Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park

Artical courtesy Gurudeep Ramakrishna

Birding Conservation Matters

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Birds of the Nagarhole National Park

Darter & Cormorants
Darter Anhinga melanogaster Resident. Long thin neck and dagger like beak. Swims with only its neck out of the water. Looks like a snake while swimming and thus also called the snake bird. Very common in the backwaters. Usually seen singly or in twos in Nagarhole. They are individualist and do not hunt in cooperative groups. A special structure in the neck enables it to shoot out its large bill to impale fish. Feeds almost exclusively on fish. Breeds between N November and February in the south. 77 85-97cm 157
Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger Resident. Smallest of the cormorants found here. Has short bill and rectangular head and short neck. Found all over the backwaters. Feeds mainly on fish, supplementing it occasionally with tadpoles, frogs and crustaceans. 77 51cm 158
Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis Resident. Larger than Little. Oval shaped headed,longer,finer bill than Little. Found all over the backwaters. Seen in large in large flocks along with the Little Cormorant. They often hunt together. Feeds mainly on fish. Breeding depends on the monsoon and local water conditions usually November to February in the south. 77 63cm 159
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Resident. The largest of the cormorants. Adult breeding has white cheeks and throat and white thigh patch. Seen all over the backwaters.Usuaaly seen in ones and twos or small flocks of upto ten. Hunts fish by diving and pursuing them underwater. It feeds almost exclusively on fish. A gregarious breeder with the larger sites becoming traditonal,used year after year. 77 80-100cm 160

Egrets & Pond Herons
Little Egret Egretta garzetta Resident. Slim and graceful. Has yellow feet. Found in abundance in the backwaters. The most gregarious of the egrets can be seen in flocks on the waters edge. Still hunts or stalks prey in a heron like manner. Feeds on fish,frogs,crustaceans and water insects. Breeds between November and February in the south. 78 55-65cm 161
Western Reef Egret Egretta gularis Bill longer and stouter than Little. Also grey-blue in colour. Though it prefers coastal waters it has occasionally been seen in the backwaters. Usually solitary and sometimes in separated twos and threes. Feeds on fish , crabs,molluscs etc. 78 55-65cm 162
Great Egret Casmerodius albus Resident. Largest egret with long neck and large bill. Commonly found in the backwaters. Usually seen alone but never more than two or three separated individuals. Feeds on fish,frogs,crustaceans and water insects. Breeds between November and February in the south. 78 65-72cm 163
Intermediate Egret Mesophoyx intermedia Resident. Smaller than Great with shorter bill and neck. Black gape line does not extend beyond the eye. More social than the Great and can occasionally be seen in small flocks. 78 65-72cm 164
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Resident. Small, stocky, short yellow bill and short legs. Very commonly seen along with cattle hence its name. Feeds mainly on insects including blood-sucking flies, ticks and other parasitical insects. Also on grasshoppers ,beetles and earth-worms .Sometimes seen in large numbers in freshly ploughed fields gorging on insects in the freshly turned soil. Breeds in the south mainly between November and February. 78 48-53cm 165
Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii Resident. Streaked head and neck. White wings contrast with dark saddle during flight. Usually solitary while feeding or in small loose parties. It is a gregarious rooster and nests in colonies. Feeds on frogs, crustaceans and insects. Breeds in the south between November and Feburary.If undisturbed the same sites are used every year. 78 42-45cm 166
Large Herons
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Resident. Whitish head with black head plumes. Found among the vegetation along the backwaters.Usualy seen alone here. Hunts by standing motionless at the waters edge with head between the shoulders. Very often seen standing on the remnants of the petrified trees in the reservoir almost flush with the water level. Feeds on fish,Frogs,Molluscs,aquatic insects small rodents and occasionally on young birds. Breeding various usually November TO march IN SOUTH INDIA. 79 90-98cm 167
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Resident. Long thin neck. Underwing coverts are purplish. Slightly smaller than Grey. Solitary and shyer than the Grey and generally keeps to dense reed cover. Breeds in the south mainly between November to March. 79 78-90cm 168
Bittens & Night Herons
Little Heron Butorides striatus Small and short legged. Stocky in appearance. Adult has dark green upperparts and grayish underparts. Found in dense scrub along the backwaters. A solitary, shy and retiring bird that keeps to shady watercourses during the day. Feeds on fish,shrimps,frogs,crabs,water beetles etc. Breeds generally between March to September. 80 40-48cm 169
Black-Crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Resident. Adult has black crown that contrast with grayish body. Seen in large numbers roosting on vegetation partially submerged in water during the dry season. Spend the day in bushes near the water they start getting active at dusk and start flying out to feed. Feed mainly during the night on fish,frogs,aquatic insects, dragonfly larve etc.. Breeding varies generally between December to February in the south. 80 58-65cm 170
Cinnamon Bitten Ixobrychus cinnamomeus Occasionally seen along the backwaters. More common in paddyfeilds further north and west. Uniform cinnamon flight feathers and tail. Normally seen during daytime when flushed out of long grass. Seen more often flying from reedbed to reedbed during the breeding season or on overcast days. Feeds on fish,frogs,molluscs,insects etc.Breeds during the monsoon. 80 38cm 171

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Ibises & Eurasian Spoonbill
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Occasionally seen in the backwaters. Gregarious and can become quite tame and confiding. Feeds in marshes and shallow water. Feeds on molluscs,crustaceans,worms and insects,ocasionaly on tadpoles and small frogs. Sporadic breeder in colonies in mixed heronries. 81 55-65cm 172
Black-Headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus White coloured Ibis with characteristic downward curving bill. Black head. Found in good numbers along the backwaters.Gregarous birds seen in moderate to large flocks often with storks and spoonbills. Feeds on fish,frogs,mollouscs,insects ,worms and sometimes on vegetable matter like algae. Breeds during November to March in the south. Breeding varies with the intensity and duration of the monsoon. 81 75cm 173
Black Ibis Pseudibis papillosa Dark Ibis with red patch on rear crown. Can be seen roosting on trees in Karapura village. Less dependent on water , it prefers to forage on the dry margins of the river bank and in fallow agricultural fields. Feeds on frogs, small fish,earthworms,beatels and other insects and occasionally small snakes. 81 68cm 174
Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia Resident. White with distinctive spoon shaped bill. Found in good numbers along the backwaters. Keeps in small parties and flocks upto fifty or more, they are gregarious and sociable. Feeds actively during the mornings and evenings and is partly nocturnal. Feeds on small fish,tadpoles,frogs,molluscs,crustaceans,aquatic insects and some vegetation. Breeds generally between November and January in the south. 81 80-90cm 175

Pelicans
Spot-Billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis Ocasionaly seen in the backwaters of the Kabini. 82 140 cm 176

Storks
Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala Resident. Downcurved bill, black and white with pinkish markings on tail. Orange or red face.Commonly seen at the edge of the backwaters. Normally seen in pairs or small parties. However large congregations are common during the breeding season. Feeds mainly on fish and occasionally on reptiles,frogs,crustaceans and insects. Breeds between November and March in the south. 84 93-100cm 177
Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitians Resident. Smallest stork in India with a wide distribution. Not seen in large numbers in Nagarhole. Greyish white with an opening in the centre of its bill much like a nutcracker. Used in similar fashion to open mollusks which it likes to feed on. Feeds mainly on molluscs.Breeds between November and March in the south. 84 68cm 178
Wooly-Necked Stork Ciconia episcopus . Resident. Largely black stork with white wooly neck. Found commonly along the backwaters. Usually solitary, in pairs or small groups. Feeds in dry or marshy ground seldom wading into water. Feeds on frogs,reptiles,crabs,molluscs and large insects. Feeds only on those fish that have been stranded on dry ground. Breeds individually and not in colonies usually between December to March in the south. 84 75-92cm 179
Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus Resident. Found alone poking in the warm mud near waterholes looking for crabs on which it feeds. Not seen very often. Mostly seen near the Bisalwadi waterhole. Usually solitary and less of a scavenger than its larger cousin the Grater Adjutant. Feeds on fish,frogs,crustaceans and locusts. Not much known about breeding habits. 85 110-120cm 180

Grebe
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Small waterbird. Very often seen in freshwater ponds. Look for it in suitable habitat as you drive towards the park. Usually found in pairs or small scattered parties, it is an excellent diver and underwater swimmer. Feeds on fish,frogs,tadpoles,molluscs and aquatic insects. Breeding highly variable chiefly Dec. to Feb. in the south. 75 25-29cm 153

