Journal of Threatened
Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 September 2026 | 18(9): 29617–29629
ISSN 0974-7907 (Online) | ISSN 0974-7893 (Print)
https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.10624.18.9.29617-29629
#10624 | Received 20 April 2026 | Final received 04 July 2026 | Finally
accepted 06 August 2026
An annotated checklist of the
avifauna of Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, southern
India: a Ramsar wetland with conservation
significance
I. Jamil Hussain 1 & K. Jahir Hussain 2
1,2 PG & Research Department of
Zoology, C. Abdul Hakeem College (Autonomous), Melvisharam,
Tamil Nadu 632509; affiliated with Thiruvalluvar
University, Serkkadu, Vellore 632115, Tamil Nadu,
India.
1 jamilhussain1997@gmail.com, 2
jahir.zoo@cahc.edu.in (corresponding author)
Editor: H. Byju, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Date of publication: 26
September 2026 (online & print)
Citation: Hussain, I.J. & K.J. Hussain
(2026). An annotated checklist of
the avifauna of Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, southern
India: a Ramsar wetland with conservation
significance. Journal of Threatened Taxa 18(9): 29617–29629. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.10624.18.9.29617-29629
Copyright: © Hussain & Hussain 2026. Creative Commons Attribution
4.0 International License. JoTT allows unrestricted
use, reproduction, and distribution of this article in any medium by providing
adequate credit to the author(s) and the source of publication.
Funding: No funds, grants,
or other support was received.
Competing interests: The authors
declare no competing interests.
Author details: I. Jamil Hussain is a research scholar, currently
pursuing his Ph.D. under the guidance of Dr. K. Jahir Hussain, with research
interests focused on avian diversity, biodiversity assessment, and conservation
ecology. Dr. K. Jahir Hussain is a
research supervisor and assistant professor in the PG and Research Department
of Zoology at C. Abdul Hakeem College (Autonomous), affiliated to Thiruvalluvar University. He obtained his M.Sc. and M.Phil.
degrees in Zoology from Madurai Kamaraj University and his Ph.D. from the
University of Madras in 2007. His research focuses on biodiversity conservation
and environmental impact assessment. He has worked at the Indira Gandhi Centre
for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, as a visiting
scientist and senior consultant at NBA, Chennai.
Author contributions: IJH—conducted field surveys,
collected and analyzed the data, and prepared the original manuscript draft.
KJH conceptualized and supervised the study, provided methodological guidance,
and critically revised the manuscript.
Acknowledgements: The authors
sincerely thank the Principal Chief Conservator
of Forests (PCCF), Tamil Nadu
Forest Department, for granting permission
to conduct this study in the
Pichavaram Mangrove Forest
Reserve. We are grateful to
the District Forest Officer (DFO), Cuddalore Forest Division, the Range Forest Officer, Pichavaram Range, and the field staff
of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department for their support and assistance during the field surveys. The authors also express
their sincere gratitude to the
management of C. Abdul Hakeem College (Autonomous) for providing institutional support.
Abstract: An assessment of avian diversity
was conducted in the Pichavaram Mangrove Forest
(PMF), Tamil Nadu, from October 2022 to December 2025. A consolidated inventory
combining historical and present records documented 221 bird species for PMF,
of which 196 species belonging to 58 families and 20 orders were recorded
during the present survey. Comparison with previous studies revealed a marked
decline in recorded species richness during 2004–2007 relative to 1984–1988,
followed by a substantial increase in species richness during the present
study. Of the 196 species documented, 98 were waterbirds
and 98 terrestrial species, reflecting a balanced community structure. The
dominance of Charadriiformes, Passeriformes, and Pelecaniformes reflects the availability of diverse aquatic
and terrestrial habitats within PMF. Frequency of occurrence status showed a
skewed distribution with more frequent than infrequent species, suggesting the
presence of a relatively stable core assemblage of regularly occurring species
within this wetland system. Migratory status comprised 55.6% Residents, 38.8%
Winter Migrants, 3.6% Local Migrants, 1.0% Passage Migrants, and 1.0% Summer
Migrants. Fifteen species generally regarded as winter migrants were recorded
throughout the year during the present study, and were therefore classified as
over-summering winter migrants, highlighting the availability of resources
within PMF. The occurrence of 13 ‘Near
Threatened’, six ‘Vulnerable’, and two ‘Endangered’ species underscores the
conservation importance of the site. Seven shorebird species and 37 other
species were newly-recorded, reflecting either range extensions or improved
detection. Twenty-five historically-reported species were not detected in core
habitats, suggesting potential shifts in habitat suitability. Overall, the
findings reinforce the ecological significance of PMF within the Central Asian Flyway, and highlight its critical role in sustaining both
migratory and resident communities.
Keywords: Avian diversity, bird
conservation, Central Asian Flyway, coastal wetlands, mangrove ecosystem,
over-summering winter migrants, shorebirds, wetland birds.
