* Babbler, Jungle [+] Scientific name: turdoides striatus Size: 25 cms. General: Dull earth-brown plumage, rufous brown tail, ashy below. Roam about in parties of six to ten birds usually always making a racket. Also often called the 'Seven sisters' for the same reason. Spends a lot of time on the ground or on low branches of plants looking for insects and fly off making squeaking sounds to higher branches of trees when they feel threatened. Very protective of each other and can gang up if any of the flock is in trouble. Range: All of India south of the Himalayan foothills. Diet: Mostly insects, also flower nectar and figs.
* Babbler, Yellow-Billed [+] Scientific name: turdoides affinis Size: 24 cms. General: Also called the White-headed Babbler. Similar in size and look to the Jungle Babbler except colour of the plumage. Have a creamy white crown and dull-brown above. Darker wings and has cross-barring along tail-centre, yellowish-buff below breast. Roam about in parties of six to ten birds usually always making a racket. Also often called the 'Seven sisters' for the same reason. Spends a lot of time on the ground or on low branches of plants looking for insects and fly off making squeaking sounds to higher branches of trees when they feel threatened. Very protective of each other and can gang up if any of the flock is in trouble. Range: Whole of southern peninsular India. Diet: Mostly insects, also flower nectar and figs.
* Barbet, White-cheeked [+] Scientific name: megalaima zeylanica Size: 23 cms. General: The White-cheeked Barbet is pretty hard to detect due to its plumage that acts as perfect camouflage. A strictly arboreal, solitary bird but sometimes also seen in pairs or small parties. A very strong flier. Diet consists mostly of fruits that it tears open with its powerful beak. Has a white cheek stripe with grass-green plumage above and white breast streaked brown. Range: Most of southern peninsular India. Diet: Mostly consists of fruits but also known to eat insects, small reptiles and flower nectar.
* Bee-eater, Blue-Tailed [+] Scientific name: merops philippinus Size: 30 cms. General: Known for their elongated central tail feathers. Greenish above with a faint blue wash on wings; bluish rump, tail diagnostic; yellow upper throat patch with chestnut throat, upper breast; slightly curved black beak, broad black stripe through eyes. Often found in small flocks and perched on power lines from where they launch short flights to branches of nearby trees. Have a peculiar flight pattern where there are a few quick series of wing-beats and then a stately glide. Range: Most of India excepting Rajastan. More details not known. Diet: Mostly winged insects.
* Bulbul, Red Whiskered [+] Scientific name: pycnonotus jocosus Size: 20 cms. General: The Red-Whiskered Bulbuls black prominent crest and red 'whiskers' behind its eyes are distinctive. White underbody with broken breast-collar and crimson-scarlet vent. They are friendly by nature and often seen in pairs or sometimes even in large parties. Red-whiskered Bulbul's often are seen in low bushes or on the ground looking for insects. Diet includes nectar and fruits also. Found in large stretches of South-West and North-East India. Brings joy to their surroundings with their sweet whistling notes. Sadly also considered as a popular cage-bird due to its tame and confiding nature. Range: From Garhwal east along the Himalayan foothills to about 1500m. Commonly found in south of the Satpura mountains in peninsular India. Diet: Mostly consists of insects, fruits and flower nectar.
* Coucal, Greater (Crow-Pheasant) [+] Scientific name: centropus sinensis Size: 50 cms. General: A biggish bird, the Greater Coucal is mainly a loner but often seen in pairs. A poor flier commonly seen in low bushes. Common to see them with snakes or large lizards in their beaks flying off looking for a good place to snack. Famous for their loud distinctive 'coop......... cooop' call. These birds are often only heard. Females are slightly bigger than males. Has glossy bluish-black plumage; chestnut wings; blackish long graduated tail; crimson eyes. Range: Most of India except for few areas of west Rajastan. Diet: Mostly consists of insects, lizards, frogs, eggs and small of other bird species, small snakes.
* Crow, House [+] Scientific name: corvus splendens Size: 43 cms. General: Black plumage; grey collar, upper back and breast; glossy black on forehead, crown and throat. Found mostly closer to human habitation and considered as commensal on man. Street-smart, swift, sociable and sinister, these birds are omnivorous and performs important scavenging services and are in part responsible for keeping our cities and towns clean. Range: Most of India except some remote regions of west Rajastan. Diet: Omnivorous.
* Crow, Jungle (Large-billed) [+] Scientific name: corvus macrorhynchos Size: 48 cms. General: Large beak and glossy plumage distinctive, the jungle crow is commoner in rural areas unlike the House Crow that is considered an urban bird. Also not considered as smart as the House Crow. Omnivorous birds found over most of India often seen in pairs or small groups. Its presence and loud cries often indicates the presence of carnivore kills. Range: Most of India except some regions of west Rajastan and Punjab. Diet: Omnivorous.
* Cuckoo, Chestnut-Winged [+] Scientific name: clamator coromandus Size: 47 cms. General: The Chestnut-winged Cuckoo is a breeding resident in the Himalayas and north-east India. It winters in Southern India and Sri Lanka. Otherwise very little is known of this bird. Diet: Insects and nectar.
* Drongo, Ashy [+] Scientific name: dicrurus leucophaeus Size: 30 cms. General: Like the Black Drongo in appearance except the plumage is greyish-black. Breeds in the Himalayas and a winter visitor to the peninsula. Vocal bird who flies in short sallies often dropping to the ground looking for prey. They have very deeply forked tails compared to other Drongos. Range: Breeding in the Himalayas and a winter visitor to the peninsula. Diet: Mostly insects and also sometimes flower nectar.
* Drongo, Black [+] Scientific name: dicrurus macrocercus Size: 32 cms. General: Seen over most of India. Vocal bird who flies in short sallies often dropping to the ground looking for prey. They have very deeply forked tails compared to other Drongos. Have a glossy black plumage. Range: Most of India except some regions of west Rajastan and Punjab. Diet: Mostly insects and also sometimes flower nectar.
* Drongo, Bronzed [+] Scientific name: dicrurus aeneus Size: 24 cms. General: The Bronzed Drongo is often mistaken for the Black Drongo that is slimmer and longer. The Bronzed Drongo has glossier plumage and a shorter tail that is shallowly forked. The Bronzed Drongos feathers on the head stand up giving a spiked look unlike the Black Drongo. Found often in groups flying wildly from one tree to another or one branch to another. Found in southern India and like most Drongos is aggressive and fearless and known to attack much larger birds if they are threatened. Range: Most of peninsular India. Diet: Mostly insects and also sometimes flower nectar.
