Understanding the diversity and structure of bird communities is essential to delineate the importance of regional or local landscapes for avian conservation. Birds are very sensitive to environmental changes and are used as “bioindicator.” The study was carried out to explore the diversity and status of avifauna in the Sothuparai Reservoir, Periyakulam, Theni District, from June, 2013 to May, 2014. Total count method was used to cover most of the study area. A total of 38 species of birds belonging to 29 families were identified. Campephagidae was the most dominant family with 4 species. The analysis of data on residential status revealed that 24 species were residents, 10 local migrants and 4 resident migrants. The analysis of feeding habits showed that a maximum bird species were insectivorous, and minimum species was Piscivore. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, all the 38 species were in the Least Concern category. The number of species was high during May whereas the abundance was high in October. Number of species and abundance was low in June. The diversity of the birds were high during the month of May and low in June. Thus, the Sothuparai Reservoir supports a sound avifaunal diversity. Its proper management will not only improve the situation for its resident species, but will also attract more migrants in the future.
