Woodpecker

Some of the common species of woodpeckers found in India are White-bellied Woodpecker, Heart-spotted Woodpecker, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Brown-fronted Woodpecker, Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker, Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker, Stripe-breasted Woodpecker, Yellow-crowned Woodpecker, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, Darjeeling Woodpecker and the Himalayan Woodpecker.

Vulture

The scavengers are found mainly in open country and near human habitation. The Egyptian Vulture and Red-headed Vulture are found in the northeast and central north. The Egyptian Vulture is known for its ability of killing and consuming fresh-water turtles.

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuaries

Founded 200 years ago the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is one of the oldest bird sanctuaries. The 30 hectare sanctuary plays host to breeding birds and migratory birds like cormorants, egrets, grey herons, open-billed storks, darter, spoonbills, white ibis, night herons, grebes, Garganey teals, shovellers, pintails, stilts, sandpipers and grey pelicans to name a few.

Ultramarine Flycatcher

Commonly found in the Himalayas and northeast India the Ultramarine Flycatcher is found in dark spaces and dense forests.

Teal

The commonly found Teal species in India are the Sunda Teal and the Baikal Teal. The Sunda or Grey Teal is mottled brown duck with white and green flashes on its wings, while the Baikal Teal has a striking green, yellow and black head-pattern. Both of the species are completely different in nature and are extensively found throughout India.

Sparrow

The tiny, seed-eating birds are commonly found in India. You could find them foraging on leftover food on your windowsill or arguing with their spouse over household chores. You are sure to get a glimpse of the Russet Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, Sind Sparrow, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, and the Rock Sparrow in India.

Stork

You can spot a stork nest on tall buildings and structures with ease. These migratory birds can be found all over India. Get a glimpse of the White Stork, Painted Stork, Black Stork, Black necked Stork, and Woolly headed Stork in various sanctuaries in India.

Siberian cranes

The rare and beautiful Siberian cranes that fly down 6400 kms to India after breeding in Siberia. The birds are the highly specialized compared to their cousins in terms of breeding habits and behaviour. They feed on the shoots and roots of aquatic plants. Many conservation programs and projects are deidcated solely to this gorgeous endangered bird.

Quail

Part of the pheasant family the small and plump quail is a delicacy in various parts of the world except India. The terrestrial beings feed on insects and tend to forage on the ground. You could spot the Blue-breasted Quail, Rain Quail and Japanese Quail in various parts of India.

Peacock

Rightly chosen as the national bird of India, the peacock is gentle and social in nature. The peacock’s display of its alluring train is an act to attract its mate during the breeding season.

Porbandar Bird Sanctury

Home to a variety of Wildfowls, Teals, Ibis, Curlews and a sizeable number of migratory birds the Porbandar Bird Sanctury is a ornithologist’s paradise.

Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary

Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu is noted for the vast flocks of migratory waterfowl, especially flamingos, which congregate here every winter. Spanning across 17.26 sq. kms. the vast marshes are covered with Teals, Curlews, Gulls, Terns, Plovers, Sandpipers, Shanks and Herons.

Oriole

The vibrant orange and black coloured Orioles is a part of the blackbird family. The insectivorous Oriole is mostly found in woodlands, river groves and tall shaded trees. In India you are sure to spot the Black-naped Oriole, Eurasian Golden-Oriole, Slender-billed Oriole, Maroon Oriole and the Black-hooded Oriole.

Raven

One of the most intelligent birds, the Raven is the largest member of the crow family. Noted for their calls, the black coloured Ravens are always confused for crows.

Lapwing

These magnificent wading birds breed on farmland, wet meadows and moors, which can be commonly found in various parts of India. They have a complex migratory pattern and are found extensively in India. The species found in India include the Grey-headed Lapwing, River Lapwing, Sociable Lapwing, Red-wattled Lapwing, White-tailed Lapwing, Yellow-wattled Lapwing and the Northern Lapwing.

Koel

These summer visitors are mostly found in wooded areas. The males are more attractive than the female and are shy in nature. The small and colorful Koel makes a loud ascending whistle due to which it can be easily spotted. The female Koel is known for laying its eggs in the nests of other bird species.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary in Kerala is the perfect place to get a glimpse of the migratory Siberian cranes. You could even spot large flocks of waterfowls, cuckoos, owls, egrets, herons, parrots, teals, larks, flycatchers and wood beetles to name a few.

Keoladeo Ghana National Park
Situated in Bharatour, Rajasthan, the Keoladeo Ghana National Park (a.k.a the Bharatpur National Park) is one of the most spectacular bird sanctuaries in India. The Siberian cranes fly half the globe to feed in the Keoladeo Ghana National Park during their migration period.

Jay

These scarce Himalayan beauties are found in open areas rather than dense forests. The two species commonly found in India are the Eurasian Jay and Black necked Jay. The Eurasian Jay is an expert mimic and thus hard to spot compared to the Black necked Jay.

Ibis

White ibises are commonly found in various parts of India. Its peculiar long, down-curved bill differentiates the white ibis from the ibis family. They tend to breed colonially in marshes, which are in abundance in various sanctuaries and national parks in India.

Great Hornbill

The Mohawk-adorning Great Hornbill is one of the most unique looking birds in the world. The monogamous birds are about 5 feet long and weigh around 6.5 pounds.

Himalayan monal

The multi-coloured Himalayan monal is an attractive pheasant hunted for its attractive feathers and crest, and is almost on the verge of extinction.

Emerald Dove

This iridescent green winged dove is a ground-feeding resident found in many parts of India. The shy bird could be rarely spotted or caught on film though its commonly found. Their beautiful coloration and pleasant call is the main attraction of these gorgeous birds.