MAMMALIAN AND AVIAN DIVERSITY OF THE NALLAMALA HILLS, ANDHRA PRADESH

C. Srinivasulu and V. Nagulu

Wildlife Biology Section, Department of Zoology, Osmania University, Hyderabad Andhra Pradesh 500007, India

Email: masawa@hd2.dot.net.in

Abstract

The paper briefly reviews the mammalian and avian diversity of the Nallamala Hills (15020'-1603 FN and 78030'-80010' E), Andhra Pradesh. Based on faunal surveys carried out intermittently throughout the study area and published information, the presence of 74 mammals and 302 bird species in this stretch of Eastern Ghats is reported.

Keywords

Diversity, mammals, birds, Nallamala Hills, Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh

Introduction

Nallamala Hills stretching across five districts of the state of Andhra Pradesh is renowned for being rich in biodiversity (Rao. 1998). The first of the faunal surveys conducted here dates back to 1930, when Dr. Salim Ali had collected bird specimens from Mananur and Farahabad on the Amrabad Plateau of these hills during the Hyderabad State Ornithological Survey (Ali 1933a, b, c; 19' )4a, b). From avian point of view further surveys were carried out by members of the Birdwatchers Society of Andhra Pradesh (Aasheesh Pittie, pers. comm.), and the research team at the Zoology Department of Osmania University (Rao et al., 1997; Srinivasulu & Rao, 1999). Excepting, a few faunal surveys carried out by Zoological

Survey of India (Murthy, 1968, 1986; Sharma. 1971 -. Agrawal & Bhattacharya, 1976) and by the Forest Department, no scientific documentation of mammalian and avian fauna was done until recently. Nagulu et al. (1998) gave an account of these in the context of Eastern Ghats in general.

We have been regularly monitoring the mammalian and avian diversity of the Nallamala Hills, especially along the tracts encompassed by Nagarjunasagar Srisaliam Tiger Reserve (3568 km2) and Gundla Brahmeshwararn Wildlife Sanctuary (1198 kM2).

Intermittent faunal surveys in the Nallamala Hills have been an on going task since 1990 by researchers of our department. The senior author had carried out systematic studies on mammalian and avifaunal diversity between March 1996 to November 2000, while studying ungulate behaviour for his doctoral research. Published documents, and information gathered from officials of the Project Tiger, Forest Department and tribals (Chenchus) has also been relied upon. This article briefly reviews the mammalian and avian diversity of the Nallamala Hills.

Study area

Nallamala (15020'- 1613 FN and 78130'-80010'E) is a group of low hill ranges in the central part of Eastern Ghats (Fig. I ). From the Palnad basin in the north to the Tirupati basin in the south, the Nallamala runs a distance of 430km with an average width of 30km (Anon, 1965). An unbroken chain of rugged hills With precipitous cliffs encompassing an area of about 7640 km2 forms the range. The vegetation is typically of southern tropical dry deciduous and southern tropical moist deciduous forest types intermingled with scrub (Champion & Seth. 1968). The climate is generally hot and dry with temperatures rising up to 430C to 450C during May and dips down to 80C in December. Average rainfall in this region is between 900 and 1000mm.

Methodology

Mammalian fauna was recorded either by direct sightings or by the presence of indirect evidence. Footprints, droppings, and kills (both by predator and road) were carefully analysed. Mammals were categorised to be common (fairly well distributed and sighted, or evidence recorded once a day), uncommon (fairly well distributed and sighted, or evidence recorded once a week, occasional (restricted distribution and sighted, or evidence recorded infrequently), and rare (fewer than 10 sightings, or evidence recorded, or single sight records either by us, or reliable sources).

Survey of birds was carried regularly from March 1996 to February 2000, to ensure that all months of the year were covered. Bird records were done following imaginary grid method and line transect method as outlined by Gaston (1973). Identification was based on Ali and Ripley (1983) and Ali (1996). Based on the number of sightings and occurrence of a given species, their status was assigned. Birds were considered to be common (encountered daily in relatively large numbers), uncommon (encountered daily but in few numbers), occasional (encountered occasionally in less numbers, or singly) or rare (encountered less than 15 times in a year). Scientific names and taxonomic classification of birds is after Inskipp et al. (1996) and common names after Manakadan et al. (1998).

Results and Discussion

The mammalian diversity of this region is represented by 74 species belonging to 28 families of nine orders (Table 1). Maximum number of species recorded or reported to occur in the Nallarnala Hills belonged to order Chiroptera (24 species) and was followed by orders Carnivora (20 species) and Rodentia (12 species). The known rodents from this area being so less in number calls for collection of specimens in future to have a complete picture of the small mammalian diversity here. The Nallarnala mammals represent about 20% of the Indian and 2% of the world mammalian diversity.

Of the total mammalian diversity recorded to occur here, 55.4% (41 species) are common, 27.02% (20 species) are uncommon, 12.16% (9 species) are occasional and 5.4% (4 species) are rare in occurrence. Among the mammalian species reported by us in the Nallamala Hills, 69 species (93.24%) were sighted during the study period, and about 4.3% Q species) are based on indirect evidence. The presence of five species (6.75%) of mammals that were not recorded by us during the present study, is reported on account of reliable information. These interesting mammalian records are: Madras Hedgehog Hemiechinus nudiventris, Wolf Canis lupus, Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata; Asiatic Wild Cat Felis sylvestris ornata and Indian Muntjak Muntiacus muntjac (Tulsi Rao, pers. comm.).

Some of the infrequently sighted species that deserve mention are the Smooth-coated Otter Lutrogale perspicillata (along the selected stretch of Krishna River), Rate] Mellivora capensis (more on the south of bank of Krishna River along the Pecheruvu and Gundla Brahmeshwararn Plateaus), and Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus (recorded once on the banks of Gundlakamma River on the Gundla Brahmeshwararn Plateau). The Chinkara Ga:ella bennetti is found in the open tracts along the Krishna River on the Amrabad Plateau, while the Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra is reported only from Ganjivaripalle environs.

