Checklist of land birds in Tenkasi and Ambasamudram Taluk, Tirunelveli District: at the Foot Hills of Southern Western Ghats

Journal of Research in Biology An International Scientific Research Journal Original Research Checklist of land birds in Tenkasi and Ambasamudram Taluk, Tirunelveli District: at the Foot Hills of Southern Western GhatsJournal of Research in Biology Authors: ABSTRACT: Sudhakaran MR, Valliselvam K, Birds present everywhere and are important ecological indicators. The study Esakkiammal M and area Tenkasi (8.97°N 77.3°E) and Ambasumudram (8.7°N 77.47°E) region of Tirunelveli Jayanthi A. 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 Institution: various reasons it had been confine towards aquatic ecosystem. To fulfill this lacuna, Department of Zoology, present study was carried out. A total of 100 species of land birds were documented Sri Paramakalyani College, that belongs to 36 orders and 48 families. Study on nesting pattern, breeding pattern Alwarkurichi 627 412 India. 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. Corresponding author: Keywords: Sudhakaran MR. Land birds, ambasamudram, diversity. Email: Article Citation: [email protected] Sudhakaran MR, Valliselvam K, Esakkiammal M and Jayanthi A. Checklist of land birds in Tenkasi and Ambasamudram Taluk, Tirunelveli District: at the Web Address: Foot Hills of Southern Western Ghats. http://jresearchbiology.com/ Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(2): 797-808 documents/RA0335.pdf. Dates: Received: 07 Feb 2013 Accepted: 14 Feb 2013 Published: 22 Feb 2013 This article is governed by the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by/2.0), which gives permission for unrestricted use, non-commercial, distribution and reproduction in all medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Journal of Research in Biology 797-808 | JRB | 2013 | Vol 3 | No 2 An International www.jresearchbiology.com Scientific Research Journal

Sudhakaran et al., 2013INTRODUCTION area, an extensive survey was made to document the land Diversity studies have assumed a greater bird distribution with a note on their habitat and breeding in Ambasumudram and Tenkasi Taluk of Southernurgency, partially as a result of incorporating habitat and Tamilnadu.demographic information towards conservation. Birdsuse diverse habitat and select their own habitat for MATERIALS AND METHODSsuccessful living. Out of more than 9,000 bird species of Study Areathe world, Indian subcontinent contains 1,300 species orover 13% of the world’s bird species (Grimmet et al., Tenkasi (8.97°N 77.3°E; Elevation 554 feet) and1999). The study area Tenkasi and Ambasamudram Ambasumuram (8.7°N 77.47°E; Elevation 229 feet)region of Tirunelveli district, Tamilnadu state is at the taluk are regions of Tirunelveli district of Tamilnadufoothill of Southern Western Ghats. This area has part of (map) described as a microcosm of the state, owing to itsKalakad Mundunthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) and mosaic and diverse geographical and physical featuresCourtallam hills, got a rich amount of flora and fauna such as lofty mountains and low plains, thorn scruband a good vegetation that give food and nest resources jungles, rivers and cascades, thick inland forest, sandyfor birds. Nearly 160 species of birds were observed to soils and fertile alluvium, a variety of flora, fauna, andpresent in KMTR (Joshua and Johnsingh, 1988). An protected wild life. The mean daily maximumannotated check list of the birds of Tamilnadu is not temperature is 32.1ºC. The weather is quite hot inavailable, but more than 450 species are likely to occur May