Study on nest tree preferences by cavity nesting birds in the riverine forests of Athikadavu Valley, Western Ghats, India.

Abstract

A study on nest tree utilization and preferences by cavity nesting birds was carried out in the riverine forests of Athikadavu Valley, Western Ghats, India from August 2012 to July 2015. In India, more than 100 species of tree-cavity nesting birds have been identified, but very little information is available about their nesting habits. In the above background, it is felt that a study on tree diversity and its use by birds in the riverine forests of an important river system-the Bhavani a tributary of Cauvery in southern India would be useful in planning biodiversity conservation. The objectives of the study were, i) Quantify the woody vegetation of the riverine forest of Bhavani river in Athikadavu Valley, ii) Find out the nest tree preferences of cavity nesting birds, and iii) Ascertain the characteristics of nest trees and nest cavities used by cavity nesting birds.