The species of the monotypic genera of mammals occurring in the Nallamala are Indian Tree Shrew Anathana ellioti (Scadentia), Indian Wild Dog Cuon alpinus, Sloth Bear ,Velursus ursinus, Rate 1, Hyena Hyaena hyaena. Small Indian Civet Vivvericula indica (Carnivora), Blackbuck, Nilgai Boselaphus tragocamelus, Four-horned Antelope Tetracerus quadricornis (Artiodactyla) and Indian Bush Rat Golunda ellioti (Rodentia). Of the threatened species, the endangered ones that are found in the Nallamala are Tiger Panthera tigris, Ratel. Rusty-spotted Cat Prionailurus rubiginosus (Rao et al., 1999). and Four-horned Antelope Tetracerus quadricornis, which is densely populated on the Gundla Brahmeshwaram Plateau. The species that are endemic to the peninsular India and are thriving on the Nallamala Hills are Indian Tree Shrew (Scadentia), Bonnet Macaque Macaca radiata (Primates), and Giant Squirrel Ratufa indica (Rodentia).

Complete representation of smaller mammals occurring in the Nallamala Hills might have not been covered in the present study. As a result many smaller forms, especially those belonging to orders Insectivora, Chiroptera and Rodentia are poorly represented in this study. Careful scrutiny of the relevant published material revealed the historic presence of many species that were not reported in the recent times. Among the chiropterans, Lesser Woolly Horseshoe Bat Rhinopoma beddomei and Andersen's Leaf-nosed Bat Hipposideros pomona are such examples which were earlier collected from the Nallamala Hills (Bates & Harrison, 1996) but the present day status remains unknown.

The avian diversity of the Nallamala Hills is represented by a total of 302 species belonging to 17 orders and 53 families (Table 2). Passerines represented by 125 species belonging to 20 families contribute to about 41.4% of the bird diversity. Among the non-passerines maximum representation were that of waders (Charadriiforines, 6 families and 29 species) and diurnal raptors; (Falconiformes, 2 families, 26 species). Other orders represented in significant numbers of species are Anserifortnes (2 family, 15 species). Ciconiiformes Q families, 17 species), Gruiiformes (3 families, 14 species). Coraciiformes (7 families, 12 species) Galliformes (I family, I I species), and Columbiformes (2 families, 11 species).

Of the total diversity. 48.67% (147 species) are common. 32.45% (98 species) are uncommon, 12.25% (37 species) are occasional and 6.62% (20 species) are rare in abundance. Of the resident bird diversity of 189 species. 91.531% are confirmed residents, while the rest are resident migrants. Among the migrants represented by 101 species (contributing .33.44% of the total diversity) most are winter migrants (73 species. 72.27%) followed by seasonal local migrants (23 species. 22.77%) and local migrants (5 species, 4.95%). Twelve species (3.97% of the total diversity) are considered to be vagrant or stragglers to this area. Of the total diversity 136 species (45.03%) are confirmed breeders while about 41 species (1 31.57%) probably breed here.

Ali (1933a, b, c;19314a. b) has reported sighting of 127 species of birds on Amrabad Plateau from Mananur and Farahabad localities between 3-20 October, 193 1, of which 12' ) birds were recorded during the present study. Species reported by Ali that were conspicuously absent here and elsewhere in the Nallarnala Hills are Eurasian Griffon-Vulture Gypsfilvus (reported to be common then), Indian Trogon Harpactesfasciatus (one sighted on 12 October, 1931 on Uma Maheshwara Plateau near Mananur), Nilgiri Wood Pigeon Columba elphinstonii (Ali, (I 934b) mentions catching a glimpse of it in the forest around Mananur), and Greenish Warbler (Phylloscopus trochiloides nitidus and P. t. viridanus). It is possible that the la§t species might have been possibly overlooked or confused with other species of Phylloscopus. Some of the interesting records of the present study are reporting of sighting of White-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus, White Stork Ciconia ciconia along the Madras Canal near Veligode, Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta on the Amrabad Plateau julsi Rao, pers. comm.), Indian Pied Hombi I] Anthracoceros coronatus near Peddarutla on the Right Bank of Nagarjunasagar Srisailarn Tiger Reserve (Harsha Reddy, pers. comm.), Yellow-throated Bulbul near Uma Maheshawararn (Aasheesh Pittie, pers, comm.) and from two other sites, namely Rollapenta and Pedda Manthanala on the right bank of Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (Srinivasulu in prep.), Yellow-browed Bulbul from Unta Maheshwaram (Srinivasulu & Rao. 2000), Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni from Gundla Brahmeshwararn Plateau (Srinivasulu, in press), and White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus from Farahabad on Amrabad Plateau (Rao et al.,1997) and Rudrakode area of Gundla Brahmcshwaram Wildlife Sanctuary.

The species of the monotypic genera of birds occurring in the Nallamala are Anastomus oscitans (Ciconiformes), Rhodsonessa rufina (Anseriformes), Butastus teesa (Falcon i formes), Hydrophasianus chirurps and Metopidius indicus (Charadriiforines).

Threats

The once dense and secure forest of Nallamala is under severe threat due to habitat destruction, livestock pressure and biotic interference. Human greed has taken its toll and the aftereffects of the same is reflected by the deserted look of the forest especially across the Amrabad plateau. Rapid developmental activities are underway jeopardizing biotic integrity and sustenance of floral and faunal components. The northern part of the Nallamala Hills, especially that north of Krishna River failing in the districts of Mahbubnagar and Nalgonda, has been Greatly affected by anthropogenic and biotic pressure, while the central and southern regions are relatively better. Mana-ement intervention should ensure checking of illegal entry. livestock pressure, poaching, tree felling. etc. to ensure conservation priorities and sustenance of sylvan tribal population. The treasure-chest will soon be empty without timely conservation measures.

