Birds are one of the most diversified avian species among all creatures living on the earth. Coastal birds are an important biological component of coastal wetland ecosystem that plays greater esthetic, sporting and economic values. The present study was carried out in Palayakayal mangrove forest ecosystem which covers a distance of 5 Kilometers. The vast stretch of mangroves and seashore lands is being a boon to bird diversity. Moreover, the entire stretch supports diversity of bird species in the mangrove. The predominant tree species were Avicennia sps, Borassus flabelifer, Cocus nucifera, and Tamarindus indica. These trees are used by the birds for nesting, resting and roosting. Most of the birds were recorded in the study area are coming under 7 ecological groups. During the study period a total number of 34 bird species were recorded. Palayakayal mangrove being a virgin forest has not been explored significantly and it lacks basic knowledge for making conservation strategies.  Information on the birds associated with the mangrove forests under natural conditions will be useful in predicting the potential of survival of various mangrove species, and in future plantation trials. In order to facilitate its significance and conservation, information is needed on the biodiversity of animals associated with this mangrove forest.

Keywords: Palayakayal, mangroove, bird diversity, conservation.