Avifaunal composition, diversity, and foraging guilds in the coastal areas of Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India

Birds play vital roles in ecosystems, including pollination, seed dispersal and pest control. Assemblages of bird species can serve as indicators of ecosystem services, making information on bird species composition crucial for developing effective conservation strategies in specific geographical areas. This study investigates the avifaunal diversity in the Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal, India, highlighting the ecological significance of bird species in coastal ecosystems. Conducted across 13 study sites from January to June 2024, the study recorded 102 bird species belonging to 16 orders and 39 families. The species composition included 55 resident and 47 migrant species, with Scolopacidae being the most abundant family. Dietary analysis revealed insectivores (34 species) as the dominant group, followed by omnivores and piscivores (17 species each). The IUCN status of the recorded species showed 94 as Least Concern, one Endangered, four Near Threatened, and three Vulnerable. Alpha diversity analysis using Shannon, Pielou’s Evenness, and Simpson’s Diversity indices showed varying levels of diversity across locations. The study emphasizes the importance of conservation and management of coastal ecosystems to protect the region’s rich avifaunal diversity, addressing specific conservation challenges in the area.