Acknowledgments

We express our heartfelt gratitude Prof. J.V. Ramana Rao for guidance and encouragement. We are thankful to the Head Department of Zoology, Osmania University. Hyderabad and Shri T. Rainakrishna. IFS, Chief Wildlife Warden and Conservator of Forests (Wildlife Management), Andhra Pradesh Forest Department for permission. We thank immensely, Field Directors Project Tiger: Assistant Directors NSTR; Mr. K. Tulsi Rao (ACF, Biodiversity. NSTR): Mr. Aasheesh Pittie; Dr. V. Vasudeva Rao-, Mr. Harsha Reddy for their help in many ways and sharing information. We acknowledge the financial assistance by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.'New Delhi to the first author and, the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department (A. P. Forestry Project), Government of Andhra Pradesh to the latter.

References

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Ali, S. (1933a). The Hyderabad State Ornithological Survey. Part 1. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 36(2): 356-390.

Ali, S. (1933b). The Hyderabad State Ornithological Survey. Part 2. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 36(3): 707-725.

Ali, S. (I 933c). The Hyderabad State Ornithological Survey. Part 3. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 36(4): 898-419.

Ali, S. (1934a). The Hyderabad State Ornithological Survey. Part 4. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 37(l): 124-142.

Ali, S. (1934b). The Hyderabad State Ornithological Survey. Part 5. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society37(2): 425-4:54.

Ali, S. (1996). The Book of Indian Birds. Revised and Enlarged Edition. The Bombay Natural History Society and Oxford University Press, Mumbai.

Ali, S. and S.D. Ripley (1983). .4 Pictorial Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent. Bombay Natural History Society and Oxford University, Press. Mumbai.

Anon. (1965). The Gazetteer of India -Indian Union. Vol I. Country and People. Publications Division. Govt. of India. New Delhi.

Bates, P.J.J. and D.L. Harrison (1997). Buts of the Indian Subcontinent. Harrison Zoological Museum. Kent. xk-358pp.

Champion, H.G. and S.K. Seth (1968). A revised survey of Forest types of India, Govt. of India, New Delhi.

Gaston, A.J. (1973). Methods for estimating bird populations. Journal Bombay Natural History Society 72(2): 272-281.

Inskipp, T., N. Lindsey and W. Duckworth (1996). An Annotated Checklist of the Birds of the Oriental Region. Oriental Bird Club. United Kingdom.

Manakadan, R., J.C. Daniel, A.R. Rahmani, M. Inamdar and G. Ugra(1998). Standardized English common names of the birds of the Indian sub continent - a proposal. Buceros 3(2): 55.

Murthy T.S.N. (1968). Notes on the collection of amphibians from Nagarjuna Valley, (Andhra Pradesh) with one new record. Journal of the University of Poona 34: 63-71.

Murthy, T.S.N. (1986). Lizards of Kurnool District. Bulletin of 11ar-1 -land Herpetological Society 22(3): 134-143.

Nagulu, V, V.V. Rao and C. Srinivasulu (1998). Biodiversity of select habitats in Eastern Ghat regions of Andhra Pradesh. In: The Eastern Ghats Proceedings of the National Seminar on Conservation of Eastern Ghats.1larch -14-26, 1998. 6-35.

Nameer. P.O. (1998). Checklist of Indian Manunals. Kerala Forest Department (Wildlife Wine) and Kerala Agricultural University, 90-xxvpp.

Rao, R.K. (1998). Nallamalai Hills: among world centres of plant diversity. In: The Eastern Ghats Proceedings of the National Seminar on Conservation of Eastern Ghats. March24-26. 1998.317-321.

Rao, T.K., D. Sudhakar, V.V. Rao, V. Nagulu and C. Srinivasulu (1999). Rust spotted Cat Prionailurus rubiginosus (I Geoffroy Saint-Hillaire. 1831): A new" record for Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve. Andhra Pradesh. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 96(3): 463-464.

Rao, V.V.V. Nagulu, M. Anjaneyulu, B. Srinivasulu, C. Srinivasulu and J. V. R. Rao (1997). Status of avifauna of Rajiv Gandhi National Park. Andhra Pradesh. India, Pavo 35(1&2): 85100.

Ripley, S.D. (1982). A Synopsis of Birds of India and Pakistan. Bombay Natural History Society. Bombay.

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Srmivasulu, C. (in prep.). Site records of Yellow-throated Bulbul Pycnonotus xantholaenius in the Nallamala Hills. Eastern Ghats. Andhra Pradesh.

Srinivasulu, C. (in press). Sight record of Little Pied Flycatcher Yuscicapa (Ficedula) westermanni in Andhra Pradesh. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society.

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Srinivasulu, C. and VX Rao (2000). Occurrence of the Yellow browed Bulbul Hipsipetes indicus (Jerdon) in the Nalamalla Hills. AndhraPradesh. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 97(1): 144-145.