* Drongo, Greater Racket-tailed [+] Scientific name: dicrurus paradiseus Size: 60 cms. General: Has a glossy blue-black plumage and a prominent crest that curves backwards. Named after its wire-like tail extensions. Seen alone or in pairs. Arboreal but not strictly so as it oftens decends to small bushes. A confirmed exhibitionist that noisily announces its presence often mimicing cats meows or the calls of other birds. A very bold and aggressive bird that is known to take on much larger birds. Range: Western and central India and north up to the Himalayan foothills and the whole eastern region. Diet: Mostly insects, also small lizards and flower nectar.
* Egret, Cattle [+] Scientific name: bubulcus ibis Size: 50 cms. General: These birds are often seen around cattle eating insects disturbed by the animals and hence the name. White in colour except in the breeding season when it grows buffy orange plumes on its head, neck and back. Has yellow bills and black feet. Range: Most of India. Diet: Insects, frogs, lizards and also refuse.
* Egret, Little [+] Scientific name: egretta garzetta Size: 65 cms. General: Slender and snow-white with black legs, yellow feet and black bill. In the breeding season it grows a nuchal crest of two long plumes and the feathers on the back and breast lengthen into ornamental filamentous feathers. Seen usually in small flocks feeding on the edge of river-banks. Sometimes wades into shallow water to stalk prey like the Herons. Range: Most of India. Diet: Aquatic insects, frogs, lizards, small fish, tadpoles, crustaceans.
* Flameback, Common [+] Scientific name: dinopium javanense Size: 28 cms. General: The males have a crimson crown and crest and are golden-olive above with a single white stripe on the side of face. Whitish-buff below and profusely spotted black on foreneck and speckled over rest of the underbody. The females have a white-spotted black crown and crest. Seen in pairs or small bands moving jerkily up tree stems looking for insects under the bark. Arboreal and loud in nature. Has a loud cry, grating screams and loud drumming sounds. Range: Garhwal to NE; parts of the Eastern Ghats, W Ghats, Kerala to Tapti river. Diet: Insects and nectar.
* Flameback, Black-rumped [+] Scientific name: dinopium benghalense Size: 30 cms. General: Also called the Lesser Golden-backed Woodpecker. Females can be distinguished by their spotted white on black crown and crimson crest. The males have a crimson crest and crown. These birds were named after their bright golden-yellow backs. Very noisy birds often seen in pairs and also frequently hunting in mixed parties. Frequently seen moving jerkily up tree stems looking under the bark for insects. Commonly found over most of India and often close to habitation. Not too shy of humans. Range: Garhwal to NE; parts of the Eastern Ghats, W Ghats, Kerala to Tapti river. Diet: Insects, centipedes, caterpillars, termites and figs and berries.
* Harrier, Eurasian Marsh [+] Scientific name: circus aeruginosus Size: 55 cms. General: Solitary bird sometimes seen in pairs. Males have dark brown plumage with dull rufous head. Females are choco-brown; buff on head and shoulders. Very like Pariah Kites but have rounded tails and not forked. Sails lazily over land looking for frogs or small birds and insects. Range: Winter visitor common all over India. Diet: Fish, frogs or small birds and insects.
* Heron, Indian Pond [+] Scientific name: ardeola grayii Size: 46 cms. General: The most common of the herons found in India. During the breeding season their heads and neck turn brown, chins and upper throat white, backs turn a rich maroon, breasts turn buff-brown and they grow a longish crest. Non-breeding colours are earthy-brown, streaked brown head and neck; grey-brown back and shoulders; with dull green legs; bill is bluish at the base, yellowish at the centre and black at the tip. Remains motionless in mud or up to ankles in water, or slowly stalks prey. Hunts alone but roosts in groups. Often seen in road-side ditches or tidal creeks and river-banks. Range: All over India. Diet: Insects, frogs, small fish, tadpoles, crustaceans.
* Koel, Asian [+] Scientific name: eudynamys scolopacea Size: 42 cms. General: The male with its black plumage and sinister crimson eyes is a common sight all over the country. Females are distinguished by their thickly spotted dark-brown and barred white plumage. Solitary or seen in pairs, arboreal and has a fast flight. Familiar call of kuoo..... kuooo..... heard all over the country. Gets noisy between March and June coinciding with the breeding of crows. Range: All over India but uncommon in drier areas. Diet: Fruits, insects, snails and eggs of smaller birds. o Male o Female * Kite, Brahminy [+] Scientific name: haliastur indus Size: 50 cms. General: White head and neck, upper back and brest; rest of the plumage is a rich, rusty-chestnut; brownish abdomen and has darker tips to flight feathers. Solitary or in small parties. Loves to scavenge around water. Range: Resident and local migrant; all India. Diet: Stranded fish, frogs, insects, lizards, smaller birds, small snakes and redents.
* Kite, Pariah [+] Scientific name: milvus migrans Size: 60 cms. General: Has dark-brown plumage with a forked tail. Faint streaks underbody. Commonly found and gregarious, not shy of man. Roosts communally. Capable of snatching food off yours hands if not attentive. Range: Resident all India. Diet: Omnivorous, poultry, rats, insects and even nestlings of small birds.
* Leafbird, Blue-winged [+] Scientific name: chloropsis cochinchinensis Size: 18 cms. General: This bird is very hard to detect in foliage due to its plumage. Food mostly consists of insects and flower-nectar. Noisy and so usually heard but not often seen. Makes various whistling and often harsh notes and is known to be very vocal. Seen alone or in pairs in leafy canopy; also often in mixed-hunting parties. Males have green plumage with blue in wings; yellow-green forehead; black from nostrils, base of eyes to lower throat; bright purple-blue moustachial stripes; dull yellow-green band around black throat. Females have pale blue-green mask and greenish-blue moustachial stripe. Range: Most of India except arid NW areas of Punjab, Rajastan, N ands W Gujarat. Diet: Insects, nectar and fruits. o Male o Female * Myna, Common [+] Scientific name: acridotheres tristis Size: 23 cms. General: A pretty confident bird, haughty and struts around as if it owns the place. Omnivorous; eats fruits, insects, nectar and scraps. Capable, if given a chance, of entering the house and eating off the dining table. Has a rich vinous-brown plumage; black head, neck, upper breast; yellow beak, legs and naked wattle around eyes. Has a large white spot on the feathers that can be seen in flight. Range: All of India. Diet: Omnivorous; eats fruits, insects, nectar and scraps.
* Oriole, Black-hooded [+] Scientific name: oriolus xanthornus Size: 25 cms. General: Bright golden-yellow plumage and black head. Black and yellow wings and tail and deep pink-red beaks. Arboreal and very energetic bird. Flits between trees and branches looking for grubs. Often seen in groups and occasionally with other bird species like the Drongo and Bulbul. A beautiful bird, especially when seen in flight. Range: Most of India. Diet: Eats fruits, insects, nectar.
