Assessment of avian diversity of green patches in Amravati City, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Urban green spaces serve as critical habitats for sustaining bird diversity in rapidly developing cities. This study investigated the seasonal diversity of birds in green patches of urban Amravati, Maharashtra, India. Over a two-year survey period (2023-2025), 141 avian species were recorded using grid surveys, patch monitoring, and point transects. This study provides the first comprehensive checklist of urban birds in Amravati City. Most species were residents, with limited migratory activity. Notably, the Vulnerable (VU) Asian woolly necked stork and Near Threatened (NT) Alexandrine Parakeet, European Roller was recorded. High Simpson (1-D=0.9842) and Shannon (H=4.456) diversity indices reflect ecological richness. A total of 41 bird species were observed using a variety of nesting substrates, including trees and anthropogenic structures such as walls and buildings near green spaces. Key urban roosting sites for parakeets, crows, and egrets were identified, highlighting the ecological role of green patches in Amravati City. Additionally, a checklist of 54 plant species, predominantly trees was documented across various urban habitats of Amravati City, many of which support avian nesting, foraging, and shelter. Conservation of native tree species and green corridors is recommended to sustain avian biodiversity throughout urban expansion.