AERIAL FORAGERS IN THE PERIYAKULAM LAKE, TIRUCHIRRAPPALLI DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU, SOUTHERN INDIA

Wetlands are the most preferred habitats for water birds. They support the birds by way of feeding, roosting, nesting and rearing young ones. The Periaykulam lake, Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu, India is one such habitat frequently used by waterbirds. Current status of the waterbirds and habitat was studied for the present investigation. Aerial foraging birds were estimated using total count method. Totally five species of aerial foragers were observed from January 2011 to December 2012. Densities of aerial foraging birds were at their maximum during the monsoon of both the study years. The density, diversity and species richness varied significantly between the years and among the seasons. The Periyakulam lake is an important habitat as it support aerial foragers throughout the year.