Birds Around Me

The Slaty-headed Parakeet is a medium-sized parrot native to the Himalayan ranges, stretching from Pakistan through India, Nepal, Bhutan, and into Arunachal Pradesh. Unlike most parakeets, it is the only psittacid species known to exhibit altitudinal migration—descending from high mountain forests to lower valleys during the colder months. This seasonal movement makes it a fascinating subject for birdwatchers and naturalists alike. Slaty-headed Parakeet (Psittacula himalayana) स्लेटी सिर वाला तोता, स्लेटी तोता Binsar, April 2017 True to its name, the bird’s head is a slate-grey shade with a bluish tint, contrasting beautifully against its predominantly green body feathers tinged with blue. A subtle maroon patch on the wing and a long, tapering tail add elegance to its form. Both males and females share similar plumage, though males often display a faint neck ring. Their bright colors allow them to blend seamlessly into the lush Himalayan woodlands. These parakeets thrive in subtropical...

The Plum-headed Parakeet, known in Hindi as तुतली तोता or गुलाबी सिर वाला तोता, is one of the most colorful and charming parakeets of the Indian subcontinent. Its vibrant plumage and cheerful calls make it a favorite among birdwatchers and a familiar sight in many parts of India.  Plum-headed Parakeet (Psittacula cyanocephala) तुतली तोता, गुलाबी सिर वाला तोता Jabalpur, April 2025   This medium-sized parakeet measures about 33 cm in length, including its long, tapering tail. The male is especially striking, with a plum-purple head, bright green body, red shoulder patch, and yellow-tipped tail. Females differ slightly, having a bluish-grey head instead of plum. Both sexes are elegant in flight, their colors flashing against the sky.   The Plum-headed Parakeet is widely distributed across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, inhabiting forests, wooded areas, farmlands, and gardens. It adapts well to human presence and is often seen in agricultural landscapes...

The Brown Hawk-Owl, also known as the Brown Boobook, is a fascinating nocturnal bird found across India and much of Asia. In Hindi, it is called भूरा बाज़ उल्लू, a name that reflects both its hawk-like appearance and its owl identity.   Brown Hawk-Owl or Brown Boobook (Ninox scutulata) भूरा बाज़ उल्लू  Jabalpur, December 2025 This medium-sized owl measures about 30–35 cm in length. Its plumage is predominantly brown, with streaked underparts and a solid brown back. The most striking feature is its pair of large, bright yellow eyes, which give it an intense gaze. Unlike many owls, it lacks prominent ear tufts, giving its head a rounded, hawk-like look.   The Brown Hawk-Owl is widely distributed across India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and extending eastward into China, Indonesia, and Japan. It prefers wooded areas, orchards, gardens, and forest edges, often roosting quietly in dense foliage during the day. At night, it becomes active, hunting from expo...

The Yellow-throated Sparrow, also known in Hindi as पीत-कंठ गौरैया, is a charming little bird that adds brightness to India’s avian diversity. Though often overlooked due to its resemblance to the common House Sparrow, this species has its own distinct identity and beauty.   Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) पीत-कंठ गौरैया Jabalpur, April 2025 The Yellow-throated Sparrow is a small, sparrow-like bird with grey-brown upperparts and pale underparts. The breeding male is easily recognized by its bright yellow throat patch, which gives the bird its Hindi name. Females and non-breeding males are duller, with less obvious yellow, but still carry the same sparrow-like charm.   This species is widely distributed across South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. It thrives in open woodlands, scrub, cultivated fields, and village outskirts, often seen near human habitation. Unlike the House Sparrow, which prefers urban areas, the Yellow-throated...

The Indian Scops Owl, locally known as उल्लू, छोटा उल्लू, or भूरा उल्लू, is one of the most familiar nocturnal birds across India. Despite its small size, this owl is a master of camouflage and an enchanting presence in forests, gardens, and even near villages.   Indian Scops Owl (Otus bakkamoena) उल्लू, छोटा उल्लू, भूरा उल्लू Jabalpur, April 2025 Measuring about 23–25 cm in length, the Indian Scops Owl is a compact bird with distinctive ear tufts, grey-brown plumage, and streaked underparts. Its large, dark eyes stand out against its mottled face, giving it a striking yet cryptic look. The plumage blends seamlessly with tree bark, making it difficult to spot during the day when it roosts quietly in hollows or dense foliage.   This owl is strictly nocturnal, becoming active after dusk. It feeds mainly on insects, small reptiles, and occasionally tiny mammals. Its call is a series of soft, frog-like hoots, often heard at night in wooded areas. During the day, it remai...

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 Sulphur-bellied Leaf-warbler is a member of the Phylloscopidae family, recognized by its brown-and-yellow plumage without a wingbar. Its most striking feature is the bright yellow eyebrow contrasting with a dull brownish-yellow throat, giving it a subtle but unique appearance. Unlike many other warblers, it often forages close to the ground, creeping along rocks, walls, or even tree trunks in a manner reminiscent of nuthatches. Sulphur-bellied Leaf-warbler (Phylloscopus griseolus) लद्दाखी फुद्की, सादी पिद्दी Jabalpur, December 2024 This species breeds in stony, bushy, semi-arid slopes across mountain ranges flanking the Tibetan Plateau. In India, it is particularly associated with Ladakh and other Himalayan regions, where its local names reflect its cultural presence. During winter, it migrates southwards, inhabiting rocky scrub and forest edges across the Indian peninsula. Like other leaf-warblers, the Sulphur-bellied gleans insects from small branches and leaves. However, it sho...

The Snakebird: Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster) पनवा, तिरंदाज, सर्पपक्षी  For amateur birders, few species are as intriguing as the snakebird, also known as the darter or anhinga. Its unusual hunting style, striking plumage, and snake-like silhouette make it a bird worth learning about and spotting in the wild.  Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster)  पनवा, तिरंदाज, सर्पपक्षी Jabalpur, December 2024 The snakebird’s long, slender neck and sharp, pointed bill are perfectly adapted for fishing. Unlike ducks or herons, it swims with its body submerged, leaving only its neck visible above the water. This gives it the appearance of a snake gliding across the surface—hence the name. When hunting, it spears fish underwater, then brings them above the surface, tossing and juggling them before swallowing headfirst. Watching this process is a highlight for any birder. Like cormorants, snakebirds have wettable feathers that allow them to dive easily but prevent them fro...

The Northern Plains Gray Langur ( Semnopithecus entellus ) लंगूर, हनुमान लंगूर, also known as the Hanuman Langur, is a species of primate found primarily in India and parts of Bangladesh. These langurs are known for their light-colored fur, darker shades on their back and limbs, and black faces, ears, hands, and feet. Key Facts Size & Weight: Males weigh between 16.9 kg (37 lb) and 19.5 kg (43 lb), while females range from 9.5 kg (21 lb) to 16.1 kg (35 lb). Their body length varies from 45.1 cm (17.8 in) to 78.4 cm (30.9 in), with tails extending 80.3 cm (31.6 in) to 111.8 cm (44.0 in). Habitat: They thrive in subtropical or tropical dry forests and shrublands, but are also commonly found in urban environments. Social Structure: They live in varied group formations, including single-male groups, multi-male groups, and all-male groups. Group sizes can exceed 100 individuals. Diet: Primarily fruits and leaves, they consume flowers, seeds, and bark. Behavior: They are diurnal, meaning...