Avifaunal Diversity and Composition of Vellakattukulam, Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka

The present study was carried out at freshwater wetland Vellakattukulam in Batticaloa district, East coast of Sri Lanka. The prime objective is to determine the existing avian species diversity of Vellakattukulam, Batticaloa. The observations were recorded in between August 2016 to July 2017, to covering the migratory period. Monthly basis bird census was done by point transect and opportunistic observation methods within the time period of 06.00 – 09.00 h and 16.00 - 18.00 h. The whole study area was scanned systematically using 8 × 40 binoculars to count birds. The findings revealed that, 15,291 individuals representing 61 species and 34 families inclusive of 6 migratory bird species such as Glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), Wood sandpiper (Tringa glareola), Common sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos), Gull billed tern (Sterna nilotica), Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida), and Blue-tailed bee-eater (Merops philippinus). Black-headed ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) and Glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) were higher abundance species with its own nesting sites in this region. Shannon index (2.75) and Simpson's diversity index (0.89) shows the typical diversity of avifauna. Further studies must be directed along with long-term observations for policy making to declare as Important Bird and Biodiversity Area. It contributes noticeably to the local avian biodiversity and ecotourism.