Kites & Osprey
Osprey Pandion haliatus Winter visitor. However a few individuals stay back during the monsoon and therefore can be seen throughout the year. Found perched on petrified trees in the Kabini backwaters. An expert fisherman 99% of it's diet is fish however they sometimes do take unusual items like shore birds, very ocassionaly land birds,frogs,molluscs( dropping conch shells and feeding on the flesh inside) snakes and lizards.Rare breeder with ocasional breeding happening in the Himalayas.Usually two to three eggs are laid. 59 55-58cm. 124
Black-Shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus Resident. Small size grey and white with black shoulders. Hovers in flight while looking for prey and can be commonly seen hovering over fallow agricultural fields.Prey consists of a variety of insects, lizards and rodents,small birds and ocasionaly small snakes and frogs.Breeding season very flexable in relation to the food supply to cover the whole year.Pairs may breed several times during the year raising succesive broods.With an average two to three young raised. Breeding may not happen in lean years. 59 31-35cm 125
Black Kite Milvus migrans The common kite found all over India in the cities.An omnivourous feeder it takes whatever it can get. In cities it feeds mostly on offal.Breds in south india from Sept. to April.Usually two eggs are laid. 59 55-68CM 126
Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus White head on chestnut body. Found all along the backwaters. The Garuda of Indian Mythology it is associated with Lord Vishnu.Scavenges and hunts.Takes both dead and live fish also frogs,lizards,small snakes,termites hawked on the wing, sickly birds and vulnerable fledglings of larks also observed.Nesting season varies locally usually between December and April.Usually nests in Nagarhole on top of tall trees. 59 48cm 127
Sea Eagles & Fish Eagles
White-Bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster. While it prefers coastal habitats it has been recorded in Kabini backwaters.Favoured prey are sea snakes,eels and fish.Diet supplimented with crabs and rats.Steals food from Ospreys wherever their ranges overlap. 60 66-71CM 128
Grey-Headed Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus Resident.Large bird.Grey head with largely white tail with broad black subterminal band. Can be seen perched on bamboo and trees along the backwaters. An expert fisherman.Preys almost exclusivly on fish ocasionaly supplementing the diet with birds while raising chicks.Breding season in the south mainly December to March. Two eggs usually laid. 60 69-74cm 129
Vultures
Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus Small vulture with long pointed wings and head. Adults dirty white with bare yellowish face. Found more often near habitation outside the park. Now extremely rare.Breding season streches from March to June. Two eggs usually laid and same nest reused after renovation. 61 60-70cm 130
White-Rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis Blackish with white rump and back. Once common in the park it suffers from a drastic reduction in its numbers. Occasionally seen on trees near tiger kills.Breeding season extends from September to June.A single large egg is laid. 61 75-85cm 131
Long-billed Vulture Gyps indicus Lighter in colour than the White-Rumped with a longer bill. Lacks the white rump of the former.Nesting from October to May.Only one egg is laid.Like all vultures suffers from a drastic reduction in numbers. 61 80-95cm 132
Red-Headed Vulture Sarcogyps calvus Adult has bare reddish head with white patches at base of neck and thighs. Can be seen singly or in pairs.Also suffers from drastic reduction in numbers.Nesting season streches from December to May.Only one egg laid and nest used repeatedly. 62 85cm 133
Eagles
Short-Toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus Resident. Easily recognizable in flight. Very pale on underbody and underwing. Found more often soaring with wings flat over cultivation outside the park.Food consists of medium sized snakes mainly keelkbacks and rat snakes. Ocasionaly known to take a cobra and saw-scaled viper. Supplemented by lizards,frogs and rats and disabled ground birds.Breeding variable between January and may.Only one egg is laid. 63 62-67cm 134
Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela Resident. The most commonly seen eagle in the park.Has distinct yellow cere and lores. Has a hooded appearance at rest. Extremly vocal and its call is easily recogonisable.Preys on snakes and hence its name.Supplemented with lizards,frogs, rodents and an ocasional bird.Lays only one egg and does not use the same nest again but nests in the same nesting area. 63 56-74cm 135
Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis A resident of the hills. Occasionally seen flying high in the sky. Yellow feet distinctly visible against black body.Not much know about breeding biology and ecology. Partial to to birds eggs and fledgings. 63 69-81cm 136
Harriers
Eurasian Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Winter visitor. Holds its wings in a noticeable V. Found in diverse plumages. Can be found along the Kabini backwaters. Large harrier.Preys on a wide range of prey including reptiles,frogs,fish,rodents,waterbirds and grassland birds.Breeds outside India. 64 48-58cm 137
Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus Winter visitor. Slim winged , fine bodied. Long legs and folded wings falling short of tail tip.Smaller than Eurasian Marsh.Prey included large insects , is better adapted to hunt open country passerine birds. Breeds outside India in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. 64 40-48cm 138
Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus Winter visitor.Told from Pallid by the fact that folded wings reach tail tips and shorter legs.Prey similar to Pallid's.Breds in Kazakistan and Russia. 64 43-47cm 139
Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus Rare winter visitor. Comparitivly broad winged and stocky. Female has broad white band across base of tail.Preys mainly on birds and rodents supplimented by lizards and large insects. 65 44-52cm 140
Accipiters
Shikra Accipiter badius Resident. Small sparrowhawk with pale blue-grey underparts with fine brownish-orange barring on underparts.Juvenile plain brown streaked underparts. Commonly found in the park.Preys on a variety of birds,lizards,insects,snakes and mammals it can overcome.Hunts mostly on the ground.Breeding season variable usually three to four eggs are laid. 66 30-36cm 141
Besra Accipiter virgatus Can be told from Shikra by darker underparts and strongly barred underwing. Not as commonly seen as the Shikra.Preys on small birds supplemented by lizards, insects and small mammals. Hunts on the wing and is capable of rapid ariel maneuvers. Breeds from March to June.Usually three eggs are laid. 67 29-36cm 142
Buzzards & Oriental Honey Buzzard.
Oriental Honey- Buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus Resident. Has long,broad tail and wings with narrow neck and small head giving it a pigeon headed appearance. The neck looks long while in flight.Has a small crest and very variable in plumage.Feeds on honeycombs but also,depending on avalability, on small rodents,insects,termites,lizards,frogs and young birds.Breeding varying from March to August. Two eggs usually laid. 68 57-60cm 143
White-Eyed Buzzard Butastur teesa Resident.Long slim wings with long tail. Eyes are white on adults .Adults also have white nape patch.Feeds on a variety of rodents,palm squirrels,small snakes,lizards,large insects,frogs,crabs.Breeding season streaches from January to June.New nests built each year and usually two to three eggs are laid. 68 43cm 144
Aquila Eagles
Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga Breeds in NW subcontinent and winters mainly in N subcontinent. Occasionally spotted flying high over the backwaters. Short broad wings , stocky head and short tail give it a stoutish appearance.Wigs angled down at caprals while gliding giving it a m appearance . Favours inland waters.A genralist feeder with a long list of prey.Lays usually one egg. Breeding season locally variable. 69 65-72cm 145

Eagles & Hawk Eagles
Bonelli's Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus Resident.Medium sized eagle with long , broad wings, protruding head and long square ended tail. Whitish patch on neck and back( visible in flight).Preys on a wide variety of birds including fast flying passerienes. Breeds from December to April. Same nests used over succesive seasons.Usualy two eggs are laid. 71 65-72cm 146
Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus Breeds in Baluchistan and in the Himalayas.Winter visitor to Nagarhole.Smallish Eagle with long wings.Always shows white shoulder patch.Preys on small sized birds,reptiles and mammals.Breeding season extends from March to July.Nest used succesivly each season. Two eggs are normally laid. 71 45-53cm 147
Changeable Hawk Eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus Resident. Very often seen. Has a distinctive call.Southern race has prominent crest.Found all over the park.Capable of taking fairly large mammals and birds, mostly subsists on small sized prey. Have been observed attacking peafowl in Nagarhole and two birds were seen preying succesfully on Malabar Giant Squirrel. Also observed on dead Striped-Necked Mongoose.Usually builds two nests close together. One used the other being an alternative for another year.Built upon and renovated each year thus increasing in size each year.One egg is laid. 71 61-72cm 148

Falcons
Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Resident of the mountains of Pakistan,Himalayas,Western Ghats and Sri Lanka.. It is a widespread winter visitor. Prefers open country and can be seen more often outside the park.Greyish head, rufous underparts heavily marked with black and grey tail with black band at its endBreeds in W Himalayas from late April to June. Severe winters can delay nesting.An average of four eggs are laid. Preys mainly on insects and rodents.Frogs,reptiles and small birds also taken. 72 32-35cm 149
Red-Necked Falcon Falco chicquera Resident.Adult has reddish crown and nape and hence its name. Powerful with pointed wings and longish tail. Prefers open areas and more often seen outside the park.Preys mainly on birds taking a wide variety of small open habitat species.Has a prolonged nesting season.Does not build it's own nests but takes over the disused nests of Shikras and crows.Three to four eggs are usually laid. 72 31-36cm 150
Merlin Falco columbarius Rare winter visitor. Short and compact with short pointed wings.Not much data on prey taken during the winter , mainly small open habitat birds.Breeds outside India. Three to four eggs are usually laid. 73 25-30cm 151
Peregrine Falcon. Falco peregrinus Resident and winter visitor. Heavy looking falcon, broad pointed wings with short broad based tail. Strong flight with stiff shallow beats , called the dive bomber because of its fast striking flight. F.p.peregrinator is resident and can be seen sitting on the petrified trees in the backwaters. F.p.calidus is a winter visitor. Preys chiefly on a wide variety of birds.Breds variably in Nagarhole between January and April.Secure nest sites are used over the years. Three to four eggs are usually laid. 74 38-48cm 152

Terns
River Tern Sterna aurantia Resident. Black cap and orange-yellow bill. Nests in large numbers on the islands created as the waters recede which brings them into conflict with elephants who are attracted to the same islands by the lush green grass. Feeds mainly on fish with crustaceans and aquatic insects also taken. Breeds generally between March to May. 55 38-46cm 121
Black-Bellied Tern Sterna acuticauda Smaller than the River Tern with black belly and orange bill. Look out for this bird among the River Terns. Keeps in large and small flocks flying up and down placid stretches of the river. Rests on the islands formed when the Kabini waters recede closely packed with all birds facing the wind. Feeds mainly on fish supplemented with insects and crustaceans. Breed in large colonies like the River Tern usually between February to April. 57 33cm 122
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus Smallest of the terns found here. Breeds in Kashmir and Assam. Winter visitor to these parts. Gregarious. Usually seen in small flocks flying back and forth slowly beating their wings about ten to twenty feet above the water , occasionally over cultivated feilds,looking down for food. Feeds on insects-dragonflies and their larve,grasshoppers,water beetles,tadpoles,crabs and fish. 57 23-25cm 123
White - Winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus Winter visitor.Ocasionaly seen in the kabini backwaters. Different head patterns help distinguish it from the Whiskered Tern. 57 20 - 23 cm

Whistling-Ducks
Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica Resident. Found in good numbers in the Kabini backwaters through the year. Both inside and outside the park in small parties and occasionally in fairly large flocks. It is mainly a nocturnal feeder. It is a good diver and walk well on marshy land. It is largely vegetarian, feeding on aquatic weeds and tender shoots also occasionally on small fish,frogs,snails and worms. 8 42cm 11
Misc. Waterfowl
Cotton Pygmy- Goose Nettapus coromandelianus Resident. Small distinctive waterfowl found in the Kabini backwaters. Has a strong and swift flight with rapid wing beats. Flies fairly low over the water with a lot of twisting and turning. It is mainly vegetarian but also takes crustacea,worms,insects and their larva. 9 30-37cm 12
Dabbling Ducks
Spot-Billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha Resident. Most commonly seen Duck in the backwaters both inside and outside the park. Usually seen in pairs, family parties or moderate sized flocks. It is mainly vegetarian but sometimes takes water insects,larve,worms and molluscs.Breeding season not strictly defined depending largely on water conditions. 10 58-63cm 13
Common Teal Anas crecca Winter visitor to Nagarhole. Seen along the Kabini backwaters during the winter months. Breeds in Europe and Asia from Iceland to China, Manchuria and Japan. It is almost totally vegetarian feeding on shoots, tubers and seeds of aquatic plants. 11 34-38cm 14
Garganey Anas querquedula Winter visitor to Nagarhole. Seen along the Kabini backwaters during the winter months. The earliest of the migratory ducks to arrive in Nagarhole and also probably the last to leave. It is mainly vegetarian with some animal matter also taken. 11 37-41cm 15
Northern Pintail Anas acuta Winter visitor to Nagarhole. Seen along the Kabini backwaters during the winter months. Breeds in the north of Europe, Asia and north America. Feeds mainly on vegetable matter and to a lesser extent on molluscs,worms,water insects and larve.Largely a nocturnal feeder. 11 51-56cm 16
Northern Shoveller Anas cylpeata Winter visitor to Nagarhole. Seen along the Kabini backwaters during the winter months. Breeds in Europe, Asia and North America. It arrives in India fairly late but is also among the last to depart. Usually keeps in small parties in association with Garganeys. Has a characteristic shovel bill. Feeds mainly on crustaceans,molluscs,water insects,larve,fish spawn,worms and some quantity of vegetable matter. 11 44-52cm 17