Table 1. Mammalian Diversity of the Nallamala Hills, Eastern Ghats

 Common Name

Scientific Name

A

R

Insectivora

Ennaceiclae

Madras Hedgehog

Hemiechinus nudiventris

R

3

Soricidae

Musk Rat

Suncus murinus

C

1

Scadentia

Tupaiidae

South Indian (Madras) Tree Shrew

Anathana ellioti

UC

1

Chiroptera

Pteropodidae

Fulvous Fruit Bat

Rousettus leschnaulti

U C

1

Indian Flying Fox

Pteropus giganteus

U C

1,2

Short-nosed Fruit Bat

Cynopterus sphinx

C

1

Rhinopomatidae

Lesser Mouse-tailed Bat

Rhinopoma hardwickii

U C

1,2

Emballonuridae

Long-winged Tomb Bat

Taphozous longimanus

U C

1,2

Black-bearded Tomb Bat

Taphozous melanopogon

U C

1,2

Naked-rumped Tomb Bat

Taphozous nudiventris

O

1

Egyptian Tomb Bat

Taphozous perforatus

O

1

Megadermatidae

Greater False Vampire

Megaderma Iyra

C

1,2

Lesser False Vampire

Megaderma spasma

O

1

Rhinolophidae

Rufous Horseshoe Bat

Rhinolophus rouxii

C

1,2

Hipposideridae

Fulvus Leaf-nosed Bat

Hipposideros fulvus

O

1

Kelaart's Leaf-nosed Bat

Hipposideros lankadiva

O

1

Schneiders Leaf-nosed Bat

Hipposideros speoris

U C

1,2

Molossidae

Egyptian Free-tailed Bat

Tadarida aegyptiaca

C

1

Vespertilionidae

Tickell's Bat

Hesperoptenus tickelli

U C

1

Painted Bat

Kerivoula picta

U C

1

Schreiber's Long-fingered Bat

Miniopterus schreibersii

U C

1

Kelaart's Pipistrelle

Pipistrellus ceylonicus

C

1

Little Indian Bat

Pipistrellus coromandra

C

1

Dormer's Bat

Pipistrellus dormeri

R

1

Least Pipistrelle

Pipistrellus tenuis

C

1,2

Asiatic Greater Yellow House Bat

Scotophillus heathii

U C

1,2

Asiatic Lesser Yellow House Bat

Scotophillus kuhlii

U C

1,2

Primates

Cercopithecidae

Rhesus Macaque

Macaca mulatta

C

1

Bonnet Macaque

Macaca radiate

C

1

Common (Hanuman) Langur

Semnoohecus entellus

C

1

Carnivora

Canidae

Golden Jackal

Canis aureus

C

1

Wolf

Canis lupus

O

3

Dhole Indian Wild Dog

Cuon alpinus

C

1

Bengal (Indian) Fox

Vulpes bengalensis

C

1

Ursidae

Sloth Bear

Melursus ursinus

C

1

Mustelidae

Smooth-coated Otter

Lutrogale perspicillata

U C

1,3

Ratel (Honey Badger)

Mellivora capensis

U C

1,3

Viverridae

Common Palm Civet

Paradoxurus hemaphroditus

C

1

Small Indian Civet

Viverricula indica

C

1

Hespertidae

Grey (Common) Mongoose

Herpestes edwardsii

C

1

Small Indian Mongoose

Herpestes javanicus

C

1

Ruddy Mongoose

Herpestes smithii

C

1

Hyaenidae

Striped Hyaena

Hyaena hyaena

0

1

Felidae

Jungle Cat

Felis chaus

C

1

Desert (Wild) Cat

Felis silvestris

R

3

Leopard Cat

Prionailurus bengalensis

C

1

Rusty-spotted Cat

Prionailurus rubiginosus

R

1

Fishing Cat

Prionailurus viverrinus

0

1,3

Leopard

Panthera pardus

C

1

Tiger

Panthera tigris

C

1

Artiodactyla

Suidae

Wild Boar

Sus scrofa critatus

C

1

Traqulidae

Indian Chevrotain

Moschiola merrinna

C

1

Cervidae

Spotted Deer

Axis axis

C

1

Sambar

Cervus unicolor

C

1

Indian Muntjak

Muntiacus muntjak

UC

3

Bovidae

Blackbuck

Antilope cervicapra

UC

1

Bluebull

Boselaphus tragocamelus

C

1

Indian Gazelle

Gazella bennetti

UC

1

Four-horned Antelope

Tetracerus quadncomis

UC

1

Pholidota

Manidae

Indian Pangolin

Manis crassicaudata

O

3

Rodentia

Sciuridae

Indian (Three striped) Palm

Funambulus palmarum

C

1

Squirrel

Northern (Five-striped) Palm

Funambulus pennantii

C

1

Squirrel

Indian Giant Squirrel

Ratufa indica

C

1

Muridae

Indian Gerbill

Tatera indica

UC

1

Indian Bush Rat

Golunda ellioti

C

1

Soft-furred Field Rat

Millardia meltada

C

1

Brown Rat

Rattus norvegicus

C

1

House Rat

Rattus rattus

C

1

House Mouse

Mus muscuius

C

1

Little Indian Field Mouse

Mus booduga

C

1

Lesser Bandicoot-rat

Bandicota bengalensis

C

1

Greater Bandicoot-rat

Bandicota indica

U C

1

Hystricidae

Indian Crested Porcupine

Hystrix indica

C

1

Lagomorpha

Leporidae

Indian Hare

Lepus nigricollis

C

1

 

Abn – Abundance; Rem – Remarks

C- Common, UC – Uncommon; O- Occasional; R-Rare

  1. Species sighted or recorded to occur in Nallamala Hills during the study;

1,2 – Species that were collected or recorded by earlier workers (especially the chiropterans);

1,3 – Species that were reported to occur, not sighted during the present survey, but indirect evidence observed;

3 – Species reported to occur by reliable source, not recorded during the present study.

 Common names also follow Nameer (1998).

 Table 2. Avifaunal diversity of the Nallamala Hills, Eastem Ghats

 

Common name

Scientific name

Abn

Status

Podicipitiformes

Podicpedidae

Little Grebe

Tachybaptus ruficollis* (5)

C

Res, Br

Pelecaniformes

Phalacrocoracidae

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo (26)

R

SLM

Indian Cormorant

Phalacrocorax fuscicollis (27)

O

SLM

Little Cormorant

Phalacrocorax niger (28)

U C

Res, Br

Darter

Anhinga rufa (29)

O

SLM

Ciconiiformes

Ardeidae

Grey Heron

Ardea cinerea (35)

C

LM, Br

Purple Heron

Ardea purpurea (37)

C

LM, Br?

Indian Pond-Heron

Ardeola grayii (42)

C

Res, Br

Cattle Egret

Bubulcus ibis (44)

C

Res, Br

Great Egret

Casmerodius albus (45)

U C

Res

Intermediate Egret

Mesophoyx intermedia (47)

C

Res

Little Egret

Egretta garzetta (49)

C

Res, Br

Black-crowned Night-

Nycticorax nycticorax (52)

C

Res, Br

Heron

Cinnamon Bittern

Ixobrychus cinnamoaws (56)

U C

Res, Br?

Yellow Bittern

Ixobrychus sinensis (57)

U C

Res, Br?

