Birds Around Me

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 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 ...

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...

The Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus) is a striking member of the thrush family, widely distributed across Europe, temperate Asia, and North Africa. Standing boldly upright with a length of about 27–28 cm and a wingspan of 45 cm, it is noticeably larger than the familiar Song Thrush or Blackbird. Its plumage is cold grey‑brown above, with a whitish throat and breast heavily marked by bold black spots. In flight, long wings and a tail edged with white make it easy to identify.   Mistle thrush (Turdus viscivorus) Hemel Hempstead, July 2025 This bird earns its name from its fondness for mistletoe berries, which it defends vigorously in winter. Mistle Thrushes are known for their territorial behavior, often guarding fruiting trees against other birds. Their diet, however, is varied, including insects, worms, and other berries.   One of the most remarkable features of the Mistle Thrush is its song. Delivered from high treetops, the fluty notes carry far and wide, even in ...