Birds Around Me

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 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...

The Hume’s Warbler (Phylloscopus humei), often called Hume’s Leaf Warbler, is a delicate yet energetic bird that adds life to Himalayan forests and scrublands. Named after Allan Octavian Hume, a British civil servant and pioneering ornithologist in India, this species is a fitting tribute to his contributions to Indian ornithology.   Hume's Warbler (Phylloscopus humei) Jabalpur, December 2025 Measuring just 9–10 cm in length, Hume’s Warbler is olive‑green above and pale yellowish‑white below. It is marked by two pale wing bars and a faint eyebrow stripe (supercilium), which help distinguish it from other warblers such as the Yellow‑browed Warbler. Its compact build, dark bill and legs, and subtle crown stripe give it a “cooler” appearance compared to its close relatives.   This warbler breeds in the alpine shrubbery of Inner Asia and the Tibetan Plateau, nesting in high‑altitude regions during summer. In winter, it migrates south, with India being one of its primary ...

The Puff-throated Babbler, known in Hindi as झाड़ी फुतकी, is a charming little bird of India’s forests and scrublands. Its secretive nature and distinctive puffed throat display make it a fascinating member of the babbler family.   Puff-throated Babbler (Pellorneum ruficeps) झाड़ी फुतकी Jabalpur, April 2025 This small bird measures about 16–18 cm in length. It has warm brown upperparts, a chestnut crown, and a buff eyebrow stripe that gives it a gentle expression. The underparts are whitish with bold streaks, and the throat is pure white—often puffed out when calling, which gives the species its English name. Its plumage blends perfectly with leaf litter and undergrowth, making it hard to spot.   Puff-throated Babbler (Pellorneum ruficeps) झाड़ी फुतकी Jabalpur, April 2025 The Puff-throated Babbler is widely distributed across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Southeast Asia. In India, it is found in scrub, moist forests, bamboo thickets, and hilly regions, especi...