Impact of Foraging Patterns and Habitat Utilisation upon Water Bird Diversity in Gaya District, Bihar, India

The wetlands of Gaya represent diverse aquatic ecosystems ranging from perennial water bodies to seasonal marshes, offering a variety of microhabitats that support numerous waterbird species. Understanding habitat utilisation patterns is crucial not only for ecological knowledge but also for identifying critical habitats that require protection in the face of increasing anthropogenic pressures. The current research offers detailed information on the habitat classification, site preferences, behavioural adaptations, nesting requirements, and the influence of environmental factors on habitat selection among waterbird communities in the study area using resource selection model and Manly's resource selection ratios.