enables to host a large number of migratory birds such as Little-ringed Plover Charadrius dubius, Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis and Barn Swallows Hirundo rustica.  However, due to the lesser availability of the wintering grounds in the middle reaches, fewer migratory birds were observed.

Ziph-Mandlebrot distribution of rank abundances in upper reaches and lower reaches has steep concave slope indicating that few species occur in high abundances (Figure 3). Species with high abundance ranks in these regions are migratory species like Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus and Pallas’s Gull Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus with flock sizes of <5,000 individuals which dwarf the abundances of resident species. However, in the middle reaches, flock sizes of migratory birds are smaller which shows a more even distribution of rank abundances.

 

Status of migratory birds in the Bharathapuzha River

Purathur in the Bharathapuzha River basin was identified as one of the major stop-over sites for many migratory birds (Kurup 1991; Kumar 2001). Large flocks of Black-headed Gull, Pallas’s Gull, & Brown-headed Gull (<5,000), Whiskered Tern (<100), and resident egrets such as Cattle Egret and Little Egret (<100) were recorded from the Purathur region during the study period. Smaller migratory bird flocks of Little-ringed Plover  and Common Sandpipers  were reported from the dams and several other parts of the main course. Solitary and passage migrant birds such as the Amur Falcon were reported from the headwater region. There were consecutive sightings of these passage migrants in the river basin from 2017 (Malampuzha Dam), 2018 (Thirunavaya), and 2019 (Malampuzha Dam). This indicates the importance of the river Bharathapuzha and associated habitats for the conservation of migratory and resident birds.

 

Major Threats

During the study period, natural vegetation near the sampling locations in upper reaches was cleared for expansion of agriculture especially for cash crops like rubber, teak, coffee and coconut. Such deforestation activities for the construction of dams, human settlements and infrastructure development were also reported in various studies (Nossiter 1982; Eapen 1999; Kumar 2005; John et al. 2019).

Bharathapuzha River is one of the most affected river systems due to the predominant sand mining. Legal and illegal sand mining altered the river ecosystem, especially in the mainstream. The illegal sand mining and over-exploitation of sand destroyed the river ecosystem (Sreedhar & Irfan 2016). There were several sighting reports and nesting records of ‘Endangered’ Black-bellied Tern in the river basin (Susanthkumar 2004; Aarif et al. 2010). However, in this study, we couldn’t find nesting of these birds in the river basin. Sand mining is still prevalent in the lower reaches of the Bharathapuzha River Basin. It can be detrimental to the benthic ecosystem on which many bird species are dependent. Hence sand mining may have cascading effects on the biodiversity of the entire river basin.

Due to the strong opposition by the local people, nature enthusiasts and NGOs, there have been various regulations and restrictions imposed on sand mining activities. Even though, illegal sand mining is prevalent in several locations in the river basin. Interestingly, legal sand mining in the estuary region, at Ponnani is also observed (Image 4).

 

Conclusion

 

The study covered 48% of the total bird species recorded from Kerala (Chandran et al. 2020). The last published checklist of birds of the region by Bijukumar (2006) has reported 143 bird species from the river basin. This study updates the checklist and increases the number of bird species on the list to 262.

The holistic approach of the river as a single ecological entity helps to understand the changes in the avian diversity in different regions of the river over time. The headwater region of the river basin supports the resident birds. The main course and estuary regions play a pivotal role in the conservation of migratory birds. Hence protection of the forests in the upper reaches and all-natural habitats in the lower reaches are equally important for the conservation of birds. Bringing back the natural ecosystem of the river is everyone’s responsibility. Hence community-mediated policy interventions are very much required to reduce sand mining and rebuild the riverine ecosystem, which ultimately protects the biodiversity.

 

 

Table 1. Relative abundances and relative frequency of occurrence of bird species in different ecological zones in Bharathapuzha River Basin.

 

Species

Upper reaches

Middle reaches

Lower reaches

I

Anseriformes: Anatidae

 

 

 

1

Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus LC

0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

2

Common Teal Anas creccaLC

 

 

*

3

Cotton Teal Nettapus coromandelianus LC

 

 

*

4

Indian Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha LC

0.24 (16) @

0.01 (4) @

0.01 (17) @

5

Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica LC

0.33 (20) @

0.01 (4) @

0.39 (28) &

II

Galliformes: Phasianidae

 

 

 

6

Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus LC

0.22 (72) ●

0.21 (70) ●

0.08 (50) ●

7

Red Spurfowl Galloperdix spadicea LC

0.01 (8) @

0.02 (11) @

0.00 (6) @

8

Jungle Bush Quail Perdicula asiatica LC

0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

9

Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus LC

0.02 (20) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

10

Grey Junglefowl Gallus sonneratii LC

0.03 (24) &

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

III

Podicipediformes: Podicipedidae 

 

 

 

11

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis  LC

0.01 (12) @

0.00 (0)

0.01 (6) @

IV

Columbiformes: Columbidae

 

 

 

