Checklist of land birds in tenkasi and ambasamudram taluk, tirunelveli District: at the Foot Hills...

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Checklist of land birds in Tenkasi and Ambasamudram Taluk, Tirunelveli

District: at the Foot Hills of Southern Western Ghats

Keywords: Land birds, ambasamudram, diversity.

ABSTRACT:

Birds present everywhere and are important ecological indicators. The study area Tenkasi (8.97°N 77.3°E) and Ambasumudram (8.7°N 77.47°E) region of Tirunelveli district, Tamilnadu state is at the foothills of Southern Western Ghats. Studies on distribution of birds in this part have been recorded from the yester years but due to various reasons it had been confine towards aquatic ecosystem. To fulfill this lacuna, present study was carried out. A total of 100 species of land birds were documented that belongs to 36 orders and 48 families. Study on nesting pattern, breeding pattern was also carried out. 30% of the birds had their breeding periods during rainy season and 50% of the birds had their breeding periods during harvesting time. Insectivores breeds during rainy season and granivores breeds during harvest season which supports ‘food availability-breeding time’ hypothesis.

797-808 | JRB | 2013 | Vol 3 | No 2

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www.jresearchbiology.com

Journal of Research in Biology

An International

Scientific Research Journal

Authors:

Sudhakaran MR,

Valliselvam K,

Esakkiammal M and

Jayanthi A.

Institution:

Department of Zoology,

Sri Paramakalyani College,

Alwarkurichi 627 412 India.

Corresponding author:

Sudhakaran MR.

Email:

[email protected]

Web Address: http://jresearchbiology.com/documents/RA0335.pdf.

Dates: Received: 07 Feb 2013 Accepted: 14 Feb 2013 Published: 22 Feb 2013

Article Citation: Sudhakaran MR, Valliselvam K, Esakkiammal M and Jayanthi A. Checklist of land birds in Tenkasi and Ambasamudram Taluk, Tirunelveli District: at the Foot Hills of Southern Western Ghats. Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(2): 797-808

Journal of Research in Biology An International Scientific Research Journal

Original Research

INTRODUCTION

Diversity studies have assumed a greater

urgency, partially as a result of incorporating habitat and

demographic information towards conservation. Birds

use diverse habitat and select their own habitat for

successful living. Out of more than 9,000 bird species of

the world, Indian subcontinent contains 1,300 species or

over 13% of the world’s bird species (Grimmet et al.,

1999). The study area Tenkasi and Ambasamudram

region of Tirunelveli district, Tamilnadu state is at the

foothill of Southern Western Ghats. This area has part of

Kalakad Mundunthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) and

Courtallam hills, got a rich amount of flora and fauna

and a good vegetation that give food and nest resources

for birds. Nearly 160 species of birds were observed to

present in KMTR (Joshua and Johnsingh, 1988). An

annotated check list of the birds of Tamilnadu is not

available, but more than 450 species are likely to occur

(Rathinam, 2002). Studies on distribution of birds in this

part have been recorded from early 1945 (Webb-Pelope,

1945), but the studies had limited towards wet-land

birds. It is mainly due to the climatic condition prevails

in this area. This region enjoys both the north east and

south west monsoon, with good wetland ecosystem that

provides habitat for aquatic birds. Koonthankulam bird

sanctuary is present in this region that inhabits more than

100 species of wetland birds. Hence most of the studies

on birds (Johnson,1971; Wilkinson, 1961;

Subramaninan, 2003; Johnsingh, 2001) were restricted

towards wetland birds and their conservation. As birds

are observed to be an ideal bioindicator and a useful tool

for studying a variety of environmental problems, the

habitat ecology of bird community should be evaluated

for their conservation (Kattan and Franco, 2004).

The Indian bird population has been declining due to

habitat loss, fragmentation, anthropogenic disturbances

that necessitates documentation, monitoring and

conservation.

