<b>Diversity and Seasonal Variation of Avifauna along the Rapti River, Hetauda, Nepal</b>

Seasonal variations have a direct influence and effect on the species richness of the avian community. The study was conducted in the winter and summer seasons in East Rapti River, Hetauda, Nepal, to explore bird diversity and seasonal variation. In two distinct seasons, the line transect approach was utilized for bird surveys with 21 transects. In total, 110 bird species from 16 orders and 41 families were recorded. The Shannon Weiner diversity index revealed that avian richness and diversity were greater in the winter season than in the summer season. Bird species, on the other hand, were more uniformly distributed in the summer season than in the winter season. The order Passeriformes, which has the most families, had the most species. The insectivorous guild has the most bird species and most bird species are resident. <i>Gallicrex cinerea</i> was documented in the study which was the first record of the species in the Makwanpur District. An overall checklist of the area's bird species was established, providing baseline data on the region's avifauna to aid and guide future studies. The area has distinctiveness but various threats were identified; hence, a site-specific management strategy is necessary for safeguarding these bird species.