Birds Around Me

The Red‑breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) is a striking diving duck of the northern hemisphere, admired for its slender build, spiky crest, and vivid breeding plumage. Measuring about 51–62 cm in length with a wingspan of 66–74 cm, it is slightly smaller than the Common Merganser but more delicate in appearance.   Female Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) Iceland, July 2025 In breeding season, males are unmistakable: they display a dark green head with a shaggy crest, a white collar, and a reddish‑brown breast that gives the species its name. Their sides are mottled gray, and the long, thin, serrated orange bill is perfectly adapted for catching fish. Females and non‑breeding males are more subdued, with gray bodies, rusty heads, and the same spiky crest.   Red‑breasted Mergansers breed across northern North America, Europe, and Asia, favoring freshwater lakes, rivers, and coastal wetlands. Nests are usually hidden among vegetation near water, where females ...

The Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) is the only puffin native to the Atlantic Ocean. Measuring 28–34 cm in length with a wingspan of 50–60 cm, it is instantly recognizable by its stocky build, black back, white belly, and most famously, its large triangular bill that glows orange and red during the breeding season. This colorful beak, combined with bright orange legs, has earned puffins nicknames such as “sea parrot” and “clown of the ocean.”   Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) Iceland, July 2025 Puffins breed in colonies across Iceland, Norway, the British Isles, Greenland, and eastern Canada, nesting in burrows or rocky crevices. They are expert divers, using their wings to “fly” underwater while hunting fish such as sand eels. Outside the breeding season, puffins spend months at sea, riding the waves of the North Atlantic.   Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) Iceland, July 2025 Culturally, puffins hold a special place in human imagination. In Iceland, wh...

The European Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria), known descriptively in Hindi as सुनहरी तीतरी, is a graceful wader that inhabits the open landscapes of Europe and parts of western Asia. Its name reflects the bird’s most striking feature—golden speckled plumage that glitters in sunlight, giving it a jewel‑like appearance against grassy moors and tundra.   European Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) सुनहरी तीतरी  Iceland, July 2025 Medium‑sized, measuring about 26–29 cm in length with a wingspan of 67–76 cm, the European Golden Plover has a compact body, short bill, and long wings. In breeding plumage, adults display a dazzling pattern: golden and black mottling on the back, with a bold black face, throat, and belly sharply bordered by white. Outside the breeding season, the plumage becomes more subdued, with softer browns and gold flecks that provide excellent camouflage.   European Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) सुनहरी तीतरी  Iceland, July 2025 This ...

The Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima) is a small but tough shorebird belonging to the sandpiper family Scolopacidae. Measuring about 20–22 cm in length, it has a compact, pot‑bellied build, a long slightly drooping bill, and bright orange legs. Its plumage is mostly gray‑brown with subtle purplish tones on the wing feathers, which give the species its name.   Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima) Iceland, July 2025 This bird is remarkable for its choice of habitat. Unlike most sandpipers that prefer sandy beaches or mudflats, the Purple Sandpiper specializes in rocky, wave‑battered coastlines. It can often be seen foraging among seaweed‑covered rocks, probing crevices for mussels, crustaceans, insects, and marine worms. Its ability to thrive in harsh, storm‑lashed environments has earned it a reputation as one of the most resilient shorebirds.   Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima) Iceland, July 2025 Breeding occurs in the Arctic and subarctic regions of Eurasia an...

The Spot‑billed Duck (Anas poecilorhyncha), known in Hindi as गुगरल or गर्मपाय, is one of the most familiar and widespread ducks across the Indian subcontinent. Medium‑sized and elegant, it measures about 55–63 cm in length, with a sturdy body, broad wings, and a distinctive bill marked by a bright yellow tip and characteristic black spots on either side—hence the name “spot‑billed.”   Indian Spot-billed duck (Anas poecilorhyncha) गुगरल, गर्मपाय Jabalpur, December 2025 Its plumage is predominantly mottled brown, providing excellent camouflage in wetlands. A striking white wing bar and green speculum (the iridescent patch on the wing) flash vividly in flight. Both sexes look alike, though males tend to be slightly larger. The bird’s upright stance and calm demeanor make it easy to recognize among mixed flocks of ducks.   India Spot-billed duck (Anas poecilorhyncha) गुगरल, गर्मपाय Spot‑billed Ducks inhabit lakes, ponds, rivers, marshes, and village tanks, often seen sw...

The Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea), known in Hindi as सुरखाब or लाल बतख, is one of the most striking waterfowl seen across India during winter. With its rich orange‑brown plumage, pale head, and contrasting black tail and flight feathers, it stands out vividly against the blue of lakes and rivers.   Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) सुरखाब, लाल बतख  Jabalpur, December 2025 This species is medium‑sized, measuring about 58–70 cm in length, with long legs and a strong bill. Males and females look alike, though males may show a faint black neck ring during the breeding season. In flight, the Ruddy Shelduck is unmistakable, displaying bold white wing patches bordered by black.   The bird breeds across Central Asia, Mongolia, and southeastern Europe, nesting in burrows, cliffs, or even abandoned buildings. In winter, large numbers migrate south to the Indian subcontinent, where they are found on rivers, reservoirs, and wetlands. In India, they are especially co...

The Indian Cuckooshrike (Coracina macei) is a striking yet understated bird belonging to the family Campephagidae, a group of insect‑eating passerines. Once considered part of the “Large Cuckooshrike” complex, this species is now recognized as distinct, with its range confined largely to the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka.   Indian Cuckooshrike (Coracina macei) Jabalpur, December 2025 Measuring about 23–25 cm in length, the Indian Cuckooshrike is medium‑sized, with a strong, slightly hooked bill adapted for catching insects. Its plumage is predominantly slaty grey, with paler underparts and darker wings. The bird’s appearance is subtle, lacking bright colors, which allows it to blend seamlessly into the forest canopy. Males and females are similar in plumage, though females may appear slightly duller.   Indian Cuckooshrike (Coracina macei) Jabalpur, December 2025 This species inhabits woodlands, groves, and forest edges, often seen singly or in pairs. It feeds mai...