Introduction
Mangrove ecosystems are among the
most productive and ecologically significant wetland habitats worldwide,
providing vital ecological services including coastal protection, biodiversity
support, and biogeochemical cycling. The Pichavaram
Mangrove Forest (PMF) comprises a network of tidal creeks, mudflats, mangrove
islands, and rich mangrove vegetation, which dynamically interact with riverine
habitats, supporting diverse avian assemblages throughout the year (Sampath
& Krishnamurthy 1993; Kathiresan 2000). The PMF
was designated as a Ramsar Site (Site no. 2482) on 8
April 2022, in recognition of its international ecological importance (Ramsar Convention Secretariat 2022). The avifauna of PMF
includes resident as well as long- and short-distance migratory species, as
documented in earlier studies (Sampath & Krishnamurthy 1993; Nagarajan
& Thiyagesan 1996). A total of 75 waterbird species have been recorded in this area
(Nagarajan & Thiyagesan 2014). The migratory
season extends from September to April, with peak abundance observed between
November and January (Sampath & Krishnamurthy 1993; Nagarajan & Thiyagesan 1996). The high availability of benthic
invertebrates and aquatic prey within mangrove mudflats attracts large
congregations of wetland birds, especially from the end of the northeast
monsoon to the post-monsoon season (Jagadheesan &
Pandiyan 2021). PMF functions as a critical stopover
and wintering ground for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway (CAF) (Rashiba et al. 2022).
Despite their ecological
richness, Indian mangroves face escalating threats from anthropogenic
activities such as land reclamation, aquaculture, and pollution, which have led
to documented declines in bird populations across various coastal regions (Kathiresan et al. 2015). Earlier avifaunal assessments at Pichavaram indicated a peak in bird diversity during the
1980s (Sampath & Krishnamurthy 1993), followed by a lower number of
recorded species during the 2000s, coinciding with habitat degradation and
wetland conversion for shrimp aquaculture (Sandilyan
2017). No comprehensive long-term updates have been published in the past
decade. This study sought to provide a thorough reassessment of avifaunal
diversity in the PMF, to evaluate the current status and temporal patterns in species
richness, composition and taxonomic dominance. This study integrated historical
species lists with new field observations conducted between 2022 and 2025. In
addition to compiling an updated avifaunal checklist, this study assessed
patterns of species persistence, local disappearance, re-detection, and new
species records by comparing historical records with contemporary field
observations, highlighting their ecological and conservation significance.
Material
and Methods
The PMF (11.442° N, 79.789° E),
located in the Cauvery Delta region near the Bay of Bengal in Tamil Nadu, is
one of the largest mangrove ecosystems in India, covering 1,474 ha (Image 1).
Of the total area, 1,358 ha (92.13%) is designated as protected forest. The
mangrove-estuarine ecosystem connects to the sea between the Vellar (north), Coleroon (south),
and Uppanar (west) rivers, with water depths ranging
0.3–3.0 m. It comprises marshes, swamps, open water, sandbanks, dense mangroves
(Image 4), mudflats (Image 5), agricultural lands, and abandoned fields (Kathiresan 2000). The PMF supports ecotourism through
boating activities managed by the Tamil Nadu Tourism and Forest Department,
while local fishing communities rely on its rich fish and shellfish resources
for their livelihoods.
Field surveys were conducted once
per month in different habitats at the PMF and adjacent areas from October 2022
to December 2025. Surveys were carried out during peak avian activity periods
(0600–1130 h and 1500–1730 h) and avoided during adverse weather conditions.
All surveys were conducted by the same observer to minimise
observer-related variation in species detection and identification. To compile
a comprehensive avifaunal checklist and facilitate comparison with previous
inventories, surveys were conducted using the area search method (Ralph et al.
1993; Bibby et al. 2000), which involved systematic visual scans across
predefined habitat areas, with all birds seen and heard being recorded during
each survey. A total of 39 monthly surveys were undertaken across six major
habitat types: mature mangrove forests, intertidal mudflats, sandbanks,
shallow-water areas, restored mangrove areas, and adjacent agricultural lands,
comprising a total of 234 surveys (39 months x 6 habitats). Each survey lasted approximately
45 min and covered about 2 km. Surveys were conducted using a combination of
boat-based (33.3%) and foot-based (66.7%) observations, depending on habitat
accessibility. This approach enabled systematic coverage of the study area and
improved the detection of rare, cryptic, mobile, and habitat-specialist
species. Observations were made using 10 × 50 binoculars and a spotting scope.
Species identification was based
on direct field observations and standard ornithological field guides (Ali
2002; Grimmett et al. 2016). Merlin Bird ID was used
solely as an auxiliary identification tool and not as a standalone source for
species confirmation (Cornell Lab of Ornithology 2023). Uncertain records were
verified using photographic evidence obtained with a Nikon Coolpix P1000 camera
and cross-referenced with field guides before inclusion in the final checklist.
Species were categorized as
Resident (R), Winter Migrant (WM), Local Migrant (LM), Passage Migrant (PM),
and Summer Migrant (SM) following Grimmett et al.
(2016). Species with documented breeding records in Tamil Nadu were denoted as
winter migrants with breeding records (WM#) or summer migrants with
breeding records (SM#), as appropriate, based on published
literature (Subramanya 2005; Byju et al. 2023b, 2025;
Hussain & Hussain 2026). Species recorded throughout the year despite being
recognized as winter migrants were denoted as over-summering winter migrants
(WM*) following Byju et al. (2024a). Occurrence
status was classified based on the frequency of sightings across 39 pooled
monthly visits following MacKinnon & Phillipps
(1993). Species recorded during > 60 % of visits (24–39 visits) were categorised as Common (C), those recorded during 20–59 % of
visits (8–23 visits) as Uncommon (UC), those recorded during 5–19 % of visits
(2–7 visits) as Rare (Ra), and species recorded only once as Very Rare (VR).
