Survey of birds in Chitrangudi and Kanjirankulam village ponds in relation to vegetation: an avian paradise of south India

Industrialization and natural habitat loss has bring identified ecosystems capable of sustain biotic communities and diversity. The present investigation recorded analysis of water quality, birds community and plant species at Chitrangudi and Kanjirankulam village ponds during the month of July 2015. These study areas are more important water resources for the surrounding areas. Point counts were used to survey birds. Bird count was from 06:30hrs to 11:00hrs in the morning and 16:00hrs to 18:00hrs in the evening. A total of 50 birds and 53 plant species belonging to 29 and 25 families were recorded during the study period. This is the first water bird exploration to address the importance of water quality, documentation of vegetation and avian diversity of the ponds. It illustrates the varied responses from different bird groups and demonstrates the importance of water quality and vegetation to enhance community abundance and diversity. Chitrangudi village pond had the highest number of bird species compare to Kanjirankulam village ponds. The bird diversity was significantly higher in Chitrangudi village pond than due to water quality and vegetation.