Behavioral ecology of common birds in western Yamuna canal and Bhakra canal region of Karnal

Bird survey was conducted in Western Yamuna Canal and Bhakra Canal Region of Karnal from September 2024 to February 2025. The Western Yamuna Canal basically originates from the Hathni Kund barrage and flows through several districts of Haryana. The Western Yamuna Canal and habitats around the Bhakra River in Karnal are rich in avian biodiversity, mainly due to the presence of water bodies and agricultural landscapes. Out of the 61 Bird Species observed, maximum number of birds recorded were of the order Passeriformes followed by Pelecaniformes, and Coraciiformes. Present Western Yamuna Canal and Bhakra Canal Bird Species Studies revealed heterogeneous distribution of birds in different types of habitats, viz., in and around different habitats as well as in agricultural fields, scattered trees and Riverine area. The other common birds seen during the study periods are White Throated Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Black Kite, Indian Grey Hornbill, Spotted Dove, Blue Rock Pigeon, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Asian Green Bee-Eater, Red-Wattled Lapwing, Black-Winged Stilt, Greater Coucal, Grey Francolin, White-Breasted Water hen, White Wagtail, Alexandrine Parakeet, Black-Headed Ibis, and many others. Present studies showed that birds live in various diverse types of Habitats like farmlands, and Riverine areas, grasslands for foraging areas and nesting sites etc. In Karnal, Western Yamuna canal and Bhakra canal region, the loss of habitat and conversion of wetlands might be reason for decline in bird population. More extensive studies are required for the protection and conservation of avian fauna in this region.