Patterns of forest bird assemblages and feeding guild structure in lesser Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India

This study examined avifaunal assemblage patterns and feeding guild structure in the forest habitat of a part of Garhwal Himalayas foothills. Field studies were conducted from January 2015 to December 2016. Birds were surveyed by standardized Verner's line transects method. A total of 201 species belonging to 44 families were recorded in the area. The family Muscicapidae (14.92%) was dominant followed by Corvidae (13.43%). The estimated Bird Species Richness (BSR) and diversity (BSD) were greater in a low elevation forest sites in comparison to mid and high elevation sites. Analysis of trophic guild structure showed high insectivory (55.22%) in the area. The foraging behavior study showed a high arboreal pattern (42.78%) than other foraging strategies viz., understory, and terrestrial. This study area harbors five threatened species and hence requires the attention of the conservation biologist for protection of the habitat. Regular monitoring of avian community structure in the Himalayas is also required with preference to lower foothills which are more prone to human disturbances.