Indian Birds
Vol. 2 No. 2 March-April 2006 READY-RECKONER Internet Resources India Birds: http://www.indiabirds.com/ Bird conservation organisations Birds of Kerala: http://birdskerala.com/ BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY: Honorary Secretary, Hornbill BirdLife International: http://www.birdlife.net/ House, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg, Mumbai 400023, Maharashtra. Indian Jungles: http://www.indianjungles.com/ Website: www.bnhs.org. Email: [email protected]. Publish: Birds of Kolkata: http://www.kolkatabirds.com/ Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society; Hornbill. Contact Sanctuary Asia: http://www.sanctuaryasia.com/ above for: INDIAN BIRD CONSERVATION NETWORK: Publish: Red Data Book: http://www.rdb.or.id/index.html/ Mistnet. ENVIS CENTRE: Publish: Buceros. The Northern India Bird Network: http://www.delhibird.com/ SALIM ALI CENTRE FOR ORNITHOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY: Zoological Nomenclature Resource: http://www.zoonomen.net/ Director, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore 641108, India. Website: N.C.L. Centre for Biodiversity Informatics: http://www.ncbi.org.in/biota/ www.saconindia.org. Email: [email protected] fauna/ BIRDWATCHERS’ SOCIETY OF ANDHRA PRADESH: Honorary John Penhallurick’s Bird Data Project: http://worldbirdinfo.net/ Secretary, P.O. Box 45, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad 500034, India. Website: Saving Asia’s threatened birds: www.bsaponline.org. Email: [email protected] Publish: Mayura; http://www.birdlife.net/action/science/species/asia_strategy/pdfs.html/ Pitta. Optics: http://www.betterviewdesired.com/ MADRAS NATURALISTS’ SOCIETY: Honorary Secretary, No. 8, Janaki Library Avenue, Abhirampuram, Chennai 600018, India. Website: Ali, Salim, 2002. The book of Indian birds. 13th revised edition. Mumbai: www.blackbuck.org. Email: [email protected]. Publish: Blackbuck. Bombay Natural History Society. INSTITUTE OF BIRD STUDIES & NATURAL HISTORY: Director, Ali, Salim & S. Dillon Ripley, 2001. Handbook of the birds of India and Rishi Valley, Chittoor District, India 517352. Email: Pakistan, together with those of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri [email protected]. Conduct: Home Study Course in Ornithology. Lanka. 10 vols. New Delhi: Oxford University Press. ORIENTAL BIRD CLUB: P.O. Box 324, Bedford, MK42 0WG, U.K. Grimmett, Richard, Carol Inskipp and Tim Inskipp, 1998. Birds of the Website: www.orientalbirdclub.org. Publish: Forktail; OBC Bulletin. Indian subcontinent. London: Christopher Helm. WILDLIFE INSTITUTE OF INDIA: Post Bag # 18, Chandrabani, Harrison, John, 1999. A field guide to the birds of Sri Lanka. Oxford: Dehradun 248001, India. Website: www.wii.gov.in. Oxford University Press. WILDLIFE TRUST OF INDIA: Wildlife Trust of India, A-220, New Inskipp, Carol & Tim Inskipp, 1985. A guide to the birds of Nepal. Friends Colony, New Delhi 110065, India. Website: www.wti.org.in. London: Croom Helm. WORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE-INDIA: 172-B, Lodi Estate, New Inskipp, Carol, Tim Inskipp & Richard Grimmett, 1999. Birds of Bhutan. Delhi 110003, India. Website: www.wwfindia.org. New Delhi: Oxford University Press. Web-based email groups Kazmierczak, Krys, 2000. A field guide to the birds of India, Sri Lanka, To join, send email to: Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and the Maldives. New Delhi: BANGALORE: [email protected] Om Book Service. BOMBAY: [email protected] Rasmussen, P.C. & Anderton, J.C. 2005. Birds of South Asia. The Ripley DELHI: [email protected] Guide. 2 vols. Washington D.C. & Barcelona: Smithsonian Institution KERALA: [email protected] & Lynx Edicions. NORTHEAST INDIA: [email protected] Roberts, T. J. 1991-92. The birds of Pakistan. 2 vols. Karachi: Oxford University Press. ORIENTAL BIRD CLUB: [email protected] Robson, Craig, 2000. A field guide to the birds of South-East Asia. London: NAT-HISTORY INDIA: [email protected] New Holland. WEST BENGAL: [email protected]
Guidelines to contributors of Indian Birds Indian Birds publishes original articles and notes about birds and birdwatching with an emphasis on South Asian birds (South Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka). We welcome original articles on behaviour, ecology and conservation, counts and censuses (particularly those covering multiple years), annotated checklists, trip reports, book reviews, reviews of audio recordings, letters, announcements, notices, news from the birding world, etc. Authors proposing reviews of published material should first discuss this with the editor. All manuscripts should be easy to read and understand. Manuscripts will be edited for length, content and style, and will be sent to referees when appropriate. The editor will discuss contributions with authors and advise on modifications. Some basic guidelines are given below: General When a bird species is first mentioned, both the English and scientific name must be given, thereafter the English name only. English and scientific