* Oriole, Eurasian Golden [+] Scientific name: oriolus oriolus Size: 25 cms. General: Males have a bright golden-yellow plumage; b;lack stripe through the eyes; black wings and centre of tail. Females have yellow-green tops; brownish-green wings; dirty-white below, streaked brown. Young ones look very like the females. Solitary birds or seen in pairs; arboreal, visits fruiting trees and hunts for insects in the foliage. Usually heard but in spite of the bright plumage not often seen. Range: Summer visitor to the Himalayan foothills. Spreads in winter to the plains and also breeds in peninsular India. Diet: Eats fruits, insects, nectar. o Male o Female * Owlet, Barred Jungle [+] Scientific name: glaucidium radiatum Size: 20 cms. General: The bark-coloured plumage and low profile makes them hard to detect. As their name suggests, they are not usually found near human habitation. They are partial to teak and mixed forests. They are generally crepuscular but sometimes active by day. This owl lacks ear-tufts. Darkish brown above, barred rufous and white; white moustachial stripe, centre of breas and abdomen; remainder of underbody barred dark rufous-brown and white. Range: Found over most of India except Rajastan, Punjab and the extreme NE states. Diet: Food consists of lizards, frogs, rodents, insects and small birds.
* Paradise-Flycatcher, Asian [+] Scientific name: terpsiphone paradisi Size: Male about 50 cms. including tail-streamers; female about 20 cms. General: Males have tail-streamers and blue-black head, crest and throat; black in wings; silvery white body. In rufous phase the white parts are replaced by rufous-chestnut. Females have no tail-streamers; have a shorter crest; rufous above; ashy-grey throat, nuchal collar; whitish below. Solitary or in pairs, makes short sallies, flits through trees. Strictly arboreal though sometimes decending to taller bushes. Range: Himalayan foothills to about 1800m; N India, south to Bharatpur, absent in broad belt across Gangetic plain; widely found in peninsular India. Diet: Food consists of insects, spiders. o Male o Female * Parrot, Vernal Hanging (Indian Lorikeet) [+] Scientific name: loriculous vernalis Size: 15 cms. General: The bark-coloured plumage and low profile mBright grass-green plumage; short square tail and bright crimson rump distinctive; small blue throat patch for males. Solitary or in pairs, but sometimes found in large flocks in fruiting trees. Chiefly arboreal; energetic and gymnastic, hanging upside down to feed. Also sleeps hanging upside down like bats. Occasionally seen with other birds in mixed aprties. Range: Himalaya east of Nepal; peninsular mountains, chiefly the E and W Ghats. Diet: Food consists of fruit pulp, seeds and nectar.
* Pigeon, Feral [+] Scientific name: columba livia domestica Size: 15 cms. General: Feral pigeons, also called city doves, city pigeons or street pigeons, are derived from domestic pigeons that have returned to the wild. Feral pigeons find the ledges of buildings a perfect substitute for sea cliffs, and have become adapted to life and are abundant in towns and cities all over the world. Range: Most of India and commonly in cities and towns. Diet: Food consists of grass seeds and berries and also discarded food.
* Robin, Oriental Magpie [+] Scientific name: copsychus saularis Size: 20 cms. General: Males are glossy blue-black and white; white wing patch and white in outer-tail distinctive; glossy blue-black throat, breast; white below. Females are rich slatey grey where males are blue-black. Commonly found in India and seen alone or in pairs or with other birds in mixed parties. Hops on the ground and often seen with its tail cocked. Active in the mornings or at dusk and is a remarkable songster. Range: Most of India except some arid regions of W Rajastan. Diet: Food consists of insects, berries and nectar. o Male o Female * Starling, Chestnut-tailed [+] Scientific name: sturnus erythropygius Size: 21 cms. General: Silvery-grey above with faint brownish wash; dull rufous till breast, brighter above; black and grey in wings. Sociable and noisy birds seen in groups. Mostly stick to the upper branches of taller trees incessantly quarrelling with each other while making metallic whistling calls. Roam about in groups foraging along with birds from other species like Orioles and Babblers. Mostly seen in the upper branches of trees. Range: SW India, Karnataka and Kerala and spreading north to Mumbai in winter. Diet: Nectar, fruits and insects.
* Sunbird, Loten's [+] Scientific name: nectarinia lotenia Size: 13 cms. General: Males have a metallic purplish-black above; dull-black wings, tail; iridescent green and purple throat and purple breast; crimson-maroon breast band and yellow feather-tufts on breast-sides diagnostic. Females have olive above; white tips to dark tail; pale yellow below; long curved beak diagnostic. Solitary or in pairs. They are important pollinating agents of many flowering trees. Range: Peninsular India, C Madhya Pradesh, S Bihar and Bengal. Diet: Nectar, spiders, insects. o Male o Female * Sunbird, Purple-rumped [+] Scientific name: nectarinia zeylonica Size: 10 cms. General: Males have deep chestnut-crimson backs; metallic green crown, shoulder-patch; metallic-purple rump (after which it is named) and throat; maroon collar below throat; yellow below Females are less colourful and have ashy-brown tops, with rufous in wings; whitish throat; yellow below. They usually roam in pairs and are very active. They have a sharp, pleasant twittering call. Range: Peninsular India, C Madhya Pradesh, S Bihar and Bengal. Diet: Nectar, spiders, insects. o Male o Female * Tailorbird, Common [+] Scientific name: orthotomus sutorius Size: 13 cms. General: They have olive-green plumage above; rust-red forecrown; buffy-white underbody; long pointed tail often held cocked. Central tail feathers stand about 5 cms. longer and pointed in breeding males. Hard to detect but for their loud tuweet tuweet cry. Often seen in gardens and not too shy of humans. Very active like most small birds and hop from one branch to another quickly. Range: All India. Diet: Nectar and insects.
* Thrush, Malabar Whistling [+] Scientific name: myophonus horsfieldii Size: 25 cms. General: It has a blue-black plumage with the blue more prominent on the wings and forehead where there is a arrow-like blue marking. It is a solitary bird that has a peculiar gait. Often seen in culverts and garbage dumps looking for grubs. This bird is a renowned vocalist having a beautiful, almost human, whistling call. No wonder it is often also called the "whistling schoolboy". It also has a rather harsh, high-pitched call. In winter folks are often woken up early in the mornings before day-break by this birds sweet whistling which is a pleasure to listen to.. Range: Hills of W India and parts of Satpuras. Diet: Insects, crustaceans, snails, frogs, berries.
