Breeding biology of some wetland birds in Malkhed lake & Chhatrilake of Amravati, Maharashtra

Wetland birds not only attract the attention of individuals towards wetlands but also serve as bioindicators and models for conducting research regarding the environmental issues of the place. The present study was conducted during the study period June 2021 to July 2022 at the Malkhed Lake and Chhatri Lake situated around the Amravati city of Maharashtra State, India. Visits were made to the area on 2 days per week in the morning from 08:00 am to 10:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 6:00pm in the evening. During the study, the nesting of wetland birds belonging to the family Jacanidae, Charadriidae, Glareolidae, Laridae, Rallidae, Rostratulidae which includes Pheasant-tailed jacana, Black-winged stilt, Red-wattled lapwing, Kentish plover, Small pratincole, Little tern, Common coot, Greater painted-snipe, Purple moorhen were observed. For the detailed study, nest characteristics and egg characteristics including outer and inner diameter of nest, shape of nest, colour, shape and length of eggs were noted. Further clutch size, incubation period and hatching success were also noted during the study. Total 25 nests were detected in 2021 out of which breeding success of three species were recorded. Whereas 18 nest which were located on the island got failed due to early monsoon unexpected heavy rain fall, hence island was submerged in water. In 2022, Total 13 nests were recorded at Malkhed Lake and 21 nests in Chhatri Lake were recorded. Breeding success could not be observed of Purple moorhen and Small Pranticole in 2022 at Chatri Lake. Many threats were recorded during the study which includes early monsoon heavy rain, soil mining, grazing, and fodder crop cultivation by locals, fishing activities, black kite, feral dogs, and house crows.