Birds Around Me

Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis) बड़ा किल्किला, बादामी कौड़िल्ला Jabalpur, M.P., India April 2025 The Stork-billed Kingfisher ( Pelargopsis capensis ), known as बड़ा किल्किला or बादामी कौड़िल्ला in Hindi, is a large and striking kingfisher found across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Unlike smaller kingfishers, this species prefers wooded areas near rivers, lakes, and coastal regions rather than diving into open water. Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis) बड़ा किल्किला, बादामी कौड़िल्ला Jabalpur, M.P., India April 2025 Key Features: Size: One of the largest kingfishers, measuring 35 cm (14 in) in length. Appearance: Olive-brown head with a buff-colored neck and underparts. Bright blue wings and tail, making it stand out in flight. Massive red bill, resembling a stork’s beak—hence the name! Behavior: Often perches quietly, scanning for prey. Hunts fish, frogs, crabs, and even small rodents or birds. Territorial, sometimes chasing away larger birds like eagl...

The Common Woodshrike ( Tephrodornis pondicerianus ), known as देसी लटोरा in Hindi, is a medium-sized passerine bird found across South and Southeast Asia. It belongs to the Vangidae family and is often spotted in dry forests and shrublands, where it actively hunts insects. Common Woodshrike (Tephrodornis pondicerianus) देसी लटोरा Jabalpur, M.P., India April 2025 Key Features: Size: About 15–20 cm in length. Appearance: Ashy brown upperparts, a black facial mask, a white rump, and a gray tail with white outer feathers. Beak: Strong and hooked, adapted for catching insects. Behavior: Often seen foraging in pairs, making quick, darting movements to catch prey. Call: A plaintive "weet-weet" followed by a series of piping "whi-whi-whi" notes. Habitat: Prefers dry forests, scrublands, and open woodlands. This bird is a great find for amateur birders, as it is active, vocal, and relatively easy to spot in its preferred habitats. If you're lucky, you might hear its dis...

Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher (Culicicapa ceylonensis) ज़र्द फुत्कि, नारायण पक्षी Jabalpur, M.P., India August 2024 The Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher (Culicicapa ceylonensis) ज़र्द फुत्कि, नारायण पक्षी is a small, lively bird found in tropical Asia. It has a distinctive grey head, a bright yellow belly, and olive-green upperparts. This species is often seen in forested habitats, where it actively forages for insects, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks.   Key Features: - Size: About 12–13 cm (4.7–5.1 in) long. - Appearance: A square-shaped crest, a grey hood, and yellow underparts. - Behavior: Frequently makes flycatcher-like sallies to catch insects and is quite vocal, producing a loud, squeaky whistled song. - Habitat: Found in wooded areas, including hills and forests across India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. - Breeding: Different subspecies exist, with variations in color and distribution. This bird is a delight for amateur bird watchers due to its active...

The Black Kite ( Milvus migrans ), known as काली चील in Hindi, and the Red Kite ( Milvus milvus ), or लाल चील , are two distinct species of raptors with some notable differences. Here's a guide to help amateur birders distinguish between them: Black Kite (Milvus migrans) - काली चील: https://birds.rekabira.in/2018/01/birds-around-me-0160-black-kite-milvus.html Black Kite काली चील (Milvus migrans) Sanjivini Nagar, Jabalpur 2022 Appearance : The Black Kite has predominantly dark brown plumage, with slightly paler underparts. It has a less forked tail compared to the Red Kite, and the tail is often square-tipped when closed. The head appears darker with no distinctive markings. Size : It measures about 48-60 cm in length, with a wingspan of 140-160 cm. Habitat : Black Kites are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of environments, including urban areas, forests, and wetlands. They are often seen soaring or gliding over open areas. Behavior : Known for their scavenging habits...