Laughingthrush,BlueWinged 1455_fcw
Blue-winged Laughingthrush
Date: 05/28/2014
Blue-winged Laughingthrush
Broadbill,SilverBreasted 0685_fcw
Silver-breasted Broadbill
Date: 05/07/2014
Silver-breasted Broadbill
Broadbill,SilverBreasted 0696_fcw
Silver-breasted Broadbill
Date: 05/07/2014
Silver-breasted Broadbill
Broadbill,SilverBreasted 0652_fcw
Silver-breasted Broadbill
Date: 05/07/2014
Silver-breasted Broadbill
Broadbill,SilverBreasted 0683_fcw
Silver-breasted Broadbill
Date: 05/07/2014
Silver-breasted Broadbill
Hornbill,RufousNecked-F-2530_fcw
Rufous-throated Hornbill, female
Date: 04/13/2014
Rufous-throated Hornbill, female
Chukar
According to Indian folklore, the Chukar is in love with the moon and so keeps constantly gazing at it. Hence it is often used as a symbol of intense and unrequited love
Date: 09/06/2011
Ladakh
ShortToedSnake Eagle
The eagle with the most piercing gaze, thanks to its large round yellow eyes. It also holds the distinction of being the largest hovering bird in India
Date: 09/06/2011
Bangalore
Common Raven
Shimmering, glimmering, dazzling; the luster was absolutely blinding when seen through the viewfinder in the harsh afternoon sun. This large bird, about the size of a Black Kite had the countenance of a bored kid at a grownups party; fidgeting, walking a
Date: 09/01/2011
Ladakh
Persian Shearwater
Shearwaters are supposed to feed in various ways; diving while in flight sometimes even carrying the dive further underwater and "flying" with half open wings. One here is feeding in flocks while sitting on the water and dipping their head under
Date: 05/13/2011
Kerala
Persian Shearwater
Shearwaters are wanderers of the oceans, breeding mostly in the southern hemishpere. Gracefully flying just over the waves they appear to shear water with their wing tips as they bank in flight, giving them their name. They are also referred to as "t
Date: 05/13/2011
Kerala
Greater PaintedSnipe
Foraging female foraging in the late evening. The females unlike most bird species is far more attractive than the make male and polyandrous. Not sure though which is the cause and which is the result. The result is that the male ends up rearing the chick
Date: 05/13/2011
Mumbai
Spotted Crake,
An unexpected lifer for me this large guy was quite confiding and feeding merrily. Probably building up for the long flight back
Date: 05/13/2011
Mumbai
Bridled Tern
Looking like a champion surfer riding on a tubelight. The terns it was observed are very reluctant to swim in the water unlike gulls and shearwaters and prefer flotsam, mostly chunks of thermocole and foam but also found on chappals and a barnacle stabili
Date: 05/13/2011
Kerala
SriLankaBush Warbler
Sri Lankan endemic and their only bush warbler. Also called the Palliser's warbler is a skulker in dense undergrowth of the highlands
Date: 05/06/2011
Sri Lanka
SerendibScops Owl
An endangered Sri Lankan endemic, newly "discovered" bird, it was formally described as a species in 2004. We were lucky to see one in the day after a steep trek deep in the rainforest. At about 16 cms and tawny colored this looks exactly like o
Date: 01/07/2011
Sri Lanka
Kashmir Flycatcher
This little jewel was by a brook with steep banks and on the dark rainy evening seemingly lit up the place. My camera though followed conventional law of physics
Date: 01/05/2011
Sri Lanka
BrownBreasted Flycatcher
The famous ornithologist E L Layard who first described this bird named it after his cook Muttu who fetched him the specimen
Date: 01/05/2011
Sri Lanka
ChestnutBacked Owlet
Date: 12/28/2010
A Sri Lankan endemic which once common but now has a much restricted range.
Legge's Flowerpecker
Date: 12/28/2010
Also known as the White-throated Flowerpecker a Sri Lanka endemic and their smallest bird. This is the male
Legge's Flowerpecker
Date: 12/28/2010
Also known as the White-throated Flowerpecker a Sri Lanka endemic and their smallest bird. This is the female
DullBlue Flycatcher
Date: 12/28/2010
A near threatened Sri Lankan endemic. Might not be as pretty as some of the other flycatchers but certainly does not deserve the "sordid" latin name
SriLanka Junglefowl
Date: 12/28/2010
After years of watching Junglefowl scampering away from you it was shocking one so tame.
