A Study on Status and Distribution of Passeriformes in Bagh District of Azad Kashmir

The Passeriformes is the largest and most diverse commonly recognized clade of birds including more than seventy families. The reed beds are important habitats for several passerine bird species and the abundance of these species seem to be influenced by vegetation structure. Passerines feed mainly on insects, nuts and seeds collected from trees and shrubs in summer. In winter their feeding behavior changes and they feed on berries and fruits (Roberts, 1992). This study was conducted to prepare and compare the new checklist and distribution of Passeriformes in District Bagh in Azad Kashmir with the previous one for getting new bird data.


INTRODUCTION
Passeriformes is the largest and most diverse, commonly-recognized clade of birds including more than seventy families. The Passeriformes are synonymous with "perching birds. This group also contains within it a major radiation commonly known as songbirds. Of the 10,000 or so extant species of birds, over half are perching birds (www.tolweb.org/Passeriformes). Passerines feed mainly on insects, nuts and seeds collected from trees and shrubs in summer. In winter their feeding behavior changes and they feed on berries and fruits (Roberts, 1992).
The reed beds are important habitats for several passerine bird species and the abundance of these species seem to be influenced by vegetation structure. Passerine birds are also reported in area of drier soils and a denser basal stratum. Examples include Red bunting and Savi's Warbler (www.bioone.org/bioone.com). Some Passerine bird species are also found in deserts and semi-desert tracts, rocky hills and in mountainous regions e.g. lark (Roberts, 1992).
District Bagh as a whole is rich in variegated natural beauty and Aves play an important role in increasing the beauty of the area. Avifauna can be defined as; "The various birds species of a particular area" (Woodcock, 1980) while a bird can be defined as; "A warm-blooded egg laying vertebrate characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings" (www.wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn.co m).

MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study was conducted in Bagh Districts of Azad Kashmir. The study area was be visited by taking in view the best time for the observation and availability of birds and other climatic conditions. After getting required information, the study area was divided into different zones and each zone was visited at a specific time by tackling all the obstacles. The study was conducted by using binoculars for the observation of birds, a digital camera to make photographs and a paper pad to make field notes, in which the time and general appearance of birds had been mentioned. A checklist was formulated and comparison of that list with the existing list was made which provides information about the status and new distribution of birds in the Bagh District of Azad Kashmir.
• Alauda arvensis (Eurasian Skylark) was observed in study area and also reported.
• Melanocorypha bimaculata (Bimaculated Lark) was reported in Bagh District of Azad Kashmir and also reported by Grewal et al. (2002).

Family Hirundinida
• Hirundo rustica (Barn Swallow) was observed in the study area and also reported by Kazmierczak and Perlo (2006).
• Delichon urbica (Northern House Martin) was observed in Bagh District of Azad Kashmir and also reported • Hirundo fluvicola (Streak-Throated Swallow) was not observed in the study area while it was reported • Hirundo daurica (Red rumped Swallow) was not seen in the study area while it was observed • Hirundo rupestris (Eurasian Crag Martin) was not observed in the study area but it was reported by Grewal et al. (2002).

Family Campephagidae
• Lanius vittatus (Bay-Backed Shrike) was seen in the study area and was also reported by Kazmierczak and Perlo (2006).
• Pericrocotus flammeus (Scarlet-Minivet) has not been seen in Bagh Districts of Azad Kashmir while it was reported • Pericrocotus logusetho (Long-tailed Minivet) has not been seen in the study area while it was observed by Grewal et al. (2002).
• Lanicus schach (Long-Tailed Shrike) was observed in the study area and has also been seen by Kazmierczak and Perlo (2006).
• Pericrocotus roseus (Rosy Minivet) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported by Grewal et al. (2002).
• Dicrurus macrocerus (Black Drongo) was observed in Bagh and has also been reported

Family Sturnidae
• Acridotheres ginginianus (Bank Myna) was observed in Bagh District of Azad Kashmir and has also been reported by Grewal et al. (2002) • Acridotheres tristis (Common Myna) was reported in the study area and has also been observed • Sturnus vulgaris (Common Starling) was seen in the study area and has also been reported by Grewal et al. (2002); Kazmierczak and Perlo (2006).
• Sturnus Pagodarum (Brahminy Starling) was observed as an abundant species in the study area and has also been reported by Grewal et al. (2002).

