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Introduction The Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher (Ficedula strophiata) is a small, active passerine native to the montane forests of the Himalayas and Southeast Asia. This bird possesses a hidden beauty from which it gets its scientific name “strophiata,” derived from the Ancient Greek word strophios, referring to a breastband or chest cord. Identification Male birds have olive-brown or slate-grey upperparts, a black face mask, a white supercilium and forehead, a prominent rufous-orange throat gorget (expandable in displays), white underparts, and a black tail with white outer bases. Females are comparatively duller, with a paler gorget, a less distinct white brow, and a slate-grey lower breast. ...

Introduction Hello Amazing Bird lovers, from today we are starting a new series on the flycatchers of India. In this series we are going to explore awesome fkycatcher species that can be found in India. I first learned about the Nilgiri flycatcher from a YouTube video, and honestly, I was instantly captivated by its glowing indigo-blue plumage. That quick glimpse was enough to make me determined to see this bird in real life. This happened in mid-2023, around the same time a friend of mine was staying in Bangalore. He happened to visit Munnar and shared a stunning photograph of this flycatcher, which only intensified my interest and made the urge to spot it even stronger. ...

Forest Wagtail is a unique wagtail species which is the only member of it’s genus Dendronanthus. It is a common sight in the forests of Odisha during winter. As per BOW this species is a winter migratory across India but a occassional breeder in North Assam. This bird forage in the ground,forest floor with covered area. It has a weird behaviour When disturbed usually flies to perch in tree, sways tail and rear body from side to side.It is also the only wagtail species that nests in trees. ...

My first endemic bird in the Andamans was the Andaman Coucal! On our very first day, as soon as we reached the hotel, we thought we’d go looking for it the next morning — but suddenly from the car window, I spotted one perched on a tree! It quickly hopped to the next tree and disappeared into the canopy 🌿. We stopped the car, hoping to get a better photograph, but it never came out of the foliage. Still, I managed a few headshots. ...

India is home to 11 stunning species of parakeets—green, long-tailed, seed-eating birds that brighten forests, farms, and even urban skies. These belong to the genus Psittacula, under the larger order Psittaciformes, which includes more than 350 species of parrots worldwide. The order is divided into three superfamilies: Psittacidae – the “true” parrots Cacatuidae – cockatoos Strigopoidae – New Zealand parrots Within India, Psittacula species show striking similarities—slender green bodies and long tails—but also fascinating differences. Some, like the plum-headed, blossom-headed, and slaty-headed parakeets, carry vivid head colors, while others such as the Indian ringneck, Malabar parakeet, and Alexandrine parakeet feature the iconic dark neck ring. ...

Barn owls are among the most widespread birds on Earth, found almost everywhere except Antarctica 🌍. In India, however, the one you often notice gliding silently over fields at dusk or perched in an old ruin 🏚️ is not just any barn owl—it’s a distinct subspecies, the Eastern Barn Owl (Tyto javanica stertens). 🌾 Meet the Indian Barn Owl If you’ve ever caught sight of a pale owl with a heart-shaped face ❤️ drifting low over farmland, you’ve likely encountered the Indian barn owl. This subspecies ranges across most of the Indian subcontinent and extends into Sri Lanka 🇮🇳🇱🇰. ...

Walk through the leafy streets of Kochi, Bengaluru, or even Mumbai, and you’ll likely hear a sharp, rhythmic “kutroo-kutroo” echoing through the trees. That’s the call of the White-cheeked Barbet (Psilopogon viridis)—a small green bird with a white cheek patch that has become one of the most familiar sounds of South India. 🔎 A Bird You Can’t Miss This barbet is hard to mistake once you know its signature look: ...

On this Happy Independence Day 🫡, I find myself reflecting an experience on sighting of two cuckoos , Jacobin Cuckoo and Chestnut-winged cuckoo. These cuckoos are member of clamator genus which I find most cool looking cuckoos in the wild, but India has only two of them. Below I put some details about them: Jacobin Cuckoo (Clamator jacobinus) — famous in Indian folklore as the harbinger of the monsoon, this black-and-white beauty carries a touch of drama in its plumage and a deep place in our culture. Early monsoon migrant to out eastern side of India and as well as resident in South India. Chestnut-winged Cuckoo (Clamator coromandel) — an equally stunning bird, adorned with rich chestnut wings and a crest that gives it an unmistakable elegance. This bird resident in north of our country and migrates to South India during the monsoon. What makes this story special for me is not just their beauty — but the fact that I spotted both species right from my own backyard. Watching them up close, listening to their calls, and observing their behavior was nothing short of magical. ...

On a monsoon day of August 2024, I went to a nearby place for birding. I was hoping to photograph a colourful prinia that can be found in my area, that is a Yellow-bellied prinia (prinia flaviventris). These prinias are generally very active during the monsoon for breeding. They used to sit in a tree and start singing for a long time. After reaching the destination, I first tried to hear their sounds as these songstars sing very loudly and have a distinct call which one can identify if one knows beforehand. Attaching a sound for better usage. ...

Purple Sunbirds (Cinnyris asiaticus) are common across India, except in the high Himalayas and some remote islands. They’re a familiar sight in gardens, parks, and open wooded areas — known for their rapid wingbeats, vibrant plumage, and important role as pollinators. We often see them flitting among the flowers in our locality. Watching these little nectar thieves up close is a truly rewarding experience. In the image above, you can see a male in breeding plumage, with its shimmering metallic blue and purple feathers glowing in the light — a signature feature of the species during the mating season. Also another fun fact is that these males have pectoral tuft which they showcase to attract the female. ...