BlackCapped Bulbul
Date: 12/28/2010
The Black-capped Bulbul (Pycnonotus melanicterus) or the Black-crested Bulbul (Pycnonotus melanicterus melanicterus). The species has an interesting history being lumped and split at different points of time.
Crested Treeswift
Date: 12/10/2010
The female, despite not being too colorful is one of the prettiest birds and one of my favorites.
Ceylon Crested Drongo
Date: 12/10/2010
As you can see very different from our Greater Racket tailed or the ones found in the Sri Lankan dry zone, smaller crest and no rackets.
Sri Lanka Blue Magpie
When I first saw the illustration in the field guide I wondered if a bird could be coloured so..
Date: 11/30/2010
Sri Lanka Blue Magpie
BrownCapped Babbler
This Sri Lankan endemic has a lot of character, like most babblers. Its call is just like our Puff-throated
Date: 11/27/2010
Sri Lanka
Indian Blackbird
Blackbird in the rain. Not an endemic (as yet) but the Sri Lankan sub-species Differs from the Himalayan spp (T.m.maximus) in having an orbital patch and from the Peninsular (T.m.nigropileus) by being uniformly bluish-grey.
Date: 11/27/2010
Sri Lanka
YellowEared Bulbul
A striking Sri Lankan endemic, bright yellow ear tufts and white tufts behind the beak that look like horns.
Date: 11/27/2010
Sri Lanka
Crested Treeswift
Despite not being too colorful is one of the prettiest birds and one of my favorites. After always seeing them high on treetops, this framebusting, eye level shot was a dream come true to say the least. But seeing a bare tree draped with Crested Treeswift
Date: 11/27/2010
Sri Lanka
BrownCapped babbler
This Sri Lankan endemic has a lot of character, like most babblers. Its call is just like our Puff-throated
Date: 11/27/2010
Sri Lanka
Ceylon Wood Pigeon
Smaller than the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon and distinguished by the eye-catching lilac underparts
Date: 11/27/2010
Sri Lanka
Spot-winged Thrush
A skulker and low light specialist, But by far the most melodious of the endemics, the call is quite similar to our Malabar Whistlingthrush.
Date: 11/27/2010
Sri Lanka
Spot-winged Thrush
A skulker and low light specialist, But by far the most melodious of the endemics, the call is quite similar to our Malabar Whistlingthrush.
Date: 11/27/2010
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Whistlingthrush
An endangered Sri Lankan endemic is shy, scarce, localised and notoriously difficult to see
Date: 11/27/2010
Sri Lanka
Common Rosefinch
This female seems to be carrying fortifications for her nest
Date: 08/10/2010
Ladakh
Great Rosefinch female
The female of the Great Rosefinch with its meal still on its beak
Date: 08/10/2010
Ladakh
Winter Wren
This normally shy skulking egg sized bird is the only Wren in India
Date: 06/29/2010
Ladakh
Lammergeier
This bone eating Vulture cam and perched tantalisingly close with a huge chunk of a bone
Date: 07/04/2010
Ladakh
Great Thickknee
The "thick knees" thats its named after seen clearly in the image
Date: 07/19/2010
Jamnagar
Marsh Sandpiper
A breeding plumaged individual taking a break from the feeding frenzy before the return migration
Date: 07/19/2010
Jamnagar
RedNecked Phalarope
This little bird bobbed in the water while it circled in its unique hunting style; in the gold flecked blue blue waters.
Date: 07/19/2010
Jamnagar
Eurasian Curlew
The Curlew using its Sabre like beak to leverage out prey from the muck
Date: 07/19/2010
Jamnagar
MacQueen's Bustard
The Hubara Bustard in very unlikely habitat, walking its typical camel walk
Date: 07/19/2010
BrownFish Owl
Against the light and thru vegetation but tantalisingly close at eye level
Date: 04/15/2010
Sattal
WhiteCappedWater Redstart
Was experimenting with exposure on this exposure hazard, quite tough even when well lit. Shot in very poor light while taking a break from shooting the forktail
Date: 04/15/2010
Sattal
PlumbeousWater Redstart
Shot this guy for good measure in the same break from shooting the Forktail
Date: 04/15/2010
Sattal
AsianBarred Owlet
Like most of his kin that I have met this guy too was non-chalant, didn't even bother to keep an eye on us.
