Birds Around Me

  Jabalpur: Where Culture, Nature, and Vanishing Lakes Tell a Story Jabalpur, located in the heart of central India, is a city where culture, history, and nature intersect in remarkable ways. Often called the gateway to India’s greatest forests, it sits at the crossroads of five major national parks—Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Panna, and Satpura. For wildlife lovers, conservationists, and travellers seeking the raw beauty of India’s wilderness, Jabalpur is not just a stopover; it is the starting point of countless adventures. But beyond its strategic location, Jabalpur has always been a city shaped by water. Once known as the city of lakes , it boasted more than 150 lakes and ponds—urban wetlands that supported biodiversity, moderated the climate, and gave the city its unique charm. These water bodies were not just scenic spots; they were living ecosystems that sustained birds, fish, plants, and the communities around them. Today, only about 30 of those lakes survive. The disappeara...

The Lesser Whitethroat (Curruca curruca), known in Hindi as सफेद गला फीतपंखी or छोटी सफेदगला चिड़िया, is a small migratory warbler belonging to the family Sylviidae. Measuring about 12–14 cm in length, this bird is characterized by its greyish‑brown upperparts, a distinct white throat, and a dark facial mask that gives it a sharp, alert appearance. Unlike its close relative, the Common Whitethroat, it lacks the rusty wing patch, making identification easier for birdwatchers.   Lesser Whitethroat (Curruca curruca) सफेद गला फीतपंखी, छोटी सफेदगला चिड़िया Jabalpur, January 2026 The Lesser Whitethroat breeds across temperate Europe and western Asia, extending into the Palearctic region. It is a strongly migratory species, spending winters in Africa, Arabia, and the Indian subcontinent. In India, it is a familiar winter visitor, often seen flitting through scrublands, hedgerows, thorny bushes, and open woodlands.   This warbler is insectivorous, feeding on small insects,...

The River Lapwing, scientifically known as Vanellus duvaucelii and called नदी टिटहरी in Hindi, is a striking medium‑sized wader found across South and Southeast Asia. Measuring about 29–32 cm in length, it is instantly recognizable by its black crest, crown, face, and throat, contrasting beautifully with its grey‑white neck sides, brown back, and white rump. In flight, its bold black and white wing pattern makes it easy to identify.   River Lapwing (Vanellus duvaucelii) नदी टिटहरी Jabalpur, January 2026 True to its name, the River Lapwing prefers riverbanks, sandbars, and wetlands. It is widely distributed across northern and northeastern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Its reliance on undisturbed riverine habitats makes it vulnerable to human activity.   River Lapwing (Vanellus duvaucelii) नदी टिटहरी Jabalpur, January 2026 River Lapwings are ground‑nesting birds. They lay eggs in shallow scrapes on sand or gravel ba...

The Greenish Warbler (Phylloscopus trochiloides), locally called हरी किटकिट or हिरवी पिद्दी, is a delicate yet fascinating bird belonging to the leaf warbler family Phylloscopidae. Measuring around 10–11 cm in length, it is characterized by its greenish upperparts, pale underparts, and a distinct white eyebrow stripe that extends behind the eye. A pale wing bar is often visible, helping birdwatchers distinguish it from similar species such as the Green Warbler.   Greenish Warbler (Phylloscopus trochiloides) हरी किटकिट, हिरवी पिद्दी Jabalpur, December 2025 This species is strongly migratory, breeding in northeastern Europe, Siberia, and temperate Asia, before traveling south to spend winters in the Indian subcontinent. During migration, it can also appear as a vagrant in Western Europe, with regular sightings in Great Britain.   Greenish Warbler (Phylloscopus trochiloides) हरी किटकिट, हिरवी पिद्दी Jabalpur, December 2025 The Greenish Warbler inhabits deciduous and mi...

The Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) is one of the most majestic waterfowl of the Northern Hemisphere.  The term Whooper comes from the bird’s whooping call, often described as a deep, bugling or trumpet‑like sound.  Known for its elegance and powerful presence, this large swan measures up to 150 cm in length with a wingspan of nearly 2.5 meters, making it one of the largest flying birds.   Whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus)  हुंकारने वाला हंस Iceland, July 2025 Its plumage is entirely white, contrasting beautifully with its long neck and distinctive yellow‑and‑black bill. Unlike the Mute Swan, which has an orange bill and a characteristic knob, the Whooper Swan’s straight bill and clear yellow patch are reliable identification features.   The Whooper Swan breeds across the sub‑Arctic regions of Eurasia, nesting near lakes, rivers, and wetlands. During winter, it migrates south to more temperate areas, including parts of Europe, East Asia, and occasionally no...

The Long‑tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis), once known as the “Oldsquaw” in North America, is a striking and highly specialized sea duck of the northern hemisphere. It is instantly recognizable by the male’s elegant long tail feathers, which can extend up to 10 cm, giving the species its name.   Female Long‑tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) Iceland, July 2025 Measuring 44–54 cm in length with a wingspan of 65–83 cm, the Long‑tailed Duck is relatively small compared to other sea ducks. Its plumage is remarkable for its seasonal changes. Males in winter display crisp black‑and‑white patterns with elongated tail feathers, while in summer they adopt a darker, more muted appearance. Females are more subdued, with brownish tones and shorter tails, though they too undergo seasonal shifts.   This species breeds in the Arctic tundra and northern wetlands, nesting near freshwater lakes and ponds. After breeding, it migrates south to spend winters along coastal waters, bays, and e...

The Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope), known in Hindi by names such as पेसन, पटारी, फरिया, and छोटा लालसिर, is a graceful dabbling duck that visits India during the winter months. Belonging to the family Anatidae, it is a medium‑sized duck measuring about 45–50 cm in length with a wingspan of 75–86 cm.   Male Wigeon (Anas penelope) पेसन, पटारी, फरिया, छोटा लालसिर Male Wigeons are striking in appearance. They have a chestnut head with a distinctive yellowish crown, gray body, and white shoulder patches that flash in flight. Females are more subdued, mottled brown with a pale belly, blending well into wetland habitats. Both sexes are excellent swimmers and dabblers, feeding mainly on aquatic plants, grasses, and occasionally small invertebrates.   Female Wigeon (Anas penelope) पेसन, पटारी, फरिया, छोटा लालसिर Iceland, July 2025 In India, Wigeons are widespread winter migrants, arriving in large flocks to wetlands, lakes, marshes, and river backwaters. They are often seen ...