* Treepie, Indian Rufous [+] Scientific name: dendrocitta vagabunda Size: 50 cms. General: Rufous above; sooty grey-brown head, neck; black, white and grey on wings; black-tipped grey tail long and graduated. Seen solitary or pairs and often in company of other birds. Often found feeding in low bushes and also on high branches. They are bold and noisy birds of the crow family. Range: Almost all India. Diet: Insects, lizards, small birds, eggs, fruit, nectar and kitchen scraps.
KERALA CALLING �� June 2004 37 international treaties, in operation, to safeguard the environment. With 76 threatened bird species, India finds itself ranked as the 7th in a global list, negatively. It is in this context that the book Birds of Kerala, a revised edition of ‘The Birds of Travancore and Cochin’ by Dr. Salim Ali, the renowned ornithologist, gains importance. Kerala, the heart of the Western Ghats - one of the 25 hotspots for biodiversity in the world - harbours 476 various species of birds, both resident and migratory. In this book, 427 species and races of the bird wealth of Kerala have been described and 425 birds are beautifully illustrated in colour, in 56 plates. The common name of the bird, its local names, scientific name, field characters, status and habitat, migration, distribution, general habits, breeding biology, nesting, nest, racial characters and relevant research details of each of the species described in the book will certainly help the bird watches, the serious researchers and the wildlife enthusiasts. 520 pages of description of birds of Kerala and 60 pages of the introductory passages on identification of birds and the history of ornithological studies in Kerala make the book interesting to the readers. The book is priced at Rs. 600/- per copy. Orders K.G. Mohanan Pillai With 76 threatened bird species, India finds itself ranked as the 7th in a global list, negatively. It is in this context that the book Birds of Kerala, a revised edition of ‘The Birds of Travancore and Cochin’ by Dr. Salim Ali, the renowned ornithologist, gains importance. can be placed with : Forestry Information Bureau, Kerala Forest Headquarters, Vazhuthacaud. Dr. Salim Ali, the birdman of India undertook explorative bird surveys in Travancore and Cochin areas, as early as 1933. The enlarged 2nd edition of the ‘Birds of Kerala’ was published in 1969 to cater to the insistent demand from bird watchers and the zoology students. A reprint of the book to commemorate the golden jubilee celebration of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was issued in 1984. The book also ran out of stock soon. Thereafter, the Kerala Forests & Wildlife Department initiated steps to update, revise and publish the book - the Birds of Kerala - during the centenary year of Dr. Salim Ali. The book is revised by Dr. R. Sugathan, one of the first batch research students of Dr. Salim Ali and a long time companion in his field work and is edited by Dr. J.C. Daniel, the veteran wildlife biologist of the country and the Hon. Secretary of the Bombay Natural History Society. The book is illustrated by the famous John Henry Dick. The project of the revision of the book has been undertaken by the Salim Ali Wild Wings Trust, Mumbai and the book is published by the Kerala Forests & Wildlife Department. Author is Technical Officer to the Chief Wildlife Warder & Dy. Director (Wildlife Education), Kerala . Around the world, the population of the birds are getting reduced due to an array of biotic and abiotic factos. “The State of the World’s Birds - 2004" released by Birdlife International, a partner of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. IUCN’s presents fresh evidence that unsustainable development policies being followed by many nations have increased the risk of extinction for a large number of birds. One in eight bird species, world wide, is threatened with extinction, making up a total of 1211 species of 12.4 per cent of all known birds. Of these, 179 species are in the red zone and could be lost for ever in the immediate future. The status of birds, assessed during the IUCN’ Red List Criteria is by far the most extensive study of any group of organisms over a 16- year period. The results indicate that the biodiversity is at great risk today despite the more than 500 Birds of Kerala Salim Ali, Third edition, Kerala Forests & Wildlife Department, Price: Rs. 600/- Bird’s View BOOKS
Predatory fishing and the heavy use of pesticides pose a big threat to bird migration from all over the world to the wet-lands of Kerala says the latest study on the structure and species composition of wetland birds in the Kole lands of Thrissur carried out by the Division of Wildlife Biology, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi Thrissur. ("Kole", refers to the peculiar type of cultivation carried out during December to May.)
Bird migration has effectively controlled insect pests and their droppings and brought about big improvement in soil fertility. Trans-continental species of birds migrating to Kerala number as many as 44. They include Masked Booby, White and Black Stork, Common and Blue-winged Teal, Pale, Pied and Western Marsh Harriers, Eurasian Sparrow Hawk, Mongolian Sand Plover Blacktailed Godwit, Terek, common and other species of Sand pipers, Yellow-legged, Brownheaded and Blackheaded Gull, Desert Wheatear, Citrineand Grey wagtail.
Kole wetlands spread over an area of 11,000 hectares in Thrissur and Malappuram districts extending from the northern banks of Chalakudi river to the southern banks of Bharathapuzha River in the North. Kole wetlands are an ideal habitat for migratory and resident birds especially for the winter visitors. The total number of birds counted during a one-year period in four intensive areas of Arimpur, Kanjany, Enamavu and Parappur varied widely from 8 to 4,993 in a month. The status of birds covered by the study ranged from aquatic feeders, insectivores, granivores, nectar and frugivores carnivores and omnivores and the count included both resident and migratory birds.
The study has recommended that the Kole lands of Thrissur should be declared a protected area and an effective implementation of such declaration would save the migratory birds from indiscriminate poaching. It says that fishing which is a daily activity carried out with the use of nets of very small size targeting even the tiniest fish effectively checks the foraging by wetland birds. The other major problem which may eventually lead to the ending of Kerala as a destination point for the winter migration of birds is the hunting of the birds with guns. The fire created by farmers during summer months is reported to have destroyed the nests of weaver birds, tailor birds and warblers.
Wetlands of Kerala are on the central Asian-Indian Flyway which requires protection with the highest priority. The method adopted for the total bird census was with the identification of representative blocks and a spotting scope was used for counting the birds.
The birds were identified by using physical features with the help of field guides and the books of Salim Ali and S.D. Ripley.
Mr. C. Sivaperuman and E.A. Jayson authored the present study.
* Babbler, Jungle [+] Scientific name: turdoides striatus
ReplyDeleteSize: 25 cms.
General: Dull earth-brown plumage, rufous brown tail, ashy below. Roam about in parties of six to ten birds usually always making a racket. Also often called the 'Seven sisters' for the same reason. Spends a lot of time on the ground or on low branches of plants looking for insects and fly off making squeaking sounds to higher branches of trees when they feel threatened. Very protective of each other and can gang up if any of the flock is in trouble.
