ABSTRACT

 This study assessed the diversity, abundance and feeding of the kingfisher bird species within Umudike. The study was carried out within the campus of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture. Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State. Nigeria in order to identify the kingfisher species present in Umudike. estimate the population of kingfisher species present in the area, identify the major food preference of the Kingfisher bird species and study the territorial overlap of the different bird species under study. A line transect census technique was used to estimate the diversity and abundance of kingfisher within the study site. Observation of birds were done along thetransects so that both the forest and its surrounding fragments are equally represented, since kingfisher bird generally occupy the same niche and utilize similar resources. The result showed a total ofsix (6) different kingfisher species were observed in the study area ofwhich 31.58% ofthe species are woodland kingfisher (Halcyon senegalensis'), 21.05% are the Bluebreasted kingfisher species (Halcyon malimbica), 10.03% are the Malachite kingfisher species (Corythornis cristatus\ 21.05% are the Grey headed kingfisher species (Halcyon leucocephald), 10.53% are the Pied kingfisher species (Ceryle rudis) while 5.26% are the African Pygmy kingfisher species (Ispidina picta). The food preference of the kingfisher bird species observed showed that the kingfisher species preyed more on insects (dragonfly, grasshopper, damselfly, butterfly and ant), fishes (tilapia) and fruits. This shows that Umudike (MOUAU) is an important habitat or location for kingfisher species and thus conservation activities need to be increased by discouraging deforestation in order to preserve the species.