International Journal of Zoology Studies

Authors
Dayananda GY

Abstract
The present study deals with the diversity and abundance of wetland birds around Gudavi bird sanctuary, Sorab, Karnataka during 2006 to 2010. The total of 61 species of birds belonging to 14 families was recorded in the five years study at Gudavi wetlands. Most of the families were represented by less than ten species except for Ardeidae (10 species, 16.39%) and Anatidae (11 species, 18.03%). These include 29 residents, 23 resident migratory, 5 winter migratory and 4 migratory birds. 61 species of water dependent birds were recorded from the wetlands of the sanctuary. Among the birds recorded in this study, about 42.62% are piscivores, 34.43% insectivores and 22.95% omnivores. These wetlands attracted several local and migratory bird species. The diversity and abundance may be attributed the moderate volume of water storage, availability of food and assured protection to these birds. In order to protect these wetland birds, the wetland should be conserved by controlling encroachment, pollution and other anthropogenic activities. This paper provides an overview of status of wetland birds in the study area.