Seasonal Diversity of Kingfishers in Bhitarkanika National Park, Orissa

Bhitarkanika National Park, criss-crossed by creeks and creeklets surrounded by thick mangroves provides an ideal habitat for kingfishers. Earlier only 6 species were recorded from this park. The present paper lists 8 species including the 6 species recorded earlier, along with observation relating to their richness and seasonality, feeding and breeding habits. The two species now recorded from the park are - (i) Stork-billed kingfisher and (ii) Ruddy kingfisher only. Twelve species of kingfishers are found in the Indian sub-continent.