Assessment of Migratory Bird Diversity in Key Wetlands and Forest Reserves of Lakhimpur District, Assam, India

Lakhimpur district of Assam has a rich biodiversity and is home to many birds and has good breeding, resting and feeding grounds for migratory birds as well. However, there is little information available regarding the diversity of migratory birds in the district's various locales. A study was conducted in different locations to document the diversity of migratory birds visiting the district. To better understand the diversity of migrating birds in the district, six locations were selected- Kakoi RF, Ranga RF, Pabha RF, Satajan wetland, Bordoibam-Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary and Ghagor Ghat. Data were gathered through surveys, conducted for 218 days from January 2022 – May 2024. A total of 80 migratory bird species were recorded under 26 families of which Anatidae was most diverse. Out of the 80 species, 56 were winter visitor, 18 were local migrants and 6 were summer visitors. Among the migratory birds, Palla’s Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus) is listed as endangered species in IUCN Red List. Three species viz. Ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca), Falcated duck (Mareca falcata) and Greater Adjutant (Leptoptilos dubius) are listed as near threatened species in IUCN Red List. Out of all the recorded species, insectivorous species are found to be highest (39%) as compared to species with other feeding habits. The Shannon diversity index was highest for Satajan wetland (H′ = 3.86) and lowest for Bordoibam-Bilmukh BS (H′ = 2.79). Jaccard similarity index showed highest similarity between Ranga RF and Kakoi RF (0.312) and the lowest value between Ranga RF and Bordoibam-Bilmukh BS (0.069). The Satajan wetland, Ranga RF, Kakoi RF, Pabha RF, Bordoibam-Bilmukh BS, and Ghagor Ghat are vital habitats that require conservation to continue supporting diverse resident and migratory birds, as well as other wildlife.