Family Corvidae
• Corvus macrorhychos (Large Billed Crow) was reported in the study area and has also been observed • Nucifrage caryocatactes (Spotted Nutcracker). This species has not been observed in the study area but it was reported by Grewal et al. (2002); Kazmierczak and Perlo (2006).
• Garrulus giandarius (Eurasian Jay) has been reported in Bagh and has also been observed by Kazmierczak and Perlo (2006).
• Corvus corax (Commmon Raven) was observed in the study area and has also been reported by Grewal et al. (2002).
• Corvus frugilegun (Rook) was seen in the study area and has also been observed.
• Corvus monedula (Eurasian Jackdaw) was observed in the Bagh District of Azad Kashmir and has also been reported.
• Pyrrhocorax graculus (Yellow-Billed Chough) was observed in the district and has also been reported.
• Dendrocitta vagabunda (Rufous Tree Pie) was seen in the study area and has also been observed.
• Garrulus lanceolatus (Black-Headed Jay) was observed in the study area and has also been reported by Grewal et al. (2002).

Family Pycnonotidae
• Pycnonotus cafer (Red-Vented Bulbul) was seen in Bagh District of Azad Kashmir and has also been reported.
• Pycnonotus leuyscogen (Himalayan Bulbul) was seen in the study area and has also been reported.

Family Timaliidae
• Garrulax lineatus (Streaked Laughing-Thrush) was observed in Bagh District of Azad Kashmir and has also been observed by Grewal et al (2002), Kazmierczak and Perlo (2006).
• Pteruthies flaviscapis (White-Browed Shrike Babbler) has not been seen in Bagh while it was reported by Grewal et al, (2002).

Fig 3. Streaked or Himalayan Laughing-thrush (Garrulax lineatus)
• Turdoides striatus (Jungle Babbler) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported.
• Turdoides caudatus (Common Babbler) has not been observed in the study artea while it was reported as a as a breeding species of Bagh.
• Chrysomma sinense (Yellow-Eyed Babbler) has not been seen in the study area while it was observed.
• Garrulax rufogularis (Rufous-Chinned Laughing Thrush) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported as a breeding species of Bagh District.

Family Musicicapidae
• Muscicapa sibirica (Dark-Sided Flycatcher) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported as a breeding species by Grewal et al. (2002).
• Ficedula subrubra) (Kashmir Flycatcher) was seen in the study area and has also been reported as an endemic species of Bagh by Kazmierczak and Perlo (2006).
• Eumyias thalassina (Verditer Flycatcher) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported by Grewal et al. (2002); Kazmierczak and Perlo (2006).
• Ficedula superciliaris (Ultramarine Flycatcher) has not been seen in the Bagh District of Azad Kashmir but it was reported.
• Musicapa ruficauda (Rusty-Tailed Flycatcher) has not been observed in Bagh while it was reported.
• Muscicapa sibirica (Dark-Sided Flycatcher) has not been seen in the Bagh while it was reported.
• Terpsiphone paradise (Asian Paradise-Flycatcher) has not been observed in the study area while it was reported as a breeding species of Bagh by Grewal et al. (2002).

Family Sylviidae
• Cettia brunnifrons (Gray-Sided Bush Warbler) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported.
• Phylloscopus chloronotus (Lemon-Rumped Warbler) was observed in the study area and has also been reported by Grewal et al. (2002); Kazmierczak and Perlo (2006).
• Phylloscopus collybita (Common Chiffchaff) was observed in the study area and has also been reported by Kazmierczak and Perlo (2006).
• Seicercus xanthoschistos (Grey-Headed Warbler) was observed as in the study area and has also been reported.
• Phylloscopus occipitalis (Western Crowned Warbler) has not been observed in the study area but it was reported.
• Phylloscopus tytleri (Tytler's Warbler) has not been seen in the study area but it was reported.
• Phylloscopus humei (Hume's Warbler) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported as a breeding species of Bagh.
• Phylloscopus affinis (Tickell's Leaf Warbler) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported.
• Sylvia curruca (Lesser White Throat) was observed in the study area and it has also been reported.
• Leptopoecile sophiae (White-Browed Tit-Warbler) was reported in the Bagh District of Azad Kashmir and it has also been reported.
• Orthotomus sutorius (Common Tailorbird) was observed in the study area and has also been reported.
• Prinia hodgsoni (Grey-Breasted Prinia) has not been seen in the study area but it was reported.
• Prinia criniger (Striated Prinia) has not been found in the study area while it was reported in the area by Grewal et al. (2002).

