A Study on the Birds of Urban Islamabad in Moonsoon Season Ehjaz Raza Abbas Institute of Natural and Management Sciences (INAM), Pakistan

Journal of Bioresource Management

Volume 4 | Issue 2 Article 4

4-1-2017 A Study on the Birds of Urban Islamabad in Moonsoon Season Ehjaz Raza Abbas Institute of Natural and Management Sciences (INAM), Pakistan

Sabiha Shamim Center for Bioresource Research (CBR), Pakistan, [email protected]

Fida Muhammad Khan Center for Bioresource Research (CBR), Pakistan, [email protected]

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Recommended Citation Abbas, E. R., Shamim, S., & Khan, F. M. (2017). A Study on the Birds of Urban Islamabad in Moonsoon Season, Journal of Bioresource Management, 4 (2). DOI: 10.35691/JBM.5102.0072

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J. Bioresource Manage. (2017) 4(2):46-56.

A STUDY ON THE BIRDS OF URBAN ISLAMABAD IN MOONSOON SEASON

1Ehjaz Raza Abbas, 2*Sabiha Shamim, 2Fida Muhammad Khan

1 Institute of Natural and Management Sciences (INAM), Pakistan

2 Center for Bioresource Research (CBR), Pakistan

*Email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Every species constituting the fauna of an environment plays an important role in various aspects of Ecology. Cataloging of available diversity provides base line for any advancement in conservation. This study was designed to gather information from the field and literature to formulate a checklist of birds. Compartments of study area were visited on appropriate timing and compared with available literature. A checklist was formulated. Comparisons with the existing lists were made and the new distribution of birds was reported.

Keywords: Birds, Diversity, Species, Islamabad, Monsoon

INTRODUCION winter. Arctic terns migrate 17,000 Km Birds belong to phylum Chordata between their Arctic nesting areas and along with mammals, reptiles and fish their winter grounds in the Antarctica and are distinguished as class Aves. (Heinzel et al., 1979). They are warm-blooded vertebrate Islamabad, the capital of animals that have wings, feathers, a Pakistan lies against the background of beak, no teeth, a skeleton in which many the Margalla Hills at the northern end of bones are fused together or are absent, Potwar Plateau. It offers a healthy and an extremely efficient, one-way climate, pollution free atmosphere; breathing system that is necessary for plenty of water and lush green area. birds to fly. The temperature of birds is Total area of Islamabad is 906.50 Km2 on average, about 100 F above those of lying at altitude ranging from 457 to 610 mammals including man (Austin,1961). m. It is in the eastern and central plains Birds have three basic types of feathers: of the country where the full effect of the downs, contour and flight feathers. monsoon rains is felt. Here the climate Down feathers are next to the bird’s skin throughout the year is similar to that for insulation. The contour is the most found in the northern plains of India. commonly recognized feathers and the Average yearly humidity is 55% and one that covers most of the birds’ body average rainfall is 1143 mm. (Smithsonian, 2002). Bird species MATERIALS AND METHOD migrate to a cooler climate for reproducing and summer feeding, and The study was conducted during then return to a warmer climate for the the monsoon season. The available

46 Ehjaz et al.,: A Study on the Birds of Urban Islamabad

J. Bioresource Manage. (2017) 4(2):46-56. literature was searched and the basic information was gathered and time slot The observation slot was then for studies was selected according to the visited on different times of the day and priorities of the available birds in the different days of the week and the birds area. After finalizing study area, it was were photographed and the birds which then divided in different zones. The were not photographed, their minimum appropriate sight within each zone was characteristics were shifted in identified in a way from where illustrations. The checklist was maximum area could be visualized and it formulated and comparison with existing was also assured that the disturbance list was made and the new distribution of from the observer was minimized. birds was reported.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Table 1.1 Common Birds of the Study Area Common Name Scientific Name Status Indian pond heron Ardeola grayii abundant cattle egret Bubulcus ibis resident little egret Egretta garzetta abundant black shouldred kite Elanus caeruleus resident scavenger vulture Neophron pecnopterus resident Oriental white backed vulture Gyps bengalensis abundant Buzzard eagle Bustastur teera resident Steppe eagle Aquila rapax nipalensis resident Eurasian kestrel Falco tinnunculus resident red headed merlin Falco chiequera resident shaheen falcon Falco peregrinus resident peregrinator White breasted water hen Amaurornis phoenenicurus resident moorhen Gallinule cluloropus resident Painted snipe Rostratula benghalensis resident back winged stilt Himantopus himantopus resident red watled lap wing Hoplopetrus indicus resident rock dove Columba livia resident Collared dove Streptopelia decaocto resident Little brown dove Streptopelia senegalensis resident Larger Indian parakeet Psittacula eupatria resident Blossom headed parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala resident Common hawk cuckoo Hierococcyx varius Summer breeding Plaintive cuckoo Cacomantis passerinus Summer breeding Eurasian cuckoo Cuculus canorus Summer breeding Greater coucal Centropus sinensis resident White breasted kingfisher Halcyon smyrenensis resident Pied kingfisher Ceryle rudis resident