Snipes
Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura A winter visitor to Nagarhole.Slightly rounded wings, slow and direct flight. Found in marshy areas near the backwaters and waterholes, feeds in the mud by probing with its slender bill. Feeds mainly in the morning, evenings and throughout the night. Feeds mainly on worms,larve and tiny molluscs. 41 25-27CM 99
Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago A winter visitor that breeds in NW Himalayas. Has more pointed wings than the Pintail and faster and more erratic in flight. Also found in freshly harvested paddyfeilds.Prefers softer ground than the Pintail otherwise general habits similar. 41 25-27cm 100
Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus Winter visitor. Smaller than both the other snipes with short bill. Weaker and slower flight. Feeds mainly on worms, tiny molluscs,insects and their larve also seeds of marsh plants.Genral habits much like other snipes. 41 17-19cm 101
Tringa Sandpipers
Common Redshank Tringa totanus Winter visitor that breeds in NW Himalayas. Has orange-red legs and orange-red at the base of its bill. Found near the receding Kabini backwaters. Feeds on molluscs,crustaceans,worms,aquatic insects and larvae. Usually found on the muddy edges of the river, swims only on occasion. 43 27-29cm 102
Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis Winter visitor. Smaller than Common Greenshank with longer legs and finer bill. Yellowish legs. Breeds in SE Europe,C and S.Russia and across middle Asia. Feeds on small molluscs,crustaceans,insects and worms. Frequently wades into shallow water feeding with head and bill submerged. Rather silent. 43 22-25cm 103
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Winter visitor. Stocky with greenish legs and long and slightly up curved bill. Has a loud ringing tu-tu-tu flight call. Breeds in N.Europe south to Leningrad,Kazan and across N.Asia to Kamchatka.Feeds on molluscs,crustaceans,insects,worms,and tadploes.Mostly seen alone or in small parties. 43 30-34cm 104
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Winter visitor.Supercilium indistinct behind eyes.. In flight the underwings are very dark. General habits typical of sandpipers however less gregarious than most species. Feeds on molluscs,crustaceans,aquatic insecta,worms and mosquito larvae. 43 21-24cm 105
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Winter visitor. Yellowish legs with prominent supercilium and heavily spotted underparts.Slightly smaller than the Green Sandpiper.More gregarous than most sandpipers,also seen solitary. Feeds on tiny molluscs,crustaceans,insects,worms and small fish.Breeds in N.Europe and N.Asia east to the Amur River. 43 18-21cm 106
Misc.Waders
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Winter visitor that breeds in the Himalayas.Smallest of the Sandpipers found here. Has a horizontal stance and a constant bobbing action that helps in identification.Usually found singly or in scattered two and threes. Feeds on tiny mollucs,crustaceans and insects. 44 19-21cm 107
Black-Winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Slender in appearance with long pinkish legs. Black upperwings and legs extend long way behind the body while in flight.Gregarous in small parties or fair sized flocks. Its long stilt like legs enable it to tap food supplies normally out of reach of most other waders. Feeds on molluscs,worms,aquatic insects and seeds of sedges and marsh plants. Breeds mainly between April and August. 48 35-40cm 108
Stints
Little Stint Calidris minuta Tiny bird. A winter visitor to Nagarhole where it winters in small numbers, prefers the coasts.Found near the backwaters, prefers marshy ground and paddyfeilds.Smallest wader only slightly larger than the House Sparrow. Feeds on tiny molluscs,crustaceans,insects,worms and occasionally on seeds of marsh plants. Breeds in the Artic Tundra. 45 13-15cm 109
Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii Winter visitor. More elongated than Little with horizontal stance. Shows white sides to tail during flight. More inland species than the Little.General habits much like the Little. 45 13-15cm 110
Coursers & Thick-Knees
Greater Painted- Snipe Rostratula benghalensis Resident. Rail like wader uncommonly found near marshy areas. Largely crepuscular, much more active in the early moening,evenings and during the night. Feeds on molluscs,crustaceans,insects,worms and vegetable matter. The female is polyandrous and the dominant sex partner. Fighting for the possession of successive husbands with rival females and then leaving them to incubate and raise the young. Lays several clutches during the season. 47 25 cm 111
Eurasian Thick-Knee Burhinus oedicnemus Resident. Sandy brown in colour. Prefers open dry forest and fields and is occasionally sighted in the degraded habitat along the edges of the park late in the evenings.Terristrial,cursorial,largely crepuscular and nocturnal. Feeds on insects,worms,slugs,small reptiles. Swallows some grit along with its food. Breeds February to March ,nests on the ground usually a shallow unlined scrape on stony ground. Normally two eggs laid. 47 40-44cm 112
Great Thick-Knee Esacus recurvirostris Resident. Upturned black and yellow bill with white forehead and spectacles. Largely crepuscular and nocturnal but not so shade loving. Spends the day drowsing in the full glare of the sun. Feeds mainly on crabs and also frogs,molluscs,insects. Breeds from February to June. Nests on the ground, nest a shallow scrape on an exposed sandbank in a river bed. Usually two eggs laid. 48 49-54cm 113
Jacanas
Pheasant-Tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus Resident. White on wings with yellow patch on neck. Male has elongated pheasant like tail in the breeding season. Found in small water bodies. Look for it in the tanks and ponds along the Mysore road. Commonly seen feeding in the open among surface vegetation,triping about lightly on floating waterlily etc. Its large spreading toes act as water skies distributing and supporting its weight. Feeds mainly on vegetable matter supplementing with aquatic insects and molluscs.Female is polyandrous, leaving the male after the eggs are laid and lays many clutches during the season . 48 31CM 114
Bronzed-Winged Jacana Metopidius indicus Resident. Dark wings on a bronze-green body. Found walking on floating vegetation in the water holes of the park.Genral habits very similar to Pheasant-Tailed including breeding biology. 48 28-31cm 115
Pratincoles
Small Pratincole Glareola lactea Resident. Small bird with grayish colour and square ended tail. Found along the river banks when the water recedes. Gregarious and partial to water. Crepuscular hawking into dusk till almost quite dark. Feeds on insects , mostly flying beetles, bugs and termites. Breeds generally from February through April. 49 16-19cm 116
Plovers
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Small size with small head, black head pattern and yellow eye ring.Found in pairs and small scattered feeding parties along the river bank. Feeds on insects,worms,tiny crabs etc.Breeding in the south between December to June. Ground nesting bird. 50 14-17cm 117
Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus Winter visitor. Told from Little Ringed by the absence of head pattern and eye ring.Genral habits similar to the Little-Ringed. Breeds in Baluchistan and Sind in Pakistan and Gujarat in India. 50 15-17cm 118
Lapwings
Yellow-Wattled Lapwing Vanellus malarbaricus Resident. Has yellow wattles and legs. Found in open areas and fallow cultivation outside the park. Unlike the Red-Wattled it frequents drier areas and is less dependent on water. Less noisy than the Red-Wattled otherwise general habits much the same. Both species often seen together in suitable habitat.Ground nesting bird. 51 26-28cm 119
Red-Wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus Resident. Black cap and breast with black tipped red bill.. Prefers open ground near water and found in abundance all over the park in suitable habitat. Also called the did-you-do-it bird because of its call. Seen in pairs or in trios. Somewhat nocturnal and crepuscular. Feeds on ants,beetles,catterpillars,molluscs and vegetable matter. Feeds more actively in the early mornings, evenings and through the night.Ground nesting bird. 51 32-35cm 120

Common Hoopoe,Trogons & Rollers
Common Hoopoe Upupa epops Resident but more often seen during the summer. Has a fan like crest very much like the shavings of a sharpened pencil.. Very often seen pecking the ground or enjoying a dust bath in the middle of the safari roads. Entirely insectivorous, largely underground grubs and pupae of beetels,crickets,earwigs,locusts and grasshoppers and also surface caterpillars of many species. Breeds late March to early June. Five to seven eggs usually laid. 20 31cm 35
Malabar Trogon Harpactes fasciatus Resident that prefers dense broadleaved forests. A rare sighting in most cases. A forest bird,aboreal,sluggish,keeps singly or in widely separated pairs. Feeds on caterpillars ,beetels,grasshoppers,cicadas and other insects and also leaves and berries. Captures flying insects on the wing. Breeds mainly between February and May. Nests in unlined natural hollows on tree trunks in deep forests. Usually two to four eggs laid. 20 31cm 36
Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis Summer visitor to Nagarhole. Very common during that time. A spectacular flash of blue against the dry forest. Found in the forest as well in cultivated fields outside the park.Keeps singly or in pairs.Pounces lazily almost parachutes down to the ground to seize its quarry.Has a very spectacular and noisy display during the breeding season.Feeds largely on insects also on frogs,lizards,ocasionally small snakes and mice. 20 33cm 37
Kingfishers
Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Resident. Smallest of the kingfishers found here. Seen often near the Kabini backwaters. Usually singly or in pairs perched on some favorite stake near the water. Sometimes hovers above the water like the pied kingfisher. Feeds on small fish, tadpoles and aquatic insects. Breeds between February and September in S.India. 21 16cm 38
Stork-Billed Kingfisher Halcyon capensis Resident . The largest of the kingfishers found here. Has a distinctive stork like bill. Seen perched on bamboos overhanging the backwaters. Keeps singly or in separated pairs, sitting hidden and motionless for long periods of time in a leafy branch overhanging the water. Does not normally hover over the water. Feeds on fish,frogs,lizards,mice ,young birds,crabs,water beetles and other manageable animals. Breeding varies locally between January to September. Four to five eggs laid. 21 38cm 39
White-Throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis Resident. The most common of our kingfisher. Has a distinct white throat and characteristic flight call. Very common in the park. Keeps singly or in separated pairs, perched upright on fencepost, electric wires or branches often well away from water. Fish is a secondary items in its menu. Feeds largely on insects also lizards,,frogs,mice and birds-fledgling sparrows, adult white-eye and muniias.Breeds January to August with local variation. Normally five to six eggs laid. 21 28cm 40
Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis Resident. Black and white in colour. The only kingfisher in Nagarhole that can hover in flight and therefore seen right in the middle of the lake. Very often seen perched on the petrified tree stumps.Usually keeps in pairs, sometimes seen singly or in family parties.Feedes mainly on fish supplemented with tadpoles and aquatic insects. Breeding staggered over the year with peaks varying locally. Nest is a horizontal unlined tunnel excavated in vertical earth banks of streams and rivers. Normally five to six eggs laid. 21 31cm 41

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Bee-Eaters
Blue-Bearded Bee-Eater Nyctyornis athertoni A rare bird. Large sized bee-eater with square ended tail and blue beard. Seen most often on the edges of broadleaved forests.Aboreal,rather sluggish compared to the smaller bee-eaters and extremely shy rarely returning to the place where it was disturbed. Feeds mainly on insects,bees,wasps,dragonflies and beetels.Breeds between February to August with local variation. Four to six eggs usually laid. 22 31-34cm 42
Green Bee-Eater Merops orientalis Resident. Small sized bee-eater. Commonly found perched on electricity wires along the roadsides outside the park and also nesting in crevices formed on the steep riverbank when the Kabini waters recede during the dry season. Seen in loose parties and flocks of ten or more birds usually seen perched on electrical wires. Less tied up with the presence of water. Roosts communally in leafy trees. Is fond of dust bathing. Feeds on ants,bees,wasps,moths,butterflies,small beetels,dragonflies and other winged insects. Breeds from February to June with local variation. Usually four to six eggs laid. 22 16-18cm 43
Blue-Tailed Bee-Eater Merops philippinus Winter visitor. Has blue rump, tail and undertail coverts. Breeds in North and Northeast sub continent. Keeps to the neibourhood of water. Feeds on winged insects mainly dragonflies wasps and bees. Breeds generally between March to June, five to six eggs laid. 22 23-26cm 44
Chestnut-Headed Bee-Eater Merops leschenaulti Has chestnut crown , nape and mantle. Found most often near streams with overhanging trees. Often seen perched on top of them. Have communal roosts .Feeds on winged insects ,bees,dragonflies,ants ,termites etc. Breeds from February to June with local variation. 22 18-20cm 45

