An overview study of birds in south Sikkim (India)

Abstract

Sikkim (27003’-28007’N & 88003’-88057’E), a small state lies on the foothills of Himalayas, comprising only of 7096 sq km, having a varied climatic condition and vegetation, ranging from cold desert in the north to the lowland forest in south. The study of avian faunal diversity is an essential ecological tool, which acts as an indicator to evaluated different habitats both qualitatively and quantitatively the present day study was carried out to document the avian diversity in South District of Sikkim (Tarey Bhir and Melli Dara). A total of 51 species of birds belonging to 24 families were recorded. In terms of family richness, Corvidae dominates in the field of study areas, comprising 6 species followed by Muscicapidae with 5 species, Pycnonotidae and Turdidae with 4 species each. The present day study adds some valuable information on bird diversity in the study area.