47 Ehjaz et al.,: A Study on the Birds of Urban Islamabad

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Common wood shrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus resident Chestnut Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus resident Night Heron Nycticorax nyctocorax resident Grey Heron Ardea cinerea resident Red vented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer resident white cheeked Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys resident Red Turtle Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica resident Koel Eudynamus scolopacea abundant Himalayan Barred owlet Glaucidium cuculoides resident Hoopoes Upupa epops abundant Blue throated Barbet Megalaima asiatica resident Pied woodpecker Dendrocopos himalayensis abundant Brown-fronted woodpecker Dendrocopos auriceps resident Spoon bill Platalea leucorodia resident European bee- eater Merops apiaster resident Black drongo Dicrurus macrocercus abundant Indian house sparrow Passer domisticus resident Common wood shrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus resident Common babbler Turdoides caudatus resident Purple sunbird Nectarinia asiatica resident Golden oriole Oriolus oriolus resident Brahminy starling Sturnus pagodrum resident Grey drongo Dicrurus leucephaeus Summer breeding

Discussion • Ixobrychus sinensis (yellow Family Ardeidae (Bitterns, Egrets and bittern) is not seen in study area Herons) but reported by (Grewal et al., 2002). • Ixobrychus cinnamomeus (Chestnut Bittern) has been • Bubulcus ibis (Cattle Egret) has reported in study area and also been reported in study area and confirmed by (Phyla, 2001; also confirmed by (Grewal et al., Roberts, 1991). 2002; Phyla, 2001; Roberts, 1991). • Nycticorax nyctocorax (Night Heron) has been observed in • Egretta garzetta (Little Egret) study area and also confirmed by has been found in study area and (Roberts,1991; Phyla , 2001). also confirmed by (Grewal et al., 2002; Phyla, 2001; Roberts, • Ixobrychus flavicollin ( Black 1991). Bittern ) was not found in Islamabad while it was reported • Egretta intermedia by ( Phyla , 2001) in the study (Intermediate Egret) has not area. been seen in study area but reported by (Phyla, 2001).

48 Ehjaz et al.,: A Study on the Birds of Urban Islamabad

J. Bioresource Manage. (2017) 4(2):46-56. • Ardea purpurea (Purple Heron) seen in study area but reported by has not been seen in study area (Grewal et al., 2002). but reported by (Phyla, 2001). • Gyps bengalensis (White • Ardea cinerea (Grey Heron) has Rumped vulture) has not been been reported in study area and observed in study area but also confirmed by (Roberts, reported by (Grewal et al., 2002). 1991; Phyla, 2001). Family Pycnonotidae (Bulbul) • Casmerodius albus (Great • Pycnonotus cafer (Red vented Egret) has not been seen in study bulbul) has been reported in area but reported by (Grewal et Islamabad and also confirmed by al., 2002). (Grewal et al., 2002; Phyla, 2001; Mirza, 1998). • Ardea lagrayii (Pond Heron) has been reported in Islamabad • Pycnonotus leucogenys (white and also confirmed by (Grewal et cheeked Bulbul) has been found al., 2002). in study area and also confirmed Family Accipitridae (Buzzards, Fish by(Grewal et al., 2002; Phyla, Eagles, Hawks, Vultures and 2001; Mirza, 1998; Ali and Harriers) Ripley, 1971). Family Columbidae (Pigeons, Doves) • Spelornis cheela (Crested serpent Eagle) has not been seen • Streptopelia orientalis (Oriental in study area but reported by Turtle Dove) has not been (Roberts, 1991). noticed at Islamabad but reported by (Roberts, 1991). • Accipiter badius cenchroides (Indian sparrow Hawk) has not • Columba livia ( Rock Dove) has been seen in study area but been observed in the study area reported by (Roberts, 1991). and also confirmed by ( Phyla , 2001) • Butastur teesa (White eyed Buzzard) has not been seen in • Streptopelia decaocto (Collared Islamabad but reported by Dove) has been seen in (Phyla, 2001). Islamabad and also confirmed by (Grewal et al., 2002; Phyla, • Gyps bengalensis (Oriental 2001). white backed vulture has not been seen in study area but • Streptopelia tranquebarica (Red reported by (Phyla, 2001). Turtle Dove) has been found in the study area and also confirmed • Circus aerieginosus (Marsh by (Grewal et al., 2002; Phyla, harrier) has not been found in 2001). Islamabad but reported by (Phyla, 2001). • Streptopelia senegalensis (Little Brown Dove) has been seen in • Neophron percnopterus the study area and also confirmed (Egyptian vulture) has not been by (Grewal et al., 2002; Phyla, 2001).

