Out of 8,600 Bird Species(about 30,000 if subspecies or geographical races are taken into account) the Indian subcontinent affords suitable living conditions for more than 2,400 Birds(Species and subspecies) of which over 300 are winter visitors. The winter visitors are chiefly from Arctic region to the North.

Though it is difficult to judge which is the largest Bird of India, Sarus Crane(stands the height of a man) and the Lammergeier(wingspan of more than 8 feet) are at the top. Amongst the small Birds is the Pale-billed Flowerpecker scarcely bigger than a normal Thumb. Male Indian Peafowl is the most colourful bird with its gracious colourful patterned wings. The list of most accomplished songster in the order of preference is Grey-winged Blackbird, Malabar Whistling Thrush and White-rumped Shama. The best talker is certainly the Hill Myna whose articulation of the human voice and speech is clear. Four rarest birds in India are the Himalayan Quail, Jerdon's Courser, Pink-headed Duck and Forest Owlet. Though these birds were declared extinct, Jerdon's Courser was rediscovered in 1986 after nearly 90 years of non-sighting and the Forest Owlet was rediscovered in 1997 after 113 years of non-sighting. Indian Birdwatchers hope that Pink-headed Duck and Himalayan Quail may also be rediscovered soon.

India's National Bird : Male Indian Peafowl

Karnataka's State Bird : Indian Roller

Click here to see the State Birds of other Indian States

 Information on Birds and India is compiled from The Book of Indian Birds by Dr.Salim Ali.

My experience in Photographing Birds says that it is slightly difficult to Photograph Birds in India than the other parts of the World as Birds here are bit shy in nature. They are not normally/easily attracted by Bird feeders and Nest boxes. Photographing Birds in Bird Sanctuaries is an easy alternative. A nominal Camera fee is charged in most of the Sanctuaries. A 100mm-300mm Zoom Lens is an ideal choice, but a 500mm Lens is most desirable. In most cases, the approach path will not be an easy way. Birds can be photographed at other nesting sites by using Hides(Blinds)/Machans. A pictorial fieldguide of Birdwatchers will be handy and essential most of the time. As all the Nature Photographers worldwide agree, Nature Photography, especially Bird Photography is 90% Study and 10% Photography. Like all branches of Nature Photography, Bird Photography needs utmost care and patience. To be in the right place at the right time is the main thing behind a successful Bird Photographer. The extent of study done by the great Indian Ornithologist, Dr.Salim Ali has made the life of many Photographers and Birdwatchers easy. He was a motivating personality for all the people interested in the avian friends of India.

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