Birds Around Me

The Egyptian Vulture, locally known as सफेद गिद्ध or फराओ गिद्ध, is one of the most distinctive vultures found across India and much of southern Europe, Africa, and Asia.  This medium-sized vulture is easily recognized by its white body feathers, contrasting black flight feathers, and a bare yellow face. The bill is slender and slightly hooked, adapted for scavenging. Juveniles are darker brown, gradually turning pale as they mature.   Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) सफेद गिद्ध, फराओ गिद्ध Jabalpur, December 2024 Egyptian Vultures are renowned for their tool-using ability. They have been observed using stones to break open large eggs, such as those of ostriches—a rare example of tool use among birds. Primarily scavengers, they feed on carrion, scraps, and even human refuse, playing a vital role in cleaning the environment.   In India, the Egyptian Vulture is widespread, often seen near villages, towns, and open countryside. It prefers semi-arid regions,...

The White-browed Fantail Flycatcher is a lively and charming bird found across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Known for its restless movements and fan-shaped tail, it is a delight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.  White Browed Fantail Flycatcher (Rhipidura aureola) सफ़ेद नाचनी  Jabalpur, April 2025 This small flycatcher is easily recognized by its distinctive white eyebrow (supercilium) that meets on the forehead, giving it a striking facial expression. Its plumage is dark brown above with white spots on the wings, while the underparts are whitish. The tail, edged in white, is constantly fanned open and shut, earning the bird its name.   The White-browed Fantail is famous for its energetic and dance-like movements. It flicks its wings and fans its tail repeatedly while darting after insects. This restless activity has earned it local names such as नाचनी चिड़िया (dancing bird). It is an agile hunter, catching insects mid-air or gleaning them...

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) अबबिल, मल भिंगरी, पारस पिट्टा is a small bird with a long tail and a dark blue upper body. It is a common sight in many parts of the world. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) अबबिल, मल भिंगरी, पारस पिट्टा  are found in open areas, such as fields, meadows, and around farms and homes. They are also found near water, as they feed on insects that are found near lakes, ponds, and rivers. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) अबबिल, मल भिंगरी, पारस पिट्टा are easy to identify because of their distinctive appearance. They have a dark blue upper body and a pinkish-orange throat and forehead. Their underparts are a light buffy-orange color. They have a long, forked tail that is dark blue on top and buffy-orange on the bottom. Tips for amateur birders:   Look for Barn Swallows in open areas, such as fields, meadows, and woodlands.  Listen for their distinctive calls.  Watch for them flying in flocks.  Look for their mud nests under eaves or i...

Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) बड़ा डूमड़ा is the largest gull species in the world, known for its imposing size, powerful presence, and striking black and white plumage.  Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) बड़ा डूमड़ा are relatively easy to identify due to their large size and distinctive markings. Adults are characterized by their almost entirely black upperparts, including the back, wings, and tail, contrasting sharply with their pure white head, neck, and underparts. Their wings are broad and powerful, and their bill is large and yellow with a red spot near the tip. Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) बड़ा डूमड़ा RSPB Rainham Marshes, U.K. If you're an amateur birder hoping to spot a Great Black-backed Gull, here are some helpful tips:   Focus on coastal areas, especially rocky shores, sandy beaches, and estuaries.  Look for a large gull, noticeably bigger than other common gulls like Herring Gulls or Ring-billed Gulls.   Pay attention to th...

The Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) नर्ज़ी , नर्ज़ीनक, लाल शिकरा, लाल शिकारा is a small, slender falcon that is found in open country all over the world. It is one of the most common birds of prey in Europe, and it is also found in North America, Asia, Africa, and Australia.  The Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) नर्ज़ी, नर्ज़ीनक, लाल शिकरा, लाल शिकारा are relatively easy to identify, thanks to their distinctive appearance. They have a long, thin body and wings, and a short, rounded tail. The male Common Kestrel has a grey back and wings, with a rufous red breast and belly. The female Common Kestrel has a brown back and wings, with a streaked breast and belly. Both sexes have black markings on their faces, and they have yellow feet and a yellow cere (the fleshy area at the base of the bill).   The Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) नर्ज़ी, नर्ज़ीनक, लाल शिकरा, लाल शिकारा) are also known for their characteristic hovering behavior. They often hover in mid-air, scann...

  I used to hear them almost every other day, I have seen them flying past while walking or cycling in the fields around me but finally got photograph them on 29-Dec-2020. The location was recommended by a fellow birder, I walked for almost 3 hours and was heading back home when saw this beauty hovering nearby. It was a Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) छुटकन्ना उल्लू, छोटा कान घुबड, finally. One of the best moments of 2020 came towards the end of the year. Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) छुटकन्ना उल्लू, छोटा कान घुबड is a mainly diurnal owl, it is a sheer joy to watch it in flight - effortless and elegant. It is one of the most widespread owls in the world. They are open-field hunters and prey mainly on voles and small birds. In the UK their status is Amber, suggesting a declining population. Hindi Name of Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus): छुटकन्ना उल्लू, छोटा कान घुबड Ashutosh Jhureley @BirdsAroundMe https://birds.rekabira.in/p/this-is-list-of-birds-i-clicked-since.html Short-eared ...