MIGRATORY WETLAND BIRDS DIVERSITY IN LOWER CHOTA NAGPUR PLATEAU WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO PURULIA DISTRICT, WEST BENGAL, INDIA

Lower Chota Nagpur Plateau has several large and small water bodies having diverse aquatic flora and fauna. These wetlands not only provide suitable habitat for resident and as well as migratory avian species but also contribute much to the biodiversity. The present study deals with the diversity, abundance and variations of avian migratory species at wetlands of Purulia district. The study reflects that there are 43 migratory bird species in number in these wetland regions belonging to 8 orders and 12 families. Red-crested Pochard, Tufted Duck, Lesser Whistling Duck, Northern Pintail, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Coot etc. are found in large number in winter season in these wetlands.