49 Ehjaz et al.,: A Study on the Birds of Urban Islamabad

J. Bioresource Manage. (2017) 4(2):46-56. • Streptopelia chinensis (spotted • Eudynamus scolopacea (Koel) Dove) has been reported at has been reported at Islamabad Islamabad and also confirmed by and also confirmed by (Grewal et (Grewal et al., 2002; Phyla, al., 2002; Phyla, 2001). 2001). • Coracina novaehollandiae • Streptopelia senegalensis (Little (Himalayan large cuckoo brown dove) has been reported shrike) has not been found in the in study area and also confirmed study area but reported at by (Grewal et al., 2002; Phyla, Rawalpindi by (Ali and Ripley, 2001). 1971). • Columba livia (Rock Pigeon) Family Strigidae (owls) has not been found at Islamabad • Glaucidium cuculoides but reported by (Grewal et al., (Himalayan Barred owlet) has 2002). been observed in Islamabad and Family Cuculidae (Cuckoos, Koels, also confirmed by (Grewal et al., Coucals and Makohas) 2002; Phyla, 2001; Roberts, • Hierococcyx varius (Common 1991). Hawk Cuckoo) has been • Tyto alba (Barn Owl) has not observed at Islamabad and also been found in study area but confirmed by (Grewal et al., reported by (Phyla, 2001). 2002; Phyla, 2001; Roberts, 1992). • Otus brucei (pallid scops owl) has not been found in study area • Cacomantis passerinus but reported by (Grewal et al., (Plaintive Cuckoo) has been 2002; Phyla, 2001). seen in study area and also confirmed by (Phyla, 2001; • Otus sunia (Oriental scops owl) Mirza, 1998; Roberts, 1992). has not been found in Islamabad but reported by (Phyla, 2001). • Cuculus canorus (Eurasian • Strix aluco (Tawny owl) has not Cuckoo) has been reported in been found in study area but study area and also confirmed by reported by (Grewal et al., 2002). (Grewal et al., 2002; Phyla, • Glaucidium brodiei (collared 2001; Roberts, 1992). owlet) has not been found in • Clamator jacobinus (pied Islamabad but reported by crested cuckoo) has been (Grewal et al., 2002). reported at Islamabad and also • Athene brama (spotted owlet) confirmed by (Phyla, 2001; has not been found in study area Mirza, 1998). but reported by (Grewal et al., • Cuculus micropeterus (Indian 2002). cuckoo) has not been found in Family Upupidae (Hoopoes) study area but reported by • Upupa epops (Hoopoes) has (Phyla, 2001). been found in Islamabad and also confirmed by (Grewal et al.,

