This study was carried out from October 2021 to May 2023 to explore the diversity, feeding guild, and threat status of avian fauna in the Mandothi Wetlands, Haryana, India. A total of 133 bird species were documented belonging to 94 genera of 42 families in 18 orders. Among them, 86 species were residents, 40 species were winter visitors, 6 species were summer visitors, and 1 species was passage visitor. Based on feeding guilds, omnivorous birds were dominant 42 (31.6%), followed by carnivorous 39 (29.3%) and insectivorous 33 (24.8%) bird species. In addition, the wetlands provided habitat to one endangered species (Steppe Eagle, Aquila nipalensis), one vulnerable species (Sarus Crane, Grus antigone), and six near-threatened species. A rich number of avian species with diverse feeding guilds as well as endangered, vulnerable, and threatened bird species confirmed that Mandothi wetlands are suitable habitats for both migratory and residential birds and emphasize the need for its conservation. The findings of this study will raise awareness among the public and state governments regarding the importance of Mandothi Wetlands in preparing conservation strategies for its avian fauna.
Key words: Avian fauna; Wetlands; Bird; Diversity; Endangered, Vulnerable, Near Threatened
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