Avian Fauna Abundace and Diversity in Horagolla National Park of Sri Lanka

Abstract

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Avifaunal species richness and the species diversity of the Horagolla National park of Sri Lanka was recorded using line and point transects techniques from September 2012 to August 2013. Three different habitat types inside the Horagolla National Park were identified as, the Terrestrial habitat along the water body, the Forest habitat and the Disturbed habitat Five hundred meter transects, which provided maximum visibility was marked along in each of these habitats with the help of a global positioning system device (GPS) (Garmin e Trex). The bird species seen and heard were recorded on both sides of the transects from 8.00am to 11.00 am three times each month. Thirty eight species of birds belonging to ten orders and twenty three families were recorded during the study. This includes three winter visitors and one endemic species. These included three winter visitors, Asian Paradise Flycatcher (Mscicapa dauurica), Indian Pitta (Pitta brachyuran) and Oriental Honey Buzzard (Pernisptilorhynchus). Rose Ring Parakeet (PsUtacula krameri) and the Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) were the most common bird species recorded and Plain Prinia (Prinia inornata), Brown Fish Owl (Bubo zieylonenisis) and Black-Backed Kingfisher (Ceyx erithacus) were the least common bird species recorded. Terrestrial habitat along the water body had the highest species diversity.