In order to bring forth the avian diversity in this

area, an extensive survey was made to document the land

bird distribution with a note on their habitat and breeding

in Ambasumudram and Tenkasi Taluk of Southern

Tamilnadu.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Study Area

Tenkasi (8.97°N 77.3°E; Elevation 554 feet) and

Ambasumuram (8.7°N 77.47°E; Elevation 229 feet)

taluk are regions of Tirunelveli district of Tamilnadu

(map) described as a microcosm of the state, owing to its

mosaic and diverse geographical and physical features

such as lofty mountains and low plains, thorn scrub

jungles, rivers and cascades, thick inland forest, sandy

soils and fertile alluvium, a variety of flora, fauna, and

protected wild life. The mean daily maximum

temperature is 32.1ºC. The weather is quite hot in

May and June and the maximum temperature some

times reaches 43ºC. This region enjoys winter

(December to March), Summer (April-June), Southwest

monsoon (June to September and North east monsoon

(October to November). The month of November is

generally with maximum rainfall. The average rainfall in

the district is 814.8 mm per annum.

Sudhakaran et al., 2013

798 Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(2): 797-808

Map: Study Area

Survey

This study on survey of land bird was conducted

from January 2012 to December 2012 for a period of one

year. Weekly field observations were made throughout

the study period, a total of 52 observations were done

during the study and birds in the study area

were documented. Survey was done in the nesting sites,

and information were gathered from local peoples and

villagers. With high precise birds were monitored during

morning (06 00 to 10 00 hrs) and evening

(15 00 to 18 30 hrs). Binoculars and monoculars were

used for observation. Nest sites were surveyed there by

getting information from local villagers. Birds were

identified using key reference books of birds of India

(Salim Ali, 2002) and Tamilnadu (Rathinam, 2002).

Diveristy Indices

Species richness was calculated by using

Margalef’s index and species dominance was calculated

by using Berger-Parker index. They were calculated by

using the formulae given below,

Margalef’s index

Species richness measures provide an instantly

comprehensible expression of diversity. It is calculated

using the formula,

Dmg = (S – 1)/ In N

Where,

S = Number of species present in each taluk

N = Number of individuals

Berger-Parker diversity index

Berger-Parker index is employed to determine

whether there is any change in the dominance of species

in each taluk. It expresses the proportional importance to

the most abundant species. The formula for calculating

the Berger-Parker index is

d = N max/N

Where,

N = the total number of individuals

Nmax = Number of individuals in the most abundant

species.

RESULT AND DISCUSION

A total of 100 species of birds that belongs to

16 orders and 36 families were recorded during the

study, of which order Passeriformes was observed to

have 19 families with 48 species (Table 1). Family

Sylviinae of order Passeriformes have a maximum

number of 8 species of total 100 species observed.

Passeriformies are group of birds that inhabit in a

vegetative rich area, that provide nesting and feeding

areas (Balachandran et al., 2005). Study area was

observed to provide a good resource for the bird

community. Of the 100 species observed, 75 were

observed to be residents and 16 were observed to

migrants, and 9 were both resident and migrant. Migrants

were observed to be from the western ghats region.

Study on species richness revealed that

Passeriformes shows a higher species richness.

Passer domesticus (Dmg: 1.598) Pirnia socialis

(Dmg: 1.497), Acrocephalus agricola (Dmg: 1.401),

Orthotomus subtorius (Dmg: 1.401), Corvus splendens

(Dmg: 1.400), Dendrocitta vagabunda (Dmg: 1.399),

Corvus macrorhynchos (Dmg: 1.387), Ardeola grayii

(Dmg: 1.350), Egretta grazetta (Dmg: 1.351),

Cosmerodius albus (Dmg: 1.320) were observed to have

a higher species richness. Species richness depends on

the habitat, climatic condition, food resource and

evolutionary history of the area (Jayson, 1994). On

estimating the dominance of species Corvus splendons

(d=0.393), Acridotherse tristis (d=0.390) had a greater

dominance. Dominance and richness of the species

depends mostly on the resource availability (Recher and

Davis, 2002).

