Abstract:
This study examined avian assemblages of working and abandoned paddy
field areas situated in “Kirala-Kele” wetland and Bandaththara marshland
area of Matara, Sri Lanka. Birds were observed and recorded along pre established belt transects (100 m length 50 m width) during 52 visits for two
years. Highest number of bird species recorded was 55 from an abandoned
paddy field area dominated by Sonneratia caseolaris vegetation and lowest
number of bird species recorded was 35 from an abandoned paddy field area
dominated by grasses. Totally, 48 species of forest birds and 36 species of
waders were recorded during the study. Two near threatened species (Painted
stork and Black-headed ibis) were recorded from the Paddy field area located
outside of the “Kirala-Kele” wetland. Three near-threatened species (Painted
stork, Black-headed ibis and Oriental darter) and one restricted-range species
(Sri Lanka Hanging parrot) were recorded inside the “Kirala-Kele” wetland.
Great egret, Intermediate egret, Little egret, Cattle egret, Indian pond heron,
White-breasted water hen, Purple swamp hen, Little cormorant, Jungle crow
and House crow were the dominant species recorded from all study areas.
Highest bird species diversity was recorded in the paddy field areas of
Bandaththara area indicating the importance of these habitats as avian
feeding grounds. Mainly omnivorous and carnivorous feeding assemblages
were observed in every study site. Roosting assemblages were mainly
observed in “Kirala-Kele” study sites. Working paddy fields supported a
varying number of species with respect to seasonal cultivation cycle while
abandoned paddy fields supported a year-round consistent number of
species.