Ciconiidae

Painted Stork

Mycteria leucocephala (60)

C

SLM

Asian Open-billed Stork

Anastomus oscitans (61)

C

Res, Br

White-necked Stork

Ciconia episcoups (62)

O

SLM

White Stork

Ciconia ciconia (63)

O

WM

Threskiomithidae

Asian White Ibis

Threskiormis melanocephalus*(69)

O

SLM

Black Ibis

Pseudibis papillosa (70)

U C

Res, Br?

Eurasian Spoonbill

Platalea leucorodia (72)

U C

SLM

Anseriformes

Anatidae

Bar-headed Goose

Anserindicus (82)

O

WM

Ruddy Shelduck

Tadoma ferruginea (90)

UC

WM

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta (93)

C

WM

Common Teal

Anas crecce (94)

C

WM

Spot-billed Duck

Anas poecilorhyncha* (97)

C

Res, Br

Gadwall

Anas strepera (101)

U C

WM

Eurasian Wigeon

Anas penelope (103)

O

WM

Garganey

Anas querquedula (104)

UC

WM

Northern Shoveller

Anas clypeata (105)

UC

WM

Red-crested Pochard

Rhodonessa rufina (107)

U

WIVI

Common Pochard

Aythya fenna (108)

UC

WM

Tufted Pochard

Aythya fuligula (111)

R

W M

Cotton Pygmy-Goose

Nettapus coromandelianus(114)

C

Res, Br

Comb Duck

Sarkidiornis melanotos* (115)

O

SLM

Dendrocygnidae

Lesser Whistling Duck

Dendrocygnajavanica* (88)

C

Res, Br

Falconiformes

Accipitridae

Black-shouldered Kite

Elanus caeruleus (124)

C

Res, Br

Oriental Honey Buzzard

Pernis ptilorhynchus* (130)

U C

Res, Br?

Black Kite

Milvus migrans* (133)

C

Res, Br

Brahminy Kite

Haliasturindus*(135)

C

Res, Br

Shikra

Accipiterbadius* (138)

C

Res, Br

Crested Goshawk

Accipiter trivirgatus (144)

R

V

LongAegged Buzzard

Buteo rufinus (153)

O

V

White-eyed Buzzard

Butastur teesa* (157)

C

Res, Br

Changeable Hawk-Eagle

Spizaetus cirrhatus (161)

C

Res, Br

Tawny Eagle

Aquila rapax (168)

C

Res. Br?

Greater Spotted Eagle

Aquila clanga (170)

R

V

Greater Grey-headed

lchthyophaga icthyaetus (175)

R

V

Fish-Eagle

Red-headed Vulture

Sarcogyps calvus* (178)

O

LM

Long-billed Vulture

Gyps indicus* (182)

U C

L M

Indian White-backed

Gyps bengalensis* (185)

U C

LM, Br?

Vulture

Egyptian Vulture

Neophron percnopterus* (187)

U C

Res Br?

Pallid Harrier

Circus macrourus; (190)

U C

W M

Pied Harrier

Circus melanoleucos (192)

UC

WM

Eurasian Marsh Harrier

Circus aeruginosus (193)

U C

WIVI

Short-toed Snake-Eagle

Circaetus gallicus (195)

C

Res, Br

Crested Serpent-Eagle

Spilormis cheela (196)

U C

Res, Br?

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus (203)

U C

Res?

Falconidae

Lagger Falcon

Falco jugger(208)

O

SLM

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus (211)

O

Res?

Red-headed Falcon

Falco chicquera (219)

O

WM

Common Kestrel

Falco tinnunculus (224)

C

WM

Galliformes

Phasianidae

Painted Francolin

Francolinus pictus* (241)

C

Res, Br

Grey Francolin

Francolinus pondicerianus*(246)

C

Res, Br

Common Quail

Cotumix cotumix (250)

U C

Res, Br?

Rain Quail

Cotumix coromandelica (252)

C

Res, Br

Blue-breasted Quail

Cotumix chinensis (253)

U C

Res, Br?

Jungle Bush-Quail

Perdicula asiatica (255)

C

Res, Br

Rock Bush-Quail

Perdicuia argoondah (260)

U C

Res, Br?

Red Spurfowl

Galloperdix spadicea* (275)

C

Res, Br

Painted Spurfowl

Galloperdix lunulata (278)

U C

Res, Br

Grey Junglefowl

Gallus sonneratti (301)

C

Res, Br

Indian Peafowl

Pavo cristatus* (311)

C

Res, Br

Gruiformes

Tumicidae

Small Bustardquail

Turnix sylvatica (313)

C

Res, Br

Yellow-legged Buttonquail

Turnix tanki (314)

U C

Res, Br

Barred Bustardquail

Turnix suscitator* (318)

C

Res, Br

Gruidae

Common Crane

Grus grus (320)

R

V

DemoiselleCrane

Grus virgo

R

V

Rallidae

Water Rail

Rallus aquaticus (328)

R

V

Baillon's Crake

Porzana pusilla (337)

O

WM

Ruddy-breasted Crake

Porzana fusca (340)

O

SLM

Brown Crake

Amauromis akool (342)

O

V

White-breasted Waterhen

Amaurornis phoenicurus (343)

C

Res, Br

Watercock

Gallicrex cinerea (346)

R

Res?

Common Moorhen

Gallinula chloropus (347)

C

Res, Br

Purple Swamphen

Porphyno porphyrio (349)

C

Res, Br

Common Coot

Fulica atra (350)

C

Res, Br

Charaddiformes

Jacanidae

Pheasant-tailed Jacana

Hydrophasianus chirurgus(358)

C

Res, Br

Bronze-winged Jacana

Metopidius indicus (359)

C

Res, Br

Charaddidae

Red-wattled Lapwing

Vanellus indicus* (366)

C

Res, Br

Yellow-wattied Lapwing

Vanellus malabaricus* 370)

C

Res, Br

Little Ringed Plover

Charadnus dubius (380)

C

Res, Br'?