Date: 04/15/2010
Sattal
SlatyHeaded Parakeet
Green on green; It twisted, turned, hung, weaved in and out of the tree to reach all berries and put up quite a show. The only challenge was to get the whole bird in the frame, not overshadowed by vegetation and in light
Date: 04/15/2010
Sattal
Small Niltava
Small pettite and distinguished by its brilliant blue neck and forehead patches
Date: 03/21/2010
Sattal
Grey Bushchat
The handsome but somewhat neglected bird due to its commonness in the Himalayas
Date: 01/29/2010
Sattal
PlainBacked Thrush
After a lot of poor light sightings finally got lucky with this friendly individual
Date: 01/31/2010
Sattal
LongBilled Thrush
The heavy weight champion among thrushes, can pull stone many times its weight in search of grubs
Date: 01/28/2010
Sattal
BlueWhistling Thrush
Always wanted to get a decent shot this with its tail fanned, didn't have much luck with these "bold until you want to photograph birds" until I came across this individual but the guy preferred doing his routine amongst trash
Date: 01/30/2010
Sattal
WhiteTailed Rubythroat
this guy posed a sweet problem by coming just too close and within the MFD. My dear friend even shooed it once but to no avail. Its continuous hopping thru patches of shade and bright sunlight just added to the woes, never was photographing such a co-oper
Date: 01/29/2010
Sattal
Siberian Rubythroat
When this braver individual hopped around in the open the flash or orange on its throat raised hopes of a decent shot when realisation dawned that this was a female
Date: 01/30/2010
Sattal
Siberian Rubythroat
One of the prime targets on the trip he did come and give frame filling shots but always from behind a curtain of tall dried grass
Date: 01/28/2010
Sattal
WhiteCrested Laughingthrush
Not uncommon but very shy, rarely seen in the open and never close
Date: 01/30/2010
Sattal
Bronzed Drongo
This guy was literally glowing in the afternoon sun as he rested between his sallies
Date: 01/30/2010
Bronzed Drongo
This guy was literally glowing in the afternoon sun as he rested between his sallies
Date: 01/30/2010
Great Barbet
Heard very often in the Western Himalayas, this colorful bird seems to be an exercise in excess by the maker
Date: 01/30/2010
Sattal
Brown Dipper
This hyperactive diver of fast cold streams catches his breath, yet doesn't quit flicking his wings
Date: 01/29/2010
Sattal
Great Egret
A soon a he caught the guy flew away from the flock to gulp the big prize in peace
Date: 12/21/2009
Merritt Island
Tricolored Heron
Waiting for the kill, folded neck essentially hiding its other colors
Date: 12/21/2009
Sandhill Crane
The crane getting into its stride for a small hop, skip and jump routine
Date: 12/19/2009
Kissimmee
Terek Sandpiper
This very uncommon visitor is present and is always scampering around. Here's one in midstep
Date: 11/28/2009
Alibag
Kentish Plover
Quite a brave individual let me crawl until I could literally see his pupils
Date: 11/29/2009
Alibag
Sanderling
These usually stick out in a group because of the brilliant white in their plumage
Date: 11/29/2009
Alibag
ShortToedSnake Eagle
Swooped down a gave us an eyeful as STSE's usually do
Date: 11/01/2009
Maidanhalli
Hill Prinia / BlackThroated Prinia
The most striking Prinia that I have seen. The long tail does a lot to extend its grace
Date: 04/20/2009
Eaglenest
Broadbilled Warbler
The only bird honoring two ornithologists in its scientific name
Date: 04/24/2009
Eaglenest
WhiteBrowed Shortwing
This Juvenile was much braver than the adult. Shot thru brambles
Date: 04/24/2009
Eaglenest
Darksided Flycatcher
The most common Flycatcher at Eaglenest save the Verditer
Date: 04/17/2009
Eaglenest
ChestnutTailed Minla
Calling out to its mate clearly showing its barred throat which gives its alternate common name
Date: 04/19/2009
Eaglenest
Drongo Cuckoo
Summer visitor to the NE hills from SE Asia. This cuckoo that looks like a drongo is a brood parasite.
