Studies of Avian Frugivory in Alagar Hills, Eastern Ghats, India

Abstract: The paper describes the avian frugivores of Alagar Hills, Eastern Ghats, India. Phenological observations and Extended feeding observations were made on 12 woody plant species belonging to 7 families. Moraceae constituted the dominant families with3 species each. Ficus benghalensis, Syzygium cumini, Ziziphus oenoplia, Ficus religiosa and Ficus racemosa were found to be the most favoured fruit species in the study area. Bird species of families Pycnonotidae (bulbuls) (2 species; Pycnonotus cafer, Pycnonotus luteolus,), Muscicapidae with 2 species (babblers) (Turdoides affinis, Turdoides striatus), Corvidaea (Asian Koel, House Crow), Sturnidae (Common myna, Brahminy myna) constituted a major share of frugivores.

Keywords: Avian frugivory, Alagar hills, Eastern Ghats, India