Studies on the Abundance and Distribution of Birds in Three Different Habitats of Karur District, South India

Abstract

A study of avian species abundance and distribution was conducted during December 2010 to April 2011 in Karur district of Tamil Nadu. The landscape of Karur consists of a broad spectrum of environments ranging from the city forests to highly modified artificial landscapes. Birds were assessed in three selected habitats using line transect method from December 2009 to March 2010. Total of 76 species were recorded belonging to 13 different orders. In Seventy six species recorded from three sites of Karur district, Species richness and the total abundance of birds were significantly greater in Amaravathi river banks (wet land), Uthukarapatty village than Karur town, especially where the Amaravathi river banks zones contained extensive cover of rain forest plants and flowering plants. Similarity in bird species composition between Amaravathi river banks and adjacent Uthukarapatty village was generally low. Karur birds exhibit wide habitat tolerance in narrow geographic areas, which is attributed to a slow development rate of this bird fauna. Less abundance in karur town is due to anthropogenic activities. An annotated checklist of these species is provided with special reference to their distribution in different habitat types. Indian peafowl, Babblers, Common Myna, Herons shows abundance in this region.