Mangrove is an evergreen, salt tolerant plant community, which grows in inter-tidal coastal zones of tropical and subtropical regions of the world. They act as important habitats for many species of fauna. They are serving as an ideal foraging and nursery grounds for a wide array of aquatic species like aquatic invertebrates, fishes, reptiles, birds and mammals. The use of such mangrove habitats by birds in man-made mangrove is not known. The present study examines this issue by documenting avifaunal diversity in the man-made mangrove of Karaikal district from January 2015 to December 2015. The study revealed the occurrence of 57 bird species comprising 30 families and 10 orders. Among the 57 species, 23 species were water birds and semi-aquatic birds and the remaining 34 species were terrestrial birds. Out of 57 species recorded, Painted Stork is the only bird categorized as ‘Near Threatened’ and the remaining 56 species were listed under ‘Least Concern’ by IUCN. The occurrence of bird species along suitable habitats are the highlights of this mangrove area for the welfare of both the local people and birds.