These categories represent frequency of occurrence rather than quantitative
abundance. Nomenclature and taxonomic sequence followed the updated online Checklist
of the Birds of India maintained by Praveen & Jayapal
(2026, Version 10.0; accessed January 2026), while conservation status followed
the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN 2025).
Results
and Discussion
An annotated checklist of the
avifauna recorded from PMF, including common and scientific names, frequency of
occurrence, migratory status and IUCN conservation status, is provided in Table
1. During this survey, 196 species belonging to 58 families and 20 orders were
documented. Of these, 152 species were reported in previous surveys, whereas 44
species constitute new records for PMF (Table 1). In contrast, 25 species
documented in earlier studies were not detected during the current survey (Table 2).
Consequently, the cumulative avifaunal inventory of PMF, integrating both
historical and contemporary records, comprises 221 species. The avifaunal
assemblage was taxonomically dominated by Charadriiformes
(56 species) and Passeriformes (55 species), followed by Pelecaniformes
(17 species) and Accipitriformes (13 species). All
remaining orders showed moderate to low representation, with several taxa
represented by few or single species, reflecting variation in species richness
among orders (Image 2).
The predominance of Charadriiformes and Pelecaniformes
reflects the importance of aquatic habitats, particularly mudflats, sandbanks
and shallow wetlands, within the study area. The comparable representation of
Passeriformes reflects the presence of dense mangrove vegetation and
surrounding terrestrial habitats, highlighting the heterogeneous nature of the
ecosystem. Similar taxonomic patterns have been reported from comparable
coastal wetland ecosystems (Balachandran & Thirunavukarasu
2022; Byju et al. 2023a; Alam
et al. 2023; Shree & Malathi 2024). Regional
inventories have reported 160 species from Muthupet (Deiva 1999), 178 species from Kalpakkam
(Hussain et al. 2011), 294 species from Point Calimere
(Balachandran & Thirunavukarasu 2022), 107
species from Karangadu (Byju
et al. 2023a), 124 species from Muttukadu (Shree
& Malathi 2024), and 161 species from Pulicat Lake (Alam et al. 2023).
While these comparisons provide useful regional context, differences in survey
duration, sampling effort, seasonal coverage, habitat extent, and survey
methodologies among studies may influence recorded species richness and should
be considered when interpreting direct comparisons across sites.
Based on the cumulative inventory
of 221 species, PMF represents one of the more species-rich mangrove-associated
bird habitats documented along the east coast of India and within Tamil Nadu;
its avifaunal diversity ranks second only to that of Point Calimere.
Such comparisons should be interpreted cautiously due to differences in
sampling effort and habitat extent. The earliest comprehensive inventory
conducted in PMF between 1984 and 1988 recorded 177 species (Sampath &
Krishnamurthy 1993), whereas a subsequent survey during 2004–2007 documented
only 100 species (Sandilyan 2012). Across the three
survey periods mentioned (including the present study), 94 species were
consistently recorded, indicating a core assemblage that has persisted over
time. In addition to these shared species, 58 species recorded during the
1984–1988 study were also detected in the present investigation but were not
documented during the 2004–2007 survey. In contrast, 19 species reported by
Sampath & Krishnamurthy (1993) and six species reported by Sandilyan (2012), a total of 25 species, were not detected
during the current survey. The present study additionally documented 44 species
that had not been reported in previous inventories, thereby substantially
expanding the known avifaunal diversity of PMF (Table 1).
Of the 196 species recorded
during this survey, 98 were waterbirds, and 98 were
terrestrial birds. Compared with the historical baseline of 177 species
reported by Sampath & Krishnamurthy (1993), 152 species (85.8%) were
recorded again in the present study. Among the major taxonomic groups, Pelecaniformes showed the highest proportion of species
recorded (100%; 15 of 15 species), followed by Charadriiformes
(93.8%; 45 of 48 species), Anseriformes (88.9%; 8 of
9 species), and Passeriformes (75.6%; 38 of 49 species). Families represented
by a single species in the historical baseline and absent from the present
survey included Turnicidae (Small Buttonquail Turnix sylvaticus),
Sylviidae (Lesser Whitethroat Curruca
curruca), and Phylloscopidae
(Large-billed Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus magnirostris). This observed loss aligns with previous
research attributing such declines to a combination of habitat degradation,
aquaculture expansion, tourism-induced disturbances, and cyclonic impacts (Sandilyan 2017; Byju et al.
2026).
The migratory composition revealed
the dominance of resident species (109 species; 55.6%), followed by winter
migrants (76 species; 38.8%), local migrants (7 species; 3.6%), passage
migrants (2 species; 1%), and summer migrants (2 species; 1%). Notably, 15
typically migratory species, including Grey Plover Pluvialis
squatarola (Image 6), Greater Sand Plover Anarhynchus leschenaultii,
Pacific Golden-Plover Pluvialis fulva (Image 7), Whimbrel Numenius
phaeopus, Common Greenshank Tringa
nebularia, Common Redshank Tringa
totanus, Kentish Plover Anarhynchus
alexandrinus, Tibetan Sand-Plover Anarhynchus atrifrons,
and Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica were recorded throughout the year. These
species are winter migrants in the region (Grimmett
et al. 2016); however, their year-round occurrence in PMF suggests the presence
of over-summering individuals, a phenomenon that has also been documented along
the southeastern coast of India (Byju et al. 2024a).
