Community Structure and Seasonal Dynamics of Wetland Birds in a Tropical Inland Wetland, Kilpathi Lake, Vriddhachalam, Tamil Nadu, India

Wetland ecosystems play a critical role in supporting avian biodiversity, particularly in tropical regions. The present study evaluates the diversity, habitat selection and seasonal dynamics of wetland bird communities in Kilpathi Lake, Tamil Nadu, India, over a six-month period from September 2025 to February 2026. Standard ornithological survey techniques, including point count and line transect methods were employed to document species composition and abundance. A total of 18 species belonging to 6 families and 5 orders were recorded. Simpson’s Diversity Index (1–D) indicated higher diversity during winter (0.71 ± 0.02) compared to monsoon (0.68 ± 0.02). Seasonal analysis revealed variations in abundance, density and relative abundance of species with Egretta garzetta, Ardeola grayii and Microcarbo niger emerging as dominant taxa. The overall bird density was higher in winter (3984.19 individuals/km²) than in monsoon (2765.46 individuals/km²). Habitat selection was strongly influenced by water depth, vegetation structure and resource availability. The findings highlight the ecological importance of small inland wetlands as critical habitats for sustaining avian diversity and emphasize the need for targeted conservation strategies in human-modified landscapes.