Diurnal avifaunal diversity and density along the Bolgoda Canal of the Bellanwila- Attidiya Marsh, Western Sri Lanka

Diurnal Avifaunal species richness, diversity and density was studied along the Bolgoda Canal in Bellanwila-Attidiya Marsh from June 2005 to February 2006 using the fixed distance line transect method. Six line transects (length 500m each) totaling 3.00 km, which provided the maximum visibility of the Bolgoda canal was marked along the canal bank using a GPS. All birds seen within one hundred meters on either side of each transect were recorded for each month from June 2005 to February 2006. A total number of 107 individuals belong to 53 bird species, thirteen orders and thirty one families were recorded during the study period. The globally endangered Spot Billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis) and four migratory species Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) Eurasion Thick- Knee (Burhinus Odicnemus), Gull - Billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica), and Asian Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi) were among them. Diversity and density indices were significantly different among months (ANOVA, F=4.24, p < 0.01 and F=8.828, p < 0.001) respectively. Relative abundance indicated that House Crow (Corvus splendens) was the most abundant species while Crested Serpent Eagle was the least abundant bird followed by Pheasant Tailed Jacana and Lesser Whistling Teal. Present study revealed that although the study site is in close proximity to densely populated residential areas; it still provides a vital habitat to large number of bird species and therefore warrants protection.

Keywords: Avifauna, Diversity, Density, Bellanwila-Attidiya marsh

Vidyodaya J. of Sci.. (2009) Vol. 14, pp117-130