Bird diversity on Doi Mae Salong, Mae Fa District, Chiang Rai Province

ABSTRACT: A study of bird species diversity at Doi Mae Sa Long, Ma Fah Luang District, Chiang Rai Province, was carried out from May 2010 to April 2011. The study area consisted of 30 plots, set up in primary forest (7 plots), secondary forest (11 plots) and non-forest areas (12 plots - tea plantation (2 plots), lychee orchards (2 plots), rubber plantations (2 plots), fallow land (2 plots), pine plantations (3 plots) and a forest restoration plot - 2 years old), which were surveyed for birds by the point-count method. A total of 167 bird species representing 44 families and 11 orders were recorded including 134 resident species and 33 migratory species. Shannon ‘s index of diversity, H’ and an evenness index, E were calculated. Diversity and evenness were higher in secondary forest (H’ = 3.395 and E= 0.910) than in primary forest plots (H’ = 3.316 and E = 0.893) and non-forest plots (H’ = 2.905 and E = 0.865). Community similarity, by Sorensen index, CS, showed that highest bird community similarity was between primary and secondary forest plots (CS = 70.09) and was lowest between secondary forest plots and non-forest plots (CS= 61.19). The Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis) was the most frequently observed species, followed by the Sooty-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus aurigaster). In conclusion, bird diversity was considered medium at this site.