Vol. 11, Special Issue 8 (2022)

Author(s):
Priya, Dahrambir Singh, Vikram Delu and Kiran Yodha

Abstract:
Wetlands are very crucial and vital in providing breeding and feeding grounds to the migratory birds. A comparative study on avian diversity of winter migratory and resident birds was conducted at Sultanpur National Park from October, 2019 to March, 2020 during which 96 species belonging to 17 orders, 35 families and 75 genera were identified categorized as winter migratory (34) and resident (62). Among the winter migratory species, order Anseriformes and family Anatidae were most prevalent whereas order Passeriformes and family Ardeidae were dominant among the resident avifauna. One winter migratory (Ciconia episcopus) and four resident species (Anhinga melanogaster, Mycteria leucocephala, Paleornis eupatria and Threskiornis melanocephalus) are listed as near threatened whereas one winter migrant (Aythya ferina) is categorized as vulnerable. Management strategies and planning are important factors responsible for conservation of these important avian habitats and hence for their conservation.