author(s)
S Krishnamoorthi, Dr. MK Shivaa, Dr. K Baranidharan and Dr. M Prasanthrajan

abstract
Birds are well-known biological indicator of the health of an ecosystem. This study was conducted during July 2019 to February 2020 in Vellode bird sanctuary. The species diversity, richness, relative diversity, evenness, density and relative abundance were calculated. Totally 72 species of birds belonging to 38 families and 17 orders were recorded. The maximum diversity was recorded in winter (3.47 ± 0.05) and the least diversity was recorded in monsoon (3.34 ± 0.05). The species richness and total density were recorded high in winter season and least in monsoon season. This sanctuary complex supports three IUCN Red listed Near Threatened species (Oriental darter Anhinga melanogaster, Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala and Spot billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis) and 68 Least Concern species.