The year-round occurrence of these species suggests that PMF provides suitable
feeding and roosting resources for over-summering individuals beyond the
typical wintering period (van de Kam et al. 2004). In addition, five species
are classified as winter migrants and one species is classified as a summer
migrant with published breeding records from Tamil Nadu and are denoted in present checklist (Subramanya 2005; Byju et al. 2023b, 2025; Hussain & Hussain 2026). The
proportion of winter migrants aligns with other eastern coast studies (25–42 %)
(Abhisheka et al. 2013; Alam et al. 2023; Byju et al. 2024b; Shree & Malathi
2024) (Image 3). These findings highlight the continued importance of the PMF
as a key coastal wetland supporting resident and migratory bird communities
along the Coromandel Coast.
The frequency of occurrence was
classified into four categories based on sighting frequency (Image 3). The
Common category (35.7%) included 70 species, primarily from Scolopacidae,
Ardeidae, Laridae, Columbidae, and Motacillidae.
Frequently recorded shorebird and water-associated species included Great Crested
Tern Thalasseus bergii
(Image 8), Lesser Crested Tern Thalasseus
bengalensis, Caspian Tern Hydroprogne
caspia, Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon
nilotica, Wood Sandpiper Tringa
glareola, Pacific Golden-Plover, and Whimbrel,
consistent with previous studies (Sampath & Krishnamurthy 1993; Deiva 1999; Byju et al. 2024b;
Shree & Malathi 2024). The Uncommon category
(22.5%) included 44 species such as members of Sturnidae,
Meropidae, Strigidae, and Accipitridae, likely to reflect habitat specificity or
seasonal variation. Rare species (30.1%), including Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon
pileata, Laughing Dove Spilopelia
senegalensis, Grey-bellied Cuckoo Cacomantis
passerinus, Little Swift Apus affinis, Eurasian Coot Fulica
atra, and Grey-headed Swamphen
Porphyrio poliocephalus
were recorded sporadically and were often associated with specific habitat
features within PMF, including mangrove areas, shallow-water areas, and
adjacent agricultural habitats. The Very Rare category (11.7%) comprised 23
species, including Watercock Gallicrex cinerea, Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus, Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus, Cotton Pygmy-Goose Nettapus
coromandelianus, and Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeata, each recorded only once
during this study. Similar patterns of infrequent occurrence of the above taxa
have been reported from the Muthupet Mangrove Forest
(Deiva 1999). The frequency of occurrence pattern
exhibited unequal distribution, with many frequent species and comparatively
few infrequent species. The observed pattern is consistent with findings from
the southeast coastal mangrove ecosystems reported by Byju
et al. (2023a).
Based on the IUCN Red List (IUCN
2025), of the 221 species, 200 were classified (Image 3) as ‘Least Concern’, 13
as ‘Near Threatened’, including Dunlin Calidris
alpina, Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria
interpres (Image 9), Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata
(Image 10), and Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica (Image 11). Six species were classified as
‘Vulnerable’, including Curlew Sandpiper Calidris
ferruginea (Image 12), Broad-billed Sandpiper Calidris falcinellus,
River Tern Sterna aurantia, Greater Spotted
Eagle Clanga clanga,
Grey Plover, and Black-capped Kingfisher, while Great Knot Calidris
tenuirostris (Image 13) and Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus
(historical record) were categorised as ‘Endangered’.
The occurrence of globally threatened species highlights the conservation
importance of PMF (Table 1 & 2) and its role in regional and flyway-level
biodiversity conservation. Comparable studies along the east coast report
similar patterns of threatened species occurrence (Byju
et al. 2023a; Alam et al. 2023; Shree & Malathi 2024). The intertidal mudflats and sandbanks
function as critical feeding habitats for migratory shorebirds, while mangrove
habitats provide important feeding, roosting, and refuge sites for several
wetland-dependent species of conservation significance. Conservation efforts
should prioritize the protection and restoration of mudflat and mangrove
habitats, together with the maintenance of natural tidal connectivity, to
sustain habitat quality and prey availability for migratory birds (van de Kam
et al. 2004). Regulation of tourism, boat traffic, and intensive fishing
activities in key feeding and roosting areas is also necessary, as
anthropogenic disturbance represents an important pressure on coastal wetland
ecosystems (Sandilyan 2017; Byju
et al. 2024b). Furthermore, long-term monitoring of threatened and migratory
species should be incorporated into management programmes
to evaluate population trends and habitat use (Rashiba
et al. 2022; Byju et al. 2026). The ongoing
monitoring surveys established through the present study provide a valuable
foundation for tracking temporal changes in avian diversity, habitat use, and
population trends within PMF. Such measures would strengthen the role of PMF as
an important stopover and wintering site for migratory birds along the Central
Asian Flyway.