12

Rock Pigeon Columba livia LC

0.12 (44) &

0.94 (93) ●

0.94 (89) ●

13

Nilgiri Wood Pigeon Columba elphinstonii VU

0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

14

Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis LC

0.39 (96) ●

0.50 (78) ●

0.21 (72) ●

15

Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis LC

0.02 (16) @

0.01 (4) @

0.01 (6) @

16

Asian Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica LC

0.01 (8) @

0.00 (4) @

0.00 (0)

17

Grey-fronted Green Pigeon Treron affinis LC

0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

18

Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Treron phoenicopterus LC

0.01 (4) @

0.00 (4) @

0.04 (11) @

19

Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea LC

0.02 (16) @

0.03 (15) @

0.00 (6) @

V

Cuculiformes: Cuculidae

 

 

 

20

Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis LC

0.07 (52) ●

0.08 (63) ●

0.07 (61) ●

21

Blue-faced Malkoha Phaenicophaeus viridirostris LC

0.01 (20) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

22

Chestnut-winged Cuckoo Clamator coromandusLC

*

 

 

23

Pied Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus LC

0.00 (0)

0.01 (7) @

>0.01 (6) @

24

Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus LC

0.15 (76) ●

0.14 (81) ●

0.07 (61) ●

25

Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii LC

0.00 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

26

Grey-bellied Cuckoo Cacomantis passerinus LC

0.00 (4) @

0.00 (0)

>0.01 (6) @

27

Fork-tailed Drongo Cuckoo Surniculus dicruroides LC

>0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

28

Common Hawk CuckooHierococcyx varius LC

0.02 (28) &

0.01 (19) @

0.02 (39) &

29

Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterusLC

0.03 (24) &

0.01 (15) @

0.01 (17) @

VI

Caprimulgiformes: Caprimulgidae

 

 

 

30

Jerdon's Nightjar Caprimulgus atripennis LC

0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

31

Indian Nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus LC

0.00 (0)

>0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

32

Savanna Nightjar Caprimulgus affinis LC

0.00 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

 

Caprimulgiformes: Apodidae

 

 

 

33

Indian Swiftlet Aerodramus unicolor LC

0.10 (20) @

0.25 (44) &

0.34 (33) &

34

Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba LC

>0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.01 (11) @

35

Indian House Swift Apus affinis LC

0.12 (16) @

0.23 (11) @

0.08 (28) &

36

Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis LC

1.66 (76) ●

3.23 (96) ●

2.39 (78) ●

 

Caprimulgiformes:Hemiprocnidae

 

 

 

37

Crested Treeswift Hemiprocne coronata  LC

0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

VII

Gruiformes: Rallidae

 

 

 

38

Common Coot Fulica atra  LC

0.05 (4) @

0.00 (4) @

0.00 (0)

39

Grey-headed Swamphen Porphyrio poliocephalus  LC

0.00 (0)

0.02 (15) @

0.34 (17) @

40

White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus  LC

0.05 (32) &

0.20 (78) ●

0.04 (50) ●

VIII

Charadriiformes: Recurvirostridae

 

 

 

41

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus  LC

0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.01 (6) @

 

Charadriiformes: Charadriidae

 

 

 

42

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulvaLC

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

0.02 (11) @

43

Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus  LC

0.26 (56) ●

0.27 (63) ●

0.43 (83) ●

44

Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus  LC

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

0.04 (6) @

45

Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticulaLC

 

 

*

46

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius  LC

0.33 (32) &

>0.01 (4) @

0.10 (44) &

 

Charadriiformes: Rostratulidae

 

 

 

47

Greater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis LC

>0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.01 (17) @

 

Charadriiformes: Jacanidae

 

 

 

48

Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus LC

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

0.01 (6) @

49

Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidius indicus LC

0.00 (0)

0.15 (44) &

0.10 (33) &

 

Charadriiformes: Scolopacidae

 

 

 

50

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopusLC

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

0.01 (6) @

51

Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquataNT

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

0.01 (6) @

52

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpresLC

 

 

*

53

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferrugineaNT

 

 

*

54

Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckiiLC

 

 

*

55

Little Stint Calidris minutaLC

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

0.04 (11) @

56

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinagoLC

0.00 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

57

Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereusLC

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

0.01 (6) @

58

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucosLC

0.28 (48) &

0.11 (44) &

0.37 (94) ●

59

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropusLC

0.04 (20) @

0.05 (33) &

0.13 (67) ●

60

Common Greenshank Tringa nebulariaLC

0.02 (8) @

>0.01 (4) @

0.04 (11) @

61

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilisLC

0.09 (20) @

0.01 (4) @

0.19 (67) ●

62

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareolaLC

0.08 (12) @

0.00 (4) @

0.08 (33) &

63

Common Redshank Tringa totanusLC

0.00 (0)

0.01 (4) @

0.03 (11) @

 

Charadriiformes: Glareolidae

 

 

 

64

Small Pratincole Glareola lactea LC

0.03 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

 

Charadriiformes: Laridae

 

 

 

65

Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundusLC

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

1.39 (28) &

66

Brown-headed Gull Chroicocephalus brunnicephalusLC

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

1.62 (33) &

67

Pallas's Gull Ichthyaetus ichthyaetusLC

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

1.31 (22) &

68

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscusLC

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

0.52 (17) @

69

Little Tern Sternula albifrons LC

0.02 (4) @

0.05 (15) @

0.00 (0)