Date: 04/25/2009
Eaglenest
Bugun Liocichla
The icon of Eaglenest and Possibly the rarest bird in the world
Date: 04/20/2009
Eaglenest
Ward's Trogon
The male finally giving us a sighting after sunset on the last day of our trip
Date: 04/24/2009
Eaglenest
Hodgson's Frogmouth
The very rare Hodgson's frogmouth. This should be a female as per the field guides but nobody is sure
Date: 04/20/2009
Eaglenest
LesserCrested Tern
The distinctive orange bill glowing even more in the light of the setting sun
Date: 01/03/2009
Goa
GullBilled Tern
This "smooth" guy in a flyby as he makes an approach into the wind to land
Date: 01/03/2009
Goa
BrownHeaded Gull
Taking in the golden light of the evening while preparing to roost for the night
Date: 01/03/2009
Goa
Crested Terns
A comparison between the Lesser Crested on the left and the Great Crested Tern
Date: 01/01/2009
Goa
Pied Harrier
The most handsome of all Harriers. Look at those killer eyes
Date: 02/07/2009
Bangalore
Tawny Eagle
A Tawny surveys the surroundings with the regal air of the Aquila's
Date: 01/24/2009
Bangalore
WhiteNaped Yuhina
It popped up quite close in difficult light conditions but vanished before I could regain control
Date: 11/03/2008
Mishmi Hills
EurasianMarsh Harrier
A female warming herself in the first rays of the day
Date: 12/30/2008
Bangalore
Common Kingfisher
A "mood" image showing the bird enjoying the first sunrise of the year
Date: 01/02/2009
Goa
Collared Kingfisher,
A very pretty Kingfisher found in a few locations on the Indian coast and mangroves
Date: 01/02/2009
Goa
Collared Kingfisher
A very pretty Kingfisher found in a few locations on the Indian coast and mangroves
Date: 01/02/2009
Goa
Common Kestrel
This female Kestrel is going thru her beauty regimen feather by feather
Date: 01/10/2009
Bangalore
Greater Adjutant
A highly endangered Stork clearly showing it huge neck pouch
Date: 11/07/2008
Guwahati
Greater Adjutant
Compare the size of this highly endangered Stork with that of the Kite
Date: 11/07/2008
Guwahati
Spotted Forktail
This pretty bird is always busy searching for grubs in the streams
Date: 12/24/2007
Kakdagad
Greater Adjutant
A highly endangered Stork, reportedly just 500 left in the wild
Date: 11/07/2008
Guwahati
Yellow-bellied Fantail
This hyperactive flycatcher calling from a dominant position hoping to attract a female
Date: 11/01/2008
Mishmi Hills
Yellow-bellied Fantail
This hyperactive flycatcher calling from a dominant position hoping to attract a female
Date: 11/01/2008
Mishmi Hills
WhiteCrested Forktail
The most difficult to get of all the forktails here is catching a grub for himself
Date: 10/30/2008
Mishmi Hills
WhiteVented Myna
The largest Myna from the Indian plains watches from its dozing bovine perch
Date: 11/05/2008
Dibru-Saikhowa
Barn Owl
This beautiful owl is increasingly seen in our large cities. A sign of growing rat populations
Date: 11/20/2008
Bangalore Outskirts
RufousWinged Fulvetta
Looks can be deceptive. This freeze frame shows this guy totally still which is the last thing he is.