and June and the maximum temperature some(Rathinam, 2002). Studies on distribution of birds in this times reaches 43ºC. This region enjoys winterpart have been recorded from early 1945 (Webb-Pelope, (December to March), Summer (April-June), Southwest1945), but the studies had limited towards wet-land monsoon (June to September and North east monsoonbirds. It is mainly due to the climatic condition prevails (October to November). The month of November isin this area. This region enjoys both the north east and generally with maximum rainfall. The average rainfall insouth west monsoon, with good wetland ecosystem that the district is 814.8 mm per annum.provides habitat for aquatic birds. Koonthankulam birdsanctuary is present in this region that inhabits more than Map: Study Area100 species of wetland birds. Hence most of the studieson birds (Johnson,1971; Wilkinson, 1961;Subramaninan, 2003; Johnsingh, 2001) were restrictedtowards wetland birds and their conservation. As birdsare observed to be an ideal bioindicator and a useful toolfor studying a variety of environmental problems, thehabitat ecology of bird community should be evaluatedfor their conservation (Kattan and Franco, 2004).The Indian bird population has been declining due tohabitat loss, fragmentation, anthropogenic disturbancesthat necessitates documentation, monitoring andconservation. In order to bring forth the avian diversity in this798 Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(2): 797-808

Sudhakaran et al., 2013Survey RESULT AND DISCUSION This study on survey of land bird was conducted A total of 100 species of birds that belongs tofrom January 2012 to December 2012 for a period of one 16 orders and 36 families were recorded during theyear. Weekly field observations were made throughout study, of which order Passeriformes was observed tothe study period, a total of 52 observations were done have 19 families with 48 species (Table 1). Familyduring the study and birds in the study area Sylviinae of order Passeriformes have a maximumwere documented. Survey was done in the nesting sites, number of 8 species of total 100 species observed.and information were gathered from local peoples and Passeriformies are group of birds that inhabit in avillagers. With high precise birds were monitored during vegetative rich area, that provide nesting and feedingmorning (06 00 to 10 00 hrs) and evening areas (Balachandran et al., 2005). Study area was(15 00 to 18 30 hrs). Binoculars and monoculars were observed to provide a good resource for the birdused for observation. Nest sites were surveyed there by community. Of the 100 species observed, 75 weregetting information from local villagers. Birds were observed to be residents and 16 were observed toidentified using key reference books of birds of India migrants, and 9 were both resident and migrant. Migrants(Salim Ali, 2002) and Tamilnadu (Rathinam, 2002). were observed to be from the western ghats region.Diveristy Indices Study on species richness revealed that Species richness was calculated by using Passeriformes shows a higher species richness.Margalef’s index and species dominance was calculated Passer domesticus (Dmg: 1.598) Pirnia socialisby using Berger-Parker index. They were calculated by (Dmg: 1.497), Acrocephalus agricola (Dmg: 1.401),using the formulae given below, Orthotomus subtorius (Dmg: 1.401), Corvus splendensMargalef’s index (Dmg: 1.400), Dendrocitta vagabunda (Dmg: 1.399), Corvus macrorhynchos (Dmg: 1.387), Ardeola grayii Species richness measures provide an instantly (Dmg: 1.350), Egretta grazetta (Dmg: 1.351),comprehensible expression of diversity. It is calculated