70

Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon niloticaLC

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

0.05 (6) @

71

Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia  LC

 

 

*

72

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida  LC

0.26 (20) @

0.05 (19) @

0.39 (44) &

73

Black-bellied Tern Sterna acuticauda  EN

0.00 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

74

River Tern Sterna aurantia  NT

0.15 (28) &

0.07 (30) &

0.25 (61) ●

IX

Ciconiiformes: Ciconiidae

 

 

 

75

Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans LC

0.40 (52) ●

0.24 (63) ●

0.81 (94) ●

76

Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus VU

0.20 (20) @

0.05 (15) @

0.17 (50) ●

77

Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala  NT

0.11 (8) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

X

Suliformes: Anhingidae

 

 

 

78

Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster)  NT

0.04 (16) @

0.05 (41) &

0.08 (56) ●

 

Suliformes: Phalacrocoracidae

 

 

 

79

Little Cormorant Microcarbo niger  LC

1.82 (52) ●

0.88 (93) ●

2.66 (100) ●

80

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo  LC

0.04 (8) @

0.00 (0)

0.01 (17) @

81

Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis  LC

0.06 (28) &

0.02 (19) @

0.03 (28) &

XI

Pelecaniformes: Pelecanidae

 

 

 

82

Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis  NT

>0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

 

Pelecaniformes: Ardeidae

 

 

 

83

Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis  LC

>0.01 (4) @

>0.01 (4) @

0.01 (6) @

84

Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus  LC

0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

85

Black Bittern Ixobrychus flavicollis  LC

*

 

 

86

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea  LC

0.05 (24) &

0.02 (30) &

0.08 (78) ●

87

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea  LC

0.04 (20) @

0.07 (56) ●

0.10 (67) ●

88

Great Egret Ardea alba  LC

0.03 (20) @

0.03 (19) @

0.17 (61) ●

89

Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia  LC

0.09 (36) &

0.11 (59) ●

0.52 (94) ●

90

Little Egret Egretta garzetta  LC

0.35 (60) ●

0.43 (85) ●

1.12 (100) ●

91

Western Reef Egret Egretta gularis  LC

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

0.05 (17) @

92

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis  LC

1.10 (84) ●

0.93 (100) ●

1.99 (100) ●

93

Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii  LC

0.42 (88) ●

0.76 (100) ●

0.67 (100) ●

94

Striated Heron Butorides striata  LC

>0.01 (4) @

0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

95

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax  LC

0.01 (12) @

0.02 (15) @

0.04 (28) &

96

Malayan Night Heron Gorsachius melanolophus  LC

*

 

 

 

Pelecaniformes: Threskiornithidae

 

 

 

97

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus  LC

0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.04 (6) @

98

Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus  NT

0.52 (44) &

0.04 (22) &

0.36 (56) ●

XII

Accipitriformes: Pandionidae

 

 

 

99

Osprey Pandion haliaetusLC

0.01 (8) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

 

Accipitriformes: Accipitridae

 

 

 

100

Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus LC

0.01 (8) @

0.00 (0)

0.01 (11) @

101

Oriental Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus  LC

0.03 (36) &

0.02 (19) @

0.01 (17) @

102

Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela  LC

0.09 (56) ●

0.08 (59) ●

0.06 (61) ●

103

Changeable Hawk Eagle Nisaetus cirrhatus  LC

0.01 (8) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

104

Legge's Hawk Eagle Nisaetus kelaarti  NE

0.00 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

105

Black Eagle Ictinaetus malaiensis  LC

0.02 (16) @

0.00 (4) @

0.01 (11) @

106

Indian Spotted Eagle Clanga hastata  VU

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

0.00 (6) @

107

Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatusLC

0.01 (16) @

0.02 (22) &

0.06 (61) ●

108

White-eyed Buzzard Butastur teesa  LC

0.00 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

109

Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosusLC

 

 

*

110

Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus  LC

*

 

 

111

Shikra Accipiter badius LC

0.05 (56) ●

0.02 (19) @

0.02 (39) &

112

Black Kite Milvus migrans LC

0.12 (36) &

0.15 (52) ●

1.15 (83) ●

113

Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus  LC

0.35 (80) ●

0.59 (96) ●

1.73 (100) ●

114

Grey-headed Fish Eagle Haliaeetus ichthyaetus  NT

*

 

 

XIII

Strigiformes: Tytonidae

 

 

 

115

Common Barn Owl Tyto alba  LC

 

*

*

 

Strigiformes: Strigidae

 

 

 

116

Oriental Scops Owl Otus sunia  LC

0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

117

Brown Fish Owl Ketupa zeylonensis  LC

0.01 (8) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

118

Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum  LC

0.01 (12) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

119

Spotted Owlet Athene brama  LC

0.04 (24) &

0.01 (11) @

0.01 (11) @

120

Mottled Wood Owl Strix ocellata  LC

0.00 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

XIV

Trogoniformes: Trogonidae

 

 

 

121

Malabar Trogon Harpactes fasciatus  LC

0.02 (16) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

XV

Bucerotiformes: Upupidae

 

 

 

122

Common Hoopoe Upupa epops  LC

>0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

 

Bucerotiformes: Bucerotidae

 

 