Date: 11/02/2008
Mishmi Hills
YellowThroated Fulvetta
This fast bird was part of a mixed hunting flock when it stepped out in the bright sun for just a fraction of a second
Date: 11/02/2008
Mishmi Hills
YellowThroated Fulvetta
This fast bird was part of a mixed hunting flock when it stepped out in the bright sun for just a fraction of a second
Date: 11/02/2008
Mishmi Hills
Darjeeling Woodpecker
This long awaited beauty showed unexpectedly while we were returning from a hard unsuccessful twitching trek
Date: 11/02/2008
Mishmi Hills
Darjeeling Woodpecker
This long awaited beauty showed unexpectedly while we were returning from a hard unsuccessful twitching trek
Date: 11/02/2008
Mishmi Hills
Darjeeling Woodpecker
This long awaited beauty showed unexpectedly while we were returning from a hard unsuccessful twitching trek
Date: 11/02/2008
Mishmi Hills
WedgeTailed Pigeon
A female froma very co-operative flock but unfortunately the light wasn't as helpful
Date: 11/03/2008
Mishmi Hills
WedgeTailed Pigeon
A male froma very co-operative flock but unfortunately the light wasn't as helpful
Date: 11/01/2008
Mishmi Hills
StreakThroated Fulvetta
Another member of fast moving mixed hunting flocks
Date: 11/03/2008
Mishmi Hills
RufousGorgeted Flycatcher
The first bird in Mishmi hills that was unafraid and sat patiently in good light
Date: 11/01/2008
Mishmi Hills
RufousCapped Babbler
A close contender for the title of the smallest Babbler found in India
Date: 11/02/2008
Mishmi Hills
SlatyBellied Tesia
These dwellers of the lowest level of dense undergrowth unlike good Victorian children are heard but not seen
Date: 11/06/2008
Dibru-Saikhowa
BlackThroated Parrotbill
These cute little birds go around in fast moving flocks in dense bamboo undergrowth
Date: 11/02/2008
Mishmi Hills
BlackThroated Parrotbill
These cute little birds go around in fast moving flocks in dense bamboo undergrowth
Date: 11/02/2008
Mishmi Hills
Red Avadavat
Ruby in a sea of emerald. The most eye-catching of our munias
Date: 10/05/2008
Kanakpura
RoseRinged Parakeet
The female of our commonest "parrot" and unfortunately the most popular cage bird too
Date: 10/31/2007
Bharatpur
RoseRinged Parakeet
The male of our commonest "parrot" and unfortunately the most popular cage bird too
Date: 10/31/2007
Bharatpur
Ruddy Turnstone
Adapting to the habitat and flicking sand instead of turning stones!
Date: 03/08/2008
Kapu
WhiteTailed Stonechat
Found only in tall grass and reeds of floodplains
Date: 09/25/2006
Okhla Bird Park
Speckled Piculet
No, I have put the picture upside down. Its just that this little bird does not realise the direction in its feeding frenzy
Date: 12/25/2007
Kakdagad
RedWattled Lapwing
Usually the first to raise alarm, this individual just sat tight. I too didnt get too close as it was probably sitting on its eggs
Date: 10/31/2007
Bharatpur
GreyWinged Blackbird
The male did mainly the guard duty while the female did sorties with nesting material
Date: 04/25/2008
Khechoperi Lake
GreyWinged Blackbird
The female collecting nesting material for its nest
Date: 04/25/2008
Khechoperi Lake
Great Tit
Despite its name is still not the largest tit, not even in India
Date: 11/11/2007
Morni Hills
PlumHeaded Parakeet
The cute looking parakeet with a very sweet call
Date: 11/06/2007
Okhla Bird park
Jungle Owlet
This patient guy found us very curious as we disembarked and stood quite close to him in the fading light
Date: 01/20/2008
Kalesar national park
AsianBarred Owlet
Fluffed up and cosy this 'wise old man' unlike most owls just didnt return our stares
Date: 12/24/2007
Kaziranga
ShortEared Owl
A passage migrant usually seen in flocks and hides among the grass during the day
Date: 01/21/2008
Sultanpur
CollaredScops Owl
This widespread resident is very hard to spot once it sets to roost
Date: 01/19/2008
Sultanpur
BrownFish Owl
This large owl is usually seen close waterways and lakes. Unfeathered tarsii are its ID indicators
Date: 04/15/2007
Bheemeshwari
Barn Owl
This bird has adapted to human habitation much better than what its name suggests. Often seen in city areas with high human population