Range: All of India south of the Himalayan foothills.
Diet: Mostly insects, also flower nectar and figs.
* Babbler, Yellow-Billed [+] Scientific name: turdoides affinis
Size: 24 cms.
General: Also called the White-headed Babbler. Similar in size and look to the Jungle Babbler except colour of the plumage. Have a creamy white crown and dull-brown above. Darker wings and has cross-barring along tail-centre, yellowish-buff below breast. Roam about in parties of six to ten birds usually always making a racket. Also often called the 'Seven sisters' for the same reason. Spends a lot of time on the ground or on low branches of plants looking for insects and fly off making squeaking sounds to higher branches of trees when they feel threatened. Very protective of each other and can gang up if any of the flock is in trouble.
Range: Whole of southern peninsular India.
Diet: Mostly insects, also flower nectar and figs.
* Barbet, White-cheeked [+] Scientific name: megalaima zeylanica
Size: 23 cms.
General: The White-cheeked Barbet is pretty hard to detect due to its plumage that acts as perfect camouflage. A strictly arboreal, solitary bird but sometimes also seen in pairs or small parties. A very strong flier. Diet consists mostly of fruits that it tears open with its powerful beak. Has a white cheek stripe with grass-green plumage above and white breast streaked brown.
Range: Most of southern peninsular India.
Diet: Mostly consists of fruits but also known to eat insects, small reptiles and flower nectar.
* Bee-eater, Blue-Tailed [+] Scientific name: merops philippinus
Size: 30 cms.
General: Known for their elongated central tail feathers. Greenish above with a faint blue wash on wings; bluish rump, tail diagnostic; yellow upper throat patch with chestnut throat, upper breast; slightly curved black beak, broad black stripe through eyes. Often found in small flocks and perched on power lines from where they launch short flights to branches of nearby trees. Have a peculiar flight pattern where there are a few quick series of wing-beats and then a stately glide.
Range: Most of India excepting Rajastan. More details not known.
Diet: Mostly winged insects.
* Bulbul, Red Whiskered [+] Scientific name: pycnonotus jocosus
Size: 20 cms.
General: The Red-Whiskered Bulbuls black prominent crest and red 'whiskers' behind its eyes are distinctive. White underbody with broken breast-collar and crimson-scarlet vent. They are friendly by nature and often seen in pairs or sometimes even in large parties. Red-whiskered Bulbul's often are seen in low bushes or on the ground looking for insects. Diet includes nectar and fruits also. Found in large stretches of South-West and North-East India. Brings joy to their surroundings with their sweet whistling notes. Sadly also considered as a popular cage-bird due to its tame and confiding nature.
Range: From Garhwal east along the Himalayan foothills to about 1500m. Commonly found in south of the Satpura mountains in peninsular India.
Diet: Mostly consists of insects, fruits and flower nectar.
* Coucal, Greater (Crow-Pheasant) [+] Scientific name: centropus sinensis
Size: 50 cms.
General: A biggish bird, the Greater Coucal is mainly a loner but often seen in pairs. A poor flier commonly seen in low bushes. Common to see them with snakes or large lizards in their beaks flying off looking for a good place to snack. Famous for their loud distinctive 'coop......... cooop' call. These birds are often only heard. Females are slightly bigger than males. Has glossy bluish-black plumage; chestnut wings; blackish long graduated tail; crimson eyes.
Range: Most of India except for few areas of west Rajastan.
Diet: Mostly consists of insects, lizards, frogs, eggs and small of other bird species, small snakes.
* Crow, House [+] Scientific name: corvus splendens
Size: 43 cms.
General: Black plumage; grey collar, upper back and breast; glossy black on forehead, crown and throat. Found mostly closer to human habitation and considered as commensal on man. Street-smart, swift, sociable and sinister, these birds are omnivorous and performs important scavenging services and are in part responsible for keeping our cities and towns clean.
Range: Most of India except some remote regions of west Rajastan.
Diet: Omnivorous.
* Crow, Jungle (Large-billed) [+] Scientific name: corvus macrorhynchos
Size: 48 cms.
General: Large beak and glossy plumage distinctive, the jungle crow is commoner in rural areas unlike the House Crow that is considered an urban bird. Also not considered as smart as the House Crow. Omnivorous birds found over most of India often seen in pairs or small groups. Its presence and loud cries often indicates the presence of carnivore kills.
Range: Most of India except some regions of west Rajastan and Punjab.
Diet: Omnivorous.
* Cuckoo, Chestnut-Winged [+] Scientific name: clamator coromandus
Size: 47 cms.
General: The Chestnut-winged Cuckoo is a breeding resident in the Himalayas and north-east India. It winters in Southern India and Sri Lanka. Otherwise very little is known of this bird.
Diet: Insects and nectar.
* Drongo, Ashy [+] Scientific name: dicrurus leucophaeus
Size: 30 cms.
General: Like the Black Drongo in appearance except the plumage is greyish-black. Breeds in the Himalayas and a winter visitor to the peninsula. Vocal bird who flies in short sallies often dropping to the ground looking for prey. They have very deeply forked tails compared to other Drongos.
Range: Breeding in the Himalayas and a winter visitor to the peninsula.
Diet: Mostly insects and also sometimes flower nectar.
* Drongo, Black [+] Scientific name: dicrurus macrocercus
Size: 32 cms.
General: Seen over most of India. Vocal bird who flies in short sallies often dropping to the ground looking for prey. They have very deeply forked tails compared to other Drongos. Have a glossy black plumage.
Range: Most of India except some regions of west Rajastan and Punjab.
Diet: Mostly insects and also sometimes flower nectar.
* Drongo, Bronzed [+] Scientific name: dicrurus aeneus
Size: 24 cms.
General: The Bronzed Drongo is often mistaken for the Black Drongo that is slimmer and longer. The Bronzed Drongo has glossier plumage and a shorter tail that is shallowly forked. The Bronzed Drongos feathers on the head stand up giving a spiked look unlike the Black Drongo. Found often in groups flying wildly from one tree to another or one branch to another. Found in southern India and like most Drongos is aggressive and fearless and known to attack much larger birds if they are threatened.
Range: Most of peninsular India.
Diet: Mostly insects and also sometimes flower nectar.
* Drongo, Greater Racket-tailed [+] Scientific name: dicrurus paradiseus
Size: 60 cms.
General: Has a glossy blue-black plumage and a prominent crest that curves backwards. Named after its wire-like tail extensions. Seen alone or in pairs. Arboreal but not strictly so as it oftens decends to small bushes. A confirmed exhibitionist that noisily announces its presence often mimicing cats meows or the calls of other birds. A very bold and aggressive bird that is known to take on much larger birds.