 

123

Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis  VU

0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

124

Malabar Grey Hornbill Ocyceros griseus LC

0.04 (28) &

0.02 (11) @

0.01 (17) @

XVI

Coraciiformes: Alcedinidae

 

 

 

125

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis  LC

0.09 (68) ●

0.14 (81) ●

0.08 (72) ●

126

Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis  LC

0.02 (24) &

0.07 (59) ●

0.03 (39) &

127

White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis  LC

0.35 (92) ●

0.57 (100) ●

0.32 (100) ●

128

Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis  LC

0.04 (20) @

0.11 (52) ●

0.11 (72) ●

 

Coraciiformes: Meropidae

 

 

 

129

Blue-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis athertoni  LC

0.01 (12) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

130

Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis  LC

0.48 (64) ●

0.56 (85) ●

0.67 (94) ●

131

Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus  LC

0.01 (16) @

0.10 (33) &

0.10 (50) &

132

Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti  LC

0.11 (28) &

0.15 (44) &

0.30 (72) ●

 

Coraciiformes: Coraciidae

 

 

 

133

Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis  LC

0.03 (36) &

0.05 (33) &

0.00 (0)

134

Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis  LC

0.00 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

XVII

Piciformes: Megalaimidae

 

 

 

135

Malabar Barbet Psilopogon malabaricus  LC

*

 

 

136

Coppersmith Barbet Psilopogon haemacephalus  LC

0.12 (52) ●

0.03 (30) &

0.02 (17) @

137

Brown-headed Barbet Psilopogon zeylanicus  LC

*

 

 

138

White-cheeked Barbet Psilopogon viridis  LC

0.45 (100) ●

0.34 (96) ●

0.16 (83) ●

 

Piciformes: Picidae

 

 

 

139

Heart-spotted Woodpecker Hemicircus canente  LC

0.01 (8) @

0.01 (7) @

0.00 (0)

140

Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker Yungipicus nanus  LC

0.03 (32) &

>0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

141

Rufous Woodpecker Micropternus brachyurus  LC

0.01 (12) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

142

Black-rumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense  LC

0.07 (52) ●

0.03 (22) &

0.01 (11) @

143

Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus  LC

0.03 (28) &

0.00 (4) @

0.00 (0)

144

Streak-throated Woodpecker Picus xanthopygaeus  LC

0.01 (8) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

XVIII

Falconiformes: Falconidae

 

 

 

145

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus LC

>0.01 (4) @

>0.01 (4) @

0.01 (6) @

146

Amur Falcon Falco amurensisLC

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

0.01 (6) @

147

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus  LC

*

 

 

XIX

Psittaciformes: Psittaculidae

 

 

 

148

Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri  LC

0.33 (84) ●

0.48 (93) ●

0.11 (78) ●

149

Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala  LC

0.05 (20) @

0.05 (11) @

0.02 (11) @

150

Malabar Parakeet Psittacula columboides  LC

0.18 (56) ●

0.07 (19) &

0.00 (0)

151

Vernal Hanging Parrot Loriculus vernalis  LC

0.14 (48) &

0.01 (11) @

0.02 (22) &

XX

Passeriformes: Pittidae

 

 

 

152

Indian Pitta Pitta brachyuraLC

0.01 (20) @

0.01 (7) @

0.00 (0)

 

Passeriformes: Campephagidae

 

 

 

153

Orange Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus  LC

0.21 (44) &

0.02 (7) @

0.01 (6) @

154

Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei  LC

0.04 (28) &

0.01 (15) @

0.01 (6) @

155

Black-headed Cuckooshrike Lalage melanoptera LC

0.02 (20) @

>0.01 (4) @

0.02 (28) &

 

Passeriformes:Oriolidae

 

 

 

156

Indian Golden Oriole Oriolus kundooLC

0.04 (24) &

0.04 (22) &

0.06 (44) &

157

Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensisLC

0.02 (20) @

0.01 (15) @

0.02 (28) &

158

Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus  LC

0.27 (88) ●

0.18 (74) ●

0.12 (67) ●

 

Passeriformes:Artamidae

 

 

 

159

Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus  LC

0.12 (44) &

0.23 (37) &

0.17 (72) ●

 

Passeriformes:Vangidae

 

 

 

160

Malabar Woodshrike Tephrodornis sylvicola LC

0.02 (16) @

>0.01 (4) @

0.01 (11) @

161

Common Woodshrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus LC

*

*

 

 

Passeriformes:Aegithinidae

 

 

 

162

Common Iora Aegithina tiphia LC

0.19 (68) ●

0.09 (70) ●

0.08 (67) ●

 

Passeriformes: Dicruridae

 

 

 

163

Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus  LC

0.51 (96) ●

0.50 (100) ●

0.43 (94) ●

164

Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeusLC

0.02 (20) @

0.00 (0)

>0.01 (6) @

165

Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus  LC

>0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.01 (11) @

166

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus  LC

0.27 (64) ●

0.08 (37) &

0.10 (44) &

 

Passeriformes: Monarchidae

 

 

 

167

Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea  LC

0.04 (28) &

0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

168

Indian Paradise-flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisiLC

0.07 (48) &

0.02 (19) @

0.01 (11) @

 

