Abstract: During the bird migration study conducted between 1985-1988 at the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park area, a total of 187 species of birds were reported, of which 84 were aquatic species and the remaining are terestrial. The status, popoulation, arrival and departure dates (for the migratory birds) of the waders, terns and gulls have been described species wise. The other aquatic birds are listed group wise and the terrestrial birds recorded are checklists. At Manali na Hare islands 223 species are migratory birds were found to over summer every year. The uncommon waders to India such as knot Calidris canutus, eastern knot Calidris tenuirostris, curlew Numenius arquata, whimbrel Numenius phaeopus, and bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica were recorded as regular visitors to this area.