Cuckoos and Coucals
Pied Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus Resident. Black and white in colour with crest. Mostly arboreal and insectvouros,feeding most of the time up in trees and descending onto low bushes and sometimes onto the ground. Brood parasite i.e. lay their eggs in the nest of other species of bird, in this case mainly Turdoides babblers. Breeding season for obvious reasons coinciding with that of the host species. 23 33cm 46
Large Hawk Cuckoo Hierococcyx sparverioides Breeds in Himalayas and NE India. Scattered records of it appearing during the winter, Needs to be reconfirmed. Mostly silent during the winter and keeps to the foliage canopy of trees usually singly. Feeds predominantly on caterpillars including large hairy ones, also beetles,bugs,crickets,grasshoppers,locusts,ants and spiders. Brood-parasite of Laughing Thrushes. 23 38cm 47
Common Hawk Cuckoo Hierococcyx varius Resident. Also called the Brain Fever Bird due to its call Brain Fever Brain Fever that is shrill , manic and reaches a crescendo. Spends most of its time in the trees, seldom descending to the ground. Silent in winter and becomes increasing vocal during the approach of the hot weather. Feeds mostly on caterpillars and cutworms and other insects also wild figs and occasionally small lizards. Brood-parasite of Turdoides babblers most often the Jungle Babbler. 23 34cm 48
Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus More often heard than seen. Call can be heard all over the forest and goes like one more bottle. Spends most of the time to tree tops and canopy foliage. Very vocal when breeding mainly between March and August. Feeds on hairy and other caterpillars and various insects. Brood parasite mainly on Drongos. 23 33cm 49
Eurasian Cuckoo Cuclus canorus Breeds in the hiils of Pakistan,Himalayas,N & NE and Central India. Scattered winter records from Nagarhole.Finer barring on underparts than the Indian. White tail markings not pronounced unlike the Indian that has pronounced white tail markings.Cheifly aboreal,keeping to leafy tree tops.Ocassionaly descends to the ground to pick catterpillars.Feeds mostly on insects and their larvae, particularly hairy caterpillars. Brood parasite on a wide range of hosts,pipits,shrikes but chiefly on babblers,flyctchers,warblers and chats. Female believed to be polyandrous or promiscuous. Breeding corresponding locally with the host. 23 32-34 cm 50
Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii Resident. Prefers forested areas and rarely seen outside the park.Aboreal,keeping singly to bare tree tops. Feeds mainly on caterpillars and bugs. Brood-parasite of Ioras, Bulbuls and small babblers. Breeding coincides with that of its host. 23 24cm 51
Grey-Bellied Cuckoo Cacomantis passerinus Spends the winter and then departs for the summer in the Himalayas. Prefers well wooded country.Keps singly to foliage canopy of trees. Active and restless. Feeds on hairy caterpillars and various soft bodied insects. Brood-parasite on Prinias and Cisticolas. 23 23cm 52
Drongo Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris Black with white barring on undertail coverts. Found in forest and well wooded areas. Looks like the Black Drongo it is entirely arboreal. Feeds on caterpillars including hairy ones, soft bodied insects and occasionally on fruit. Brood parasite on Drongos,Forktails and Minivets. Breeding coincides with that of the host. 24 25 cm 53
Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus Widespread resident. Found in more in open areas, gardens and cultivation. Well know call. Very vocal during the hot season and also during the breeding season, otherwise very quite. Brood parasite on House and Large Billed Crows combining strategem,cunning and opportunism to lay their eggs. 24 43cm 54
Blue-Faced Malkoha Phaenicophaeus viridirostris Resident. Prefers scrub and secondary growth . Look for it in the undergrowth along the safari roads. Keeps singly or in pairs to low bushes and thorn scrub. Seldom descends to the ground. Feeds on caterpillars and large insects also lizards and other small animals. It is a poor flier, short labored flights from one thicket to another.Non-parasitic breeder. 24 39cm 55
Sirkeer Malkoha Phaenicophaeus leschenaultti A resident found in thorn scrub jungles. Sandy brown in colour with bold white tips to tail. Largely terrestrial, usually seen singly or in pairs stalking along the ground. Feeds on caterpillars,locusts,grasshopers,termites and other insects, fallen fruit and berries, lizards and small snakes. Non-parasitic breeder. 24 42cm 56
Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis Resident. Found in scrub and groves. Black in colour with rust coloured wings and red eyes. Has a distinctive ho ho call much like a Langurs but softer. Sedentary, parochial and largely terrestrial. Seen singly or in pairs. Feeds predominantly on animals like baby mice,geckos,skinks,lizards,snakes,frogs,insects and spiders.Non-parasitic breeds chiefly between June to September. 24 48cm 57
Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis Resident. Not as common as the Greater. Smaller with duller chestnut wings. Found in reedbeds and shrubberies. 24 33 cm 58

Hanging Parrots & Parakeets
Vernal Hanging Parrot Loriculus vernalis Small green parrot found in broadleaved forests. Usually seen in pairs or family parties in the canopy of tall trees. Their size and colour make them difficult to spot. They sleep at night hanging upside down much like bats. Feed on the soft pulp of fruits and berries and supplemented by flower nectar. Breed between January to April. 25 14cm 58
Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria The largest of our parakeets found in the forest. Has a very large red shoulder patch. Can be seen flying in parties of three to four and sometimes in small flocks over the treetops. Feeds on fruits ,vegetables and seeds of all kinds. Breeds generally between December to April. Has communal roosts not shared with other species. Nests in holes cut into the trunk of trees by the birds themselves. 25 53cm 59
Rose- Ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri Smaller than Alexandrine has red beak and no shoulder patch. Can also be seen outside the park in cultivated fields where it can be a pest. Feeds on fruits,cereal,grain,and seeds of all kinds both wild and cultivated. Breeds usually between January to April. Nests in a natural hole in tree trunks, enlarged by the birds. and also readymade nest hole of woodpeckers or barbets. 25 42cm 60
Plum Headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala Male has a plum red head, hence its name. Yellow beak, female has grayish head. Found commonly in the saltlicks and also in well wooded areas outside the park. Usually seen in parties of five to ten but also collects in large flocks where food is abundant. Feeds on grain and fruit of all kinds, also buds,fleashy petals and nectar of flowers. Seen feeding on parthenium flowers in large flocks. Breeds from December to April. Nests in holes chiseled out by themselves in tree trunks. 25 36cm 61
Malabar Parakeet Psittacula columboides Has a bluish grey head with a black chin stripe , blue primaries and yellow tip to tail. Feeds on grain, seeds and fruit, especially wild figs. Also on buds, petals and flower nectar. Breeds from January to March. Nests in holes chiseled by themselves in tree trunks. Prefers lofty Ironwood trees in spite of the extra effort required to chisel into this hardwood tree. 25 38cm 62

Swiftlets & Needletails
Indian Swiftlet Collocalia unicolor Uniform underpants. Can be seen darting in the sky. Live in huge colonies in natural caves which they share with bats. The swiftlet using the cave at night and the bats during the day. Breeds chiefly March to June in the south. Feeds on insects.The nest is edible and a great delicacy in China. Also called the edible nest swiftlet. 26 12cm 63
White-rumped Needletail Zoonavena sylvatica Small size with white rump and belly. Broadleaved forests. Spends the day on the wing. Keeps in loose rabbles and feeds chiefly on flying insects,beetels and bugs. 26 11cm 64
Brown-Backed Needletail Hirundapus giganteus Large sized needletail with brown throat and saddle. White on tertials.Spends the daylight hours on the wing. Extremely fast flier- here one minute gone the next- reputed to be the fastest among birds. Feeds on flying insects,beetels and bugs,grasshopers,ants and bees. 26 23cm 65
Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis Small size with forked tail which it keeps closed. Closely associated with palms, found in open country and cultivation dotted with palm trees.. Gregarious and aerial. Roosts in furrows on the underside of down hanging Palmyra leaf. Feeds on winged ants, tiny bugs and beetles taken in the air. Breeds throughout the years with peaks varying locally. Normally two eggs are laid. Nest is a flimsy half saucer of vegetable down held together by the birds saliva and attached bracket like to the palm frond. 27 13cm 66
House Swift Apus affinis Lives in old ruins and cliffs. Stocky with short wings and square ended tail. Gregarious, predominantly aerial and rather parochial. Spends most of the day on the wing, usually keeping close to the nest colony. Feeds on tiny flying bugs and beetels,winged ants and air-borne spiders. Breeds almost throughout the year peak period varies locally. Two to three eggs laid. 27 15cm 67
Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba Largest swift with white patch on belly. Extensive and wide ranging daily forager. Keeps in loose flocks, on the wing the whole day, dashing about at great speed , hawking insects at great speed high up in the air .Feeds mainly on flies ,ants,beetels and bugs all taken on the wing. Breeds in the south between December to February. Usually three eggs laid. Copulation like in most swifts takes place in the air. 27 22cm 68
Crested Treeswift Hemiprocne coronata Has a distinctive long forked tail which it holds close during flight. Can be seen flying above the tree canopy and easily identifiable because of its long tail. Keeps in loose parties of six to eight while hawking insects on the wing. Feeds on flying insects. Breeding varies locally between December to July. A single egg laid. 27 23cm 69

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Owls
Barn Owl Tyto alba Medium sized owl with an unmarked white face. Seen mostly hear habitation and cultivation. Largely crepuscular and nocturnal. Is capable of flying in bright sunlight. Feeds mostly on small birds and on rats and mice. Has a distinctive screech like call. 28 36cm 70
Oriental Scops Owl Otus sunia Small owl with prominent ear-tufts. Can seen in hollows of trees. Very difficult to spot because of its superb camouflage. Call is very frog like.Entierly nocturnal, retiring into hollows of tree trunks during the day. Feeds mainly on bettles,grasshoppers,other insects,mice,small birds and lizards. 28 19cm 71
Collared Scops Owl Otus bakkamoena Larger than the Oriental lighter colour with finely streaked underparts and indistinct buffish scapular spots.Nocturnal,seldom seen during the day.Feeds on beetels,grasshoppers,other insects,lizards,mice and small birds. Breeds mostly between January and February in the south. 28 23-25cm 72
Eurasian Eagle Owl Bubo bubo Very large Owl with upright ear tufts and heavily streaked underparts. Prefers rocky hills, ravines and wooded areas.Largely nocturnal,can be seen well before sunset and well after sunrise.Feeds predominantly on field rats and mice. Breeds from October to May. Call is a deep hollow bu-bo. 29 55-66cm 73
Spot-Bellied Eagle Owl Bubo nipalensis Largest Owl found here.Lightish in colour with bold chevron shaped spots on underparts. . Prefers dense forests and its call is a deep hoot and a mournful scream. Largely nocturnal, spends the day dozing in dense foliage in deep forest. Feeds on large birds like peafowl,junglefowl and pheasants also hares,lizards,snakes and fish. 29 63CM 74
Brown Fish Owl Ketupa zeylonensis Most commonly seen Owl. Usually seen perched on trees near the Kabini backwaters. Call is a soft deep hup-hup-hup and a wild hu-hu-hu hu ha .Feeds mainly on fish, frogs and crabs also rodents, birds and reptiles. Breeds generally between December to March in the south. 29 56cm 75
Mottled Wood Owl Strix ocellata Prefers open wooded areas and commonly found in trees around villages and cultivation. Call is a spooky whaa-aa-aa-aa-ah.Largely nocturnal. Feeds on rats,mice and other rodents, birds upto the size of pigeons,lizards,crabs,beetels and other large insects. Breeds between November to April. 29 48cm 76
Brown Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica Uncommon. Dark brown upperparts with rufous facial discs. Fine brown barring on buff white underparts.Very shy and easily disturbed at its daytime roost. Flies away swiftly and noiselessly from the intruder. Nocturnal. Feeds on rodents, birds and reptiles. 29 47-53cm 77
Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum Resident. Small size Rufous barring on wing coverts and flight feathers, and flanks. Seen in the park. Most active an hour before dusk and likewise till after sunrise. Also moves during the day especially in cloudy weather, even hunts during that time. Feeds on locusts,grasshoppers,cicadas and other large insects also takes lizards, small birds and mice. 30 20cm 78
Spotted Owlet Athene brama Resident. Slightly larger and lighter in colour than the Jungle with white spotting on underparts. Found commonly near habitation and in cultivation around the park. Found in pairs or family parties. Feeds on beetels,moths,locusts and other insects, also earthworms,lizards,mice and small birds. 30 23cm 79
Brown Hawk Owl Ninox scutulata Has a hawk like profile with dark face and rufous - brown streaking on underparts. Usually seen flying low and perched on low tree stumps late in the evenings inside the park. Call is a soft pleasant oo..ok, oo..ok Feeds on large insects such as beetles and grasshoppers,frogs,lizards,small birds, mice and occasionally on small bats. 30 32cm 80