names should follow Manakadan, R., and Pittie, A. 2001. Standardised common and scientific names of the birds of the Indian Subcontinent. Buceros 6 (1): i-ix, 1-38. Metric units and their international symbols must be used; dates and times should be of the form 1.i.2005 and 13:45hrs respectively. Numbers one to ten should be written in full, except when used with a measurement abbreviation or higher number, thus: five birds, but 5km and 5-15 birds. Numerals are used for all numbers greater than ten: 12, 120, 1,200 and 12,000. Preparation and submission of manuscripts These should preferably be sent electronically as an email attachment or mailed on a PC-formatted floppy disk or CD-ROM to the contact addresses given below. The text, tables, figure legends (which must be self-explanatory) and appendices should be combined in one MS Word file. Alternatively, hard copies of typescripts, original maps and diagrams can be sent by mail, but this should be an option of last resort. Images Photographs, artwork, maps, diagrams, etc. should be digitised and sent either as an email attachment or on CD-ROM. These should be in TIFF and at least 8”x11” in 300dpi resolution. JPEG files must be “maximum” quality, that is, at their minimum compression. Maps should be marked with a scale and north arrow. Disclaimer While every care is taken, Indian Birds cannot be held responsible for accidental loss or damage of any material sent for publication or for their return whether they are accepted for publication or not. Material published in Indian Birds reflects the views of the authors and not necessarily those of the publishers. The Editor reserves the right to make necessary changes in manuscripts in consultation with the author. All contributors submitting material to Indian Birds also give permission for its use on the New Ornis Foundation website. All submissions are evaluated under the assumption that the conditions listed here have been understood and accepted by the author(s). Contact addresses The Editor, Indian Birds, P.O. Box 2, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad 500034, India. Email: [email protected] Indian Birds Vol. 2 No. 2 (March-April 2006) 25 Indian Birds ISSN 0973-1407
Editor Emeritus Zafar Futehally
Editor Aasheesh Pittie Associate Editor Indian Birds V. Santharam, PhD. Vol. 2 No. 2. March-April 2006. Date of publication: 5 May 2006. Subscription information Six issues will be published annually in February, April, June, August, October, and December. Contents Type Annual 3-year Individual Rs. 100 Rs. 300 Birds of Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan, India Student (Up to 10th) Rs. 75 Rs. 225 Harkirat Singh Sangha & Dhirendra Devarshi 26 Institution Rs. 300 Rs. 900 Foreign Individual $10 $30 Breeding of Long-billed Vulture Gyps indicus at Ramanagaram hills, Karnataka, India Foreign Institution $50 $150 S. Subramanya & O.C. Naveein 32 Please make payments favouring New Ornis Foundation Sun-bathing by Yellow-legged Green-Pigeon Treron phoenicoptera at Vadodara, Add Rs.25/- for outstation cheques. Gujarat, India Anika Tere 34 Send manuscripts and subscriptions to Editor, Indian Birds Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus nest with four chicks in New Ornis Foundation P.O. Box # 2, Banjara Hills Marine National Park, Gujarat, India Hyderabad 500034, India Kamal Bhatt 35 Email: [email protected] Indian White-backed Vultures Gyps bengalensis nesting in Mahuva, Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, India I. R. Gadhvi & P.P. Dodia 36
NEW ORNIS FOUNDATION A vulture congregation in Pokhara, Nepal Registration No. 314/2004 Hashim Tyabji 36 URL: www.indianbirds.in A record of the Rufous-necked Hornbill Aceros nipalensis from Trustees West Bengal, India Zafar Futehally Dipankar Ghose, Peter Lobo & Nabanita Ghose 37 Aasheesh Pittie Birds walk the ramp at Subathu, Himachal Pradesh, India V. Santharam, PhD. Lt. General Baljit Singh 38 Rishad Naoroji Taej Mundkur, PhD. Recent ornithological literature from South Asia and Tibet S. Subramanya, PhD. Aasheesh Pittie 39 Suhel Quader, PhD. Recoveries from the Newsletter for Birdwatchers (1965) - 10 46 Aims & Objectives Zafar Futehally • To publish a newsletter that will provide a platform to birdwatchers for Review 48 publishing notes and observations Correspondence 48 primarily on birds of South Asia. • To promote awareness of bird watching amongst the general public. • To establish and maintain links/liaison with other associations or organized bodies in India or abroad whose objectives are in keeping with the Front cover: Black-headed Oriole Oriolus xanthornus, Kolkata, 29.i.2006 objectives of the Trust (i.e. to support (Photo: Sumit Sen). amateur birdwatchers with cash / kind Back cover: Top: 4 juvenile Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus for projects in ornithology). (Photo: Kamal Bhatt). Bottom: Gyps sp. vultures in Pokhara (Photo: Hashim Tyabji). 