Birds Around Me

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...

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 Jabalpur, January 2026 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 th...

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. Female Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) थिरथीरा, काला थिरथीरा Jabalpur, January 2026 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 o...

The Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker (Dendrocopos mahrattensis), known as **पीलताज कठफोड़वा** or **छोटा कठफोड़ा** in Hindi, is a delightful and energetic bird for amateur birders to observe. This small woodpecker, about 17-18 cm in length, is easily identified by its vibrant yellow forehead. It has a black-and-white striped back and white underparts. Males have a red crown or nape, which distinguishes them from females. The bill is chisel-like, perfect for tapping into tree bark for food. Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker (Dendrocopos mahrattensis) पीलताज कठफोड़वा, छोटा कठफोड़ा  Devtal, Jabalpur, MP, India October 2023 Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpeckers are active and agile. They are often seen climbing tree trunks or hanging from branches, tapping on the bark to locate insects. They also feed on fruits and seeds.  They make a repetitive "ki-ki-ki" sound, which helps locate them in dense foliage. The Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker (Dendrocopos mahrattensis / **पीलताज कठफोड़वा** or **छोटा ...