Diversity distribution and foraging behaviour of scrubland birds in Koraput district eastern ghats of Odisha

Abstract

Scrublands, or scrub-shrub habitats, represent ecologically significant yet underappreciated ecosystems characterized by low-growing vegetation, thorny shrubs, grasses, and scattered trees. Distributed across varied climatic zones, they serve as transitional habitats embedded within forests, grasslands, and agroecosystems, often functioning as ecological corridors and natural buffers. These habitats support a rich assemblage of avifauna adapted to open, resource-variable environments, providing essential nesting sites, foraging grounds, and shelter. Birds, as key bioindicators, perform critical ecological functions such as pollination, seed dispersal, pest regulation, and scavenging contributing to ecosystem stability and biodiversity conservation. Avian community structure and behaviour exhibit pronounced habitat specificity and seasonal variability, reflecting the dynamic ecological roles birds play in scrubland ecosystems. newline