Kallettumkara Heronry, An Ideal Breeding Site For Waterbirds in Kerala, South India

The study was focused on the colonial breeding waterbirds and their preference in the nesting tree species of Kallettumkara heronry (10o 21 N, 76 o 26 E) in Kerala, South India during the period May to November 2011. The heronry accommodates five species of waterbirds belonging to the various families like Anhingidae, Phalacrocoracidae and Ardeidae. The most abundant species recorded in the study area was Little cormorant (Phalacrocorax niger) and the least one was Pond heron (Ardeola grayii). Apart from these species Indian cormorant, Near threatened species Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster), and Little egret (Egretta garzetta) were also breed here in good number. This site also provides breeding and roosting area for numerous resident birds as well as waterbirds, including globally near threatened species Oriental darter. As the heronry is situated very close to human inhabitation, it needs better care and adequate protection. The government should take initiation for protecting this area.