Cosmerodius albus (Dmg: 1.320) were observed to haveusing the formula, a higher species richness. Species richness depends onDmg = (S – 1)/ In N the habitat, climatic condition, food resource andWhere, evolutionary history of the area (Jayson, 1994). OnS = Number of species present in each taluk estimating the dominance of species Corvus splendonsN = Number of individuals (d=0.393), Acridotherse tristis (d=0.390) had a greaterBerger-Parker diversity index dominance. Dominance and richness of the species depends mostly on the resource availability (Recher and Berger-Parker index is employed to determine Davis, 2002).whether there is any change in the dominance of speciesin each taluk. It expresses the proportional importance to Considering the feeding habit of bats 37 werethe most abundant species. The formula for calculating insectivorous, 22 were omnivores, 13 were granivore,the Berger-Parker index is 4 were piscivores, 4 were frugivores, 7 were carnivores,d = N max/N 3 were predators, 1 was nectarivore, 3 were insectivoreWhere, and piscivore, 2 were insectivore and frugivore, 1 wasN = the total number of individuals carnivore and frugivore, 1 was predator and insectivore,Nmax = Number of individuals in the most abundant and 2 were insectivore and nectarivore. Insectivore andspecies.Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(2): 797-808 799

Sudhakaran et al., 2013 Table 1. Check list of birds in the study areaS.NO COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME VERNACULAR FEEDING STATUS NAME HABITOrder:CiconiiformesFamily:Ardeidae Ardeola grayii Curuttu kokku IN, P R1 Indian pond-heron Egretta garzetta Chinna kokku IN, P R2 Little egret Casmerodius albus Paria kokku IN, P RM3 Large egretOrder:Gruiformes Amaurornis phoenicurus Kampul koli IN RFamily:Rallidae Milvus migrans Kalla parunthu C R4 White-breasted waterhen Haliastur indus Semparunthu C R Circus macrourus Punai parunthu C MOrder:Falconiformes Ictinaetus malayensis Karumparunthu C RFamily:Accipitridae Accipiter badius Valluru PR R5 Black kite GR R6 Brahminy kite GR R7 Pallied harrier OM R8 Black eagle GR R9 Shikra GR R IN ROrder:GalliformesFamily:Phasianidae CR R10 Grey francolin Francolinus Cowthari pondicerianus11 Common quail Coturnix coturnix Katai Pavo cristatus Nila myil12 Indian pea fowl Pterocles exustus Kalcowthari13 Chesnut-bellied sand grouse Francolinus pictus Varna Kowthari Coracias benghalensis Panagkatai14 Painted francolin15 Indian RollerOrder:CharadriiformesFamily:Charadriidae16 Red-wattled lapuing Vanellus indicus Chivappumuku alkattiOrder:ColumbiformesFamily:Columbidae17 Blue-rock pigeon Columba livia Madapura GR R18 Spotted dove Streptopelia chinensis Pullipura GR R Streptopelia Thavittupura GR R19 Red collared dove tranquebarica Pachaipura GR R20 YellowLegged Green- Treron phoenicoptera Kallipura GR Pigeon R Streptopelia decaocto21 Eurasian collared DoveOrder:Psittaciformes Psittacula krameri Senthar pynkili FR RFamily:Psittacidae22 Rose-ringed parakeetOrder:Cuculiformes Hierococcyx varius Akka Kuyil IN RFamily:Cuculidae Cuculus micropterus Kuyil IN R R23 Brainfever bird Surniculus lugubris Karisaan Kuyil IN,FR R24 Indian cuckoo Eudynamys scolopaceus Kokilum CR,FR R25 Drongo cuckoo Centropus sinensis Senbagam PR26 Asian koel27 Greater coucal800 Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(2): 797-808