50 Ehjaz et al.,: A Study on the Birds of Urban Islamabad

J. Bioresource Manage. (2017) 4(2):46-56. 2002; Phyla, 2001; Mirza, 1998; Family Charadriidae (Plover and Roberts, 1991). Lapwing) Family Capitonidae (Barbets) • Charadrius dubius (Little • Megalaima virens (Great ringed plover) has been found Barbet) has not been found in in Islamabad and also confirmed study area but reported by by (Grewal et al., 2002; Phyla, (Roberts, 1991). 2001). • Hoplopetrus indicus (Red • Megalaima asiatica (Blue wattled lapwing) has not been throated Barbet) has been found in Islamabad but reported observed in study area and also by (Phyla, 2001; Grewal et al., reported (Phyla, 2001; Roberts, 2002). 1991). • Pluvialis dominica (Golden • Megalaima haemacephala plover) has not been found in (Crimson Breasted Barbet) study area but reported by has not been found in Islamabad (Phyla, 2001). but reported by (Roberts,1991). • Charadrius alexandrius Family Picidae (Woodpecker, Piculets (Kentish plover) has not been and Wrynecks) found in Islamabad but reported • Dendrocopos himalayensis by (Phyla, 2001). (Pied woodpecker) has been Family Alcedinidae (Kingfisher) observed in Islamabad and also • Ceryle rudis (Pied kingfisher) confirmed by (Mirza, 1998; has been observed in Islamabad Roberts, 1991). and also confirmed by (Grewal et • Dendrocopos auriceps (Brown - al., 2002; Phyla, 2001; Roberts, fronted woodpecker) has been 1991). reported in study area and also • Alcedo athis (Common King cinfirmed by (Phyla, 2001; Fisher) has been observed in Mirza, 1998; Roberts, 1991). Islamabad and also confirmed Family Ciconiidae (stork) by (Phyla, 2001). • Mycteria leucocephala (Painted • Ceryle lugubris (Crested stork) has not been found in kingfisher) has been observed Islamabad but was reported by in Islamabad and also confirmed (Phyla, 2001). by (Phyla, 2001). • Ciconia ciconia (white stork) • Halcyon smyrenensis (White has not been found in Islamabad breasted kingfisher) has not but reported by (Phyla, 2001). been seen in Islamabad but Family Threskiornithidae (spoon bill reported by (Grewal et al., and Ibises) 2002). • Platalea leucorodia (Spoon Family Psittacidae (Parrots) bill) has not been found in • Psittacula cyanocephala Islamabad but reported by (Blossom headed parakeet) has (Grewal et al., 2002; Phyla, been found in study area and 2001). also confirmed by (Phyla, 2001; Mirza, 1998).

51 Ehjaz et al.,: A Study on the Birds of Urban Islamabad

J. Bioresource Manage. (2017) 4(2):46-56. • Psittacula eupatria study area but reported by (Alexandrine parakeet) has (Phyla, 2001). been found in study area and also confirmed by (Grewal et al., 2002; Phyla, 2001; Mirza, 1998). • Psittacula krameri (Rose- ringed parakeet) has been reported at Islamabad and also confirmed by (Grewal et al., 2002; Mirza, 1998). Family Anatidae (Tree - ducks, Geese and other ducks) • Anas strepera (gadwall) has Fig. 1 Black Drongo (Dicrurus not been found at Islamabad but macrocercus) reported by (Phyla, 2001). • Anas cressa (common Teal) has Family Dicuridae ( Drongo) not been found in study area but • Dicrurus macrocercus (Black reported by (Phyla, 2001). drongo) has been found at Family Rostratulidae (snipe) Islamabad (Figure 1) and also • Gallinago gallinago (Common confirned by (Grewal et al., snipe) has not been found in 2002; Phyla, 2001). study area but reported by Family Psseridae (sparrow) (Phyla, 2001). • Passer domisticus (Indian • Rostratula benhalensis (Great house sparrow) has been painted snipe) has not been observed in study area (Figure 2) found in study area but reported and also confirmed by (Grewal by (Phyla, 2001). et al., 2002; Phyla, 2001; Family Meropidae (Bee- eater) Roberts, 1991). • Merops philippinus (Blue tailed bee- eater) has not been found in study area but reported by (Phyla, 2001). • Merops apiaster (European bee- eater) has been found in study area and also confirmed by (Grewal et al., 2002; Phyla, 2001). Family Sternidae (Tern) Fig 2. Female House Sparrow • Sterna hirundo hirundo (Passer domesticus) (Common tern) has not been found in study area but reported • Patronia Xanthocollis (Yellow by (Phyla, 2001). throated sparrow) has not been • Sterna albifrons (Pallas little seen in Islamabad but reported Tern) has not been found in by (Phyla, 2001).