Table 1. Checklist and status of avifauna in Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, southern
India.
|
Common name |
Scientific name |
Migratory status |
Frequency of occurrence |
IUCN Red List status |
|||||
|
Order: Anseriformes |
|||||||||
|
Family: Anatidae |
|||||||||
|
Northern Pintail |
Anas acuta |
WM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Common Teal |
Anas crecca |
WM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Indian Spot-billed Duck |
Anas poecilorhyncha |
R |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Fulvous Whistling-Duck+ |
Dendrocygna bicolor |
R |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Lesser Whistling-Duck+ |
Dendrocygna javanica |
R |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Eurasian Wigeon |
Mareca penelope |
WM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Gadwall |
Mareca strepera |
WM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Cotton Pygmy-Goose |
Nettapus coromandelianus |
R |
VR |
LC |
|||||
|
Northern Shoveler |
Spatula clypeata |
WM |
VR |
LC |
|||||
|
Garganey |
Spatula querquedula |
WM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Order: Phoenicopteriformes |
|||||||||
|
Family: Phoenicopteridae |
|||||||||
|
Greater Flamingo |
Phoenicopterus roseus |
R |
VR |
LC |
|||||
|
Order: Galliformes |
|||||||||
|
Family: Phasianidae |
|||||||||
|
Grey Francolin |
Ortygornis pondicerianus |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Indian Peafowl |
Pavo cristatus |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Jungle Bush-Quail |
Perdicula asiatica |
R |
VR |
LC |
|||||
|
Order: Podicipediformes |
|||||||||
|
Family: Podicipedidae |
|||||||||
|
Little Grebe |
Tachybaptus ruficollis |
R |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Order: Columbiformes |
|||||||||
|
Family: Columbidae |
|||||||||
|
Rock Pigeon |
Columba livia |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Eurasian Collared-Dove |
Streptopelia decaocto |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Spotted Dove |
Spilopelia chinensis |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Laughing Dove |
Spilopelia senegalensis |
R |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Order: Apodiformes
|
|||||||||
|
Family: Apodidae |
|||||||||
|
Little Swift |
Apus affinis |
R |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Asian Palm Swift |
Cypsiurus balasiensis |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Order: Cuculiformes |
|||||||||
|
Family: Cuculidae |
|||||||||
|
Grey-bellied Cuckoo+ |
Cacomantis passerinus |
PM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Greater Coucal |
Centropus sinensis |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Pied Cuckoo |
Clamator jacobinus |
R |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Asian Koel |
Eudynamys scolopaceus |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Common Hawk-Cuckoo |
Hierococcyx varius |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Blue-faced Malkoha+ |
Phaenicophaeus viridirostris |
R |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Order: Gruiformes |
|||||||||
|
Family: Rallidae |
|||||||||
|
White-breasted Waterhen |
Amaurornis phoenicurus |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Eurasian Coot+ |
Fulica atra |
R |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Watercock |
Gallicrex cinerea |
SM |
VR |
LC |
|||||
|
Common Moorhen+ |
Gallinula chloropus |
R |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Grey-headed Swamphen+ |
Porphyrio poliocephalus |
R |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Order: Charadriiformes |
|||||||||
|
Family: Burhinidae |
|||||||||
|
Great Thick-knee |
Esacus recurvirostris |
R |
Ra |
NT |
|||||
|
Indian Thick-knee |
Burhinus indicus |
R |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Haematopodidae |
|||||||||
|
Eurasian Oystercatcher |
Haematopus ostralegus |
WM |
UC |
NT |
|||||
|
Family: Recurvirostridae |
|||||||||
|
Black-winged Stilt |
Himantopus himantopus |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Charadriidae |
|||||||||
|
Kentish Plover |
Anarhynchus alexandrinus |
WM* |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Tibetan Sand-Plover |
Anarhynchus atrifrons |
WM* |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Greater Sand-Plover |
Anarhynchus leschenaultii |
WM* |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Common Ringed Plover |
Charadrius hiaticula |
WM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Pacific Golden-Plover |
Pluvialis fulva |
WM* |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Grey Plover |
Pluvialis squatarola |
WM* |
C |
VU |
|||||
|
Little Ringed Plover |
Thinornis dubius |
WM# |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Grey-headed Lapwing+ |
Vanellus cinereus |
WM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Red-wattled
Lapwing |
Vanellus indicus |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Yellow-wattled
Lapwing |
Vanellus malabaricus |
R |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Jacanidae |
|||||||||
|
Pheasant-tailed Jacana+ |
Hydrophasianus chirurgus |
R |
VR |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Scolopacidae |
|||||||||
|
Common Sandpiper |
Actitis hypoleucos |
WM* |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Ruddy Turnstone |
Arenaria interpres |
WM |
UC |
NT |
|||||
|
Great Knot+ |
Calidris tenuirostris |
WM |
VR |
EN |
|||||
|
Sanderling+ |
Calidris alba |
WM |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Dunlin |
Calidris alpina |
WM |
Ra |
NT |
|||||
|
Broad-billed Sandpiper |
Calidris falcinellus |
WM |
VR |
VU |
|||||
|
Curlew Sandpiper |
Calidris ferruginea |
WM |
Ra |
VU |
|||||
|
Little Stint |
Calidris minuta |
WM |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Ruff |
Calidris pugnax |