Considering the feeding habit of bats 37 were

insectivorous, 22 were omnivores, 13 were granivore,

4 were piscivores, 4 were frugivores, 7 were carnivores,

3 were predators, 1 was nectarivore, 3 were insectivore

and piscivore, 2 were insectivore and frugivore, 1 was

carnivore and frugivore, 1 was predator and insectivore,

and 2 were insectivore and nectarivore. Insectivore and


Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(2): 797-808 799



S.NO COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME VERNACULAR

NAME

FEEDING

HABIT STATUS

Order:Ciconiiformes

Family:Ardeidae

1 Indian pond-heron Ardeola grayii Curuttu kokku IN, P R

2 Little egret Egretta garzetta Chinna kokku IN, P R

3 Large egret Casmerodius albus Paria kokku IN, P RM

Order:Gruiformes

Family:Rallidae

4 White-breasted waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus Kampul koli IN R

Order:Falconiformes

Family:Accipitridae

5 Black kite Milvus migrans Kalla parunthu C R

6 Brahminy kite Haliastur indus Semparunthu C R

7 Pallied harrier Circus macrourus Punai parunthu C M

8 Black eagle Ictinaetus malayensis Karumparunthu C R

9 Shikra Accipiter badius Valluru PR R

Order:Galliformes

Family:Phasianidae

10 Grey francolin Francolinus

pondicerianus Cowthari GR

R

11 Common quail Coturnix coturnix Katai GR R

12 Indian pea fowl Pavo cristatus Nila myil OM R

13 Chesnut-bellied sand

grouse Pterocles exustus Kalcowthari GR

R

14 Painted francolin Francolinus pictus Varna Kowthari GR R

15 Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis Panagkatai IN R

Order:Charadriiformes

Family:Charadriidae

16 Red-wattled lapuing Vanellus indicus Chivappumuku

alkatti CR

R

Order:Columbiformes

Family:Columbidae

17 Blue-rock pigeon Columba livia Madapura GR R

18 Spotted dove Streptopelia chinensis Pullipura GR R

19 Red collared dove Streptopelia

tranquebarica Thavittupura GR

R

20 YellowLegged Green-

Pigeon Treron phoenicoptera Pachaipura GR

R

21 Eurasian collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Kallipura GR R

Order:Psittaciformes

Family:Psittacidae

22 Rose-ringed parakeet Psittacula krameri Senthar pynkili FR R

Order:Cuculiformes

Family:Cuculidae

23 Brainfever bird Hierococcyx varius Akka Kuyil IN R

24 Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus Kuyil IN R

25 Drongo cuckoo Surniculus lugubris Karisaan Kuyil IN,FR R

26 Asian koel Eudynamys scolopaceus Kokilum CR,FR R

27 Greater coucal Centropus sinensis Senbagam PR R

Table 1. Check list of birds in the study area



Order:Strigiformes

Family:Strigidae

28 Eurasian eagle owl Bubo bubo Compan anthai CR R

29 Motted wood owl Strix ocellata Poripulli owl PR R

30 Spotted owlet Athene brama Pulli anthai OM R

Family:Tytonidae

31 Barn owl Tyto alba Cukai anthai OM R

Order:Apodiformes

Family:Apodidae

32 Indian edible-nest swiftlet Collocalia unicolor China ulavaran IN R

33 House-swift Apus affinis Nattu ulavaran IN RM

34 Asian plam swift Cypsiurus balasiensis Panai ulavaran IN R

Family:Hemiprocnidae

35 Creasted tree swift Hemiprocne coronata Kontai ulavaran IN R

Order:Coraciiformes

Family:Alcedinidae

36 Small blue kingfisher Alcedo atthis Ciral menkoththi P RM

37 Oriental dwarf kingfisher Ceyx erithaca Ciru menkoththi P R

38 White-breasted kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis Wenmarbu menkoththi P R

39 Wood lane Jeannine miesle Menkoththi P M

Family:Meropidae

40 Small bee-eater Merops orientalis Chinna panchurutan IN R