Kentish Plover

Charadrius alexandrinus (381)

UC

WM

Scolopacidae

Spotted Redshank

Tringa erythropus (392)

O

WM

Common Redshank

Tringa totanus (393)

UC,

WM

Marsh Sandpiper

Tringa stagnatilis* (395)

R

WM

Common Green Shank

Tringa nebularia (396)

UC

WM

Green Sandpiper

Tringa ochropus (397)

UC

WM

Wood Sandpiper

Tringa glareola (398)

UC

WM

Common Sandpiper

Tringa actitis* (401)

C

WM

Wood Snipe

Gallinago nemoricola (405)

R

V

Pin-tailed Snipe

Gallinago stenura (406)

UC

WM

Common Snipe

Gaffinago gallinago (409)

UC

WM

Jack Snipe

Limnocryptes minimus (410)

R

V

Little Stint

Calidris minuta (416)

C

WM

Temminck's Stint

Calidris temminckii (417)

UC

WM

Black-winged Stilt

Himantopus himantopus (430)

C

SLM

Pied Avocet

Recurvirostra avosetta (432)

R

V

Burhinidae

Stone Curlew

Burbinus oedicnernus (436)

C

Res, Br

Great Thick-knee

Esacus recurvirostfis (437)

U C

Res?

Glareolidae

Indian Courser

Cursorius coromandelicus(440)

C

Res, B?

Small Pratincole

Glareola lactea (444)

UC

Res?

Laridae

Brown-headed Gull

Larus brunnicephalus (454)

UC

WM

Whiskered Tern

Chlidonias hybridus (458)

C

W M

River Tern

Sterna aurantia (463)

C

Res, BO

Black-bellied Tern

Stema acuticauda (470)

UC

SLM

Columbiformes

Pteroclididae

Indian Sandgrouse

Pterocles exustus (487)

UC

SLIM

Painted Sandgrouse

Pterocles indicus (492)

UC

SLM

Columbidae

Yellow-legged Green

Treron phoenicoptera* (504)

C

Res, Br

Pigeon

Green Imperial-Pigeon

Ducula aenea* (507)

C

Res, Br

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia* (517)

C

Res, Br

Oriental Turtle Dove

Streptopelia orientalis (533)

U C

Res, Br?

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto* (534)

C

Res, Br

Red Collared-Dove

Streptopelia tranquebarica (535)

C

Res, Br

Spotted Dove

Streptopelia chinensis* (537)

C

Res, Br

Laughing Dove

Streptopelia senegalensis*(541)

C

Res, Br

Emerald Dove

Chalcophaps indica (542)

C

Res, Br

Psittaciformes

Psittacidae

Alexandrine Parakeet

Psittacula eupatria* (545)

U C

Res, Br?

Rose-ringed Parakeet

Psfitacula krameri* (550)

C

Res, Br

Plum-headed

Psiffacula cyanocepahala (558)

C

Res, Br

Parakeet

Cuculiformes

Cuculidae

Pied Cuckoo

Clamator jacobinus* (570)

C

Res, Br?

Indian Hawk-Cuckoo

Hierococcyx varius* (573)

C

Res, Br

Indian Cuckoo

Cuculus micropterus (576)

U C

Res, Br?

Grey-bellied Cuckoo

Cacomantis passerinus* (584)

U C

Res, Br

Asian Koel

Eudynamys scolopacea* (590)

C

Res, Br

Blue faced Malkoha

Phaenicophaeus viridirostris*(595)

C

Res, Br

Sirkeer Malkoha

Phaenicophaeus leshenaultii(598)

U C

Res, Br

Greater Coucal

Centropus sinensis* (602)

C

Res, Br

Strigiformes

Strgidae

Eurasian Collared

Otus bakkamoena* (622)

U C

Res, Br?

Scops-Owl

Eagle-Owl

Bubo bubo (627)

C

Res, Br

Brown Fish-Owl

Ketupa zeylonensis (631)

U C

Res, Br

Jungle Owlet

Glaucidium radiatum* (636)

C

Res, Br

Brown Hawk-Owl

Ninox scutulata (642)

U C

Res, Br?

Spotted Owlet

Athene brama* (652)

C

Res, Br

Mottled Wood-Owl

Strix ocellata (657)

U C

Res, Br?

Brown Wood-Owl

Strix leptogrammica (660)

U C

Res, Br?

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus (664)

R

WM

Tytonidae

Barn Owl

Tyto alba (606)

U C

Res, Br ?.

Capirimulgiformes

Caprimulgidae

Grey Nightjar

Caprimulgus indicus (671)

C

Res, Br

Jerdon's Nightjar

Caprimulgus atripennis (676)

O

Res?

Indian Nightjar

Caprimulgus asiaticus* (680)

C

Res, Br

Apodiformes

Apodidae

Alpine Swift

Tachymarptis melba (693)

U C

SLM

House Swift

Apus affinis* (703)

C

Res, Br

Asian Palm-Swift

Cypsiurus balasiensis (707)

C

Res, Br

Hemiprocnidae

Crested Tree-swift

Hemiprocne coronata (709)

C

Res, Br

Corachformes

Alcedinidae

Small Blue Kingfisher

Alcedo atthis (723)

C

Res, Br

Cerylidae

Lesser Pied Kingfisher

Ceryle rudis (719)

C

Res, Br

Dacelonidae

Stork-billed Kingfisher

Halcyon capensis (730)

U C

Res, Br?

White-throated Kingfisher

Halcyon smymensis (735)

C

Res, Br

Meropidae

Chestnutheaded

Merops leschenauffii (744)

U C

Res, Br?

Bee-eater

Blue-tailed Bee-eater

Merops philippinus (748)

U C

WM

Green Bee-eater

Merops odentalis* (750)

C

Res, Br

Blue-bearded Bee-eater

Nyctyornis athertoni (753)

U C

Res, Br?

