The Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN) has identified 212 species of birds from the Nilambur and Amarambalam forests. Amarambalam is classified as an Important Bird Area (IBS) of the Western Ghats Endemic Bird Area where 16 restricted range species (RRS) have been identified; eight species have been sighted in Amarambalam. Beside the RRS's, there are one critically endangered and two vulnerable species. In 2001 BirdLife International has also identified 52 near threatened species (NTS) of India. Three of the NTS bird species are found in the IBA, but more are likely to be found once detailed studies are conducted. Classified by BirdLife International, Amarambalam Reserve Forest lies in the Indian Peninsula Tropical Moist Forest (Biome-10): 15 bird species have been identified as typical biome assemblage, 12 species are found in this IBA. In 2003, Professor PO Nameer, Kerala Agricultural University, reported to have seen 11 species of woodpeckers, 11 species of flycatchers, nine species of babblers, seven species of bulbuls, and three species of barbets. As of 2004, there were populations of 10 IBA trigger species ranging from critically endangered/vulnerable to least concern according to IUCN categorisation and A1 to A3 according to IBA, namely Lesser adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus), White-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis), Nilgiri wood-pigeon (Columba elphinstonii), Malabar parakeet (Psittacula columboides), Malabar grey-hornbill (Ocyceros griseus), White-bellied treepie (Dendrocitta leucogastra), Grey-headed bulbul (Pycnonotus priocephalus), Rufous babbler (Turdoides subrufus), White-bellied blue-flycatcher (Cyornis pallipes) and Crimson-backed sunbird (Nectarinia minima). The bird community showed high evenness. Maximum species richness was obtained during November and highest diversity index was recorded during April.