Avifaunal Diversity of Solan District, Himachal Pradesh, India

The avifaunal diversity at five study sites (Solan-Shilli Conservation Reserve, Kandaghat, Chail, Kasauli, and Parwanoo) of Solan district was explored during two visits (summer and winter) in 2010-2011. In total, 93 species of birds belonging to 9 orders and 26 families were observed (83 Solan, 59 Kandaghat, 36 Chail, 47 Kasauli and 31 Parwanoo). The highest number of species were found in order Passeriformes (66) 70.9 % followed by Piciformes (9) 9.6 % and least number (1) 1.0 % in other 3 orders. The highest number of species were found in family Muscicapidae (16) 17.2 % followed by Corvidae (12) 12.9 % and Silviidae (10) 10.7 % and least number (1) 1.0 % in other 8 families. The relative abundance of species was Very Common (13), Common (32), Uncommon (38) and Rare (10). The seasonal status of species was Summer (57) and Winter (73). Of 90 species, 5 species (Blue-capped Rock Thrush Monticola cinclorhynchus, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch Sitta castanea, Dusky Crag Martin Hirundo concolor, Whiskered Yuhina Yuhina flavicollis and Spot-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas melanozanthos) were found further additions to birdlist of Solan district.