41 Blue tailed bee-eater Merops philippinus Nilaval panchurutan IN M

42 Chesnut-heated bee-eater Merops leschenaulti Chanthalai pancurutan IN R

Family:Upupidae

43 Hoopoe Upupa epops Saval kuruvi IN,PR RM

Order:Piciformes

Family:Capitonidae

44 White-checked barbet Megalaima viridis China kukkuruvan FR R

45 Brown-headed barbet Megalaimia zeylanica Kattu pachai Kukkuruvan FR R

Family:Picidae

46 Small yellow-napal

woodpecker Picus chlorolophus Marangkothi IN,FR

R

47 Golden backed

woodpecker Dinopium javanense Marangkothi CR

R

48 Greater golden-backed

woodpecker Chrysocolaptes lucidus Marangkothi IN

R

49 Heart-spotted woodpecker Hemicircus canente Marangkothi IN R

50 Brown-capped pygmy

woodpecker Dendrocopos nanus Marangkothi IN

M

Order:Passeriformes

Family:Pittidae

51 Indian pitta Pitta brachyura Arumani kuruvi IN M

Family:Hirundinidae

52 Common swallow Hirundo rustica Thagaivilan IN RM

53 Wire-tailed swallow Hirundo smithii Kampi-valThagaivilan IN RM



Family:Motacillidae

54 Large-pied wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis Karuppuvalati IN R

55 Grey wagtail Motacilla cinerea Karum sampal valati IN M

Family:Campephagidae

56 Large cuckoo-Shrike Coracina macei Kuyil kisaan IN R

57 Common-woodshrike Tephrodornis pondiorianus Kassappakaram IN R

Family:Pycnonotidae

58 Red-whiskered bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus Chivappu mesai cinnan OM R

59 Red-vented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer Kondai kuruvi OM R

60 Black-crested bulbul Pycnonotus melanicterus Karungontai cinnan OM R

61 Black bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus Karun cinnan OM R

Family:Irenidae

62 Gold-fronted chloropsis Chloropsis aurifrons Pachai cittu OM R

63 Asianfairy-bluebird Irena puella Vannachittu OM M

Family:Turdinae

64 Malabar whisting-thrush Myiophonus horsfieldii Pung kuruvi OM M

65 White-rumbed shama Copsychus malabaricus Shama OM R

66 Indian robin Saxicoloides fulicata Carkuruvi IN R

67 Pied bushchat Saxicola caprata kathirkuruvi IN R

Family:Timaliidae

68 Large gray babbler Turdoides malcolmi Chilampan OM R

69 Jungle babbler Turdoides striatus Chilampan OM R

70 White-heated babbler Turdoides affinis Chilampan OM R

Family:Sylviinae

71 Jungle prinia Prinia sylvatica Kattukathir kuruvi IN R

72 Ashy prinia Prinia socialis Sampal kathirkuruvi IN R

73 Plain prinia Prinia inornata kathirkuruvi OM M

74 Paddyfied warbler Acrocephalus agricola vayelKathirkuruvi IN RM

75 Indian greatreed warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus Nanal kathir kuruvi IN M

76 Common tailer bird Orthotomus sutorius Thyal cittu IN R

77 Red-throated flycatcher Ficedula parva Epedippan IN M

78 Nilgiri flycatcher Eumyias albicaudatus Epedippan IN M

Family:Monarchinae

79 Asian paradise-flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi Arasaval kuruvi IN RM

Family:Muscicapidae

80 Kashmir flycatcher Ficedula subrubra Epedippan IN M

granivore was observed to be greater in number in this

area due to the availability of food resources.

Study on nesting pattern of birds showed that

they were found to have a various pattern of nest. Birds

build cup nest (25 species), hole nest (24 species),

platform nest (15 species), pendent nest (5 species), bell

shaped nest (3 species), ground nests (2 species) and

oyster shaped nest (1 species). Birds were observed to

use variety of materials for nest construction (Table 2).