Sudhakaran et al., 2013Order:Strigiformes Bubo bubo Compan anthai CR RFamily:Strigidae Strix ocellata Poripulli owl PR R Athene brama Pulli anthai OM R28 Eurasian eagle owl29 Motted wood owl Tyto alba Cukai anthai OM R30 Spotted owletFamily:Tytonidae Collocalia unicolor China ulavaran IN R31 Barn owl Apus affinis Nattu ulavaran IN RM Cypsiurus balasiensis Panai ulavaran IN ROrder:ApodiformesFamily:Apodidae Hemiprocne coronata Kontai ulavaran IN R32 Indian edible-nest swiftlet Alcedo atthis Ciral menkoththi P RM33 House-swift Ceyx erithaca Ciru menkoththi P R34 Asian plam swift Halcyon smyrnensis Wenmarbu menkoththi P RFamily:Hemiprocnidae Jeannine miesle Menkoththi P M35 Creasted tree swift Merops orientalis Chinna panchurutan IN ROrder:Coraciiformes Merops philippinus Nilaval panchurutan IN MFamily:Alcedinidae Merops leschenaulti Chanthalai pancurutan IN R36 Small blue kingfisher Upupa epops Saval kuruvi IN,PR RM37 Oriental dwarf kingfisher38 White-breasted kingfisher Megalaima viridis China kukkuruvan FR R39 Wood lane Megalaimia zeylanica RFamily:Meropidae Kattu pachai Kukkuruvan FR40 Small bee-eater R41 Blue tailed bee-eater42 Chesnut-heated bee-eater RFamily:Upupidae R43 Hoopoe ROrder:Piciformes MFamily:Capitonidae M44 White-checked barbet RM45 Brown-headed barbet RMFamily:Picidae 80146 Small yellow-napal Picus chlorolophus Marangkothi IN,FR woodpecker Dinopium javanense Marangkothi CR Chrysocolaptes lucidus Marangkothi IN47 Golden backed Hemicircus canente Marangkothi IN woodpecker Dendrocopos nanus Marangkothi IN48 Greater golden-backed Pitta brachyura woodpecker Hirundo rustica Hirundo smithii49 Heart-spotted woodpecker50 Brown-capped pygmy woodpeckerOrder:Passeriformes Arumani kuruvi INFamily:Pittidae Thagaivilan IN51 Indian pitta Kampi-valThagaivilan INFamily:Hirundinidae52 Common swallow53 Wire-tailed swallowJournal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(2): 797-808

Sudhakaran et al., 2013Family:Motacillidae Motacilla maderaspatensis Karuppuvalati IN R54 Large-pied wagtail IN M Motacilla cinerea Karum sampal valati55 Grey wagtail Coracina macei Kuyil kisaan IN RFamily:Campephagidae IN R56 Large cuckoo-Shrike Tephrodornis pondiorianus Kassappakaram57 Common-woodshrike RFamily:Pycnonotidae Pycnonotus jocosus Chivappu mesai cinnan OM R58 Red-whiskered bulbul Pycnonotus cafer Kondai kuruvi OM R59 Red-vented bulbul Pycnonotus melanicterus Karungontai cinnan OM R60 Black-crested bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus Karun cinnan OM61 Black bulbul RFamily:Irenidae Chloropsis aurifrons Pachai cittu OM M62 Gold-fronted chloropsis Irena puella Vannachittu OM63 Asianfairy-bluebird Myiophonus horsfieldii Pung kuruvi OM M Copsychus malabaricus Shama OM RFamily:Turdinae Saxicoloides fulicata Carkuruvi IN R64 Malabar whisting-thrush Saxicola caprata kathirkuruvi IN R65 White-rumbed shama66 Indian robin Turdoides malcolmi Chilampan OM R67 Pied bushchat Turdoides striatus Chilampan OM RFamily:Timaliidae Turdoides affinis Chilampan OM R68 Large gray babbler69 Jungle babbler Prinia sylvatica Kattukathir kuruvi IN R70 White-heated babbler Prinia socialis Sampal kathirkuruvi IN RFamily:Sylviinae Prinia inornata kathirkuruvi OM M71 Jungle prinia Acrocephalus agricola vayelKathirkuruvi IN RM72 Ashy prinia Acrocephalus stentoreus Nanal kathir kuruvi IN M73 Plain prinia Orthotomus sutorius Thyal cittu IN R74 Paddyfied warbler Ficedula parva Epedippan IN M75 Indian greatreed warbler Eumyias albicaudatus Epedippan IN M76 Common tailer bird77 Red-throated flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi Arasaval kuruvi IN RM78 Nilgiri flycatcherFamily:Monarchinae Ficedula subrubra Epedippan IN M79 Asian paradise-flycatcherFamily:Muscicapidae Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(2): 797-80880 Kashmir flycatcher802