WM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Red-necked Stint+ |
Calidris ruficollis |
WM |
Ra |
NT |
|||||
|
Temminck's Stint |
Calidris temminckii |
WM |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Common Snipe |
Gallinago gallinago |
WM |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Pin-tailed Snipe+ |
Gallinago stenura |
WM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Bar-tailed Godwit |
Limosa lapponica |
WM |
Ra |
NT |
|||||
|
Black-tailed Godwit |
Limosa limosa |
WM |
Ra |
NT |
|||||
|
Eurasian Curlew |
Numenius arquata |
WM |
UC |
NT |
|||||
|
Whimbrel |
Numenius phaeopus |
WM* |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Spotted Redshank |
Tringa erythropus |
WM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Wood Sandpiper |
Tringa glareola |
WM* |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Common Greenshank |
Tringa nebularia |
WM* |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Green Sandpiper |
Tringa ochropus |
WM |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Marsh Sandpiper |
Tringa stagnatilis |
WM* |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Common Redshank |
Tringa totanus |
WM* |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Terek Sandpiper |
Xenus cinereus |
WM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Glareolidae |
|||||||||
|
Small Pratincole |
Glareola lactea |
R |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Oriental Pratincole+ |
Glareola maldivarum |
SM# |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Laridae |
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Whiskered Tern |
Chlidonias hybrida |
WM |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Brown-headed Gull |
Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus |
WM |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Slender-billed Gull+ |
Chroicocephalus genei |
WM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Black-headed Gull |
Chroicocephalus ridibundus |
WM |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Gull-billed Tern |
Gelochelidon nilotica |
WM* |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Caspian Tern |
Hydroprogne caspia |
WM* |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Pallas's Gull |
Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus |
WM |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Lesser Black-backed Gull |
Larus fuscus |
WM |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Bridled Tern+ |
Onychoprion anaethetus |
WM# |
VR |
LC |
|||||
|
River Tern |
Sterna aurantia |
LM |
Ra |
VU |
|||||
|
Common Tern |
Sterna hirundo |
WM |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Little Tern |
Sternula albifrons |
WM# |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Lesser Crested Tern+ |
Thalasseus bengalensis |
WM* |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Great Crested Tern |
Thalasseus bergii |
WM# |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Sandwich Tern+ |
Thalasseus sandvicensis |
WM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Order: Ciconiiformes |
|||||||||
|
Family: Ciconiidae |
|||||||||
|
Asian Openbill |
Anastomus oscitans |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Painted Stork |
Mycteria leucocephala |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Order: Suliformes |
|||||||||
|
Family: Anhingidae |
|||||||||
|
Oriental Darter |
Anhinga melanogaster |
R |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Phalacrocoracidae |
|||||||||
|
Little Cormorant |
Microcarbo niger |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Great Cormorant |
Phalacrocorax carbo |
WM# |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Indian Cormorant |
Phalacrocorax fuscicollis |
R |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Order: Pelecaniformes |
|||||||||
|
Family: Pelecanidae |
|||||||||
|
Spot-billed Pelican+ |
Pelecanus philippensis |
R |
Ra |
NT |
|||||
|
Family: Ardeidae |
|||||||||
|
Great Egret |
Ardea alba |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Eastern Cattle Egret |
Ardea coromanda |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Intermediate Egret |
Ardea intermedia |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Grey Heron |
Ardea cinerea |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Purple Heron |
Ardea purpurea |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Indian Pond Heron |
Ardeola grayii |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Little Heron |
Butorides atricapilla |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Black Bittern |
Botaurus flavicollis |
LM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Little Egret |
Egretta garzetta |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Western Reef Egret |
Egretta gularis |
LM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Cinnamon Bittern |
Botaurus cinnamomeus |
LM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Yellow Bittern+ |
Botaurus sinensis |
LM |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Black-crowned Night Heron |
Nycticorax nycticorax |
R |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Threskiornithidae |
|||||||||
|
Eurasian Spoonbill |
Platalea leucorodia |
R |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Glossy Ibis |
Plegadis falcinellus |
R |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Black-headed Ibis |
Threskiornis melanocephalus |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Order: Accipitriformes |
|||||||||
|
Family: Pandionidae |
|||||||||
|
Osprey |
Pandion haliaetus |
WM |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Accipitridae |
|||||||||
|
White-eyed Buzzard+ |
Butastur teesa |
LM |
VR |
LC |
|
||||
|
Short-toed Snake-Eagle+ |
Circaetus gallicus |
R |
VR |
LC |
|
||||
|
Greater Spotted Eagle+ |