Nightjars

Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus indicus Grey to grey brown in colour and heavily marked with black. Prefers forest clearings. Insectivourous,crespuscular and nocturnal. Roosts in shady spots during the daytime. Emerges soon after sunset to hawk winged insects. Feeds on moths,bugs,beetels and other winged insects. Likes to squat in the middle of mud tracks after dusk. Breeds between March to June, principally April and May. No nest, lays two eggs. 31 27-32cm 81
Jerdon's Nightjar Caprimulgus atripennis More warmly coloured and strongly patterned than the Grey Nightjar.Rufous band across nape.Crespuscular and nocturnal. Normally found singly or in pairs. Spends the day amongst dry leaves and debris in shady nullahs. Feeds on moths,beetels and other dusk and night flying insects. Breeds principally between March and May. No nest is built and usually lays two eggs. 31 28cm 82
Indian Nightjar Caprimulugus asiaticus Small with boldly streaked crown. Can be seen on the main road while coming back from safari late in the evenings. The most widely distributed of our Nightjars. Crepuscular and nocturnal, keeping in pairs or loose family parties.Habitualy squats in the middle of the roads or on milestones, fence posts and the like. Feeds on moths,beetels and other dusk and night flying insects. Breeding season not well defined, mostly between February and September peak varying locally.. No nest is built and usually two eggs laid. 31 24cm. 83
Savanna Nightjar Caprimulgus affinis Smallest of our nightjars. Male has largely white outer tail feathers. Crown and mantle finely vermiculated. Crepuscular and nocturnal. Drinks regularly at forest pools at sundown, flying over water and dipping down like swallows. Breeding overall March to August with peak varying locally. No nest built usually two eggs laid. 31 23cm 84

Pigeons and Doves
Rock Pigeon Columba livia The common pigeon that people are familiar with. In the wild they prefer cliffs and ruins. Can be found near the culverts on the Mananthavady road on the way to Karapura inside the park. Feeds mainly on cultivated crops, weed seeds, and small tubers. Breeds almost throughout the year. 32 33cm 85
Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea Resident. Large pigeon with metallic green wings and tail. Can be seen in large flocks around the saltlicks especially near the Bisalwadi Watch Tower. Otherwise found singly or in pairs and parties of five to six. Flies high and well above the tree tops while commuting between feeding sites. Exclusive frugivorous, Ficus figs being the staples but all other wild fruit being taken. Breeds generally between March to June. 33 43-47cm 86

Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis The largest of our doves. Conspicuous because of its size and comparatively longish tail. Black and bluish grey barring on the sides of its neck. A ground feeder found in pairs and small parties. Feeds on paddy and other cereals also on weeds and bamboo seeds and green shoots. Breeding season not well defined but generally November to February in the south. 34 33cm 87
Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis So called because of its call. Slim and small with brownish pink head and underparts with black dash like markings on upper breast.Genral habits very similar to the Eurasian Collared.. Feeds on grass and weed seeds and on cultivated grains.Breeds practically throughout the year. 34 27cm 88
Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis The most commonly found dove. Has spotted underparts and black and white spots on the back of its neck. Prefers better wooded, moister areas than the other doves. Seen very often in the park as well as outside. Feeds on grass and weed seeds and cultivated grains. Breeds particularly throughout the year. 34 30cm 89
Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Sandy-brown almost white with a distinctive black half collar starting from the back of its neck. Not as common as the other doves in Nagarhole. Found mainly in cultivated fields outside the park. Feeds mainly on grains and seeds. Breeds practically all the year around. 34 32cm 90
Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica Stout and broadwinged.Green underparts with black and white banding on back.Male has grey crown and white shoulder patch. Not very common in the Kabini area of the park. A ground feeder seen singly or in pairs. Feeds on grains,seeds and fallen berries,lantana said to be a favorite. Also catches termites on the wing. Breeding locally variable covering most of the year. 34 27cm 91
Green Pigeon
Pompadour Green Pigeon Teron pompadora Male can be told from the other green pigeons found in the park by its brick red wing feathers or mantle. Not seen very often but can be sighted occasionally. Resident in the hills.Altitudnal migrant here. Feeds on fruits and berries, usually figs of the Ficus trees. Seen occasionally at the salt licks by the safari roads. 35 28cm 92
Yellow-Footed Green Pigeon Treron phoenicoptera Yellow legs and feet with greenish yellow belly and flanks. Can be seen in large numbers along with the Green Imperial Pigeon in the saltlicks by the game trails. Almost exclusively arboreal descending to the ground only to drink or to the salt pits. Feeds on drupes, berries and wild figs of various kinds. Breeds generally between March and April. 35 33cm 93

Cranes
Demoiselle Crane Grus virgo Uncommon winter visitor. The only species of crane found here and that too only rarely. Breeds in SE Europe and greater part of C.Asia.Feeds in the morning and late evenings mainly on cultivated crops like wheat, gram and paddy. 37 90-100cm 94

Crakes & Other Rallids
White-Breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus Resident. Found in thick cover close to the Kabini backwaters both inside and outside the park. Adult has grey underparts with white face , neck and breast. Feeds on insects and their larve,molluscs,worms,seeds and shoots of marsh plants. Breeding coincides with the SW Monsoon. Usually six to seven eggs are laid. 38 32cm 95
Ruddy-Breasted Crake Porzana fusca Resident. Red legs, chestnut underparts.Found in marshes, paddy fields and canals. A shy and extreme skulker,sliping away at the slightest alarm. Usually very silent. Very easily overlooked. Feeds on aquatic insects and their larve,molluscs,seeds and shoots of marsh plants. 39 22 cm 96
Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio Resident. Large size and purple blue in colour with large red bill. Commonly found in among the reed beds along the Kabini backwaters. Feeds mainly on seeds, grain and vegetable matter. Also takes insects and moluscs. Breeding varies locally usually during the SW Monsoon, but said to breed from November to January in the south. 39 45-50cm 97
Common Coot Fulica atra Black duck like bird with white bill and shield. Commonly found along the Kabini backwaters and in large freshwater ponds. Extremely gregarious. Keeps in parties and flocks and numbers augmented by northern immigrants during the winter. Feeds mainly on vegetable matter also takes worms,insects,molluscs and occasionally small fish. 39 36-38cm 98

Francolins

Painted Francolin Francolinus pictus A resident bird, found in peninsular India and also in Sri Lanka. Prefers tall grassland and cultivation with scattered trees and open forest. Almost always seen in scattered pairs and sometimes family parties of parents with three or four young. Active in the early mornings and late afternoons, retiring into cover during the heat of the day. Feeds mainly on grains, weeds and grass seeds, termites, other insects and their larvae. Breeds normally with the start of the monsoon. 1 31cm 1
Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus Resident. Very common in the cultivated areas outside the park. Their characteristic call can be heard in the mornings. Seen in pairs and family parties or coveys of four to eight birds. Extremely fast on their legs and don’t take to the air readily. Feeds mainly on weed seeds, cereal grains, shoots of grass ,crop plants, berries and insects. Can subsist for long time without drinking when dew is available. Breeds more or less throughout the year ,mainly between April to September. 1 33cm 2
Quails
Jungle Bush Quail Perdicula asiatica Resident. Found more often in dry grass and scrub jungles within deciduous forests. Found in coveys of six to twenty. They form squares while resting or roosting, bunched together under a bush all facing outwards. They suddenly explode when almost trodden upon. Feeds on grass and weed seeds and a variety of cultivated crops and small insects especially termites. Breeding season not well defined usually between August and April. 2 17cm 3
Painted Bush Quail Perdicula erythrorhyncha Resident. Prefers scrub jungle in the plains and foothills.Genral habits very similar to the other bush quails including the Jungle Bush Quail. Breeding not well defined, varies locally and covers most of the year. 2 18cm 4
Buttonquails
Yellow - Legged Buttonquail Turnix tanki Resident. Prefers scrub and cultivation. Usually seen singly and very occasionally in pairs. Feeds on grass and weed seeds ,small insects and termites. The female is polyandrous, she battles with rival females for the possession of a male and does the courting. After the eggs are laid she goes in search of a new mate leaving the male to bring up the chicks which he does very well. 2 15-16cm 5
Barred Buttonquail Turnix suscitator Resident. Prefers scrub, grassland and open forest. More common than the Yellow-Legged Buttonquail . Seen more often at the edge of the park. General habits very similar to the Yellow-Legged. 2 15cm 6
Spurfowl
Red Spurfowl Galloperdix spadicea Resident. Found in thorn scrub and bamboo thickets. .Found in pairs or parties of three to five. Is extremely shy and a great skulker, more often heard than seen. Very fast runner and is very reluctant to fly. Very parochial and can be found in the same area or beats day after day. Feeds on seeds,tubers,berries,land molluscs and insects. Breeding varies locally mostly between January to June. 3 36cm 7
Painted Spurfowl Galloperdix lunulata Resident. Found in similar habitat as the Red Spur Fowl but is even shyer and a greater skulker than the Red Spurfowl. Very rarely seen.Genral habits very much like the Red Spurfowl. 3 32cm 8
Pheasants
Grey Junglefowl Gallus sonneratii Resident. Very common resident. Found in abundance along the safari roads. The ancestor of our domestic chicken. Found singly or in pairs or small parties of about six, with the sexes either segregated or mixed. Usually very shy and timid they can become inured to human proximity when unmolested. Feeds on grain, shoots of grass,tubers,berries,insects and small reptiles. Breeds chiefly between February to May. 5 M70-80cm,F38cm 9
Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus Resident. The most recognizable of our birds. Found in good numbers in the park. Legend goes that when the peafowl unfurls its tail , the monsoon is on its way. Found in small flocks of a male and two to five females. After breeding segregate parties of adult males and females with young seen. Omnivorous they feed among others on seeds,grain,centipedes,scorpions,small snakes and insects. Breeds generally in the south between April and May. 6 M180-230cm,F90-100cm 10

