Abstract
The significance of Periyar Lake for resident and migratory waterbirds was assessed through monthly surveys from October 2016 to February 2019. In all, 37 species of waterbirds were recorded. The waterbird population is dominated by the piscivorous guild: Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo, Little Cormorant Microcarbo niger, White-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis, Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis, Little Egret Egretta garzetta, and Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus. The lake is an important breeding ground for Great Cormorant and Asian Woollyneck Ciconia episcopus, a Near Threatened species. Little Pratincole Glareola lactea and Vulnerable River Tern Sterna aurantia are seen breeding in the lake in recent years. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos, Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus, and Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea are regular winter migrants. The winter migrant Osprey Pandion haliaetus was recorded even during the non-migratory season. Due to its habitat homogeneity, water depth, lack of satellite wetlands, and discontinuity with other waterbodies, the lake does not support migratory ducks and waders in large numbers, but is an important foraging and breeding ground for some species of resident waterbirds.
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