Abstract

Aim: Avian studies play a pivotal role in safeguarding and conserving bird species and developing sustainable management practices. It is important to explore the diversity of bird species’ in a specific ecosystem, focusing on species richness and relative abundance.
Method: The data were collected from 01 November 2024 to 30 April 2025 and surveys were systematically conducted every week. Bird species were recorded using both point-count and line-transect methods.
Result: A combination of 102 bird species was recorded from 13 orders, 31 families and 66 genera in the Mandothi Wetland Area. Passeriformes was the most dominant order, and the family Anatidae showed the highest species richness, with a Relative Diversity Index (RDi) value of 12.6%. 68 species were resident, while others included winter, summer, and 01 passage migrants. Among the feeding guilds, omnivorous and carnivorous species were the most abundant, each represented by 32 species. According to the global IUCN Red Data List most of the species were least concern (96) followed by near threatened (5) and only one (Grus Antigone) as vulnerable while the populations of 32 species were evaluated as in decline.
Conclusion: The present study offers important insights into avian diversity, seasonal occurrence, feeding guilds, species richness, and the conservation status of bird species inhabiting the study area. The findings highlight the need to strengthen conservation measures and promote public awareness about the ecological importance of wetland habitats.

Key words: Birds, Species, Wetlands, Migratory, Mandothi