Coradidae

Indian Roller

Coracias benghalensis* (755)

C

Res, Br

Upupidae

Common Hoopoe

Upupa epops* (763)

C

Res, Br

Bucerctndae

Indian Grey Hombill

Ocyceros birostris* (767)

C

Res, Br

Indian Pied Hombill

Anthracoceros coronatus (775)

R

Res?

Piciformes

Capitonidae

Brown-headed Barbet

Megalairria zeylanica* (780)

C

Res, Br

Coppersmith Barbet

Megalaima haemacephala*(792)

C

Res, Br

Picidae

Eurasian Wryneck

Jynx torquilla (796)

U C

WM

Streak-throated

Picus xanthopygaeus (808)

U C

Res?

Woodpecker

Lesser Yellow-naped

Picus chlorolophus (816)

U C

Res, Br?

Woodpecker

Black-rumped Flame-

Dricourri benghalense* (819)

C

Res, Br

backed Woodpecker

Yellow-crowned

Dendrocopos mahraftensis* (847)

C

Res, Br

Woodpecker

Brown-capped

Dendrooppos nanus* (852)

C

Res, Br

Woodpecker

Black-shouldered

Chrysocolaptes festivus (858)

U C

Res, Br?

Woodpecker

Passeriformes

Pitidae

Indian Pita

Pitta brachyura* (867)

U C

WM

Alaudidae

Madras Bush Lark

Mirafra affinis* (874)

U C

Res, Br

Red-winged Bush-Lark

Mirafra erythropetra (877)

U C

Res, Br?

Ashy-crowned Sparrow-

Eremopterix gdsea* (878)

C

Res, Br

Lark

Rufous-tailed Lark

Ammomanes phoenicurus (882)

C

Res, Br

Greater Short4oed Lark

Calandrella brachydactyla (886)

R

WM

Sykes's Lark

Galerida deva (902)

C

Res, Br

Eastern Skylark

Alauda gulgula (907)

C

Res, Br

Hirundinidae

Dusky Crag-Martin

Hirundo concolor (914)

C

Res?

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica (916)

C

WM

Wire-tailed Swallow

Hirundo smithii (921)

U C

SLM

Streak-throated Swallow

Hirundo fluvicola (922)

U C

SLM

Red-rumped Swallow

Hinindo, daurica* (927)

C

Res, Br

Laniidae

Southern Grey Shrike

Lanius rneridionalis* (933)

U C

Res?

Bay-backed Shrike

Lanius vittatus* (940)

C

Res, Br

Long4ailed Shrike

Lanius schach* (947)

C

Res, Br

Brown Shrike

Lanius cristatus (949)

U C

WM

Stumidae

Chestnut-tailed Starling

Stumus malabaricus (987)

U C

WM

Brahminy Starling

Stumus pagodarum* (994)

C

Res, Br

Rosy Starling

Sturnus roseus (996)

C

WM

Common Starling

Stumus vulgaris (997)

O

WM

Common Myna

Acridotheres tristis* (1006)

C

Res, Br

Jungle Myna

Acnidotheres fuscus (1010)

O

Res?

Corvidae

Southeastern Treepie

Dendrocitta vagabunda* (1034)

C

Res, Br

House Crow

Corvus splendens* (1049)

C

Res,Br

Jungle Crow

Corvus macrorhynchos* (1057)

C

Res,Br

Eurasian Golden Oriole

Oriolus oriolus* (953)

C

Res,Br

Black-naped Oriole

Oriolus chinensis (954)

R

SLM

Black-hooded Oriole

Oriolus xanthomus* (959)

C

Res, Br?

Black Drongo

Dicrurus macrocercus* (963)

C

Res, Br

Ashy Drongo

Dicurus leucophaeus* (965)

U C

WM

White-bellied Drongo

Dicrurus caerulescens* (967)

C

Res,Br

Bronzed Drongo

Dicrurus aeneus(971)

U C

Res, Br?

Spangled Drongo

Dicrurus hottentottus (973)

U C

Res, Br?.

Greater Racket-tailed

Dicrurus paradiseus (976)

U C

SLM

Drongo

Ashy Wood-swallow

Artamus fuscus* (982)

C

Res, Br?

Lesser Wood Shrike

Tephrodomis pondicerianus*(1070)

C

Res, Br

Large Cuckoo-Shrike

Coracina macei* (1072)

C

Res, Br

Black-headed

Coradna melanoptera (1079)

C

Res, Br

Cuckoo-shrike

Scarlet Minivet

Pericrocotus flammeus (1081)

O

SLM

Small Minivet

Pericrocotus cinnamomeus* (1093)

C

Res, Br.

Whitebellied Minivet

Pericrocotus erythropygius*(1096)

O

Res?

 

Irenidae

Common lora

Aegkhinia tiphia* (1099)

C

Res,Br

Goldfronted Chloropsis

Chloropsis aurifrons (1104)

C

Res, Br

Goldmantled Chloropsis

Chloropsis cochinchinensis*(1107)

C

Res, Br

Pycnonotidae

Red-whiskered Bulbul

Pycnonotus jacosus (1121)

O

SLM

Red-vented Bulbul

Pycnonotus cafer* (1128)

C

Res, Br

Yellow-throated Bulbul

Pycnonotus xantholaemus(1135)

O

Res, B?

White browed Bulbul

Pycnonotus luteolus (1138)

C

Res, Br

Yellow-browed Bulbul

Lole indica (1144)

R

SLM

Cisticolidae

Zitting Cisticola

Cisticola juncidis* (1498)

C

Res, Br

Grey-breasted Prinia

Prinia hodgsonii (1503)

C

Res, Br

Plain Prinia

Prinia inomata (11511)

C

Res, Br

Ashy Prinia

Prinia socialis* (1517)

C

Res, Br

Jungle Prinia

Pninia sylvatica (1521)

C

Res, Br

Muscicapidae

Spotted Babbler

Pellorneum ruficeps (1154)

U C

Res, Br

Indian Scimitar Babbler

Pomatorhinus horsfieldii*(1173)

C

Res, Br

Rufous-bellied Babbler

Dumetia hyperythra* (1222)

C

Res, Br

Yellow-eyed Babbler

Chrysomma sinense (11231)

C

Res, Br

Common Babbler

Turdoides caudatus* (1254)

C

Res, Br

Large Grey Babbler

Turdoides malcolmi (1258)

C

Res, Br

Jungle Babbler

Turdoides straitus* (1262)

C

Res, Br

White-headed Babbler

Turdoides affinis* (1267)

C

Res, Br

Quaker Babbler

Alcippe poioicephala (11389)

U C

Res?

