Avian fauna of Pong Dam Wetland-a Ramsar site

Studies on the avian fauna of Pong Dam Wetland (Himachal Pradesh, India) revealed 304 species of birds belonging to 52 families. Out of these, 70 species are purely aquatic birds. As the water of the wetland is clear, rich in dissolved oxygen and supports variety of aquatic weeds and fishes, it has been found to be suitable for birds and attracts many migratory birds like brahminy duck, black–necked grebe, red– necked grebe, large cormorant, white eyed pochard, Indian shagmon pochard, tufted duck, Indian moorhen, coot, great black headed gull, little gull, river tern, bar headed goose, shoveler, darter, stork etc. A list of all the birds identified along with their ecological and IUCN status has been given. Out of 304 species of birds recorded at Pong Dam Wetland, 1 species (Neophron percnopterus) is endangered, 5 species (Anhinga melanogester, Aythya fuligula, Limosa limosa, Mycteria leucocephala and Sterna acuticauda) are near threatened, and 4 species (Aquila haliaca, A. clanga, Haliaeetus leucoryphus and Rynchops albicollis) are vulnerable.