52 Ehjaz et al.,: A Study on the Birds of Urban Islamabad

J. Bioresource Manage. (2017) 4(2):46-56. Family Turdidae (Robins, chats, start • Tephrodornis pondicerianus and Thrushes) (Common wood shrike) has • Copsychus saularis (Indian been found at Islamabad and magpie robin) has been found also confirmed by (Grewal et al., in study area and also confirmed 2002; Phyla, 2001). by (Phyla, 2001; Mirza, 1998). • Pericrocotus ethologus (Long • Monticola saxatilis (Rufous tailed Minivet) has been found tailed Rock Thrush) has not at Islamabad and also confirmed been found at Islamabad but by (Mirza, 1998; Roberts, 1991). reported by (Phyla, 2001). • Monticola cinclorhyncha (Blue Family Ploceidae (weaver) headed Rock Thrush) has not • Ploceus beughalensis (Black been found at Islamabad but breasted weaver) has not been reported by (Phyla, 2001). found in study area but reported • Zoothera citrina (Orange by (Phyla, 2001). headed ground Thrush) has • Ploceus manyar (streaked not been found at Islamabad but weaver) has not been found in reported by (Phyla, 2001). study area but reported by • Garrulax lineatus (Streaked (Phyla, 2001). laughing Thrush) has been • Ploceus philippinus (Baya found in study area and also weaver) has not been found in confirmed by (Grewal et al., study area but reported by 2002; Phyla, 2001). (Grewal et al., 2002; Phyla, • Monticola solitarius (Blue 2001). Rock Thrush) has not been Family Estrilda found at Islamabad but reported • Estrilda amandava (Red by (Grewal et al., 2002). munia) has been found in • Lanius meridionalis (Southern study area and also confirmed by grey shrike) has not been found (Phyla, 2001). at Islamabad but reported by • Lonchura punctulata (spotted (Grewal et al., 2002). Munia) has not been found in • Lanius schach (long -tailed study area but reported by shrike) has not been found at (Phyla, 2001). Islamabad but reported by Sub Family Tringinae (Grewal et al., 2002). • Xenos cinererus (Treek sand • Myophonus caeruleus (Blue piper has not been observed in whistling Thrush) has not been Islamabad but reported by found at Islamabad but reported (Phyla, 2001). by (Grewal et al., 2002). Sub Family Emberizinae • Saxicoloides fulicata (Indian • Emberiza bruniceps (Red robin) has not been found at headed bunting) has not been Islamabad but reported by found in Islamabad but reported (Grewal et al., 2002). by (Phyla, 2001). Family Campephagidae (Shrikes, • Melophus lathami (Crested minivet) bunting) has not been found in

53 Ehjaz et al.,: A Study on the Birds of Urban Islamabad

J. Bioresource Manage. (2017) 4(2):46-56. Islamabad but reported by been found in Islamabad but (Phyla, 2001). reported by (Phyla, 2001). Family Motacillidae (pipit, wagtail) • Phylloscopus chloronotus • Motacilla alba (white wagtail) (Lemon Rumped warbler) has has been found in Islamabad and not been found in Islamabad but also confirmed by (Phyla, 2001; reported by (Grewal et al., Grewal et al., 2002). 2002). • Anthus similis (long billed • Phylloscopus tyler (Tyler's leaf Pipit) has not been found in warbler) has not been found in Islamabad but reported by Islamabad but reported by (Phyla, 2001). (Grewal et al., 2002). • Anthus rufulus (Paddy field Family Falconidae pipit) has been found in • Falco peregrinus peregrinator Islamabad (Grewal et al., 2002). (shaheen falcon) has been found • Motacilla flavaleucocephala in study area and also confirmed (White headed yellow- wagtail) by (Grewal et al., 2002). has not been found in study area Family Tichodromadidae but reported by (Ali and Ripley, • Certhia himalayan (Himalayan 1973). Tree creeper) has not been • Anthus roseatus (Rosy pipit) found in Islamabad but reported has not been found in Islamabad by (Roberts, 1991). but reported by (Roberts, 1992). Family Coraciidae (Rollers) Family Sylviidae (Warbler) • Coracias garrulus (Europen Sub Family Sylviinae Roller) has not been found in • Cisticola junicidis (Fan tailed Islamabad but reported by warbler) has been observed in (Grewal et al., 2002). study area and also confirmed by Family Muscicapidae (flycatcher) (Grewal et al., 2002; Phyla, • Cyronis rubeculoides (Blue 2001). throated flycatcher) has not been found in Islamabad but • Acrocephalus dumetorum reported by (Phyla, 2001). (Blyth's Reed warbler) has not • Terpsiphone paradise (Asian been found in Islamabad but paradise flycatcher) has been reported by (Phyla, 2001). seen in study area and also • Acrocephalus stontareus confirmed by (Grewal et al., (clamorous Reed warbler) has 2002; Mirza, 1998). not been found in study area but Family Timaliidae (Babblers ) reported by (Phyla, 2001). • Turdoides caudatus (Common • Phylloscopus occipitalis babbler) has been seen in study (western crowned warbler) has area and also confirmed by not been found in Islamabad but (Grewal et al., 2002; Phyla, reported by (Phyla, 2001). 2001). • Phylloscopus trochiloides • Stachyris pyrrhops (Black (Greenish warbler) has not chinned babbler) has not been