Passeriformes: Laniidae

 

 

 

169

Brown Shrike Lanius cristatusLC

0.03 (20) @

>0.01 (4) @

0.03 (22) &

170

Bay-backed Shrike Lanius vittatus  LC

>0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

>0.01 (6) @

171

Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach  LC

0.01 (8) @

0.02 (30) &

>0.01 (6) @

 

Passeriformes: Corvidae

 

 

 

172

Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda  LC

0.30 (84) ●

0.30 (85) ●

0.14 (89) ●

173

White-bellied Treepie Dendrocitta leucogastra  LC

0.02 (12) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

174

House Crow Corvus splendens  LC

1.34 (100) ●

2.77 (100) ●

4.46 (100) ●

175

Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos  LC

0.57 (84) ●

0.67 (85) ●

0.57 (78) ●

 

Passeriformes: Stenostiridae

 

 

 

176

Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensisLC

*

 

 

 

Passeriformes: Paridae

 

 

 

177

Cinereous Tit Parus cinereus  LC

0.03 (8) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

 

Passeriformes: Alaudidae

 

 

 

178

Jerdon's Bushlark Mirafra affinis  LC

0.07 (24) &

0.01 (7) @

0.01 (11) @

179

Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula  LC

*

 

 

180

Malabar Lark Galerida malabarica  LC

 

*

*

 

Passeriformes: Cisticolidae

 

 

 

181

Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius  LC

0.39 (96) ●

0.61 (100) ●

0.31 (94) ●

182

Jungle Prinia Prinia sylvatica  LC

0.03 (16) @

0.00 (0)

>0.01 (6) @

183

Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis  LC

0.01 (12) @

0.08 (48) &

0.12 (67) ●

184

Plain Prinia Prinia inornata  LC

0.07 (40) &

0.21 (70) ●

0.14 (72) ●

185

Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis  LC

0.01 (4) @

>0.01 (4) @

0.02 (28) &

 

Passeriformes: Acrocephalidae

 

 

 

186

Thick-billed Warbler Arundinax aedonLC

0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

187

Booted Warbler Iduna caligataLC

>0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

188

Blyth's Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum †LC

0.45 (96) ●

0.48 (93) ●

0.34 (89) ●

189

Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus  LC

0.05 (32) &

0.01 (11) @

0.01 (11) @

 

Passeriformes: Hirundinidae

 

 

 

190

Barn Swallow Hirundo rusticaLC

0.44 (48) &

0.51 (63) ●

0.81 (67) ●

191

Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii  LC

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

0.11 (17) @

192

Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica  LC

0.30 (28) &

0.48 (52) ●

1.11 (72) ●

193

Streak-throated Swallow Petrochelidon fluvicola  LC

0.00 (0)

0.02 (4) @

0.00 (0)

 

Passeriformes: Pycnonotidae

 

 

 

194

Flame-throated Bulbul Rubigula gularis  LC

0.14 (24) &

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

195

Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer  LC

1.00 (100) ●

0.86 (96) ●

0.57 (100) ●

196

Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus  LC

0.63 (88) ●

0.62 (89) ●

0.46 (89) ●

197

White-browed Bulbul Pycnonotus luteolus  LC

0.15 (52) ●

0.03 (19) @

0.06 (28) &

198

Yellow-browed Bulbul Acritillas indica  LC

0.21 (64) ●

>0.01 (4) @

0.01 (11) @

 

Passeriformes: Phylloscopidae

 

 

 

199

Green Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus nitidusLC

0.05 (44) &

0.02 (15) @

0.02 (22) &

200

Greenish Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloidesLC

0.42 (84) ●

0.14 (67) ●

0.10 (72) ●

201

Large-billed Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus magnirostrisLC

0.01 (4) @

>0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

 

Passeriformes: Zosteropidae

 

 

 

202

Indian White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus  LC

0.17 (20) @

0.00 (0)

>0.01 (6) @

 

Passeriformes: Timaliidae

 

 

 

203

Tawny-bellied Babbler Dumetia hyperythra  LC

0.04 (16) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

204

Dark-fronted Babbler Rhopocichla atriceps  LC

0.03 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

205

Indian Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus horsfieldii  LC

0.04 (20) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

 

Passeriformes: Pellorneidae

 

 

 

206

Puff-throated Babbler Pellorneum ruficeps  LC

0.04 (16) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

 

Passeriformes: Leiothrichidae

 

 

 

207

Jungle Babbler Argya striata  LC

0.61 (60) ●

0.05 (11) @

0.03 (11) @

208

Yellow-billed Babbler Argya affinis  LC

1.43 (100) ●

1.40 (93) ●

0.54 (72) ●

209

Common Babbler Argya caudata  LC

0.02 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

210

Rufous Babbler Argya subrufa  LC

0.09 (16) @

0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

211

Wayanad Laughingthrush Pterorhinus delesserti  LC

0.07 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

 

Passeriformes: Sittidae

 

 

 

212

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis  LC

0.07 (24) &

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

 

Passeriformes: Sturnidae

 

 

 

213

Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa  LC

0.33 (24) &

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

214

Rosy Starling Pastor roseusLC

0.08 (12) @

0.02 (4) @

0.17 (17) @

215

Brahminy Starling Sturnia pagodarum  LC

0.01 (4) @

0.04 (11) @

0.00 (0)