Range: Western and central India and north up to the Himalayan foothills and the whole eastern region.
Diet: Mostly insects, also small lizards and flower nectar.
* Egret, Cattle [+] Scientific name: bubulcus ibis
Size: 50 cms.
General: These birds are often seen around cattle eating insects disturbed by the animals and hence the name. White in colour except in the breeding season when it grows buffy orange plumes on its head, neck and back. Has yellow bills and black feet.
Range: Most of India.
Diet: Insects, frogs, lizards and also refuse.
* Egret, Little [+] Scientific name: egretta garzetta
Size: 65 cms.
General: Slender and snow-white with black legs, yellow feet and black bill. In the breeding season it grows a nuchal crest of two long plumes and the feathers on the back and breast lengthen into ornamental filamentous feathers. Seen usually in small flocks feeding on the edge of river-banks. Sometimes wades into shallow water to stalk prey like the Herons.
Range: Most of India.
Diet: Aquatic insects, frogs, lizards, small fish, tadpoles, crustaceans.
* Flameback, Common [+] Scientific name: dinopium javanense
Size: 28 cms.
General: The males have a crimson crown and crest and are golden-olive above with a single white stripe on the side of face. Whitish-buff below and profusely spotted black on foreneck and speckled over rest of the underbody. The females have a white-spotted black crown and crest. Seen in pairs or small bands moving jerkily up tree stems looking for insects under the bark. Arboreal and loud in nature. Has a loud cry, grating screams and loud drumming sounds.
Range: Garhwal to NE; parts of the Eastern Ghats, W Ghats, Kerala to Tapti river.
Diet: Insects and nectar.
* Flameback, Black-rumped [+] Scientific name: dinopium benghalense
Size: 30 cms.
General: Also called the Lesser Golden-backed Woodpecker. Females can be distinguished by their spotted white on black crown and crimson crest. The males have a crimson crest and crown. These birds were named after their bright golden-yellow backs. Very noisy birds often seen in pairs and also frequently hunting in mixed parties. Frequently seen moving jerkily up tree stems looking under the bark for insects. Commonly found over most of India and often close to habitation. Not too shy of humans.
Range: Garhwal to NE; parts of the Eastern Ghats, W Ghats, Kerala to Tapti river.
Diet: Insects, centipedes, caterpillars, termites and figs and berries.
* Harrier, Eurasian Marsh [+] Scientific name: circus aeruginosus
Size: 55 cms.
General: Solitary bird sometimes seen in pairs. Males have dark brown plumage with dull rufous head. Females are choco-brown; buff on head and shoulders. Very like Pariah Kites but have rounded tails and not forked. Sails lazily over land looking for frogs or small birds and insects.
Range: Winter visitor common all over India.
Diet: Fish, frogs or small birds and insects.
* Heron, Indian Pond [+] Scientific name: ardeola grayii
Size: 46 cms.
General: The most common of the herons found in India. During the breeding season their heads and neck turn brown, chins and upper throat white, backs turn a rich maroon, breasts turn buff-brown and they grow a longish crest. Non-breeding colours are earthy-brown, streaked brown head and neck; grey-brown back and shoulders; with dull green legs; bill is bluish at the base, yellowish at the centre and black at the tip. Remains motionless in mud or up to ankles in water, or slowly stalks prey. Hunts alone but roosts in groups. Often seen in road-side ditches or tidal creeks and river-banks.
Range: All over India.
Diet: Insects, frogs, small fish, tadpoles, crustaceans.
* Koel, Asian [+] Scientific name: eudynamys scolopacea
Size: 42 cms.
General: The male with its black plumage and sinister crimson eyes is a common sight all over the country. Females are distinguished by their thickly spotted dark-brown and barred white plumage. Solitary or seen in pairs, arboreal and has a fast flight. Familiar call of kuoo..... kuooo..... heard all over the country. Gets noisy between March and June coinciding with the breeding of crows.
Range: All over India but uncommon in drier areas.
Diet: Fruits, insects, snails and eggs of smaller birds.
o Male
o Female
* Kite, Brahminy [+] Scientific name: haliastur indus
Size: 50 cms.
General: White head and neck, upper back and brest; rest of the plumage is a rich, rusty-chestnut; brownish abdomen and has darker tips to flight feathers. Solitary or in small parties. Loves to scavenge around water.
Range: Resident and local migrant; all India.
Diet: Stranded fish, frogs, insects, lizards, smaller birds, small snakes and redents.
* Kite, Pariah [+] Scientific name: milvus migrans
Size: 60 cms.
General: Has dark-brown plumage with a forked tail. Faint streaks underbody. Commonly found and gregarious, not shy of man. Roosts communally. Capable of snatching food off yours hands if not attentive.
Range: Resident all India.
Diet: Omnivorous, poultry, rats, insects and even nestlings of small birds.
* Leafbird, Blue-winged [+] Scientific name: chloropsis cochinchinensis
Size: 18 cms.
General: This bird is very hard to detect in foliage due to its plumage. Food mostly consists of insects and flower-nectar. Noisy and so usually heard but not often seen. Makes various whistling and often harsh notes and is known to be very vocal. Seen alone or in pairs in leafy canopy; also often in mixed-hunting parties. Males have green plumage with blue in wings; yellow-green forehead; black from nostrils, base of eyes to lower throat; bright purple-blue moustachial stripes; dull yellow-green band around black throat. Females have pale blue-green mask and greenish-blue moustachial stripe.
Range: Most of India except arid NW areas of Punjab, Rajastan, N ands W Gujarat.
Diet: Insects, nectar and fruits.
o Male
o Female
* Myna, Common [+] Scientific name: acridotheres tristis
Size: 23 cms.
General: A pretty confident bird, haughty and struts around as if it owns the place. Omnivorous; eats fruits, insects, nectar and scraps. Capable, if given a chance, of entering the house and eating off the dining table. Has a rich vinous-brown plumage; black head, neck, upper breast; yellow beak, legs and naked wattle around eyes. Has a large white spot on the feathers that can be seen in flight.
Range: All of India.
Diet: Omnivorous; eats fruits, insects, nectar and scraps.
* Oriole, Black-hooded [+] Scientific name: oriolus xanthornus
Size: 25 cms.
General: Bright golden-yellow plumage and black head. Black and yellow wings and tail and deep pink-red beaks. Arboreal and very energetic bird. Flits between trees and branches looking for grubs. Often seen in groups and occasionally with other bird species like the Drongo and Bulbul. A beautiful bird, especially when seen in flight.
Range: Most of India.
Diet: Eats fruits, insects, nectar.
