Avifaunal diversity of bhattiyat valley (chamba), Himachal Pradesh, India

The avifaunal diversity of Bhattiyat valley in district Chamba of Himachal Pradesh was studied during 2008-2010 (opportunistic) and July 2011- June 2012 (monthly basis). In total, 135 species of birds belonging to 12 orders and 35 families were recorded. The highest number of species were found in order Passeriformes (80) 59.2 % followed by Ciconiiformes (17) 12.5 % and least number (1) in other 3 orders. The highest number of species were found in family Muscicapidae (24) 17.7 % followed by Passeridae (13) 9.6 % and least number (1) in other 11 families. The residential statuses of species were found as Resident (75) 55.5 %, Summer visitor (22) 16.3%, Winter visitor (21) 15.5%, Passage migrant (12) 8.8%, Vagrant (4) 2.9% and Uncertain (3) 2.2%. The relative abundances of species were found as Very Common (10) 7.4%, Common (41) 30.3%, Uncommon (65) 48% and Rare (18)13.3%. Two globally threatened species were reported and their relative abundances were found as Uncommon (Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus ) and Common (White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis). Two peculiar species Siberian Rubithroat Luscinia calliope and Hill Blue Flycatcher Cyornis banyumas were recorded as new additions to bird list of Himachal Pradesh. The other interesting rare species found was Collared Scops Owl Otus bakkamoena.