Clanga clanga |
WM |
VR |
VU |
|
||||
|
Western Marsh Harrier |
Circus aeruginosus |
WM |
VR |
LC |
|
||||
|
Pallid Harrier |
Circus macrourus |
WM |
VR |
NT |
|
||||
|
Black-winged Kite |
Elanus caeruleus |
R |
UC |
LC |
|
||||
|
Brahminy Kite |
Haliastur indus |
R |
C |
LC |
|
||||
|
Booted Eagle+ |
Hieraaetus pennatus |
WM |
Ra |
LC |
|
||||
|
White-bellied Sea-Eagle |
Icthyophaga leucogaster |
R |
VR |
LC |
|
||||
|
Black Kite |
Milvus migrans |
R |
C |
LC |
|
||||
|
Oriental Honey-Buzzard+ |
Pernis ptilorhynchus |
LM |
VR |
LC |
|
||||
|
Shikra |
Tachyspiza badia |
R |
C |
LC |
|
||||
|
Order: Strigiformes |
|||||||||
|
Family: Tytonidae |
|||||||||
|
Eastern Barn Owl |
Tyto javanica |
R |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Strigidae |
|||||||||
|
Spotted Owlet |
Athene brama |
R |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Indian Scops-Owl+ |
Otus bakkamoena |
R |
VR |
LC |
|||||
|
Mottled Wood-Owl+ |
Strix ocellata |
R |
VR |
LC |
|||||
|
Order: Bucerotiformes |
|||||||||
|
Family: Upupidae |
|||||||||
|
Eurasian Hoopoe |
Upupa epops |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Order: Piciformes
|
|||||||||
|
Family: Megalaimidae |
|||||||||
|
Coppersmith Barbet |
Psilopogon haemacephalus |
R |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Picidae |
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Black-rumped
Flameback |
Dinopium benghalense |
R |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Order: Coraciiformes |
|||||||||
|
Family: Meropidae |
|||||||||
|
Asian Green Bee-eater |
Merops orientalis |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Blue-tailed Bee-eater |
Merops philippinus |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Coraciidae |
|||||||||
|
Indian Roller |
Coracias benghalensis |
R |
C |
NT |
|||||
|
Family: Alcedinidae |
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Common Kingfisher |
Alcedo atthis |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Pied Kingfisher |
Ceryle rudis |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Black-capped Kingfisher |
Halcyon pileata |
R |
Ra |
VU |
|||||
|
White-throated Kingfisher |
Halcyon smyrnensis |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Order: Falconiformes |
|||||||||
|
Family: Falconidae |
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Common Kestrel |
Falco tinnunculus |
WM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Peregrine Falcon |
Falco peregrinus |
WM |
VR |
LC |
|||||
|
Order: Psittaciformes |
|||||||||
|
Family: Psittaculidae |
|||||||||
|
Rose-ringed Parakeet |
Psittacula krameri |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Order: Passeriformes |
|||||||||
|
Family: Pittidae |
|||||||||
|
Indian Pitta |
Pitta brachyura |
WM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Campephagidae |
|||||||||
|
Black-headed Cuckooshrike+ |
Lalage melanoptera |
PM |
VR |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Oriolidae |
|||||||||
|
Indian Golden Oriole |
Oriolus kundoo |
WM |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Artamidae |
|||||||||
|
Ashy Woodswallow |
Artamus fuscus |
R |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Vangidae |
|||||||||
|
Common Woodshrike |
Tephrodornis pondicerianus |
R |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Aegithinidae |
|||||||||
|
Common Iora |
Aegithina tiphia |
R |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Dicruridae |
|||||||||
|
Black Drongo |
Dicrurus macrocercus |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Laniidae |
|||||||||
|
Brown Shrike |
Lanius cristatus |
WM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Corvidae |
|||||||||
|
House Crow |
Corvus splendens |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Large-billed Crow |
Corvus macrorhynchos |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Rufous Treepie |
Dendrocitta vagabunda |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Monarchidae |
|||||||||
|
Indian Paradise-Flycatcher |
Terpsiphone paradisi |
R |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Dicaeidae |
|||||||||
|
Pale-billed Flowerpecker |
Dicaeum erythrorhynchos |
R |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Nectariniidae |
|||||||||
|
Loten's Sunbird+ |
Cinnyris lotenius |
R |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Purple Sunbird |
Cinnyris asiaticus |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Purple-rumped
Sunbird |
Leptocoma zeylonica |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Ploceidae |
|||||||||
|
Baya Weaver+ |
Ploceus philippinus |
R |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Estrildidae |
|||||||||
|
Indian Silverbill+ |
Euodice malabarica |
R |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Scaly-breasted Munia |
Lonchura punctulata |
R |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Tricoloured Munia+ |
Lonchura malacca |
R |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
White-rumped
Munia+ |
Lonchura striata |
R |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Passeridae |
|||||||||
|
House Sparrow |
Passer domesticus |
R |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Yellow-throated Sparrow |
Gymnoris xanthocollis |
R |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Motacillidae |
|||||||||
|
Blyth's Pipit+ |
Anthus godlewskii |
WM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Richard's Pipit+ |
Anthus richardi |
WM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Paddyfield Pipit |
Anthus rufulus |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Forest Wagtail |
Dendronanthus indicus |
WM |
VR |
LC |
|||||
|
White Wagtail |
Motacilla alba |
WM |
VR |
LC |
|||||
|
Grey Wagtail |
Motacilla cinerea |
WM |
VR |
LC |
|||||
|
Citrine Wagtail+ |
Motacilla citreola |
WM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Western Yellow Wagtail |