Woodpeckers
Rufous Woodpecker Celus brachyurus Resident. Seen in pairs , while much given to drumming is rather silent vocally. Builds its nest in the nest of the Cremastogaster and other carton nest building tree ants by excavating a hollow in it. Feeds mainly on ants and their pupae with the Cremastogaster being the staple. Breeds mainly between February to end April. Two to three eggs being laid. 14 25cm 18
White-Bellied Woodpecker Dryocopus javensis Resident. The largest of our woodpeckers. Black with white belly and red crown. It can be heard drumming on trees followed by its loud call. Found very often in pairs or loose family parties in large forest trees. Feeds mainly on ants,termites,grubs and pupae of wood boring insects. Nest is the usual woodpecker hole excavated in rotten trunks of large trees. Breeds generally between January to March. Normally two eggs laid. 14 48cm 19
Heart-Spotted Woodpecker Hemicircus canente Resident. Has distinctive heart-shaped black spots prefers broadleaved forests and usually found high up on large trees. Feeds on ants, termites, grubs and other insects. Breeds chiefly from November to April. Three sometimes two eggs laid. 14 16cm 20
Brown-Capped Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos nanus Resident. The smallest woodpecker in Nagarhole. Can easily be overlooked as its pecks it way on trees in light forests and secondary growth. Usually found in pairs, frequently in association with the roving bands of small insectivorous birds. Hardly ever seen on large tree trunks it prefers woody stems of shrubs close to the ground and also slender out hanging branches and bare topmost twigs of large forest trees. Breeds from February to July with three to four eggs being laid. 15 13cm 21
Yellow -Crowned Woodpecker Dendrocopos mahrattensis Resident.Yellowish forehead and forecrown and poorly defined moustachial stripe.. 15 17-18 cm 21
Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolphus Another of our resident woodpeckers. Found in forested areas. Typical woodpecker, seen in pairs often in association with other woodpeckers or mixed hunting parties. Commonly descends to the ground to devour ants. Feeds chiefly on insects,larve and pupae of wood boring and dung beetles. Berries as secondary food. Breeds between April to May. Nest the typical woodpecker hole. 16 27cm 22
Streak - Throated Woodpecker Picus xanthopygaeus Common resident. Very often seen on the trees along the safari roads. Keeps in pairs. Commonly descends on the ground to pick up ants and termites. Feeds mainly on ants .termites,larve and pupae of wood boring beetels.Breeds January to June. Nest typical of woodpeckers. Three to five eggs laid. 16 30cm 23
Common Flameback Dinopium javanense Common resident. Has a distinctive call and commonly seen along the safari roads and flying from tree to tree. Crown of female finely spotted with white. Typical woodpecker, keeps in pairs. Feeds on ants, grubs of beetles and other insects. Breeds January to May, two to three eggs laid. 16 28-30cm 24
Black-Naped Flameback Dinopium benghalense Resident. However not as common as the Common Flameback.Has a distinctive red rump and spotting on wing coverts. Keeps in pairs or family parties, frequently with mixed hunting parties. Creeps up tree trunks in short jerky spurts often sliding back in reverse gear to reinvestigate something it may have missed. Feeds on insects and larvae, predominantly ants. Also takes flower nectar, fruits and berries. Breeds from February to July. Normally three eggs laid. 16 26-29cm 25
Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes lucidus Black and white spotted hindneck.Moustachial stripe clearly divided. Large size with long yellow bill. Typical woodpecker, keeps in noisy pairs and occasionally in family parties. Seldom if ever feeds on the ground.. Feeds on insects, grubs etc also flower necter.Breeds March to May. Nest the typical woodpecker hole which is often used for many successive years., with fresh entrances being cut, but whether by the same or different birds is not known. 16 33 cm 26
White-Naped Woodpecker Chrysocolaptes festivus Resident. Has distinctive white hind neck and mantle forming a V shape. Female has yellow crown. Feeds on tree trunks as well as ground, partial to charred patches where grass has been recently burned. In the non-breeding season roosts at night in disused nest holes in tree trunks. Feeds chiefly on ants and grubs of wood boring beetles. Breeds November to March. Nest the typical hole, however a new hole is made each year usually chiseled out one above the other in apartment house fashion. 16 29cm 27
Barbets
Brown - Headed Barbet Megalaima zeylanica Resident. Found both in the forest and in trees near habitation. Has a monotonous kutur kutur call. Arboreal and eminently frugivourous.Usually singly or in small loose feeding parties. Rather silent in winter but calls regularly in summer.Monotonus call many birds joining in when one starts calling. Feeds mainly on fruit but occasionally takes insects. Breeds from February to June. Normally three eggs laid. 17 27cm 28
White-Cheeked Barbet Megalaima viridis Resident. Has white cheeks and whitish throat.Genral behavior very similar to Brown-Headed Barbet. Is of a quarrelsome disposition given to continual bickering and fighting. Feeds mainly on fruit but is also insectivorous and fond of fruit nectar. Breeding from December to June. Usually three eggs laid. 17 23cm 29
Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala Resident. More often heard than seen due to its small size. Call is a distinctive tuk,tuk,tuk much like a coppersmith gently banging on a piece of copper and hence its name. Entirely arboreal, keeps solitary or in pairs and parties of a dozen or so. Fond of sunning themselves in the mornings on top bare branches of tall trees. Comparatively silent in winter. Feeds on wild figs and occasionally moths and flying termites. Breeds between November to June with sometimes two broods being raised in quick sucession.Usually two to four eggs laid. 17 17cm 31
Hornbills
Malabar Grey Hornbill Ocyceros griseus Resident. Found in open forests and in forested groves near cultivation. Keeps in pairs or small flocks, feeding in ficus trees in company with other frugivourous species. Feeds on Ficus figs, drupes and berries. Also on insects, lizards and other small animals. Breeds from January to late April. Seals up its mate ( the female ) in a tree hollow where she rears the chicks, with the male foraging and feeding the female and chicks . 18 45cm 32
Indian Grey Hornbill Ocyceros birostris Resident. Slightly larger than the Malabar Grey. Has the distinctive horn above its bill that the Malabar lacks. Largely arboreal, keeps in pairs or small parties. Feeds largely of fruits especially Ficus, also insects, lizards and small animals. Nesting behavior typical of its species ( like the Malabar Grey ).Breeds March to June. 18 50cm 33
Malabar Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros coronatus Resident. Large hornbill, black and white in colour. Quite common along the Kabini backwaters where flocks can be seen flying across the lake in the late evenings. Arboreal and mainly frugivourous.Keeps in noisy parties. Very fond of dust bathing. Feeds on figs, drupes and berries, also takes lizards, snakes and marauds nesting birds from tree holes also fond of fish. Breeds between April and May. 18 65cm 34

Pittas & Leafbirds
Indian Pitta Pitta brachyura Breeds in the Himalayan foothills and winters here. Found in broadleaved forests on the floor among the leaf litter. Also called the 6 o'clock bird because that is when its is most vocal( both AM and PM ).Feeds on insects ,grubs and worms. Breeds between May and August Four to six eggs usually laid. 88 19CM 181
Blue-Winged Leafbird Chloropsis cochinchinensis Green bird with blues wings and black beak and throat. Prefers open forestys.Aboreal and frequents the foliage canopy.General habits and behavior much like the Golden - Fronted.Poorly defined breeding season.Normally two eggs laid. 88 20cm 182
Golden-Fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons Slightly smaller than the Blue -Winged. Lacks blue on tail and has a golden-orange forehead. Found in broadleaved forests. Entirely aboreal,seen in pairs or small parties in the thick foliage of trees where it blends in very well. Is a bully and aggressively keeps other birds away from its feeding tree. Feeds on berries, insects including flying ants, spiders and the nectar of many flowers. The Leafbirds are responsible for pollination of a large number of trees and shrubs. Breeds mainly between May and August. Usually two to three eggs laid. 88 19cm 183

Shrikes
Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus Winter visitor. Brown in colour with whitish underparts.Commonly found in the scrub along the powerline. Has a harsh call.Pugnasious, bold and rapacious, each bird has its own particular beat or feeding territory whish it guards fiercely against intrusion. More crepuscular than other shrikes, commonly seen on the move and hunting till well after dusk. Feeds on locusts,grasshoppers,crickets and other insects, sickly or fledgling birds, baby mice. lizards etc. 89 18-19cm 184
Bay -Backed Shrike Lanius vittatus Resident. Black forehead and mask. Grey crown and nape. Deep maroon back and mantle. Short tail. Commonly found sitting on electrical wires around the park. Typical shrike, inhabiting the same beat day after day and jealously guarding it against interlopers. Feeds on catterpillars,beetels,ants,large insects as well as lizards and occasionally young mice and nesting birds. Breeds between February to April. Three to five eggs usually laid. 89 17cm 185
Long -Tailed Shrike Lanius schach Resident. Told from the Bay-Backed by absence of maroon mantle and back . Has a longer tail.Genral habits as of the family. Often pirates food from other birds, even bigger than themselves, by bouncing into them bodily and knocking them down, making off with the food before the bird can recover from the surprise. Feeds on any small living creature that can be overpowered. It is an accomplished mimic of other birds calls which are freely interlaced into its own. 89 25cm 186
Treepies, Crows,Woodswallows,Orioles, Drongos, Woodswallows & Cuckooshrikes

Treepies
Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda Resident. Black head,rufous back with long grey tail. Commonly seen in gardens with trees and bushes.Social,arboreal and omnivourous.Keeps in noisy pairs or family parties. Often seen with Racket-Tailed Drongos and Woodpeckers. Very inquisitive and can be wary and clever when occasion demands. Diet practically all embracing.. Breeds March to July with local variation. Four to five eggs laid. 90 46-50cm 187

Crows
House Crow Corvus splendens The common crow found in our cities . Two toned with grey neck and breast. Almost an element of the human social system. Very useful as a municipal scavenger.Intelligent,inquisitive and impudently familiar yet excessively wary and alert at all times. Also seem to posses a sense of humour ! The most misunderstood of all birds. Diet practically all embracing, will eat anything that can be eaten. Breeds throughout the year with local variation. 91 40 cm 188
Large-Billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos All black in colour.Large black bill. Larger than the House Crow. Less gregarious and sociable than the House Crow.Cheifly a rural bird .Less sophisticsted,intelligent or alert than the House Crow but as inquisitive as rest of the family. A marauder of birds nests. Serves as a useful indicator of predator kills in the forest. Diet practically all embracing. Breeds between February and June with local variation. 91 46-59cm 189