Study on breeding period of avifauna in the study

area revealed that 28 bird species had their breeding

period during June to November, 24 birds had their

breeding periods during December to March, and 17

birds had their breeding periods during April to June, and

6 birds had breeding period without any specificity

depending only on food and climatic conditions. 30% of

birds had their breeding periods during the rainy season

and 50% of birds had their breeding periods during



Family:Dicaeidae

81 Tickell’s flower pecker Dicaeum erythrorhynchos Pakku chittu FR R

Family:Nectariniidae

82 Purple-rumbed sunbird Nectarinia zeylonica Manjal thenchittu NR R

83 Small sunbird Nectarinia minima China thencittu IN,NR M

84 Purple sunbird Nectarinia asiatica Uthathenchittu IN R

Family:Estrildidae

85 White-throated munia Lonchura malabarica Thiinai kuruvi GR R

86 Black-headed munia Lonchura malacca Thinaii kuruvi GR R

Family:Passerinae

87 House sparrow Passer domesticus Chittu kuruvi GR R

Family: ploceinae

88 Baya weaver Ploceus philippinus thuknanagkuruvi GR R

Family:Sturnidae

89 Grey-headed starling Sturnus malabaricus Sampal thalai myna OM R

90 Commom myna Acridotheres tristis Narathan kuruvi OM R

Family:Oriolidae

91 Black-headed oriole Oriolus xanthornus Mangkuyil OM R

Family:Dicruridae

92 Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus Karuvatuvalli IN R

93 Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus Karisaan IN M

94 White-bellied Drongo Dicrurus caerulescens Vellai-vaittu Karisaan IN R

95 Spangled Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus Kontai karisaan IN,NR R

96 Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus Karumpachai karichan IN M

Family:Corvidae

97 Indian treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda Valkakkai OM R

98 White-bellied treepie Dendrocitta leucogastra White valaivaettukakai OM M

99 House crow Corvus splendens Manikagam OM R

100 Jungle crow Corvus macrorhynchos Andakagam OM R

IN-Insetivore, P-Piscivore, CR-Carnivore, GR-Granivore, OM-Omnivore, FR-Frugivore, PR-Predators, NR-Nectarivore. ;

R – Resident; M – Migrant.



COMMON NAME AND

SCIENTIFIC NAME NEST SITE NEST TYPE NEST MATERIALS

BREEDING

TIME

Egretta garzetta Little Egret

Trees around lake

area Platform nest Twigs Nov-Feb

Casmerodius albus

Large egret

Trees around lake

area Platform nest Twigs Nov-Feb

Ardeola grayii

Indian Pond-Heron

Trees around lake

area Platform nest Twigs, small stems Nov-Apr

Milvus migrans

Black kite Tree canopy Platform nest Twigs, cloth, paper Sep-Apr

Haliastur indus

Brahminy kite Trees in water area Platform nest Twigs, cloth, jute, coir Dec-Apr

Ictinaetus malayensis

Black eagle Trees in hilly area Platform nest Twigs, stems, Rootlets Nov-Mar

Francolinus pictus

Painted francolin Ground Cup nest Dry Grass, leaves Jun-Sep

Coturnix coturnix

Common Quail Ground Cup nest Dry Grass, twigs Mar-Jul

Pavo cristatus

Indian Peafowl Bushes Platform nest Grass, twigs Jan-May

Amaurornis phoenicurus

White-breasted water hen Bushes Cup nest

Twigs, leaves, small

stems Apr-Oct

Vanellus indicus

Red-wattled Lapwing Ground Ground nest Mud, twigs, grass Mar-Sep

Pterocles exustus

Chestnut-bellied sand

grouse

Ground Ground nest Mud, twigs, grass Jan-Apr

Columba livia

Blue Rock pigeon

Temple towers/

stone buidings Platform nest Small sticks, fibres Annual

Streptopelia tranquebarica

Red collared-Dove Bushes,Small trees Platform nest Twigs, small sticks Annual

Treron phoenicoptera

Yellow-legged Green-pigeon Bushes,small trees Platform nest Twigs, Small stems Mar-Jun