Date: 12/20/2007
Sultanpur
Osprey
This bird of prey can be seen hunting over large waterbodies all over the world
Date: 01/05/2007
Nameri
Hooded Oriole
This widespread resident of broadleaved forests has a very melodious call
Date: 12/24/2006
Gorumara
Asian Openbill
A common site among water-logged fields where it would be hunting for snails
Date: 04/29/2007
Mysore
SouthernHill Myna
An excellent mimic which unfortunately led it to be a populat cage bird
Date: 02/27/2008
Thattekad
ScalyBreasted Munia
Once a very popular cage bird like other munias, is the most commonly seen. Quite often in midst of habitation. Here's a juvenile waiting for its next feed
Date: 10/05/2008
Kanakpura
ScalyBreasted Munia
Once a very popular cage bird like other munias, is the most commonly seen. Quite often in midst of habitation
Date: 10/05/2008
Kanakpura
BlackHeaded Munia
This seed eater is generally found in small flocks among reed bed and cultivated areas
Date: 10/05/2008
Kanakpura
Blacknaped Monarch
Ths denizen of well wooded areas has come down for a sip at the stream
Date: 02/18/2007
Sinhagad
ChestnutTailed Minla
Numerous, fast and furious. Quite a handful to shoot
Date: 01/02/2007
Eaglenest
Orange Minivet
Orange, after the recent split from the Scarlet in the peninsula
Date: 08/16/2008
Munnar
Orange Minivet
Orange, after the recent split from the Scarlet in the peninsula
Date: 08/15/2008
Munnar
Common Merganser
Shot from a bobbing raft while looking for the Ibisbill, this distinctive bird just watched us pass by. Suprisingly there were no males along the whole stretch of the river
Date: 01/05/2007
Nameri
Plain Martin
This pair was looking for out for a nesting spot on the banks of the Yamuna
Date: 09/16/2006
Baghpat
White-throated LaughingThrush
The most visible of the laughingthrushes in the Himalayas
Date: 12/25/2007
Kakdagad
Striated Laughingthrush
This himalayan resident though seen and heard quite often is a very difficult customer to photograph
Date: 12/25/2007
Kakdagad
Streaked LaughingThrush
This Himalayan resident is one of the most commonly seen laughingthurshes
Date: 12/23/2007
Kakdagad
Spotted LaughingThrush
This large laughingthrush is a resident of the Himalayas. Its white spotting makes it unique among laughingthrushes seen in India
Date: 04/23/2008
Tiger Hill
Nilgiri LaughingThrush
Western ghat endemic, found in forest undergrowth in flocks
Date: 03/19/2007
Ooty
MalabarCrested Lark
Heavily streaked with a prominent crest, found in peninsular India
Date: 05/19/2007
Dattagiri hills
Crested Lark
Big bird with a big crest, widespread resident in North India in dry areas
Date: 12/20/2007
Sultanpur
Yellow-wattled Lapwing
Resident, with yellow wattles like a flowing moustache is found on dry open spaces
Date: 11/21/2007
Sultanpur
White-tailed Lapwing
Daintiest of the lapwings found in India is a winter visitor
Date: 11/15/2007
Sultanpur
Asian Koel
Widespread resident, commonly heard even in cities during summer. This is the female
Date: 11/26/2006
Nagarhole
Brahminy Kite
The Indian "Bald Eagle" usually found hunting over inland water bodies and coastal waters. The one featured here has just picked a fish from the sea
Date: 03/25/2007
Malpe
Black Shouldered Kite
Distinctive "B&W" red eyed raptor, hunts by hovering and then swooping on prey
Date: 11/24/2007
KG Wetlands
BlackEared Kite
"Pas de deux" mating ritual where the pair locks talons in mid-a
Date: 01/29/2006
Okhla Bird Park
Stork Billed Kingfisher
Widespread resident, characteristic bill usually found around running water
Date: 03/02/2008
Hebri
Pied Kingfisher
Smaller than crested, female here showing a single breast band as against the double bands of the male
Date: 11/26/2006
Nagarhole
Crested Kingfisher
Resident of fast flowing Himalayan rivers. Often seen flying just above the surface of the water
Date: 12/28/2006
Teasta
Common Kingfisher
This torquoise beauty is a widespread resident, found around fresh water and mangroves in winter
Date: 10/07/2007
Hebbal
Common Kestrel
