We investigated the patterns of spatial distribution in breeding land birds of the Central Indian Highlands in Madhya Pradesh. Birds were sampled by ‘standardized area search’ method in six subregions, covering 39 habitat types in total. In each sampling block, vegetation structure and habitat quality were also measured.

The association between bird species richness and habitat features was examined by correlation analysis. We also carried out hierarchical cluster analysis to study the patterns of similarity in habitat occupancy between closely-related avian taxa. In particular, galliforms, woodpeckers, drongos, babblers, and frugivores were explored for evidences of interspecific association in spatial distribution.