Psittacula krameri

Rose-ringed parakeet Tree holes Hole nest - Jan-Apr

Tyto alba

Barn Owl

Temple towers/

Tree holes Hole nest - Annual

Bubo bubo

Eurasian Eagle Owl Sandy riverbanks Hole nest - Nov-May

Strix ocellata

Mottled Wood-Owl

Tree holes/

Cavities Hole nest Twigs, feathers Jan-Mar

Athene brama

Spotted Owlet

Tree holes/

Cavities Hole nest Fibrers Nov-Mar

Table 2. Nesting details of birds in the study area



Collocalia unicolor Indian Edible-nest Swiftlet

Building towers (Sirpi) shape Saliva, grass, fibres,

alga Mar-Jun

Cypsiurus balasiensis Asian Palm Swift

Trees (Palm trees) Cup nest Soft flower, feathers Annual

Not in winter

Apus affinis House Swift

Temple towers/

Bridges Cup nest

Feathers, paddy leaves

Annual

Not in winter

Alcedo atthis Small Blue kingfisher

Sandy river banks Hole nest - Feb-Sep

Ceyx erithaca Oriental Dwarf kingfisher

Sandy river banks Hole nest - July-Sep

Halcyon smyrnensis White-breasted kingfisher

Sandy river banks Hole nest - Jan-Jul

Nyctyornis athertoni Blue-beared Bee-eater

River banks Hole nest - Feb-Aug

Merops orientalis Small Bee-eater

Sandy road side Hole nest - Feb-Jun

Merops leschenaulti Chestnut-headed Bee-eater

Sandy river banks Hole nest - Feb-Jun

Coracias benghalensis Indian Roller

Tree holes Hole nest Grasses, straw, cloth Jan-Apr

Upupa epops

Hoo poe

Tree holes,

cavities, building

towers

Hole nest - Jan-Apr

Megalaima zeylanica Brown-headed barbet

Tree holes Hole nest - Feb-May

Megalaima viridis White-checked Barbet

Tree holes Hole nest - Dec-Jun

Dendrocopos nanus Brown-capped pygmy

Woodpecker

Tree holes Hole nest - Feb-Jul

Picus chlorolophus Small yellow-naped

Woodpecker

Tree holes Hole nest - Jan-May

Dinopium javanense Golenden backed

Wood Pecker

Tree holes

Hole nest - Feb-Jul

Chrysocolaptes lucidus Greater Golden-backed

Wood pecker

Tree holes Hole nest - Dec-Mar

Hemicircus canente Heart-Spotted Wood pecker

Tree holes Hole nest - Nov-Apr

Motacilla maderaspatensis Large Pied Wagtail

Water source

Near Cup nest

Root, grasses,

threads, jute Dec-Jun

Tephrodornis pondicerianus Common Wood Shrike

Trees Cup nest Barks, fibres Feb-Jul



Pycnonotus melanicterus Black-crested Bulbul

Small trees Cup nest Grasses, Twigs, spider

threads, leaves Jan-Aug

Pycnonotus jocosus Red-whiskkered Bulbul

Bushes, house roof Cup nest Twigs,leaves,spider

threads, root lets Dec-Jun

Pycnonotus cafer Red-vented Bulbul

Trees Cup nest Fibres, twigs Feb-Nov

Hypsipetes leucocephalus

Balck Bulbul Trees Cup nest

Grasses, dry leaves,

wood Alga, wood

mushrooms

Mar-Jun

Chloropsis aurifrons Gold-fronted cholropsis

Tree canopy Cup nest Fibres Jan-Feb

Irena puella Asian Fairy-Blue bird

Forest-trees Platform nest Twigs, stems Jan-Jun

Myiophonus horsfieldii Malabar whistling-thrush

Opportunistic Cup nest None Apr-Sep

Copsychus malabaricus White-rumped Shama

Tree holes

Hole nest None Apr-Jun

Saxicoloides fulicata Indian Robin

Cavities, wall tree

Holes Hole nest Grasses, feathers, straw Feb-Jul

Saxicola caprata Pied bushchat

Bushes, wall,

tree holes Hole nest Grasses feathers ,straw Feb-May

Turdoides malcolmi Large Gray Babbbler

Bushes, small trees Cup nest Grasses, fibres, rootlets,

twigs Mar-Sep

Turdoides striatus Jungle Babbbler

Bushes, small trees Cup nest Grasses, roots, twigs Mar-Oct

Turdoides affinis White-headed Babbler

Bushes, small trees Cup nest Grasses, roots, twigs Mar-Oct

Prinia sylvatica Jungle prinia

Bushes Ball shapped

Nest Grasses Mar-Oct

Prinia Socialis Ashy prinia

Bushes Cup nest Fibres, small sticks Apr-Aug

Orthotomus sutorius Common Tailor bird

Trees Cup nest Fibres, leaves, cotton

wool Apr-Dec

Eumyias albicaudata Nilgiri Flycatcher

Tree holes Cup nest Green tree’s Alga,

Rootlets Feb-Jun

Terpsiphone paradisi

Asian Paradise-Flycatch Trees Cup nest

Fibres, twigs, rootlets,

leaves May-Jul

Dicaeum erythrorhynchos Tickell’s Flower pecker