Family Turdidae
• Tarsiger cyanurus (Orange-Flanked Bush Robin) was seen in the study area and has also been reported by Kazmierczak and Perlo (2006).
• Phoenicurus ochruros (Black Red Start) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported as a breeding species of Bagh (Grewal et al., 2002).
• Chaimarrornis leucocephalus (White Capped Water Redstart) was found in the study area and has also been reported.
• Rhyacornis fuliginosus (Plumbeous Water Redstart) has not been found in the study area while it was reported.
• Saxicola torquate (Common Stonechat) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported.
• Saxicola caprata (Pied bushchat) has not been observed in the study area while it was reported.
• Saxucola ferrea (Grey Bushchat) has not been found in the study area while it was reported.
• Monticola solitarius (Blue Rock Thrush) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported.
• Myophonus caeruleus (Blue Whistling Thrush) has not been found in the study area while it was reported by Kazmierczak and Perlo (2006).
• Oenanthe isabellina (Isabelline Wheatear) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported.
• Oenanthe pleschanka (Pied wheatear) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported.
• Enicurus maculates (Spotted Forktail) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported by Grewal et al. (2002); Kazmierczak and Perlo (2006).
• Phoenicurus frontalis (Blue-Fronted Redstart) was seen in the study area and has also been reported.
• Phoenicurus erthrogaster (White-Winged Redstart) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported.
• Phoenicurus coeruleocephalus (Blue-Capped Redstart) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported.
• Phoenicurus erythronota (Rufous-Backed Redstart) was found in the study area and has also been reported.
• Tarsiger chrysaeus (Golden Bush-Robin) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported.
• Tarsiger cyanrus (Orange-Flanked Bush-Robin) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported.
• Luscinia brunnea (Indian Blue Robin) has not been found in the study area while it was reported.
• Luscinia svecica (Blue-Throat) was found in the study area and has also been reported.
• Luscinia pectoralis (White-Tailed Ruby throat) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported.
• Monticola rufiventris (Chestnut-Bellied Rock Thrush) has not been observed in the study area while it was reported.
• Monticola saxatilis (Rufous-Tailed Rock Thrush) was found in the study area and has also been reported.
• Cinculs pallasi l (Brown Dipper) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported by Grewal et al. (2002).

Family Certhiidae
• Certhia Himalayan (Red-Tailed Treecreeper) has not been seen in Bagh while it was reported by Kazmierczak and Perlo (2006).
• Certhia familiar (Eurasian Tree creeper) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported.

Family Tichodromadidae
• Tichodroma muraria (Wall Creeper) was observed in the study area and has also been reported by Grewal et al. (2002).

Family Motacillidae
• Anthus roseatus (Rosy Pipit) was found in the study area and has also been reported.
• Motacilla cinerea (Grey Wagtail) was found in the study area and has also been reported.

Fig 5. Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)
• Motacilla alba (White Wagtail) has not been found in the study area while it has been reported by Kazmierczak and Perlo ( 2006).
• Motacilla flava melanogrisea (Black-Headed Yellow Wagtail) was observed in the study area and has also been reported.
• Motacilla flava thunberge (Yellow Wagtail) was seen in the study area and has also been reported.
• Motacilla citerola calcarata (Citrine Wagtail) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported.
• Anthus spinoletta (Water Pipit) has not been seen in the study are while it was reported.
• Anthus trivialis (Tree Pipit) was observed in the study area and has also been reported.
• Anthus similes (Long-Billed Pipit) has not been found in the study area while it was reported.
• Anthus campestris (Tawny Pipit) was seen in Bagh and has also been reported by Grewal et al. (2002).

Family Sittidae
• Sitta leucopsis (White-Cheeked Nuthatch) has not been found in Bagh while it was reported.

Family Passeridae
• Passer domesticus (House Sparrow) was reported in the study area while it has also been reported by Kazmierczak and Perlo (2006).

Fig 6. Male Indian House Sparrow (Passer domesticus indicus)
• Passer pyrrhonotus (Sind Sparrow) has not been seen in Bagh while it was reported by Grewal et al. (2002).

Family Prunellidae
• Prunella strophiata (Rufous-Breasted Accentor) was seen in the study area while it has also been reported by Kazmierczak and Perlo (2006).
• Prunella atrogularis (Blackthroated Accentor) was observed in the study area and has also been reported.
• Prunella fulvescens (Brown Accentor) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported.
• Prunella strophiate (Rufous-Breasted Accentor) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported.
• Prunella collaris (Alpine Accentor) was seen in the study area and has also been reported.

Family Paridae
• Parus monticolus (Green Backed Tit) has not been found in the study area while it was reported.
• Parus major (Great Tit) was seen in the study area and has also been reported. • Parus dichrous (Grey-Crested Tit) has not been observed in the study area while it was reported.
• Parus rufonuchalis (Rufous-Naped Tit) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported.
• Cephaloprus flammiceps (Fire Capped Tit) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported. 19. Family Parieda.
• Oriolus oriolus (Golden Oriole) was found in the study area and it has also been reported.

Family Laniidae
• Lanius meridionalis (Southern Grey-shrike) has not been found in the study area while it was reported.
• Lanius schach (Long-Tailed Shrike) was seen in the study area and has also been reported.
• Lanius vittatus (Bay-Backed Shrike) has not been seen in the study area while it was reported.
• Lanius isabellinus (Rufous-Tailed Shrike) was observed in the study area and has also been reported by Grewal et al. (2002).