Sudhakaran et al., 2013Family:Dicaeidae Dicaeum erythrorhynchos Pakku chittu FR R81 Tickell’s flower peckerFamily:Nectariniidae Nectarinia zeylonica Manjal thenchittu NR R82 Purple-rumbed sunbird Nectarinia minima China thencittu IN,NR M83 Small sunbird Nectarinia asiatica Uthathenchittu IN R84 Purple sunbirdFamily:Estrildidae Lonchura malabarica Thiinai kuruvi GR R85 White-throated munia Lonchura malacca Thinaii kuruvi GR R86 Black-headed muniaFamily:Passerinae Passer domesticus Chittu kuruvi GR R87 House sparrowFamily: ploceinae Ploceus philippinus thuknanagkuruvi GR R88 Baya weaverFamily:Sturnidae Sturnus malabaricus Sampal thalai myna OM R89 Grey-headed starling Acridotheres tristis Narathan kuruvi OM R90 Commom mynaFamily:Oriolidae Oriolus xanthornus Mangkuyil OM R91 Black-headed orioleFamily:Dicruridae Dicrurus macrocercus Karuvatuvalli IN R92 Black Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus Karisaan IN M93 Ashy Drongo Dicrurus caerulescens Vellai-vaittu Karisaan IN R94 White-bellied Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus Kontai karisaan IN,NR R95 Spangled Drongo Dicrurus aeneus Karumpachai karichan IN M96 Bronzed DrongoFamily:Corvidae Dendrocitta vagabunda Valkakkai OM R97 Indian treepie Dendrocitta leucogastra White valaivaettukakai OM M98 White-bellied treepie Corvus splendens Manikagam OM R99 House crow Corvus macrorhynchos Andakagam OM R100 Jungle crowIN-Insetivore, P-Piscivore, CR-Carnivore, GR-Granivore, OM-Omnivore, FR-Frugivore, PR-Predators, NR-Nectarivore. ;R – Resident; M – Migrant.granivore was observed to be greater in number in this Study on breeding period of avifauna in the studyarea due to the availability of food resources. area revealed that 28 bird species had their breeding period during June to November, 24 birds had their Study on nesting pattern of birds showed that breeding periods during December to March, and 17they were found to have a various pattern of nest. Birds birds had their breeding periods during April to June, andbuild cup nest (25 species), hole nest (24 species), 6 birds had breeding period without any specificityplatform nest (15 species), pendent nest (5 species), bell depending only on food and climatic conditions. 30% ofshaped nest (3 species), ground nests (2 species) and birds had their breeding periods during the rainy seasonoyster shaped nest (1 species). Birds were observed to and 50% of birds had their breeding periods duringuse variety of materials for nest construction (Table 2).Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(2): 797-808 803

Sudhakaran et al., 2013 Table 2. Nesting details of birds in the study areaCOMMON NAME AND NEST SITE NEST TYPE NEST MATERIALS BREEDING SCIENTIFIC NAME TIMEEgretta garzetta Trees around lake Platform nest Twigs Nov-FebLittle Egret areaCasmerodius albus Trees around lake Platform nest Twigs Nov-FebLarge egret areaArdeola grayii Trees around lake Platform nest Twigs, small stems Nov-AprIndian Pond-Heron areaMilvus migrans Tree canopy Platform nest Twigs, cloth, paper Sep-AprBlack kiteHaliastur indus Trees in water area Platform nest Twigs, cloth, jute, coir Dec-AprBrahminy kiteIctinaetus malayensis Trees in hilly area Platform nest Twigs, stems, Rootlets Nov-MarBlack eagleFrancolinus pictus Ground Cup nest Dry Grass, leaves Jun-SepPainted francolinCoturnix coturnix Ground Cup nest Dry Grass, twigs Mar-JulCommon QuailPavo cristatus Bushes Platform nest Grass, twigs Jan-MayIndian PeafowlAmaurornis phoenicurus Bushes Cup nest Twigs, leaves, small Apr-OctWhite-breasted water hen stemsVanellus indicus Ground Ground nest Mud, twigs, grass Mar-SepRed-wattled Lapwing Jan-Apr Ground Ground nest Mud, twigs, grass AnnualPterocles exustusChestnut-bellied sand Temple towers/ Platform nest Small sticks, fibresgrouse stone