Avifauna of Bhatwadi hamlet in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra

Avifaunal survey conducted in the Bhatwadi hamlet in the Charatha village of Sindhudurg District of Maharashtra for a two year period (2014 to 2016) recorded 57 bird species belonging to 35 families. The Red whiskered Bulbul, Oriental Magpie Robin and Jungle Crows were the most abundant and frequently observed bird species. Jungle Crows were more abundant than Common Crows. However, House Sparrows were scarce. Near threatened species, such as Malabar Grey Hornbill and Malabar Pied Hornbill were also spotted. Pompadour pigeon, White cheeked Barbet, Crimson backed Sunbird and Malabar Grey Hornbill endemic to Western Ghats were also recorded. White cheeked Barbet was observed throughout the day. Blue throated Flycatcher was seen occasionally in winters Crimson backed Sunbird and Pitta were spotted only once. Thus, Bhatwadi, a human settlement in Sawantawadi Taluka, with its lush green vegetation, paddy fields, coconut trees, vegetable and fruit plantations, fresh water resources and its close proximity to the Western Ghats served as a vibrant home for the avifauna of the region. It harbored two nearly threatened bird species and four endemic species, which reflected the ornithological significance of the hamlet. The results of the present study may provide a base-line data for environmentalists and policy makers towards the formulation of conservation strategies for avifauna of Bhatwadi region