* Oriole, Eurasian Golden [+] Scientific name: oriolus oriolus
Size: 25 cms.
General: Males have a bright golden-yellow plumage; b;lack stripe through the eyes; black wings and centre of tail. Females have yellow-green tops; brownish-green wings; dirty-white below, streaked brown. Young ones look very like the females. Solitary birds or seen in pairs; arboreal, visits fruiting trees and hunts for insects in the foliage. Usually heard but in spite of the bright plumage not often seen.
Range: Summer visitor to the Himalayan foothills. Spreads in winter to the plains and also breeds in peninsular India.
Diet: Eats fruits, insects, nectar.
o Male
o Female
* Owlet, Barred Jungle [+] Scientific name: glaucidium radiatum
Size: 20 cms.
General: The bark-coloured plumage and low profile makes them hard to detect. As their name suggests, they are not usually found near human habitation. They are partial to teak and mixed forests. They are generally crepuscular but sometimes active by day. This owl lacks ear-tufts. Darkish brown above, barred rufous and white; white moustachial stripe, centre of breas and abdomen; remainder of underbody barred dark rufous-brown and white.
Range: Found over most of India except Rajastan, Punjab and the extreme NE states.
Diet: Food consists of lizards, frogs, rodents, insects and small birds.
* Paradise-Flycatcher, Asian [+] Scientific name: terpsiphone paradisi
Size: Male about 50 cms. including tail-streamers; female about 20 cms.
General: Males have tail-streamers and blue-black head, crest and throat; black in wings; silvery white body. In rufous phase the white parts are replaced by rufous-chestnut. Females have no tail-streamers; have a shorter crest; rufous above; ashy-grey throat, nuchal collar; whitish below. Solitary or in pairs, makes short sallies, flits through trees. Strictly arboreal though sometimes decending to taller bushes.
Range: Himalayan foothills to about 1800m; N India, south to Bharatpur, absent in broad belt across Gangetic plain; widely found in peninsular India.
Diet: Food consists of insects, spiders.
o Male
o Female
* Parrot, Vernal Hanging (Indian Lorikeet) [+] Scientific name: loriculous vernalis
Size: 15 cms.
General: The bark-coloured plumage and low profile mBright grass-green plumage; short square tail and bright crimson rump distinctive; small blue throat patch for males. Solitary or in pairs, but sometimes found in large flocks in fruiting trees. Chiefly arboreal; energetic and gymnastic, hanging upside down to feed. Also sleeps hanging upside down like bats. Occasionally seen with other birds in mixed aprties.
Range: Himalaya east of Nepal; peninsular mountains, chiefly the E and W Ghats.
Diet: Food consists of fruit pulp, seeds and nectar.
* Pigeon, Feral [+] Scientific name: columba livia domestica
Size: 15 cms.
General: Feral pigeons, also called city doves, city pigeons or street pigeons, are derived from domestic pigeons that have returned to the wild. Feral pigeons find the ledges of buildings a perfect substitute for sea cliffs, and have become adapted to life and are abundant in towns and cities all over the world.
Range: Most of India and commonly in cities and towns.
Diet: Food consists of grass seeds and berries and also discarded food.
* Robin, Oriental Magpie [+] Scientific name: copsychus saularis
Size: 20 cms.
General: Males are glossy blue-black and white; white wing patch and white in outer-tail distinctive; glossy blue-black throat, breast; white below. Females are rich slatey grey where males are blue-black. Commonly found in India and seen alone or in pairs or with other birds in mixed parties. Hops on the ground and often seen with its tail cocked. Active in the mornings or at dusk and is a remarkable songster.
Range: Most of India except some arid regions of W Rajastan.
Diet: Food consists of insects, berries and nectar.
o Male
o Female
* Starling, Chestnut-tailed [+] Scientific name: sturnus erythropygius
Size: 21 cms.
General: Silvery-grey above with faint brownish wash; dull rufous till breast, brighter above; black and grey in wings. Sociable and noisy birds seen in groups. Mostly stick to the upper branches of taller trees incessantly quarrelling with each other while making metallic whistling calls. Roam about in groups foraging along with birds from other species like Orioles and Babblers. Mostly seen in the upper branches of trees.
Range: SW India, Karnataka and Kerala and spreading north to Mumbai in winter.
Diet: Nectar, fruits and insects.
* Sunbird, Loten's [+] Scientific name: nectarinia lotenia
Size: 13 cms.
General: Males have a metallic purplish-black above; dull-black wings, tail; iridescent green and purple throat and purple breast; crimson-maroon breast band and yellow feather-tufts on breast-sides diagnostic. Females have olive above; white tips to dark tail; pale yellow below; long curved beak diagnostic. Solitary or in pairs. They are important pollinating agents of many flowering trees.
Range: Peninsular India, C Madhya Pradesh, S Bihar and Bengal.
Diet: Nectar, spiders, insects.
o Male
o Female
* Sunbird, Purple-rumped [+] Scientific name: nectarinia zeylonica
Size: 10 cms.
General: Males have deep chestnut-crimson backs; metallic green crown, shoulder-patch; metallic-purple rump (after which it is named) and throat; maroon collar below throat; yellow below Females are less colourful and have ashy-brown tops, with rufous in wings; whitish throat; yellow below. They usually roam in pairs and are very active. They have a sharp, pleasant twittering call.
Range: Peninsular India, C Madhya Pradesh, S Bihar and Bengal.
Diet: Nectar, spiders, insects.
o Male
o Female
* Tailorbird, Common [+] Scientific name: orthotomus sutorius
Size: 13 cms.
General: They have olive-green plumage above; rust-red forecrown; buffy-white underbody; long pointed tail often held cocked. Central tail feathers stand about 5 cms. longer and pointed in breeding males. Hard to detect but for their loud tuweet tuweet cry. Often seen in gardens and not too shy of humans. Very active like most small birds and hop from one branch to another quickly.
Range: All India.
Diet: Nectar and insects.
* Thrush, Malabar Whistling [+] Scientific name: myophonus horsfieldii
Size: 25 cms.
General: It has a blue-black plumage with the blue more prominent on the wings and forehead where there is a arrow-like blue marking. It is a solitary bird that has a peculiar gait. Often seen in culverts and garbage dumps looking for grubs. This bird is a renowned vocalist having a beautiful, almost human, whistling call. No wonder it is often also called the "whistling schoolboy". It also has a rather harsh, high-pitched call. In winter folks are often woken up early in the mornings before day-break by this birds sweet whistling which is a pleasure to listen to..
Range: Hills of W India and parts of Satpuras.
Diet: Insects, crustaceans, snails, frogs, berries.