Brown Flycatcher

Muscicapa dauurica* (1407)

U C

W M

Brown-breasted

Muscicapa muttui* (11408)

O

W M

Flycatcher

Red-breasted Flycatcher

Ficedula parva* (1411)

U C

WM

Little Pied Flycatcher

Ficedula westermanni (1419)

R

V

White-browed Blue

Muscicapa superciliaris (1421)

O

WM

Flycatcher

Tickell's Blue Flycatcher

Cyornis tickelliae* (1442)

C

Res, Br

Verditer Flycatcher

Eumyias thalassina (1445)

U C

W M

Grey-headed Flycatcher

Culicicapa ceylonensis (1449)

U C

W M

White-browed Fantail

Rhipidura aureola* (1452)

C

Res, Br

Flycatcher

White-throated Fantail

Rhipidura albicollis* (1458)

U C

Res, Br?

Flycatcher

Paradise Flycatcher

Terpsiphone paradisi* (1461)

C

Res, Br

Black-naped Flycatcher

Hypothymis azurea (1465)

U C

Res, Br

Bluethroat

Luscinia svecicus (11644)

O

WIVI

Oriental Magpie-Robin

Copsychus saularis* (1661)

C

Res, Br

White-rumped Shama

Copsychus malabaricus (11665)

O

Res?

Black Redstart

Phoenicurus ochruros* (1672)

U C

WM

Common Stone-chat

Saxicola torquata* (1697)

U C

W M

Pied Bush-chat

Saxicola caprata* (1701)

C

Res, Br

Indian Robin

Saxicoloides fulicata* (1719)

C

Res, Br

Blue Rock Thrush

Monticola solftafius (1726)

U C

WM

Orange-headed Thrush

Zoothera ckfina (1734)

U C

Res, Br

Eurasian Blackbird

Turdus merula (1753)

U C

SLM

Sylviidae

Common Tailorbird

Orthotomus sutorius* (1535)

C

Res, Br

Clamorous Reed

Acrocephalus stentoreus(1550)

U C

WM

Warbler

Blyth's Reed-Warbler

Acrocephalus dumetorum(1556)

C

WM

Booted Warbler

Hippolais caligata (1563)

C

WM

Orphean Warbler

Sylvia hortensis (1565)

O

WM

Lesser Whitethroat

Sylvia curruca (1567)

U C

W M

Hume's Lesser

Sylvia (curruca) althaea (1570)

O

W M

White-throat

Tickell's Leaf-Warbler

Phylloscopus affinis (1579)

O

WM

Hume's Warbler

Phyfloscopus humei (1590)

O

WM

Large-billed Leaf-Warbler

Phyllospus magnirostris*(1601)

U C

WM

Greenish Warbler

Phyfloscopus trochiloides (1604)

U C

WM

Western Crowned Leaf

Phylloscopus occipitalis (1606)

O

WM

Warbler

Paridae

Great Tit

Parus major* (1795)

C

Res, Br

Yellow-lored Yellow Tit

Panis xanthogenys* (1810)

C

Res, Br

Sittidae

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch

Sitta frontalis* (1838)

U C

Res, Br?

Passeridae

Olive-backed Pipit

Anthus hodgsoni (1852)

O

W M

Tree Pipit

Anthus frivialis (1854)

U C

WM

Paddyfield Rot

Anthus rufulus (1859)

U C

Res, Br?

Tawny Pipit

Anthus campestris* (1861)

O

WM

Blyth's Pipit

Anthus godlewskii (1863)

O

WM

Forest Wagtail

Dendronanthus indica* (1874)

O

WM

Yellow Wagtail

Motacilla flava (1875,1876)

U C

WM

Citrine Wagtail

Motacilla citreola (1881)

R

WM

Grey Wagtail

Motacilla cinerea (1884)

U C

WM

White Wagtail

Motacilla alba (1885)

C

WM

Large Pied Wagtail

Motaciala maderaspatensis*(1891)

C

Res, Br

House Sparrow

Passer domesticus* (1938)

C

Res, Br

Chestnut-shouldered

Petronia xanthocollis* (1949)

U C

Res, Br

Petronia

Baya Weaver

Ploceus philippinus* (1957)

C

Res, Br

Plain Munia

Lonchura malabarica* (1966)

C

Res, Br

White-rumped Munia

Lonchura striata (1968)

U C

Res, Br

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata* (1974)

C

Res, Br

Black-headed Munia

Lonchura malacca(1978)

U C

Res, Br

Nectariniidae

Thick-billed Flowerpecker

Dicaeum agile* (1892)

C

Res, Br

Tickell's Flowerpecker

Dicaeum erythrorhynchos* (1899)

C

Res, Br

Purple-rumped Sunbird

Nectarinia zeylonica* (1907)

C

Res, Br

Loten's Sunbird

Nectarinia lotenie (1911)

U C

Res, Br?

Purple Sunbird

Nectarinia asiatica* (1917)

C

Res, Br

Zosteropiclae

Oriental White-eye

Zosterops palpebrosus* (1934)

C

Res, Br

 Abn- Abundance

C - Common; UC - Uncommon; 0 - Occasional; R - Rare

Res - Resident; Br - Breeding; SLM - Seasonal Local Migrant; LM - Local

Migrant; WM - Winter Migrant; V - Vagrant; ? - Probable status

* species recorded by Dr. Salim Ali during Hyderabad State Ornithological Survey,

1931-32; numbers in parentheses are Synopsis reference number of Ripley (1982).

Source: Zoos' Print Journal, Vol. 17, No. 1, January 2002