Widespread winter visitor breeds in the Himalayas and western ghats
Date: 05/19/2007
Dattagiri hills
Eurasian Jay
Resident of the Himalayas characterised by black moustachial stripe and blue barring on wings
Date: 12/24/2007
Chopta
Ibisbill
Found in the shingle banks of himalayan rivers where this striking looking bird is surprisingly camoflaged
Date: 01/05/2007
Teasta
Oriental Pied Hornbill
Differentiated from the Malabar by its cylindrical casque with black tip and white on tail restricted to tips of outer tail feathers
Date: 12/24/2006
Gorumara
Malabar Grey Hornbill
Western ghat endemic, showing the orange yellow bill
Date: 05/20/2007
Bheemeshwari
Marsh Harrier
Widespread winter visitor, female here shows the cream on crown and leading edge of wings
Date: 03/17/2007
Okhla Bird Park
Marsh Harrier
Widespread winter visitor, female here shows the cream on crown and leading edge of wings
Date: 02/25/2007
Mysore outskirts
Black Headed Gull
Winter visitor, differentiated from brown-headed by 'mirrors' on the wings
Date: 01/29/2006
Okhla Bird Park
Little Grebe
Common sight around lakes and ponds in the country. Here is a juvenile chasing a morsel
Date: 11/25/2006
Mysore outskirts
Great Crested Grebe
Largest grebe seen in India found in lakes and inland waters
Date: 12/24/2006
Gajaldoba
BroadTailed Grassbird
This threatened western ghat endemic showing its tail after which it is named
Date: 08/16/2008
Munnar
BlackTailed Godwit
In its breeding plumage ready to make its flight back to its breeding grounds
Date: 04/06/2006
Noida
Srilankan Frogmouth
A bird seen to be believed. Here's a pair supremely confident of its camoflage
Date: 02/27/2008
Thattekad
Srilankan Frogmouth
A bird seen to be believed. Here's a female supremely confident of its camoflage
Date: 02/25/2008
Thattekad
Ultramarine Flycatcher
This eye-catching Flycatcher breeds in the Himalayas and is a widespread winter visitor
Date: 02/18/2007
Sinhagad
Tickell'sBlue Flycatcher
Widespread resident in India, commonly seen in parks, gardens near habitation
Date: 02/18/2007
Sinhagad
RedThroated Flycatcher
The female of winter visitor is seen here in a typical cocked tail stance
Date: 02/18/2007
Sinhagad
RedThroated Flycatcher
This winter visitor is seen here in a typical cocked tail stance
Date: 02/18/2007
Sinhagad
Nilgiri Flycatcher
This threatened western ghat endemic is an eyecatching indigo blue
Date: 03/18/2007
Ooty
Ferruginous Flycatcher
Summer visitor to the moist lowland forests of the Himalayas
Date: 04/27/2008
Yuksom
Red-necked Falcon
A threatened species, distinguished from all other falcons by its red crown and nape
Date: 09/03/2007
Bangalore Outskirts
Short-toed Snake Eagle
Distinctive large owl like head with fine banding on the underwing, seen in open and dry scrub
Date: 08/18/2007
Kanakpura
Rufous Bellied Eagle
This striking bird is a resident of the western ghats and the eastern hills
Date: 10/15/2007
Valparai
Rufous Bellied Eagle
This striking bird is a resident of the western ghats and the eastern hills
Date: 10/15/2007
Valparai
Pallas'sFish Eagle
Distinctive white head with dark tail and broad white sub-terminal band. Found near inland rivers and lakes
Date: 12/30/2006
Kaziranga
Pallas's Fish Eagle
Distinctive white head with dark tail and broad white sub-terminal band. Found near inland rivers and lakes
Date: 01/19/2007
Nameri
Indian Spotted Eagle
Smallish built Eagle with longer 'fingers' with pale upperwing coverts
Date: 09/11/2007
Kanakpura
Grey-headed Fish Eagle
Rufous brown breast and white tail distinguishing it from the Lesser
Date: 12/30/2006
Kaziranga
Crested Serpent Eagle
Most commonly seen Eagle, distinct "hooded" appearance
Date: 10/30/2007
Bharatpur
WhiteBellied Drongo
Only drongo with a clean white belly and an excellent mimic like all drongos
Date: 02/16/2008
BR Hills
GreaterRacketTailed Drongo
Has inward curving streamers and larger crest than the lesser
Date: 02/27/2008
BR Hills
Bronzed Drongo
A small drongo with distinctive blue sheen giving it its name
Date: 02/17/2008
BR Hills
Spotted Dove
Widespread resident found frequently near habitation and cultivation
