Avian diversity in relation to indigenous trees

Abstract

The present study on avian community structure in relation to indigenous trees was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana (Location I) and village Machaki Mal Singh, Faridkot (Location II). Six different indigenous trees were selected i.e. Banyan (Ficus benghalenesis), Jamun (Syzygium cumini) and Mulberry (Morus alba) Neem (Azardirachta indica) Pipal (Ficus religiosa) and Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo). A total 51 species of birds were recorded belonging to 14 orders. Highest species richness (31) was recorded on Pipal tree. Cumulative count of birds on all selected trees showed numerical dominance of Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis), Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) and House Crow (Corvus spendens). Visit of migratory birds were also recorded. The order Passeriformes was the most dominant order out of total fourteen orders of bird species observed. Among feeding habits, omnivorous birds were dominant as compared to birds having other feeding habits.