216

Chestnut-tailed Starling Sturnia malabarica  LC

0.01 (8) @

0.00 (0)

0.06 (11) @

217

Malabar Starling Sturnia blythii  NE

0.04 (12) @

0.01 (4) @

0.02 (6) @

218

Common Myna Acridotheres tristis  LC

1.12 (100) ●

1.45 (100) ●

1.14 (100) ●

219

Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus LC

0.33 (64) ●

0.04 (15) @

0.02 (6) @

 

Passeriformes: Turdidae

 

 

 

220

Nilgiri Thrush Zoothera neilgherriensis  NE

0.01 (8) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

221

Orange-headed Thrush Geokichla citrina  LC

0.05 (28) &

0.01 (19) @

0.02 (28) &

 

Passeriformes: Muscicapidae

 

 

 

222

Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica  LC

0.01 (8) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

223

Brown-breasted Flycatcher Muscicapa muttuiLC

0.10 (52) ●

0.01 (11) @

0.02 (28) &

224

Indian Robin Copsychus fulicatus  LC

0.06 (28) &

0.02 (11) @

0.01 (11) @

225

Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis  LC

0.26 (84) ●

0.19 (78) ●

0.07 (61) ●

226

White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus  LC

*

 

 

227

White-bellied Blue Flycatcher Cyornis pallidipes  LC

0.03 (16) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

228

Tickell's Blue Flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae  LC

0.03 (24) &

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

229

Nilgiri Flycatcher Eumyias albicaudatus  LC

*

 

 

230

Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinusLC

>0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

231

Malabar Whistling Thrush Myophonus horsfieldii  LC

0.18 (44) &

0.01 (7) @

0.00 (0)

232

Black-and-orange Flycatcher Ficedula nigrorufa  LC

*

 

 

233

Rusty-tailed Flycatcher Ficedula ruficaudaLC

0.01 (12) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

234

Taiga Flycatcher Ficedula albicillaLC

*

 

 

235

Blue-capped Rock Thrush Monticola cinclorhynchaLC

0.02 (8) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

236

Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata  LC

0.11 (48) &

0.05 (30) &

0.05 (33) &

 

Passeriformes: Dicaeidae

 

 

 

237

Thick-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum agile  LC

0.02 (12) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

238

Pale-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum erythrorhynchos  LC

0.35 (92) ●

0.29 (85) ●

0.17 (83) ●

239

Nilgiri Flowerpecker Dicaeum concolor  LC

0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

 

Passeriformes: Nectariniidae

 

 

 

240

Purple-rumped Sunbird Leptocoma zeylonica  LC

0.93 (100) ●

0.83 (100) ●

0.44 (100) ●

241

Crimson-backed Sunbird Leptocoma minima  LC

0.08 (32) &

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

242

Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus)  LC

0.23 (84) ●

0.22 (74) ●

0.17 (72) ●

243

Loten's Sunbird Cinnyris lotenius  LC

0.18 (76) ●

0.06 (41) &

0.05 (39) &

244

Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra  LC

0.05 (20) &

>0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

 

Passeriformes: Irenidae

 

 

 

245

Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella  LC

0.05 (16) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

 

Passeriformes: Chloropseidae

 

 

 

246

Jerdon's Leafbird Chloropsis jerdoni  LC

0.13 (56) ●

0.05 (37) &

0.04 (39) &

247

Golden-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons  LC

0.04 (20) @

0.02 (19) @

0.01 (11) @

 

Passeriformes: Ploceidae

 

 

 

248

Streaked Weaver Ploceus manyar  LC

0.00 (0)

0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

249

Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus  LC

0.00 (0)

0.23 (7) @

0.00 (0)

 

Passeriformes: Estrildidae

 

 

 

250

Red Munia Amandava amandava  LC

 

 

*

251

Indian Silverbill Euodice malabarica  LC

0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

252

White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata  LC

0.00 (0)

0.01 (4) @

0.01 (11) @

253

Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata  LC

0.06 (8) @

0.08 (19) @

0.27 (33) &

254

Tricoloured Munia Lonchura malacca  LC

0.15 (24) &

0.24 (30) &

0.34 (39) &

 

Passeriformes: Passeridae

 

 

 

255

House Sparrow Passer domesticus  LC

0.00 (0)

0.04 (19) @

0.01 (6) @

256

Yellow-throated Sparrow Gymnoris xanthocollis  LC

0.01 (4) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

 

Passeriformes: Motacillidae

 

 

 

257

Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicusLC

0.02 (16) @

0.00 (0)

0.00 (0)

258

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinereaLC

0.10 (52) ●

0.04 (33) &

0.01 (17) @

259

Western Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flavaLC

0.04 (24) &

0.01 (7) @

0.01 (22) &

260

White-browed Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis LC

0.16 (56) ●

0.33 (78) ●

0.29 (83) ●

261

Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus LC

0.05 (36) &

0.02 (15) @

0.01 (28) &

 

Passeriformes: Fringillidae

 

 

 

262

Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinusLC

 

 

*

Migratory status: †—long distance migrant | ‡—local migrant | IUCN Status: LC—Least Concern | NT—Near Threatened | VU—Vulnerable | EN—Endangered | NE—Not Evaluated. *—Opportunistic sightings. Rarity: ●—Common | &—Less common | @—Rare.

