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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 (8.97N 77.3E) and Ambasumudram (8.7N 77.47E) 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

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.

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:
sudhakaranmr@gmail.com




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 worlds 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 (8.97N 77.3E; Elevation 554 feet) and
Ambasumuram (8.7N 77.47E; 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 32.1C. The weather is quite hot in
May and June and the maximum temperature some
times reaches 43C. 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
Margalefs index and species dominance was calculated
by using Berger-Parker index. They were calculated by
using the formulae given below,
Margalefs 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
Sudhakaran et al., 2013
Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(2): 797-808 799



Sudhakaran et al., 2013
800 Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(2): 797-808
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
Sudhakaran et al., 2013
Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(2): 797-808 801
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


Sudhakaran et al., 2013
802 Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(2): 797-808
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
Sudhakaran et al., 2013
Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(2): 797-808 803
Family:Dicaeidae
81 Tickells 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.



Sudhakaran et al., 2013
804 Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(2): 797-808

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

Sudhakaran et al., 2013
Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(2): 797-808 805
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

Sudhakaran et al., 2013
806 Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(2): 797-808
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 trees Alga,
Rootlets
Feb-Jun
Terpsiphone paradisi
Asian Paradise-Flycatch
Trees Cup nest
Fibres, twigs, rootlets,
leaves
May-Jul
Dicaeum erythrorhynchos
Tickells 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
Sudhakaran et al., 2013
Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(2): 797-808 807
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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808 Journal of Research in Biology (2013) 3(2): 797-808
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