The ecological dynamics of tropical bird communities are of significant interest due to the high levels of biodiversity present in these ecosystems. As a matter of fact, 76% of all bird species found exclusively in a particular geographic area, known as a "center of avian endemism," can be found in tropical regions. This is also true for many plant and animal species. Tropical birds are a crucial component of biodiversity, and their ecological, cultural, recreational, and economic value is widely recognized. They play a vital role in many food webs, and serve as important indicators of ecosystem health. However, many bird populations are declining globally due to factors such as habitat loss and fragmentation, predation, pesticide use, and invasive exotic species.

This book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the ecology of tropical bird communities. It consists of a total of 12 chapters, which have been divided into two parts. The first part of the book focuses on the forest bird community, examining their status and distribution, species-abundance relationships, seasonal changes, vertical distribution, and habitat utilization. The second part of the book provides a detailed analysis of the wetland bird community. This book is expected to be a valuable resource for field scientists, researchers, students, and naturalists in the field of ornithology.

E.A. Jayson: Division of Wildlife Biology, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi-680 653, Kerala, India

C. Sivaperuman: Zoological Survey of India, Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre, Port Blair-744 102, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India

I. Forest bird communities: 1. Introduction. 2. Species composition of birds 3. Species--Abundance relations. 4. Seasonal changes of the community. 5. Vertical stratification of the community. 6. Habitat utilisation. II. Wetland bird communities: 7. Species composition of wetland birds. 8. Species abundance relations. 9. Seasonal changes of the bird community. 10. Habitat utilisation of wetland birds. 11. Food and feeding of selected species. 12. Summary and conclusion.