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Common Kingfisher

Birds Around Me 0083 - Common Kingfisher छोटा किलकिला, राम चिरैया, शरीफन, निता मछराला (Alcedo atthis)

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In 2014, it was the first time I saw and photographed Common Kingfisher  छोटा किलकिला, राम चिरैया, शरीफन, निता मछराला  (Alcedo atthis)   in Jabalpur, India. It was an experience on its own. I was sitting with my dad by the side of a small lake literally in front of our home talking about rubbish being dumped in the water bodies all over Jabalpur. Once renowned for its water bodies, the only name of those remain postal addresses. I had my camera with me because my dad wanted me to click a photo of him with his friend. All of a sudden we saw a bird diving in, a colorful one. It was Common Kingfisher and it flew and perched literally 5 meters from me. And it wasn't just  the Common Kingfisher that we saw that day, but also a couple more  White-throated Kingfisher ( किलकिला ,  श्वेतकण्ठ   कौड़िल्ला ) / Halcyon Smyrnensis  and  Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) . Since then I have photographed these birds in RSPB Rye Meads, Stocker's Lake, and H...

Bird Stories - Difference between Black Kite (Milvus migrans) and the Red Kite (Milvus milvus)

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The Black Kite ( Milvus migrans ), known as काली चील in Hindi, and the Red Kite ( Milvus milvus ), or लाल चील , are two distinct species of raptors with some notable differences. Here's a guide to help amateur birders distinguish between them: Black Kite (Milvus migrans) - काली चील: https://birds.rekabira.in/2018/01/birds-around-me-0160-black-kite-milvus.html Black Kite काली चील (Milvus migrans) Sanjivini Nagar, Jabalpur 2022 Appearance : The Black Kite has predominantly dark brown plumage, with slightly paler underparts. It has a less forked tail compared to the Red Kite, and the tail is often square-tipped when closed. The head appears darker with no distinctive markings. Size : It measures about 48-60 cm in length, with a wingspan of 140-160 cm. Habitat : Black Kites are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of environments, including urban areas, forests, and wetlands. They are often seen soaring or gliding over open areas. Behavior : Known for their scavenging habits...

Knob-billed Duck (Sarkidiornis melanotos) नख्ता, नख़्वा - Birds Around Me 0232

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The Knob-billed Duck (Sarkidiornis melanotos), is a fascinating waterbird found in tropical and subtropical wetlands across Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, South Asia, and parts of Southeast Asia. It is one of the largest duck species, with males having a distinctive black knob on their bill. Both sexes display glossy blue-black upperparts with iridescent green and blue hues, while their underparts are white. Knob-billed Duck (Sarkidiornis melanotos) नख्ता, नख़्वा Padariya, Jabalpur, MP, India October 2023 Knob-billed Ducks are often found in wetlands, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. Look for them in open freshwater areas with plenty of vegetation. Early mornings and evenings are ideal for spotting them, as they are more active during these times. They are relatively shy birds and generally silent but may produce low croaks when disturbed.  They are often seen in pairs or small groups. Watch for their tree-perching behavior, which is unusual for ducks. They can be seen grazi...

White-browed Wagtail (Motacilla maderaspatensis) खंजन - Birds Around Me 0072

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The White-browed Wagtail (Motacilla maderaspatensis), also known as खंजन in Hindi, is a fascinating bird that amateur birders will enjoy observing. As the largest wagtail species, the White-browed Wagtail measures about 21 cm in length. Its striking black-and-white plumage features a prominent white eyebrow (supercilium) that runs from the bill to the back of its head. The wings display a bold white bar, while the underparts are entirely white. White-browed Wagtail (Motacilla maderaspatensis) खंजन  Devtal, Jabalpur, MP, India October 2023 True to its name, this bird constantly wags its tail. It is often found near water bodies, where it runs around or perches on rocks, rooftops, or wires. Known for being vocal, it produces a loud, clear whistle and a distinctive "psi-sit" call while in flight. This species resides near freshwater wetlands, rivers, and lakes and is a resident breeder in the Indian subcontinent. It has adapted well to urban environments and is frequently seen n...

Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius) मार्वा, छोटा टिटोड़ी - Birds Around Me 0233

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The Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius) or मार्वा ,छोटा टिटोड़ी is another delightful bird for amateur birders to observe. The Little Ringed Plover is a small bird, about 15 cm in length, with a distinctive black and white head pattern. It has a black forehead band, a black mask extending from the bill to the eyes, and a white ring around the neck. The back and wings are brown, and the underparts are white. Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius) मार्वा, छोटा टिटोड़ी Padariya, Jabalpur, MP, India October 2023 Found near freshwater wetlands, sandy riverbanks, and gravel pits. They prefer open areas with little vegetation.They are often seen running along the edges of water bodies, stopping abruptly to peck at the ground. They are also known for their characteristic "broken-wing" display to distract predators from their nests. Their call is a soft "pu-ee" sound, often heard when they are in flight. Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius) or मार्वा ,छोटा टिटोड़ी ar...

Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) थिरथीरा, काला थिरथीरा - Birds Around Me 0230

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The Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros), also known as थिरथीरा or काला थिरथीरा in Hindi, is an intriguing bird for amateur birders to observe. This small bird measures about 13-15 cm in length. Males have a distinctive black or dark grey plumage with a striking orange-red tail and a white patch on the wings. Females and juveniles are more subdued, with grey-brown plumage and a reddish tail. Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) थिरथीरा, काला थिरथीरा Padariya, Jabalpur, MP, India October 2023 Black Redstarts are known for their tail-flicking behavior. These birds can often be seen perching on low shrubs, rocks, or buildings. They have a habit of flicking their tail up and down while making short flights to catch insects. Black Redstarts produce a variety of calls, including a distinctive "tik-tik-tik" sound and a melodious song during the breeding season. They are found in a variety of habitats, including rocky areas, urban settings, and open countryside. They are often seen...

Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker (Dendrocopos mahrattensis) पीलताज कठफोड़वा, छोटा कठफोड़ा - Birds Around Me 0228

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  Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker (Dendrocopos mahrattensis) पीलताज कठफोड़वा, छोटा कठफोड़ा  Devtal, Jabalpur, MP, India October 2023 Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker (Dendrocopos mahrattensis) पीलताज कठफोड़वा, छोटा कठफोड़ा  Devtal, Jabalpur, MP, India October 2023 Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker (Dendrocopos mahrattensis) पीलताज कठफोड़वा, छोटा कठफोड़ा  Devtal, Jabalpur, MP, India October 2023 Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker (Dendrocopos mahrattensis) पीलताज कठफोड़वा, छोटा कठफोड़ा  Devtal, Jabalpur, MP, India October 2023 Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker (Dendrocopos mahrattensis) पीलताज कठफोड़वा, छोटा कठफोड़ा  Devtal, Jabalpur, MP, India October 2023 Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker (Dendrocopos mahrattensis) पीलताज कठफोड़वा, छोटा कठफोड़ा  Devtal, Jabalpur, MP, India October 2023 Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker (Dendrocopos mahrattensis) पीलताज कठफोड़वा, छोटा कठफोड़ा  Devtal, Jabalpur, MP, India October 2023

Jungle Myna (Acridotheres fuscus) जंगली मैना - Birds Around Me 0227

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The Jungle Myna (Acridotheres fuscus), or जंगली मैना in Hindi, is a lively and engaging bird for amateur birders to observe.  Jungle Mynas are known for their ability to mimic human speech and other sounds, making them fascinating subjects for observation.   The Jungle Myna (Acridotheres fuscus), or जंगली मैना is a  medium-sized bird measures about 23-26 cm in length. It has glossy black plumage with a bluish sheen, especially noticeable on the head and upperparts. The bright orange-yellow bill and eye-patch stand out against its dark feathers. A small tufted crest above the base of the bill and yellow legs add to its distinctive appearance. Contrary to its name, it is usually found in open areas such as farmland, fields, and parks. Jungle Myna (Acridotheres fuscus) जंगली मैना Devtal, Jabalpur, MP, India October 2023 Jungle Mynas are social birds often seen in small flocks. They are highly vocal and can mimic various sounds. Their calls are a series of varied notes, often...

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) कोवर, छोटा बज़ा, चमकीला बज़ा, मोर शेराती - Birds Around Me 0222

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  Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) कोवर, छोटा बज़ा, चमकीला बज़ा, मोर शेराती Padariya, Jabalpur, MP, India October 2023 Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) कोवर, छोटा बज़ा, चमकीला बज़ा, मोर शेराती Padariya, Jabalpur, MP, India October 2023 Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) कोवर, छोटा बज़ा, चमकीला बज़ा, मोर शेराती Padariya, Jabalpur, MP, India October 2023 Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) कोवर, छोटा बज़ा, चमकीला बज़ा, मोर शेराती Padariya, Jabalpur, MP, India October 2023 Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) कोवर, छोटा बज़ा, चमकीला बज़ा, मोर शेराती Padariya, Jabalpur, MP, India October 2023 Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) कोवर, छोटा बज़ा, चमकीला बज़ा, मोर शेराती Padariya, Jabalpur, MP, India October 2023

Oriental white-eye (बबूना) - Zosterops palpebrosus - Birds Around Me 0120

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  Oriental white-eye (बबूना) - Zosterops palpebrosus Devtal, Jabalpur, MP, India October 2023 Oriental white-eye (बबूना) - Zosterops palpebrosus Devtal, Jabalpur, MP, India October 2023 Oriental white-eye (बबूना) - Zosterops palpebrosus Devtal, Jabalpur, MP, India October 2023 Oriental white-eye (बबूना) - Zosterops palpebrosus Devtal, Jabalpur, MP, India April 2016 Oriental white-eye (बबूना) - Zosterops palpebrosus Devtal, Jabalpur, MP, India April 2016