54 Ehjaz et al.,: A Study on the Birds of Urban Islamabad

J. Bioresource Manage. (2017) 4(2):46-56. found in Islamabad but reported area and also confirmed by by (Phyla, 2001). (Phyla, 2001). • Ccrysomma sinense (yellow • Acridotheres ginginianus eyed Babbler) has not been (Bank Myna) has not been been found in Islamabad but reported seen in study area but reported by (Phyla, 2001). by (Phyla, 2001). • Turdoides striatus (Jungle Babbler) has not been found in Islamabad but reported by (Phyla, 2001). Family Nectariniidae (Sunbird) • Nectarinia asiatica (Purple sunbird) has been seen in study area and also confirmed by (Phyla, 2001; Grewal et al., 2002). Family Oriolidae • Oriolus oriolus (Golden oriole) Fig. 3 Common Myna (Acridotheres has been seen in study area and tristis) also confirmed by (Grewal et al., 2002; Phyla, 2001). • Acridotheres (Common Myna) Family Corvidae (Tree pie, crow) has been seen in study area • Dendrocitta formosae (Figure 3) and also confirmed by (Himalayan tree pie) has been (Grewal et al., 2002). seen in study area and also • Lonchura malabarica (White confirmed by (Phyla, 2001; Throated myna) has not been Mirza, 1998). seen in Islamabad but reported • Carvus splendens (House by (Grewal et al., 2002). Crow) has been seen in study Family Caprimulgidae (Nightjar) area and also confirmed by. • Caprimulgus affinis (Savannah (Grewal et al., 2002). Nightjar) has not been seen in Family Apodidae Islamabad but reported by • Apus affinis (House swift) has (Grewal et al., 2002). been seen in study area and also Family Rallidae (crake , hen) confirmed by (Grewal et al., • Gallinule cluloropus 2002). (moorhen) has not been seen in Family Sturnidae (Starling, Myna) Islamabad but reported by • Sturnus pagodrum (Brahminy (Grewal et al., 2002; Phyla, starling) has been seen in 2001). Islamabad and also confirmed Family Scolopacidae (Godwit, by (Phyla, 2001; Mirza, 1998; sandpiper) Roberts, 1992). Sub Family Tringinae • Sturnus vulgaris (common • Tringa stagnatilis (Marsh starling) has been seen in study sandpiper) has been reported in Rawal Lake (Phyla, 2001).

55 Ehjaz et al.,: A Study on the Birds of Urban Islamabad

J. Bioresource Manage. (2017) 4(2):46-56. • Tringa totanus (common red Heinzel et al., (1979). The Birds of shank) has not been seen in Britain and Europe. William Islamabad but reported by Collins Sons and Co Ltd (Phyla, 2001). London. p 15. • Calidris ferruginea (Curlew sandpiper) has not been seen in Iwokrama Newsletter March 2005. Islamabad but reported by Global Environmental issue. (Phyla, 2001). Mirza ZB (1998). Illustrated Handbook CONCLUSION of Animal Biodiversity of Pakistan. SAAD Printo Pack, The study conducted was aimed Rawalpindi. 91 pp. at creating an updated checklist of the avifauna of urban Islamabad. The results Patent DH (2003). Biodiversity. 90 pp. showed that there was a change in the Phyla M (2001). Birds of Islamabad, distribution of the avifauna from the WWF, Pakistan.131pp. previous studies conducted. Roberts TJ (1991). The Birds of Pakistan, vol-I (Non- Passeriforms). Oxford University REFRENCES Press Karachi. 598 pp; 1992, vol- Austin OL (1961). Birds of the world. II (Passeriformes): 616 pp. Paul Hamlyn Ltd. London. p 10. Salim A and Ripley SD (1971). Chapman JL and Michael BVR (1997). Handbook of the Birds of India The Abundance of life.p 1. and Pakistan, vol-VI. Oxford University Press. Bombay. p16, Grewal B, Harvey B and Pfister O 84; 1973, vol IX. p.281. (2002). Birds of India, Smithsonian (2002). Birds of the Mid- Christopher Helm, an imprint of Atlantic. DK publisher, III, Fred A and C Black Publisher Ltd., J. Also p. p 6-8. London. 512 pp.