Date: 11/04/2006
Noida
Pied Cuckoo, juvenile
Papeeha, the harbinger of rain. This juvenile seemed to have just come out of its nest but its foster parents didnt seem to around
Date: 09/03/2006
Tughlakabad Fort
CommonHawk Cuckoo
aka the brainfever bird because of its call. Can easily be confused for a Shikra
Date: 01/28/2007
Periyar
Sarus Crane
World's tallest flying bird, here in its song and dance sequence at the change of guard at the nest
Date: 03/26/2006
Sultanpur
Brown Crake
Distinguished from most of the other crakes by a lack of barring
Date: 05/06/2007
Mysore outskirts
Indian Courser
This pretty bird is a widespread resident of the Indian scrub and grasslands
Date: 12/20/2007
Sultanpur
Greater Coucal
A common site in our backyards finds mention even in Hindu mythology
Date: 11/24/2007
Sohna
Common Coot
A common site at our lakes is a resident as well as a winter visitor
Date: 11/25/2006
Mysore
White-eyed Buzzard
A widespread Indian resident. Adult has the distinguishing white eye
Date: 02/18/2007
Pune
Oriental HoneyBuzzard
A common sight in the Indian skies easily distinguished by its pigeon like head
Date: 11/25/2006
Delhi outskirts
Common1Buzzard
Resident in the Himalayas, widespread lower down in the winters.
Date: 02/07/2006
Noida
Barred Buttonquail
A widespread resident of the plains. A male seen here coming out in the late evening
Date: 12/20/2007
Sultanpur
Indian Bushlark
A resident of the plains of India usually found in scrub or farms
Date: 01/21/2008
Sultanpur
Red Headed Bunting
A winter visitor to parts of North India is seen here getting into non-breeding plumage
Date: 01/21/2008
Sultanpur
Red Headed Bullfinch, female
This attractive bird is a resident of the Himalayan Broadleaved forests, the female has a yellow head
Date: 12/24/2007
Kakdagad
Red Headed Bullfinch
This attractive bird is a resident of the Himalayan Broadleaved forests
Date: 12/24/2007
Kakdagad
Black crested Bulbul
This species retains the original name after species got split into five by Rasmussen
Date: 12/24/2006
Gorumara
Himalayan Bulbul
Gets its rakish looks from its distinct "hairstyle" which could have been the inspiration for Elvis
Date: 10/04/2006
Pangot
European BeeEater
The most colorful bee eater seen in India shows up only for a couple of weeks in South India while in passage
Date: 09/11/2007
Kanakpura
Chestnut-Headed BeeEater
This handsome bird is a resident of the hills of North, North-east, East and South India
Date: 03/19/2007
Ooty
BlueTailed BeeEater
Differs from the sometimes very similar Blue-cheeked where range overlaps among other things by the amount of blue on its cheeks and tail
Date: 05/06/2007
Mysore
Rusty Fronted Barwing
This resident of the Eastern Himalayas showing its wings after which the group is named
Date: 01/03/2007
Sesni
Yellow-Billed Babbler,
The whole group vociferously protesting the presence of a snake on a nearby tree
Date: 01/20/2007
Bangalore
Eurasian Eagle Owl
This big guy showed off its amazing wing span before settling on the rock
Date: 09/23/2006
TG Halli
Oriental Honey-Buzzard
This pigeon headed raptor after feasting on a beehive
Date: 11/25/2006
Mysore
Lesser White-fronted Goose
These Goose are very rare winter visitors to the Indian sub-continent
Date: 01/20/2008
Assan Barrage
Greater White-fronted Goose
These Goose are very rare winter visitors to the Indian sub-continent
Date: 01/20/2008
Assan Barrage
Lesser White-fronted Goose
These Goose are very rare winter visitors to the Indian sub-continent
Date: 01/20/2008
Assan Barrage
Greater White-fronted Goose
These goose are very rare winter visitors to the Indian sub-continent
Date: 01/20/2008
Assan Barrage
BarHeaded Goose
These large geese breed in Ladakh and winter in India
Date: 12/31/2006
Okhla Bird Park
Grey Francolin
Our most commonly seen partridge often very close to human settlement. But hunting obviously makes it very shy
Date: 11/21/2007
Bhindawas
Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler
In a spot of sunshine between its dash between two bushes
Date: 12/23/2007
Kakdagad
