Impact of urbanization on the birds habitat

Urbanization affects the heterogeneity of the landscape and consequently the distribution, abundance and resources upon which birds depend. Birds are sensitive indicators of the cumulative effects of urbanization and provide a powerful signal of changes in landscape configuration, composition and function. The study was done through point count method around the study area (Jaipur city). The intent of this study was to examine the effects of urbanization on the avian habitat preference by assessing (1)the structures used by the birds for nesting,(2)the nesting/roosting site preference of different species and (3)the density and richness of communities. The study revealed that habitat used by urban birds appeared to be strongly influenced by the structure of habitat, food availability predators and parasites. The study of Jaipur urban birds showed that out of the total 167 species frequenting the urban area only few species were found to utilize the man made structure for nesting purpose. Apparently other species have adapted themselves to human environment for various other activities such as feeding and resting.