Karthik N.J., Vijaya Kumar1 and Sathiya Selvam
Abstract
The River Tern (Sterna aurantia) is a Threatened bird species, which is experiencing a gradual decline in population, due to habitat loss, human disturbance etc. This study was done to assess the breeding colony size of River Terns, in the Islands of Bhadra Reservoir. The field survey was carried from January to August 2023. A total of 3927 birds and 1258 active nests were recorded during the survey, making it as the largest known Breeding colony of river terns in India. Out of the 3 Islands surveyed the Island 3 has the highest no of nests with 652, followed by Island 1 having 349 nests, followed by island 2 having 257 nests. The population of river terns peaked during March and April Month. Factors influencing the colony size of river terns were also evaluated to support this study. These findings provide insights to the breeding ecology of River terns and helps in its conservation.