Indian birds are of many types and species and are found spread throughout the length and breadth of the sub-continent. The Indian sub-continent itself is home to 13 percent of the total bird species found in the world. The vast variety of exotic birds found here attracts tourists and bird-watchers and eco-tourists form all parts of the world. With more than 1250 species of birds, India and the rest of south Asia is held to be a paradise for bird watching. There are over 925 breeding species. The Indian birds belong to 16 groups called `Orders`, which are further divided into `Families`, `Sub-Families` and `Genera`. For birding in India, 13 bio-geographical regions can be demarcated: Trans Himalayan, Western Himalayas, Eastern Himalayas, Desert, Semi-arid, Gangetic plain, Central India, Deccan plateau, Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Northeast Coasts and Andaman and Nicobar islands. The Blue Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) is the national bird of India.
There are various different species of birds in India. The Ciconidae species includes the open bills and storks. Cuckoos, ducks, pigeons, hornbills are abundantly found, they also belong to a specific specie. The other important species of birds like Flamingoes, Ferns, Petrels, Shearwaters and Pelicans continues to draw the attention of the onlookers.
Indian Shag Though it is difficult to judge which is the largest bird of India, Sarus Crane(stands the height of a man) and the Himalayan Bearded Vulture (wingspan of more than 8 feet) are at the top. Amongst the small Birds is the Tickell`s Flowerpecker, scarcely bigger than a normal Thumb. Peacock is the most colourful bird with its gracious colourfully patterned wings. The list of most accomplished songster in the order of preference is Grey-winged Blackbird, Malabar Whistling Thrush and Shama. The best talker is undoubtedly the Hill Myna whose articulation of the human voice and speech is clear. Rare birds in India are the Mountain (Himalayan) Quail, Jerdon`s Courser, Pink-headed Duck and Forest Owlet. Though these birds were declared extinct, Jerdon`s Courser was rediscovered in 1986 after nearly 90 years of non-sighting and the Forest Owlet was rediscovered in 1997 after 113 years of non-sighting.
Birds in India : As mentioned earlier, almost 1250 birds belonging to various species are found only in the Indian sub-continent. Some are rarely seen and some are the common ones, seen in all parts of the country. Some of the commonly found birds are discussed below:
The common Myna: This is a dark chocolate brown color bird with bright yellow bill, legs and orbital skin. While the Sri Lankan Myna is of a darker shade of brown, the Indian myna has a conspicuous white patch, which shows when the bird is in flight. This bird has a variety of sharp calls that is uttered with an absurd bobbing of the head. It is widespread throughout the Indian subcontinent including the islands of Andaman, Nicobar, Lakshwadeep and the Maldives where it was introduced. It is a very visible bird in India, having a habit of following humans around. It eats whatever its habitat has to offer.
Indian Peacock Parakeet or Parrot: The `Tota` of India and most lovable bird. Large flock can be found all over the Indian Sub-continent, from the foothills of Himalayas to the southern parts of the country. Agriculture-wise it is very destructive, known for wasting more and eating less. Usually green in color with an amazingly red beak, the female lacks the black and rose pink collar of male
The Indian Shag: It is also known as the Indian cormorant. It is found almost throughout the Indian subcontinent excluding the higher reaches of the Himalayas. It is a duck-like waterfowl, slightly bigger in size than a normal duck, and is of a glistening black color. Small colonies of nesting Indian Shags can be found between July to February, the month varying from place to place.
The Little Egret: This bird, found all over the Indian sub-continent, is almost the height of a village hen. Dwelling mostly in the marshes, water ponds, rivers and tidal mudflats, this bird is of a very cunning nature. Its food menu ranges from insects, fish, and frogs to even small reptiles. Both the sexes are alike and the female lays 4 bluish-green eggs in the month of July/August in northern India and November to February in the Southern part.
Jungle Owlet Indian Peacock, the National Bird: A collage of wonderful and beautifully designed colors and patterns, the peacock is found in dry semi-desert grasslands, scrub and deciduous forests and it forages and nests on the ground but roosts on top of trees. It eats mainly seeds, but also some insects, fruits and reptiles. The Indian Peacock has beautiful iridescent blue-green plumage.
Indian Robin: The Indian Robin is commonly found throughout the sub-continent. It is often seen hopping around on the ground looking for insects. The male and female are dissimilar.
The Indian White-Rumped Vulture: It is an Old World vulture in the family Accipitridae, which also includes eagles, kites, buzzards and hawks. Like other vultures it is a scavenger, feeding mostly on carcasses of dead animals. It has head, very broad wings, short tail and a white neck ruff. This species is almost on the verge of extinction.
Black shouldered Kite: A widespread and common raptor, found throughout the country. It is often seen hovering in the air searching for prey.
Black Kite (Pariah Kite): This is a dark brown kite found throughout the country. It can be seen circling and soaring in urban areas. The Black Kits can be easily distinguished by the shallow `v-shaped` tail.