 

Table 2. Ecological zone-wise sampling effort for avifauna diversity survey in Bharathapuzha River Basin.

Ecological zone

Grids (n)

Point counts

(n)

Total effort

(Hours)

Species observed

(n)

Individuals encountered

(n)

Upper reaches

25

300

75

209

11,280

Middle reaches

27

324

81

145

10,602

Lower reaches

18

216

54

155

14,929

Overall

70

840

210

235

36,811

 

 

Table 3. Diversity indices calculated for various ecological zones.

 

Upper reaches

Middle reaches

Lower reaches

Dominance (D)

0.021

0.038

0.035

Simpson (1-D)

0.98

0.96

0.96

Shannon (H’)

4.35

3.82

3.88

Chao-1

220.70

158.20

158.50

Observed species richness

209

145

155

 

 

Table 4. Common and rare birds reported in each ecological zone.

Migratory status

Upper reaches

Middle reaches

Lower reaches

 

Common

Less common

Rare

Common

Less common

Rare

Common

Less common

Rare

Resident

45

39

91

43

18

58

48

25

48

Local migrant

2

5

10

2

3

6

2

5

7

Long distance migrant

4

1

8

1

3

9

5

7

10

 

 

Table 5. Estimated RAD of bird species from distinct ecozones based on stream order in Bharathapuzha River Basin.

 

 

Null

Log-normal

Pre-emption

ZIpf

Zipf-Mandlebrot

Upper reaches

Deviance

3698.84

622.88

1028.77

2780.50

401.60*

AIC

4660.40

1588.44

1992.32

3746.05

1369.15

ΔAIC

3291.25

219.29

623.17

2376.9

0

Middle reaches

Deviance

5204.45

615.83*

1280.85

2491.06

1280.85

AIC

5876.61

1291.99

1955.01

3167.22

1959.01

ΔAIC

4584.62

0

663.02

1875.23

667.02

Lower reaches

Deviance

7401.81

742.92

1571.21

3466.99

465.40*

AIC

8163.55

1508.65

2334.94

4232.73

1233.14

ΔAIC

6930.41

275.51

1101.80

2999.59

0

AIC—Akaike information criterion

 

For figures & images - - click here for full PDF

 

 

References

 

Aarif, K.M., S. Babu & H.S.V. Abdul (2010). Distribution of the Black-bellied Tern Sterna acuticauda Gray in Kerala, South India. Podoces 5(1): 69–70.

Abell, R., M.L. Thieme, C. Revenga, M. Bryer, M. Kottelat, N. Bogutskaya & P.P. Petry (2008). Freshwater ecoregions of the world: a new map of biogeographic units for freshwater biodiversity conservation. Bioscience 58(5): 403–414. https://doi.org/10.1641/B580507

Ali, S. (1999). Birds of Kerala. Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department, Thiruvananthapuram, 520 pp.

Ali, S. & S.D. Ripley (1983). A Pocket Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent. Bombay Natural History Society, Bombay, 354 pp.

Bijukumar, A. (2006). Avifaunal diversity of Bharathapuzha river basin, Kerala. Zoos’ Print Journal 21(8): 2350–2355. https://doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.ZPJ.1473.2350-5

Chandran, A., J. Praveen & C. Sashikumar (2023). JoTT Checklist of the Birds of Kerala (v3.0), 01 January 2023. https://threatenedtaxa.org/index.php/JoTT/checklists/birds/kerala electronic version accessed 17 May 2023.

Eapen, M. (1999). Economic Diversification in Kerala: A Spatial Analysis. Centre for Development Studies, Thiruvananthapuram, 44 pp.  

Gergel, S.E., M.G. Turner, J.R. Miller, J.M. Melack & E.H. Stanley (2002). Landscape indicators of human impacts to riverine systems. Aquatic Sciences 64(2): 118–128. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00027-002-8060-2

Grimmett, R., C. Inskipp & T. Inskipp (2014). Birds of Indian Sub-continent. Oxford University Press, 528 pp.

Jayson, E.A. (2002). Ecology of Wetland Birds in the Kole lands of Kerala. Kerala Forest Research Institute Research. Report No. 244: 102 pp.

John, J., N.R. Chithra & G.T. Santosh (2019). Prediction of land use/cover change in the Bharathapuzha river basin, India using geospatial techniques. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 191(6): 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-019-7482-4

Kazmierczak, K. (2000). A Field Guide to the Birds of India. Pica Press, U.K, 351 pp.

Knopf, F.L. (1985). Significance of riparian vegetation to breeding birds across an altitudinal cline, pp. 105–111. In: Johnson, R.R., C.D. Ziebell, D.R. Patton, P.F. Folliott & R.H. Hamre (Tech. Coords.). Riparian ecosystems and their management: reconciling conflicting uses: First North American Riparian Conference; 1985 April 16–18; Tucson, AZ. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-120. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station.

Kumar, B.A. (2001).  Biodiversity of Bharathapuzha (Nila River), Kerala. Report submitted to UGC, Southern regional office, Bangalore.