buidingsColumba liviaBlue Rock pigeonStreptopelia tranquebarica Bushes,Small trees Platform nest Twigs, small sticks AnnualRed collared-DoveTreron phoenicoptera Bushes,small trees Platform nest Twigs, Small stems Mar-JunYellow-legged Green-pigeonPsittacula krameri Tree holes Hole nest - Jan-AprRose-ringed parakeetTyto alba Temple towers/ Hole nest - AnnualBarn Owl Tree holesBubo bubo Sandy riverbanks Hole nest - Nov-MayEurasian Eagle OwlStrix ocellata Tree holes/ Hole nest Twigs, feathers Jan-MarMottled Wood-Owl CavitiesAthene brama Tree holes/ Hole nest Fibrers Nov-MarSpotted Owlet Cavities804 Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(2): 797-808

Sudhakaran et al., 2013Collocalia unicolor Building towers (Sirpi) shape Saliva, grass, fibres, Mar-JunIndian Edible-nest Swiftlet Cup nest alga Trees (Palm trees) Cup nest Soft flower, feathers AnnualCypsiurus balasiensis Temple towers/ Hole nest Feathers, paddy leaves Not in winterAsian Palm Swift Bridges Hole nest Annual Sandy river banks Hole nest - Not in winterApus affinis Hole nestHouse Swift Sandy river banks Hole nest Feb-Sep Hole nestAlcedo atthis Sandy river banks Hole nest - July-SepSmall Blue kingfisher Hole nest River banks Hole nest - Jan-JulCeyx erithaca Hole nestOriental Dwarf kingfisher Sandy road side Hole nest - Feb-AugHalcyon smyrnensis Sandy river banks Hole nest - Feb-JunWhite-breasted kingfisher Tree holes Hole nest - Feb-JunNyctyornis athertoni Tree holes,Blue-beared Bee-eater cavities, building Hole nest Grasses, straw, cloth Jan-Apr towers Hole nestMerops orientalis Tree holes Cup nest - Jan-AprSmall Bee-eater Cup nest Tree holes - Feb-MayMerops leschenaulti - Dec-JunChestnut-headed Bee-eaterCoracias benghalensisIndian RollerUpupa epopsHoo poeMegalaima zeylanicaBrown-headed barbetMegalaima viridisWhite-checked BarbetDendrocopos nanus Tree holes - Feb-JulBrown-capped pygmyWoodpeckerPicus chlorolophus Tree holes - Jan-MaySmall yellow-napedWoodpeckerDinopium javanense Tree holes - Feb-JulGolenden backedWood PeckerChrysocolaptes lucidus Tree holes - Dec-MarGreater Golden-backed - Nov-AprWood pecker Root, grasses, Dec-Jun threads, jute Feb-JulHemicircus canente Tree holes Barks, fibresHeart-Spotted Wood pecker 805Motacilla maderaspatensis Water sourceLarge Pied Wagtail NearTephrodornis pondicerianus TreesCommon Wood ShrikeJournal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(2): 797-808

Sudhakaran et al., 2013Pycnonotus melanicterus Small trees Cup nest Grasses, Twigs, spider Jan-AugBlack-crested Bulbul threads, leaves Dec-Jun Bushes, house roof Cup nestPycnonotus jocosus Twigs,leaves,spiderRed-whiskkered Bulbul threads, root letsPycnonotus cafer Trees Cup nest Fibres, twigs Feb-NovRed-vented Bulbul Trees Cup nest Grasses, dry leaves, Mar-JunHypsipetes leucocephalusBalck Bulbul wood Alga, wood mushroomsChloropsis aurifronsGold-fronted cholropsis Tree canopy Cup nest Fibres Jan-FebIrena puella Forest-trees Platform nest Twigs, stems Jan-JunAsian Fairy-Blue bird Opportunistic Cup nest None Apr-SepMyiophonus horsfieldii Hole nestMalabar whistling-thrush Tree holes Hole nest None Apr-Jun Hole nestCopsychus malabaricus Cavities, wall tree Cup nest Grasses, feathers, straw Feb-JulWhite-rumped Shama Holes Bushes, wall, Grasses feathers ,straw Feb-MaySaxicoloides fulicata tree holesIndian Robin Grasses, fibres, rootlets, Mar-Sep Bushes, small trees twigsSaxicola caprataPied bushchat Bushes, small trees Cup nest Grasses, roots, twigs Mar-OctTurdoides malcolmi Bushes, small trees Cup nest Grasses, roots, twigs Mar-OctLarge Gray Babbbler Bushes Bushes Ball shapped Grasses Mar-OctTurdoides striatus Trees NestJungle Babbbler Tree