River tern

Abstract: We studied the seasonal diversity and relative abundance of waterbirds within an anthropogenic zone along the Mahanadi River in eastern India in the period August 2016 to July 2017. Fixed radius point count method was used to monitor the birds and estimating their population. A total of 58 species of waterbirds including 23 winter migrants in 15 families and five orders were identified. The species richness was observed highest (57 species) during February and March and lowest (28 species) during September. The species richness and their relative abundance varied significantly between different months (χ2 = 39.45, df = 11, P 0.05). Breeding activities of five globally threatened species: Endangered Black-bellied Tern, Vulnerable Indian Skimmer and Near Threatened River Tern, River Lapwing and Great Thick-knee were recorded from the study site. Therefore, protection and conservation of the site deserves priority during breeding season. It can be achieved through regular community awareness to the locals. Our study findings also create opportunities to reassess the breeding ecology of the globally threatened waterbirds.

Abstract: 2 Abstract: Bird Community of Mavoor Wetlands in Calicut District, Kerala State was studied during Sept 2009 to Aug 2010. The methodology followed was mainly observations using binocular. A total of 57 species of birds, belonging to 16 families were recorded from the area during the period. Among them 17 species are migrants. Highest number of birds was recorded in the month of January and the lowest was observed June. Little Egret, Little Cormorant, Purple Moorhen, Purple Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Indian Pond-Heron, Little Grebe, Lesser Whistling-Duck, River Tern, Whiskered Tern, Garganey etc. were the most abundant resident and migrant species found in the Mavoor wetlands.

Abstract: Capsule: We report the first description of interspecific nest parasitism by the Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis. The incidence was low; only 2 out of 61 River Tern Sterna aurantia nests contained Indian Skimmer eggs.

Abstract: Periyar Lake is a large inland waterbody lying within the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Idukki District of Kerala. The lake is mostly open water with tall dead trees protruding out of the lake surface. These trees are used as nesting and resting sites by waterbirds. When water level recedes, submerged landmasses emerge out the lake surface forming small ‘thuruthu’ (Malayalam for island). To continuously monitor the waterbird population in Periyar Lake, the Periyar Tiger Conservation Foundation (PTCF) has been conducting monthly surveys from October 2016. The surveys have revealed that the Lake is home to 38 species of waterbirds and 15 of them breed here (Patrick unpub. data). On 17 February 2019, during the routine monthly survey, a flock of 30 Small Pratincoles Glareola lactea were sighted at the second thuruthu, close to the Mullaperiyar Dam. On closer observation of the flock, some birds exhibited head bobbing, which was assumed as a courtship behaviour and hence the survey team intensified the search. The search yielded, three small eggs that were located under a boulder. These eggs, however, turned out to be White-browed Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis eggs.