* Treepie, Indian Rufous [+] Scientific name: dendrocitta vagabunda
Size: 50 cms.
General: Rufous above; sooty grey-brown head, neck; black, white and grey on wings; black-tipped grey tail long and graduated. Seen solitary or pairs and often in company of other birds. Often found feeding in low bushes and also on high branches. They are bold and noisy birds of the crow family.
Range: Almost all India.
Diet: Insects, lizards, small birds, eggs, fruit, nectar and kitchen scraps.
KERALA CALLING �� June 2004 37
ReplyDeleteinternational treaties, in operation, to
safeguard the environment. With 76
threatened bird species, India finds itself
ranked as the 7th in a global list, negatively.
It is in this context that the book Birds of
Kerala, a revised edition of ‘The Birds of
Travancore and Cochin’ by Dr. Salim Ali, the
renowned ornithologist, gains importance.
Kerala, the heart of the Western Ghats
- one of the 25 hotspots
for biodiversity in the
world - harbours 476
various species of birds,
both resident and
migratory. In this book,
427 species and races
of the bird wealth of
Kerala have been
described and 425 birds are beautifully
illustrated in colour, in 56 plates. The
common name of the bird, its local
names, scientific name, field
characters, status and habitat,
migration, distribution, general
habits, breeding biology,
nesting, nest, racial characters
and relevant research details of
each of the species described in the
book will certainly help the bird
watches, the serious researchers and the
wildlife enthusiasts. 520 pages of
description of birds of Kerala
and 60 pages of the
introductory passages on
identification of birds and the
history of ornithological
studies in Kerala make the book
interesting to the readers. The book
is priced at Rs. 600/- per copy. Orders
K.G. Mohanan Pillai
With 76 threatened bird species, India finds itself ranked as
the 7th in a global list, negatively. It is in this context that the
book Birds of Kerala, a revised edition of ‘The Birds of
Travancore and Cochin’ by Dr. Salim Ali, the renowned
ornithologist, gains importance.
can be placed with : Forestry Information
Bureau, Kerala Forest Headquarters,
Vazhuthacaud.
Dr. Salim Ali, the birdman of India
undertook explorative bird surveys in
Travancore and Cochin areas, as early as
1933. The enlarged 2nd edition of the
‘Birds of Kerala’ was published in 1969
to cater to the insistent demand from bird
watchers and the
zoology students. A
reprint of the book to
commemorate the
golden jubilee
celebration of the
Periyar Wildlife
Sanctuary was issued
in 1984. The book also
ran out of stock soon. Thereafter, the
Kerala Forests & Wildlife Department
initiated steps to update, revise and publish
the book - the Birds of Kerala - during
the centenary year of Dr. Salim Ali. The
book is revised by Dr. R. Sugathan, one
of the first batch research students of Dr.
Salim Ali and a long time companion in
his field work and is edited by Dr. J.C.
Daniel, the veteran wildlife biologist of
the country and the Hon. Secretary of the
Bombay Natural History Society. The
book is illustrated by the famous John
Henry Dick. The project of the revision
of the book has been undertaken by the
Salim Ali Wild Wings Trust, Mumbai and
the book is published by the Kerala Forests
& Wildlife Department.
Author is Technical Officer to the Chief Wildlife
Warder & Dy. Director (Wildlife Education), Kerala .
Around the world, the population of
the birds are getting reduced due to an
array of biotic and abiotic factos. “The
State of the World’s Birds - 2004" released
by Birdlife International, a partner of the
International Union for the Conservation
of Nature and Natural Resources. IUCN’s
presents fresh evidence that unsustainable
development policies being followed by
many nations have increased the risk of
extinction for a large number of birds.
One in eight bird species, world wide, is
threatened with extinction, making up a
total of 1211 species of 12.4 per cent of
all known birds. Of these, 179 species are
in the red zone and could be lost for ever
in the immediate future. The status of
birds, assessed during the IUCN’ Red List
Criteria is by far the most extensive study
of any group of organisms over a 16-
year period. The results indicate
that the biodiversity is at great risk
today despite the more than 500
Birds of Kerala
Salim Ali, Third edition, Kerala Forests & Wildlife Department, Price: Rs. 600/-
Bird’s View
BOOKS
Threat to bird migration in Kerala
ReplyDeleteBy C.V. Gopalakrishnan
(This article appeared in The Hindu - SEPT. 7)
Predatory fishing and the heavy use of pesticides pose a big threat to bird migration from all over the world to the wet-lands of Kerala says the latest study on the structure and species composition of wetland birds in the Kole lands of Thrissur carried out by the Division of Wildlife Biology, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi Thrissur. ("Kole", refers to the peculiar type of cultivation carried out during December to May.)
Bird migration has effectively controlled insect pests and their droppings and brought about big improvement in soil fertility. Trans-continental species of birds migrating to Kerala number as many as 44. They include Masked Booby, White and Black Stork, Common and Blue-winged Teal, Pale, Pied and Western Marsh Harriers, Eurasian Sparrow Hawk, Mongolian Sand Plover Blacktailed Godwit, Terek, common and other species of Sand pipers, Yellow-legged, Brownheaded and Blackheaded Gull, Desert Wheatear, Citrineand Grey wagtail.
Kole wetlands spread over an area of 11,000 hectares in Thrissur and Malappuram districts extending from the northern banks of Chalakudi river to the southern banks of Bharathapuzha River in the North. Kole wetlands are an ideal habitat for migratory and resident birds especially for the winter visitors. The total number of birds counted during a one-year period in four intensive areas of Arimpur, Kanjany, Enamavu and Parappur varied widely from 8 to 4,993 in a month. The status of birds covered by the study ranged from aquatic feeders, insectivores, granivores, nectar and frugivores carnivores and omnivores and the count included both resident and migratory birds.
The study has recommended that the Kole lands of Thrissur should be declared a protected area and an effective implementation of such declaration would save the migratory birds from indiscriminate poaching. It says that fishing which is a daily activity carried out with the use of nets of very small size targeting even the tiniest fish effectively checks the foraging by wetland birds. The other major problem which may eventually lead to the ending of Kerala as a destination point for the winter migration of birds is the hunting of the birds with guns. The fire created by farmers during summer months is reported to have destroyed the nests of weaver birds, tailor birds and warblers.
Wetlands of Kerala are on the central Asian-Indian Flyway which requires protection with the highest priority. The method adopted for the total bird census was with the identification of representative blocks and a spotting scope was used for counting the birds.
The birds were identified by using physical features with the help of field guides and the books of Salim Ali and S.D. Ripley.
Mr. C. Sivaperuman and E.A. Jayson authored the present study.
yellow bird with black head
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