Kumar, B.M. (2005). Land Use in Kerala: Changing Scenarios and Shifting Paradigms.  Journal of Tropical Agriculture 42(1–2): 1–12.

Kurup, D.N. (1991). Migrant shorebirds in estuarine habitats with special reference to Kadalundi and Bharathapuzha estuaries, pp. 31–32. Proceedings of the Third Kerala Science Congress, February–March 1991, Kozhikode.

Kurup, D.N. (1996). Ecology of the birds of Bharathapuzha estuary and survey of the coastal wetlands of Kerala. Final Report submitted to the Kerala Forest Department, Thiruvananthapuram, 56 pp.

Sreedhar, L. & Z.B. Irfan (2016). Economic Incentives for the Conservation of Bharathapuzha River: Focus on Sand Mining. Report No. 140.

Magurran, A.E. (1988). Ecological Diversity and Its Measurement. Princeton University Press, 179 pp.

Naiman, R.J., H. Decamps & M. Pollock (1993). The role of riparian corridors in maintaining regional biodiversity. Ecological Applications 3(2): 209–212. https://doi.org/10.2307/1941822

Namassivayan, L. & R. Venugopalan (1989). Avocet in Kerala. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 86(3): 447.

Namassivayan, L., P.K. Uthaman & R. Venugopalan (1989). Four additions to the birds of Kerala. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 86(3): 458–460.

Nameer, P.O. (2005). Wetlands and waterfowl conservation in Kerala with special reference to Ramsar sites, pp. 97–112. In: Ambat, B. (ed.). Proceedings of Kerala Environment Congress. Centre for Environment and Development, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 274 pp.

Neelakantan, K.K. (1969). Occurrence of the Terek Sandpiper in Kerala. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 66(3): 623.

Neelakantan, K.K. (1970). Occurrence of Sanderling in Kerala. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 67(3): 570.

Neelakantan, K.K. (1981). The Brown-winged Tern: an addition to the birds of Kerala. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 78(1): 83.

Neelakantan, K.K. (1982). The Pintail, an addition to the list of birds occurring in Kerala. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 79(3): 67–68.

Neelakantan, K.K. & V.K. Sureshkumar (1980). Occurrence of Black-winged Stilt in Kerala. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 77(3): 510.

Neelakantan, K.K., K.V. Sreenivasan & V.K. Sureshkumar (1980). The Crab Plover in Kerala. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 11(3): 508.

Neelakantan, K.K., C. Sashikumar & R. Venugopalan (1993). A Book of Kerala Birds. Part I. WWF India, Kerala State Office, 146 pp.

Nossiter, T.J. (1982). Communism in Kerala: A Study in Political Adaptation. Royal Institute of International Affairs. Hurst & Co. Publishers, New York, 426 pp.

Oksanen, J.F., G. Blanchet, R.K.P. Legendre, P.R. Minchin, R.B. O’hara, & G.L. Simpson (2013). Vegan: Community Ecology Package. R version 2.6-4. 1-295. <https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=vegan>.

Pramod, P. (1995). Ecological studies of bird communities in Silent Valley and neighbouring forests. PhD Thesis, University of Calicut

Praveen, J., R. Jayapal & A. Pittie (2020). Taxonomic updates to the checklists of birds of India, and the South Asian region—2020. Indian Birds 16(1): 12–19

Reynolds, R.T., J.M. Scott & R.A Nussbaum (1980). A variable circular-plot method for estimating bird numbers. The Condor 82(3): 309–313. https://doi.org/10.2307/1367399

Rice, J., B.W. Anderson & R.D. Ohmart (1980). Seasonal habitat selection by birds in the lower Colorado River valley. Ecology 61(6): 1402–1411. https://doi.org/10.2307/1939049

SOIB (2023). State of India’s Birds, 2023: Range, trends, and conservation status. The SoIB Partnership, 119 pp.

Stauffer, F. & L.B. Best (1980). Habitat selection by birds of riparian communities: evaluating effects of habitat alterations. The Journal of Wildlife Management 44(1): 1–15. https://doi.org/10.2307/3808345

Stevens, L.E., B.T. Brown, J.M. Simpson & R.R. Johnson (1977). The importance of riparian habitat to migrating birds. U.S. Forest Service, General Technical Report 166.

Strahler, A.N. (1957). Quantitative analysis of watershed geomorphology. Eos, Transactions American Geophysical Union 38(6): 913–920. https://doi.org/10.1029/TR038i006p00913

Susanthkumar, C. (2004). Breeding biology and status study of Black-bellied Tern (Sterna acuticauda) in Bharathapuzha river basin, Kerala, India. A study report by Warblers and waders, Thiruvananthapuram.

Sutherland, W.J., I. Newton & R. Green (2004). Bird Ecology and Conservation: A Handbook of Techniques. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 385 pp. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198520863.001.0001

Uthaman, P.K. & L. Namassivayam (1991). The birdlife of Kadalundi estuary. Blackbuck 7(1): 3–12.

Wiens, J.A. (1989). The Ecology of Bird Community, Vol 1. Cambridge University Press, New York, 560 pp.