Trees Pendant nest Fibres, grasses, rootlets,

Spider thread Jan-Jun

Nectarinia zcylonica Purple-rumped sunbird

Bushes, small trees Pendant nest Grasses, fibres, spider

Threads Feb-Apr

Nectarinia minima Small sunbird

Small trees Pendant nest Grasses, papers, spider

Threads, fibres Dec-Apr

harvesting periods. Two harvesting season prevails in the

study area, first during the month of February to March

and second during the month of November. 24 birds had

their breeding during first harvesting season and another

24 during the second harvesting season. An interesting

fact was observed that the bird species which had their

breeding periods during rainy season were observed to

be insectivores and omnivores, and bird species that had

their breeding period during harvesting periods were

insectivores, granivores and omnivores. They had their

chance of survival to a maximum by adapting a

successful feeding strategy. During the rainy season

insect population will be more, hence insectivore breeds

during this time and they can feed their young one with

sumptuous amount of food, similarly birds that breed

during harvesting season were granivores, where they

got food at a greater amount to feed their young ones.

Food is believed to be one of the most critical resources

for the survival and reproduction of animals. A

wellknown theory in ecology known as the ‘food

availability-breeding time’, most birds breed at the time

when plenty of food is available for their chicks. Habitat

selection in birds is an account for their reproductive

success (Danchin et al., 1998).

CONCLUSION

Due to habitat loss, fragmentation and

urbanization a vast land area that provide roost resource



Nectarinia asiatica Purple Sunbird

Small trees Pendant nest Grasses, leaves, fibres,

Spiderthread Jan-Jun

Lonchura malabarica White-throated Munia

Bushes, small trees Ball shaped

nest Feathers, cotton wool Dec-May

Lonchura Malacca Black-headed Munia

Small trees Ball shaped Grasses, fibres, straw Oct-May

Passer domesticus House sparrow

Building roof,

Holes, avities Cup nest

Grasses, straw, cotton,

many waste material Annual

Ploceus philippinus Baya Weaver

Trees Pendant nest Paddy leaves, grasses Depending

Rainy season

Sturnus malabaricus Grey-headed starling

Tree holes Hole nest - Apr-Jul

Acridotheres trists Common Myna

Treeholes,

Building cavities Cup nest

Twigs, roots, leaves,

Polythene, feathers Mar-Sep

Dicrurus macrocercus Black Drongo

Trees Cup nest Fibres, twigs Mar-Jul

Dicrurus caerulescens White-bellied Drongo

Trees Cup nest Twigs, fibres Mar-Jun

Dicrurus hottentottus Spangled Drongo

Trees Paltform nest Twigs, grasses, rootlets Mar-Apr

Dendrocitta vaga bunda Indian Treepie

Trees Platform nest Twigs, fibres, coir, fine

cloth Mar-May

Dendrocitta leucogastra

White-bellied Treepie Trees Cup nest Leaves, twigs, rootlets Feb-Apr

Corvus splendens House Crow

Trees, lamp post,

House towers Platform nest

Twigs, fine cloth, coir,

fibres Mar-Aug

Corvus macrorhynchos

Jungle Crow Trees Platform nest

Leaves, twigs, fine

cloth, coir, fibres Feb-May

for birds starts depleting at a greater rate. Hence study on

the diversity and habitat is a need of the hour in order to

make conservation priorities. This study generated a base

line data on the avifauna of this region, which may

enlighten for further studies.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We acknowledge Dr. A. J. A. Ranjit singh, Dr.

K. R. Narayanan, and Mr. P.Parvathiraj., Department of

Zoology, Sri Paramakalyani College, for their help in

identification of bird species.

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Checklist of land birds in tenkasi and ambasamudram taluk, tirunelveli District: at the Foot Hills...

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Transcript of Checklist of land birds in tenkasi and ambasamudram taluk, tirunelveli District: at the Foot Hills...