Motacilla flava |
WM |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
White-browed Wagtail |
Motacilla maderaspatensis |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Eastern Yellow Wagtail+ |
Motacilla tschutschensis |
WM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Alaudidae |
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Oriental Skylark |
Alauda gulgula |
R |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Ashy-crowned Sparrow-Lark |
Eremopterix griseus |
R |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Singing Bushlark+ |
Mirafra javanica |
R |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Jerdon's Bushlark+ |
Plocealauda affinis |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Indian Bushlark |
Plocealauda erythroptera |
R |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Cisticolidae |
|||||||||
|
Zitting Cisticola+ |
Cisticola juncidis |
R |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Common Tailorbird |
Orthotomus sutorius |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Plain Prinia |
Prinia inornata |
R |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Ashy Prinia+ |
Prinia socialis |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Acrocephalidae |
|||||||||
|
Blyth's Reed Warbler |
Acrocephalus dumetorum |
WM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Hirundinidae |
|||||||||
|
Eastern Red-rumped
Swallow |
Cecropis daurica |
WM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Barn Swallow |
Hirundo rustica |
WM* |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Wire-tailed Swallow+ |
Hirundo smithii |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Pycnonotidae |
|||||||||
|
White-browed Bulbul |
Pycnonotus luteolus |
R |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Red-vented Bulbul |
Pycnonotus cafer |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Leiothrichidae |
|||||||||
|
Yellow-billed Babbler+ |
Argya affinis |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Sturnidae |
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Common Myna |
Acridotheres tristis |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Rosy Starling |
Pastor roseus |
WM |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Brahminy Starling |
Sturnia pagodarum |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Family: Muscicapidae |
|||||||||
|
Indian Robin |
Copsychus fulicatus |
R |
UC |
LC |
|||||
|
Oriental Magpie-Robin |
Copsychus saularis |
R |
C |
LC |
|||||
|
Pied Bushchat
+ |
Saxicola caprata |
R |
Ra |
LC |
|||||
|
Migratory status: R—Resident |
WM—Winter Migrant | LM—Local Migrant | PM—Passage Migrant | SM—Summer Migrant
| WM*—Over-summering winter migrant | WM#—Winter migrant with
breeding records in Tamil Nadu | SM#—Summer migrant
with breeding records in Tamil Nadu. Frequency of occurrence: C—
Common | UC—Uncommon | Ra—Rare | VR— Very Rare. IUCN Red List status: LC—Least
Concern | NT—Near Threatened | VU—Vulnerable | EN—Endangered. +—New records added in the
present study. |
|||||||||
Table 2. Species reported in previous surveys of Pichavaram Mangrove Forest by Sampath & Krishnamurthy (1993) and Sandilyan (2012) that were not recorded
during the present study (n = 25).
|
Common name |
Scientific name |
IUCN Red List status |
|
Egyptian Vulture |
Neophron percnopterus |
EN |
|
Asian Dowitcher |
Limnodromus semipalmatus |
NT |
|
Red-necked Falcon |
Falco chicquera |
NT |
|
Asian Brown Flycatcher |
Muscicapa dauurica |
LC |
|
Bay-backed Shrike |
Lanius vittatus |
LC |
|
Bengal Bushlark |
Plocealauda assamica |
LC |
|
Besra |
Tachyspiza virgata |
LC |
|
Brown-breasted Flycatcher |
Muscicapa muttui |
LC |
|
Common Babbler |
Argya caudata |
LC |
|
Chestnut-headed Bee-eater |
Merops leschenaulti |
LC |
|
Crested Lark |
Galerida cristata |
LC |
|
Eurasian Sparrowhawk |
Accipiter nisus |
LC |
|
Large-billed Leaf Warbler |
Phylloscopus magnirostris |
LC |
|
Lesser Whitethroat |
Curruca curruca |
LC |
|
Long-tailed Shrike |
Lanius schach |
LC |
|
Mallard |
Anas platyrhynchos |
LC |
|
Montagu's Harrier |
Circus pygargus |
LC |
|
Pied Avocet |
Recurvirostra avosetta |
LC |
|
Pied Harrier |
Circus melanoleucos |
LC |
|
Slaty-breasted Rail |
Lewinia striata |
LC |
|
Slaty-legged Crake |
Rallina eurizonoides |
LC |
|
Small Buttonquail |
Turnix sylvaticus |
LC |
|
Streak-throated Swallow |
Petrochelidon fluvicola |
LC |
|
Thick-billed Warbler |
Arundinax aedon |
LC |
|
White Stork |
Ciconia ciconia |
LC |
FOR IMAGES - - CLICK HERE FOR FULL PDF
References
Abhisheka, K.
et al. (2013). First detailed survey of waterbirds in
Tirunelveli and Tuticorin districts, Tamil Nadu, India. Journal of Threatened
Taxa 5(12): 4641–4652. https://doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o3125.4641-52
Alam, I. et al. (2023). Bird observations from Pulicate Lake Bird Sanctuary and the adjoining areas in
India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India 123(3): 233–249. https://doi.org/10.26515/rzsi/v123/i3/2023/172562
Ali, S.
(2002). The Book of Indian Birds. 13th edition. Oxford University
Press, Mumbai, 326 pp.
Balachandran,
S. & V. Thirunavukarasu (2022). Field Guide to
The Birds of Point Calimere. 2nd edition. Bombay
Natural History Society & Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Chennai, 150 pp.
Bibby, C.J.
et al. (2000). Bird Census Techniques. 2nd edition. Academic Press,
London, UK, 302 pp.
Byju, H. et al. (2023a). Annotated checklist of avifauna
of Karangadu mangrove forest, Ramanathapuram,
Tamil Nadu, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 15(3): 22813–22822. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.8356.15.3.22813-22822
Byju, H. et al. (2023b). Breeding record of Little Ringed
Plover Charadrius dubius
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