Woodswallows,Orioles & Cuckooshrikes
Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus Resident. Small bird with slate grey head and lighter underparts. Commonly seen perched together on submerged trees in the backwaters. Gregarious and social, keeps in parties or loose flocks. Not recorded as settling on the ground. Is very bold and aggressive while nesting, defending the nest tree from crows and raptors. Feeds mainly on insects including butterflies even of the genera that are repugnant to others.Ocasionally on the nectar of flowers. 92 19cm 190
Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus Winters here. Golden yellow with black wings and mask. Strikingly beautiful bird. Found singly or in pairs, by itself or in loose association with mixed feeding parties. Chiefly arboreal and frugivorous but also takes insects. Very silent in winter. 92 25cm 191
Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis Winter visitor. Resident of the Andamans & Nicobar islands. Black eye stripe and nape. Less black on the wings.Genral habits similar to the Eurasian Golden Oriole. Feeds on fruits ,berries and insects. 92 27cm 192
Black-Hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus Resident. Distinguished from the other two by a black head and breast.Cheifly arboreal and frugivourous general habits very similar to the other Orioles. Breeds between March and August. Two to four eggs laid. 92 25cm 193
Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei Resident. Usually seen on tall trees. Grey in colour with black eye patch and variable grey barring on lighter underparts.Found in pairs or loose parties. Sometimes descends to bushes. Moves around a great deal locally in the non-breeding season. Breeds mainly between March and July. Normally three eggs laid. 92 30cm 194
Black-Headed Cuckooshrike Coracina melanoptera Much smaller than Large. Male has black head and breast. Female more uniformly grey with blackish tail. Most commonly seen during the winter. Found singly or in pairs often in association with hunting parties. Prefer tall trees. Feeds mainly on insects, berries also taken. Breeds generally between April to May. Usually two eggs laid. 92 18cm 195
Minivets,Bar-Winged Flycatcher Shrike & Fantails
Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus Resident. Small sized minivet. Male has deep orange to red underparts.Seen in groves and around cultivation and open wooded areas. Purely arboreal seen in small flocks. Feeds on moths,catterpillars and other insects. Breeds between March to September, presumably two broods raised. Usually three eggs laid. 93 16cm 196
Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus Large minivet. Male has scarlet patches on secondaries and scarlet body. Female similarly yellow in colouration.Aboreal.Can be seen in flocks in the non-breeding season. Feeds on catterpillars,cricits,cicadas and other insects.Genrally breeds from June to September. Two to three eggs usually laid. 93 20-22cm 197
Bar -Winged Flycatcher- Shrike Hemipus picatus Resident of the hills but occasionally seen . Aboreal.Seen in pairs following each other from tree to tree searching for insects usually in association with hunting parties of small insectivorous birds. Feeds on insects and breeds between March to May. Two to three eggs usually laid. 93 15cm 198
White-Throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis Resident. White throat displays its tail in a fanlike manner. Also seen in wooded areas outside the park. 93 19cm 199
White-Browed Fantail Rhipidura aureola Resident. Broad white supercilia, white breast and body. Similar habitat as White-Throated 93 18cm 200
Drongos
Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus Resident. Uniformly black in colour. Found around habitation and cultivation. Arboreal and wholly carnivourous.Is one of the earliest riser among birds. Bold and pugnacious, pairs will fearlessly attack and chase away large birds even raptors. Indulges in unabashed piracy , stealing food from other birds. Breeds between April to August. Mild mannered birds nest close to its nest as they benefit from the drongos vigilance and aggression towards marauders. 94 28cm 201
Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus Breeds in the Himalayas and NE hills. Winter visitor here. Dark grey underparts and salty grey upperparts.Genral habits very similar to the Black Drongo but essentially a forest bird not found in open cultivated country. 94 29cm 202
White - Bellied Drongo Dicrurus caerulescens Resident. Distinct white belly.Genral habits typical of the family. Breeds between March to June. Usually two to three eggs are laid. 94 24cm 203
Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus annectans Small with shallow fork tail. Has a shiny gloss. A comparatively low elevation forest drongo.Keeps to tall undergrowth and lower parts of the foliage canopy rather than to exposed tree trunks. Breeds between April to June. Three to four eggs usually laid. 94 24cm 204
Spangled Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus Broad tail with upward twisted corners. Male has hair like crest. Forest haunting and entirely arboreal. Predominantly a nectar feeder has a long and pointed down curved bill which is different from other drongos.Also feeds on insects. A regular member of mixed hunting parties. Breeds between March to April in the South. Three to four eggs laid. 94 32cm 205
Greater Racket-Tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus Resident. The largest of our drongos with two long tail streamers and crested head. An excellent mimic is known to mimic most mammal and bird calls. Has a huge repertoire of sounds. Seems to enjoy mimicking and playing jokes on others. Feeds on insects and very probably also takes lizards and small birds. Very aggressive as most drongos and found in mixed hunting parties. Often found in the company of treepies and woodpeckers. Breeds between February to May. Normally three eggs are laid. 94 32cm 206
Black-Naped Monarch,Asian Paradise - Flycatcher,Ioras & Woodshrikes
Black-Naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea Resident.Mainly blue in colour with black nape. Female usually slightly duller. 95 16cm 207
Asian Paradise-Flycather. Terpsiphone paradisi Resident.Male has black head and crest with white or rufous body and long tail streamers. Female rufous without tail streamers.Spectacular bird and can be seen flying between bamboo clumps near the backwaters. 95 20cm 208
Common Iora Aegithina tiphia Resident. Greenish yellow bird with black and white wings. Has an extremely pleasant whistle like call. Can more easily be located by its call. Can be seen in trees near cultivation. Keeps in pairs, searching for caterpillars and insects among the leaves of bushes and trees. Feeds on insects, especially caterpillars. Breeds chiefly between April and June. Two eggs usually laid. 95 14cm 209
Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis gularis Resident.Greyish brown with black face mask. Frequently seen in the Park. Seen in mixed hunting parties and feeds on insects like big moths, locusts and catterpillars.Breeds from December to June but chiefly March and April. Two eggs usually laid. 95 23cm 210
Common Woodshrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus Resident. Smaller than Large with white supercilium and white tail sides. A quiet , tame bird seen in pairs or small parties in trees and bushes. Frequently seen in mixed hunting parties. Feeds on beetels,moths,catterpillars and other insects including spiders. Breeding extends from February to July. Usually three eggs laid. 95 18cm 211

Thrushes and allies
Rock Thrushes & Whistling Thrushers
Blue-Capped Rock Thrush Monticola cinclorhynchus Winter visitor. Can be seen perched on stumps along the safari roads.Spends the summer in the Himalayas and NE India. 96 17cm 212
Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius Winter visitor. Breeds on open rocky slopes in Baluchistan and the Himalayas. Genrally males are uniformly blue all over. 96 20cm 213
Malabar Whistling Thrush Myophonus horsfieldii Adult blackish with blue forehead and shoulders. Found near hill streams in the northern part of the park. 96 25cm 214
Zoothera Thrushes
Orange-Headed Thrush Zoothera citrina Resident. Male has orange head with vertical black head stripes and underparts with blue- grey mantle. 97 21cm 215
Flycatchers
Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica Breeds in the himalayan foothills and hills of central and western India. Winter visitor to Nagarhole. Found open forests and wooded areas. 100 13cm 216
Rusty-Tailed Flycatcher Muscicapa ruficauda Uncommon winter visitor.Rufous tail and undertail coverts and plain face. 100 14cm 217
Red-Throated Flycatcher Ficedula parva Winter visitor. Can be told from Asian Brown by presence of red spot on throat and white sides on tail. 101 11-12cm 218
Blue Flycatchers
White-Bellied Blue Flycatcher Cyornis pallipes Indigo blue with white belly. Resident in the hills. Uncommon to rare in Nagarhole. 103 15cm 219
Blue-Throated Flycatcher Cyornis rubeculoides Blue throat with orange wedge and well defined white belly.Breeds in Himalayas and NE India. 103 14cm 220
Tickell's Blue Flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae Resident. Male has orange throat and breast with clear white flanks and belly.Female has greyish blue undeerparts. Seen in dry forests and wooded araeas outside the park. 103 14cm 221
Chats
Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis Resident. Instantly recognisable bird. Commonly seen all over the place in gardens and forestys. 105 23cm 222
White-Rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus Resident. The songster of Nagarhole. Has a long tail with white rump and orange underparts.Found in the undergrowth in forest. 105 22cm 223
Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicata Resident.White shoulders with glossy blue-black underparts. Prefers dry stony areas with scrub found close to cultivation edges. 105 19cm 224
Bushchats
Common Stonechat Saxicola torquata Winter visitor to these parts. Can be seen sitting on any avalable perch,including fencing posts, among the cultivation around the park. A particularly handsome bird. 108 17cm 225
Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata Resident. Male is black and white while the female is brown and rufous brown. Commonly seen sitting on any avalable perch among habitation and cultivation. 108 13.5cm 226

Starlings and Mynas

Starlings
Chestnut-Tailed Starling Sturnus malabaricus Myna like bird with almost white head. Can be seen in large numbers on fruiting ficus trees. Arboreal but will frequently descend to feed in low bushes and occasionally on the ground. Feeds on fruits,berries,flower-nectar and insects. Breed between April and July with local variation. Nests in barbet or woodpecker holes in trees. Three to five eggs usually laid. 110 22cm 227
Brahminy Starling Sturnus pagodarum Has a lighter coloured head as compared to it's body with black crown. Can be seen in good numbers along the veiwlines in the park. Sociable, not as arboreal as the Chestnut-Tailed, keeps in family parties and banding into larger flocks when food is plentiful. Feeds on fruits, berries and insects. Nests in holes in tree trunks often usurped from tits,woodpeckers, or barbets. Sometimes nest colonially if suitable holes are available. 110 21cm 228
Rosy Starling Sturnus roseus Winter visitor. Has black head with pinkish body. Seen in good numbers among the cultivation around the park. Keeps in small parties or large flocks in the neibourhood of cultivation. An aggressive bird tries to keep others away from the food source. Roosts communally in thorn bushes, groves and reedbeds.Feeds on fruit,berries,flower nectar, cereal grains and insects. 110 21cm 229
Mynas
Common Myna Acridotheres tristis Well known bird. Resident and commonly found around human habitation and cultivation. A confirmed commensal of man, quick to colonize virgin areas in his wake. Its sociable disposition, aggressive and self possessed demeanor and omnivorous habits make it a successful coloniser.Feeds chiefly on fruit,grain,insects and grubs but also on anything that can be eaten including kitchen scrap. Nests in holes and crevices with considerable competition for holes with violent battles breaking out between competiting pairs. Breeds from March to September with local variation.Same site often used year after year. 111 25cm 230
Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus Darker in colour than the Common with tufted forehead. Can also be found in cultivation but tends to avoid human habitation.Genral behavior quite like the Common Myna but not such a commensal of man. Commonly seen in association with other mynas. Feeds on fruits,berries,grain,flower-nectar and insects. Breeding April to July with two broods being raised. 111 23cm 231
Hill Myna Gracula religiosa Resident. Black in colour with yellow wattles and large orange-yellow bill. Usually found high up in the trees. Has a whistle like call. Excellent mimic of the human voice and can easily be taught to speak. Sociable and noisy and almost entirely arboreal will occasionally descend to feed in berry laden bushes but never onto the ground. Feeds mainly on fruits and berries also takes flower buds, nectar and insects. Nest in holes( of woodpeckers etc ) in tall tree trunks. Nest communally if adequate holes are avalable.The birds pair for life and both sexes take part in all domestic chores. 111 25-29cm 232

Nuthatches
Chestnut-Bellied Nuthatch Sitta castanea Small bird with chestnut underparts and white cheeks. Difficult to see because of it's prefrence fot tall trees. 112 12cm 233
Velvet-Fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis Voilet blue with lilac underparts and black eye patch. Found high up in the trees. 112 10cm 234

Tits
Great Tit Parus major White cheeks framed in black with black line runnuing down a white belly. Greyish wings.Also found commonly in groves around cultivation. 113 14cm 235
Black Lored Tit Parus xanthogenys Resident.Black forehead and lores with black crest. 114 13cm 236

Martins & Swallows
Dusky Crag Martin Hirundo concolor Uniform brown in colour. Found in old buildings,gorges and cliffs. Usually seen in pairs or small parties hawking insects.Spends most of the day foraging on the wing. Feeds on Dipterous insects , small flying beetles etc.Breeds almost through out the year with sometimes two or more broods being raised. 115 13cm 237
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Breeds in Himalayas, hills of Pakistan and NE India. Winter visitor to Nagarhole.Seen in large numbers flying low over the backwaters. Looks black with white belly while in flight. Highly gregarious in winter. Large parties fly low over the water almost skimming the surface, flying upwind they scoop up floating insects. Feed on midges, gnats and other insects captured in the air or scooped out of the water. Breeds from mid April to end May. 115 18cm 238
Pacific Swallow Hriundo tahitica Resident. Can be told from Barn by more extensive rufous on throat. Also smaller in size. Found near rivers and habitation.Genral habits similar to Barn. Can get quite tame and confiding, nests freely within inhabited buildings. Flying juveniles fed by parent in mid-air. Breeds in the south between March to May. Two to three eggs laid 115 13cm 239
Wire-Tailed Swallow Hriundo smithii Resident.Glistining white underparts with thin long projection to tail feathers. Found near the backwaters. Narrowly attached to water and seen away from it. Feeds on small flying insects, winged ants and flying termites. Breeding from March to September with local variation. Tree to five eggs laid. 115 14cm 240
Red -Rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica Resident. Most commonly seen swallow with easily seen red rump. Much less gregarious than the migratory swallows, usually seen in pairs, family parties or small flocks. Is less closely attached to water than the Wire Tailed. Feeds on gnats,midges,flying beetels,bugs,winged ants etc.Breeds between April to August with local variation. Three to four eggs usually laid. 116 16-17cm 241

Bulbuls
Red-Whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus Resident. Seen around habitation and in the campus of most of the resorts in Kabini. Has a tall black crest and red whiskers. Found usually in pairs or loose fledgling flocks. Largely sedintary,each pair usually remaining in the neibourhood of its breeding area throughout the year. Feeds on fruits,berries,figs,flower-buds,necter,insects and spiders. 117 20cm 242
Red-Vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer Resident.Red vent and small black crest.Found in forests and secondary growth.Genral habits very similar to Re-Whiskered. 117 20cm 243
White-Browed Bulbul Pycnonotus luteolus Resident.White supercilium and cresent below eye.Found in dry scrub around the park. 118 20cm 244