holes Trees Cup nest Fibres, small sticks Apr-AugTurdoides affinis TreesWhite-headed Babbler Bushes, small trees Cup nest Fibres, leaves, cotton Apr-Dec Small trees Cup nest wool Feb-JunPrinia sylvaticaJungle prinia Green tree’s Alga, RootletsPrinia SocialisAshy prinia Cup nest Fibres, twigs, rootlets, May-Jul leavesOrthotomus sutoriusCommon Tailor bird Pendant nest Fibres, grasses, rootlets, Jan-Jun Pendant nest Spider thread Feb-AprEumyias albicaudata Pendant nest Dec-AprNilgiri Flycatcher Grasses, fibres, spider ThreadsTerpsiphone paradisiAsian Paradise-Flycatch Grasses, papers, spider Threads, fibresDicaeum erythrorhynchosTickell’s Flower pecker Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(2): 797-808Nectarinia zcylonicaPurple-rumped sunbirdNectarinia minimaSmall sunbird806

Sudhakaran et al., 2013 Small trees Pendant nest Grasses, leaves, fibres, Jan-Jun Ball shaped Spiderthread Dec-MayNectarinia asiatica Bushes, small trees nestPurple Sunbird Ball shaped Feathers, cotton wool Small treesLonchura malabarica Building roof, Cup nest Grasses, fibres, straw Oct-MayWhite-throated Munia Holes, avities Trees Pendant nest Grasses, straw, cotton, AnnualLonchura Malacca many waste material DependingBlack-headed Munia Tree holes Hole nest Rainy season Cup nest Paddy leaves, grasses Apr-JulPasser domesticus Treeholes, Cup nestHouse sparrow Building cavities - Mar-SepPloceus philippinus Trees Twigs, roots, leaves, Mar-JulBaya Weaver Polythene, feathersSturnus malabaricus Fibres, twigsGrey-headed starling Trees Cup nest Twigs, fibres Mar-JunAcridotheres tristsCommon Myna Trees Paltform nest Twigs, grasses, rootlets Mar-AprDicrurus macrocercus Trees Platform nest Twigs, fibres, coir, fine Mar-MayBlack Drongo clothDicrurus caerulescens Trees Cup nest Leaves, twigs, rootlets Feb-AprWhite-bellied Drongo Platform nest Trees, lamp post, Platform nest Twigs, fine cloth, coir, Mar-AugDicrurus hottentottus House towers fibres Feb-MaySpangled Drongo Trees Leaves, twigs, fineDendrocitta vaga bunda cloth, coir, fibresIndian TreepieDendrocitta leucogastraWhite-bellied TreepieCorvus splendensHouse CrowCorvus macrorhynchosJungle Crowharvesting periods. Two harvesting season prevails in the sumptuous amount of food, similarly birds that breedstudy area, first during the month of February to March during harvesting season were granivores, where theyand second during the month of November. 24 birds had got food at a greater amount to feed their young ones.their breeding during first harvesting season and another Food is believed to be one of the most critical resources24 during the second harvesting season. An interesting for the survival and reproduction of animals. Afact was observed that the bird species which had their wellknown theory in ecology known as the ‘foodbreeding periods during rainy season were observed to availability-breeding time’, most birds breed at the timebe insectivores and omnivores, and bird species that had when plenty of food is available for their chicks. Habitattheir breeding period during harvesting periods were selection in birds is an account for their reproductiveinsectivores, granivores and omnivores. They had their success (Danchin et al., 1998).chance of survival to a maximum by adapting asuccessful feeding strategy. During the rainy season CONCLUSIONinsect population will be more, hence insectivore breeds Due to habitat loss, fragmentation andduring this time and they can feed their young one with urbanization a vast land area that provide roost resourceJournal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(2): 797-808 807

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