Prinias & Cisticolas
Grey-Breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsonii Resident.Small sized Prinia has a grey breast band in summer.Seen among the bushes at the park edge and in scrub outside the park. 119 11cm 245
Jungle Prinia Prinia sylvatica Large stout bill with uniform wings, genrally found in dry scrub and tall grass. 120 13cm 246
Plain Prinia Prinia inornata Smaller than the jungle with finer bill. 120 13cm 247
Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis Resident. Has slate grey crown and upperparts. Red eyes make it easy to identify. 120 13cm 248
Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis Small bird with bold streaking on buff uperparts. Found in tall grass and ragi fields. Has a tic-tic-tic flight call and a jerky up and down flight with wings closed while coming down. 120 10cm 249

White-Eyes
Oriental White-Eye Zosterops palpebrosus Greenish small bird with yellow throat and breast. Has a prominent white eye ring.Found in wooded areas. 120 10cm 250

Warblers and allies

Acrocephalus Warblers
Paddyfield Warbler Arocephalus agricola Winter visitor that breeds in Baluchistan.Has prominent white supercilium behind eye with dark edge to it.Stout bill with dark tip.Found in damp grasslands and paddyfields. 122 13cm 251
Blyth's Reed Warbler Arocephalus dumetorum Winter visitor. Long billwith olive-grey underparts and uniform wings. Told from Paddyfield by indistinct supercilium barely apparent behind eye. 122 14cm 252
Clamorous Reed Warbler Arocephalus stentoreus Large size with long bill,white supercilium and longish tail. 123 19cm 253
Hippolais & Sylvia Warblers
Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata Winter visitor,breeds in Pakistan. Small in size with comparitivly rounded head.Distinct suoercilium.Found in areas with scrub. 124 12cm 254
Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Breeds in the hills of Pakistan and W Himalayas. Winter visitor to Nagarhole. Brownish grey upperparts with grey crown and blackiash bill.Found inscrub. 124 13cm 255
Orphean Warbler Sylvia hortensis Winters in India and spends the summer in Pakistan. Larger and bigger billed than Lesser Whitethroat.Found in scrub and groves. 124 15cm 256
Tailorbirds
Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius Resident. Rufous forehead with green upperparts and white underparts.Found in bushes near cultivation and forest edges. 125 13cm 257
Phylloscopus Warblers
Tickell's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus affinis Winter visitor that breeds in the Himalayas.Dark greenish to greenish brown upperparts. Bright yellow supercilium the same coloured throat and breast.Found in bushes at the edge of the park and cultivation. 126 11cm 258
Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides Breeds in Himalayas and NE Indian hills. Winters in these parts. Lacks crown stripe and has fine wing bars.Found in well wooded areas. 126 10-11cm 259
Western Crowned Warbler Phylloscopus occipitallis Winter visitor. Breeds in N Pakistan hill and W Himalayas.Has a crown-stripe greyish green upperparts and greyish white underparts. 127 11cm 260
Babblers including Scimitar Babblers
Indian Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus horsfieldii Yellow bill with white supercilium. Has downcurved bill like a scimitar and hence its name.Has a easily recognisable call that is often heard. 130 22cm 261
Puff-Throated Babbler Pellorneum ruficeps Resident. White throat with promenant brown spotting on breast.Found in the undergrowth. 130 15cm 262
Tawny Bellied Babbler Dumetia hyperythra Resident. Roufous brown forehead and orange - buff underparts.White throat and belly.Can be seen in large flocks in tall grass and scrub. 132 13cm 263
Yellow-Eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense Resident.Has a yellow iris and orange eye ring. Rufous brown upperparts with white throat and breast.Found in tall grass and bushes. 132 18cm 264
Turdoides Babblers
Common Babbler Turdoides caudatus Resident.Unstreaked white throat with yellowish legs and feet. 133 23cm 265
Large Grey Babbler Turdoides malcolmi Largest babbler found here. More often seen in cultivation around the park.Has pale grey forehaed and dark grey lores. 133 28cm 266
Rufous Babbler Turdoides subrufus Unstreaked roufous underparts with grey forehead and crown. Seen among scrub and bamboo adjoining the veiwlines. 133 25cm 267
Jungle Babbler Turdoides striatus The most commonly seen babbler here. Found in large numbers all over the park. Also called the seven sisters because of the noise they make when together. 133 25cm 268
Yellow-Billed Babbler Turdoides affinis ResidentCan be told from Jungle by it's creamy white crown also comparitivly less streaked than Jungle.Marginaly smaller. 133 23cm 269
Fulvettas
Brown-Cheeked Fulvetta Alcippe poioicephala Nondescript usually found in the undergrowth in moist part of the park. 135 15cm 270

Larks
Singing Bushlark Mirafra cantillans Resident.Stout bill with weak and restricted spotting on breast. Whitish throat. Not seen very often.Found singly or in pairs and sometimes in small scattered parties. Usually seen running about on the ground picking seeds and insects. Feeds on seeds of grass, ants and other insects. It has a flight call that is spirited and sustained and includes mimicked calls of almost every bird that shares its habitat repeated in rapid succession. Breeds March to September usually two to four eggs laid. 137 14cm 271
Indian Bushlark Mirafra erythroptera Resident. Can be told from Singing by pronounced dark spottings on breast. Found most often in fallow cultivation. Has a characteristic sound-display-flight during the breeding season. A male perched on a stone or similar perch shoots up vertically in the sky and then parachutes to the ground , calling all the time. Breeds between March to October and usually two to four eggs laid. 137 14cm 272
Rufous-Winged Bushlark Mirafra assamica Resident. Has pale rufous underparts with rufous wings and dark spottings on breast. Short tail. Found singly ,in pairs or small loose parties. Running on the ground or perched on fence posts or any other perch. Feeds on grass seeds and insects.Has similar sound-display-flight as the Indian Bushlark. Breeds between December to May. Three eggs usually laid. 137 15cm 273
Ashy-Crowned Sparrow Lark Eremopterix grisea Resident. Grey crown and nape with black underparts. Found in abundance along the exposed river banks. Keeps in pairs or small parties, in winter sometimes in largish scattered flocks. Parties roost at night on open sandy or gravelly ground. Flight undulating - a series of rapid wing beats punctuated by momentary pauses. Feeds on grass seeds, ants and other insects. Breeds February to September in the south. Usually two to three eggs laid. 137 12cm 274
Greater Short-Toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla Winter visitor. Light coloured lark with white supercilium. Can be found in fallow cultivation during the winter. Found in straggly flocks running about and feeding on the ground. Feeds on grass seeds and insects. Very silent in winter. 137 14cm 275
Malabar Lark Galerida malabarica Resident. Easily recognizable by it's prominent crest. Found in abundance in fallow cultivation and along the exposed river bank. Keeps in pairs or small scattered flocks. Pointed crest generally carried erect as it runs about. Perches freely on fence posts, bushes and similar perches. Wanders a great deal locally according to season. Feeds on seeds and insects. Breeds varying locally almost the whole year. Two to three eggs laid. 137 16cm 276
Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula Resident. Extremely variable in colour but generally lighter than the Malabar. Found in grasslands and cultivation. Keeps in two and threes or small scattered parties. It has a remarkable aerial song . From a perch the male soars vertically up, singing as he goes till almost lost to sight. He remains suspended as he continues to call, moved about by the wind. It can remain suspended like this for upto ten minutes. After a while he closes his wings and descends a bit before hovering again. He thus comes to land on the same perch or very close to it in similar short steps. Feeds on seeds, tiny root bulbs and insects and frequently swallows some grit with its food. 137 16cm 277

Flowerpeckers & Sunbirds
Thick-Billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum agile Resident. Easily recognisable because of it's thick bill.Found in the forest and well wooded country. 139 10cm 278
Pale-Billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum erythrorynchos Pale bill with olive-grey upperparts and pale grey underparts. Smaller than Thick Billed. 139 8cm 279
Plain Flowerpecker Dicaeum concolor Resident.Can be told from Pale Billed by it's dark bill. Also slightly darker in colour and marginally bigger. 139 9cm 280
Purple-Rumped Sunbird Nectarinia zeylonica Resident.Most commonly found of the sunbirds. Has a purple rump which is difficult to see. Found in cultivation and secondary growth. 139 10cm 281
Purple Sunbird Nectarinia asiatica Resident.Most easlily recognisable as the male in completely metalic purple in colour.Found in open forests and gardens. 140 10cm 282
Loten's Sunbird Nectarinia lotenia Resident. Told from Purple by long sickle shaped bill. Found in well wooded areas. 140 13cm 283
Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra Resident. Has a very long downcurved bill .Yellowish underparts and white throat. 140 16CM 284

Sparrows, Wagtails, Munias, Weavers & Avadats
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Easily recognisable bird. Once very common in our cities now not found there. Decline thought to be due to mobile phone towers. Frequency of which is detrimental to them. Suffered a drastic decline in numbers due to that. 141 15cm 285
Chestnut-Shouldered Petronia Petronia xanthocollis Resident.Unstreaked brownish grey head and underparts with prominent wing bars.Can be seen sitting on electrical wires. 141 13.5cm 286
Wagtails
Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus Breeds in Assam and winter visitor. Has a distintive double black breast band. Can be seen on the safari roads in the park. 142 18cm 287
White Wagtail Motacilla alba Breeds in the Himalayas and winter visitor.Extremly variable but has white forehead and white around the eyes. 142 19cm 288

White-Browed Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis Resident. Large black and white wagtail with prominent white eye brow. Seen in pairs perched on tree stumps in the backwaters. 142 21 cm 289
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava Breeds in W Himalayas and winter visitor here.Very variable plumage. Breeding male has black head. Found in large numbers among the damp grassland that appear as the backwaters recede. 142 18cm 299
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Longer tailed than other wagtails. White supercillium with greyish underparts and yellow vent. Can be seen along the safari roads in the park. 142 19cm 300
Pipits
Richard's Pipit Anthus richardi Winter visitor. Large Pipit with well streaked underparts. Genrally darker than Paddyfeild.Found near the riverbanks. 143 17cm 301
Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus Resident. Smaller than Richard's and pale looking. Found in short grasslands and cultivation. 143 15cm 302
Olive-Backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni Breeds in the Himalayas. Winter visitor. Olive green upperparts.Rarely seen here genrally in the shrubbery. 143 15cm 303

Weavers & Avadats
Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus Resident.Male has yellow crown and dark brown to black face. Makes a bell shaped nest overhanging water. Can be seen in large numbers in cultivation and tall grass. Nests in large colonies which usually are a hive of activity during the breeding season. 146 15cm 304
Red Avadat Amandava amandava Resident. A beautiful small bird. Breding male particularly handsome being red with white spots.. Non breeding have red bill and rump. Found in tall grasslands around the river. 146 10cm 305
Munias
Indian Silverbill Lonchura malabarica Resident.Sandy brown in colour. Adult has white rump and black tail with elongated central feathers. 147 11cm 306
White-Rumped Munia Lonchura striata Resident.Dark breast with white rump. Found in open wooded areas and scrub. Common outside in park in cultivated areas. 147 10-11cm 307
Scaly-Breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata Resident.Reddish coloured with dark scaling on white underparts. Found in bushes and cultivated areas. 147 11-12cm 308
Black-Headed Munia Lonchura malacca Resident.Black head,neck and upper breast.White lower breast and flanks. 147 11.5cm 309
Rosefinches
Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus Winter visitor that breeds in Baluchistan and the Himalayas.Found in cultivation and bushes. 149 15cm 310

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