26 Indian Birds Vol. 2 No. 2 (March-April 2006) Birds of Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan, India Harkirat Singh Sangha1,3 & Dhirendra Devarshi2 1B-27, Gautam Marg, Hanuman Nagar, Jaipur 302021, Rajasthan, India. Email: [email protected] 2C-8, Prithviraj Road, Jaipur 302001, Rajasthan, India 3Corresponding author ount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, a detailed account of the birds of Mount distribution (Rasmussen & Anderton 2005). M Sirohi district, Rajasthan (24°33’– Abu. He seems to have visited Mount Abu The specimen of “P. brevirostris, Vig.”, 24°43’N 72°38’–72°53’E; 1,158 m above from 1874 to 1877, but never stayed for long. collected by Butler (1875: p. 465) was m.s.l.) lies in the southern part of the Aravali Dr George King collected specimens at actually P. ethologus, which is not unlikely Range. A checklist of 146 species of birds, Mount Abu from December 1867 to to occur in this part of India during winter. including 23 new records, is presented along December 1868. He sent this collection and They have also described the Jungle Myna with information on status, location, his manuscript notes to A.O. Hume who Acridotheres fuscus as resident, but we did distribution, and breeding. Previous notable used them to add remarks and comments to not record this species at all. Rajasthan is records are compared with our study E.A. Butler’s three–part paper. well beyond its known distribution range. wherever a change in their status or In the introductory section of Indian hill They have described the Greater abundance is perceptible. birds, Ali (1979) tabulated 72 taxa from Whitethroat Sylvia communis as a common Mount Abu. He also listed 21 taxa whose winter migrant whereas it is an uncommon Study area occurrence / absence he suspected. Indian autumn passage migrant through north– The Aravali Range is considered to be the hill birds was written to meet the needs of west India. oldest mountain range in India, comprising the average visitor to an Indian hill station The Black Francolin Francolinus rocks that date from the Archaean (3.8 to 2.5 and merely dealt with a representative francolinus recorded by Joshi & Joshi billion years ago) to Older Palaeozoic (5.4 to selection of the commoner birds. (2004) is also an error. The species is not 2.5 billion years ago) periods. Mount Abu Recent accounts of the birds of Mount found on Mount Abu. stands on an enormous, detached mass of Abu, Devarshi & Trigunayat (1989) and In the recently published Important bird gneissic rock, which rises steeply out of the Prakash & Singh (1995) are rife with areas of India (Islam & Rahmani 2004), flat plain, and stands well apart from the rest erroneous and doubtful records, which we Mount Abu has been rightly declared an of the Aravalis. Declared a wildlife sanctuary briefly discuss below. To ignore them would IBA on the basis of its biome assemblage of on 7.iv.1960, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary merely perpetuate the errors. Although birds of Tropical Dry Deciduous and relict (Sanctuary) covers an area of 328 km2. Devarshi & Trigunayat (1989) have patches of Tropical Semi–evergreen Forests Altitudinally it varies from 300 m at the questioned birds listed for Mount Abu in (Site code IN–RJ–10), but the authors foothills to 1,722 m at Guru Shikhar, the Ali (1979), they appear to have used Ali’s erroneously mention the “presence of [a] highest peak in the Aravalis. The climate of uncorroborated records of Alpine Swift good” population of Pied Tit Parus Mount Abu varies according to the altitude. Tachymarptis melba and Wire-tailed nuchalis. The species has never been At the top (1,200 m and above) it remains Swallow Hirundo smithii, in compiling their recorded at Mount Abu. moderate and pleasant in summer. However, checklist. Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus Thus, for reasons of accuracy and in winters the nights are often frosty. balasiensis has been included in their list, expediency we reject the above records of Maximum rainfall (av. 1,500 mm) is during presumably based on Butler (1875), who Devarshi & Trigunayat (1989), Prakash & July–September, from the south-west recorded it only once. Although Streak- Singh (1995), Joshi & Joshi (2004), and Islam monsoon. Temperatures on the plateau throated Swallow Hirundo fluvicola, & Rahmani (2004) from this study. Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis, range from -2°C to 35°C. The vegetation of and House Crow Corvus splendens have Methods the area varies from xeromorphic sub– been listed by them, their occurrence at Ten trips to Mount Abu were organized in tropical thorn forest in the foothills to sub– Mount Abu is unlikely. Moreover, three different seasons from 25.iii.2001 to tropical evergreen forest along water conspicuous Galliformes of Mount Abu, 19.vi.2005. Ornithological observations were courses and valleys at higher altitudes. The Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus, Grey made in all habitats represented in the area. flora of Mount Abu consists of 112 plant Junglefowl Gallus sonneratii and Red An effort was made to spend time in the families comprising 449 genera and 820 Spurfowl Galloperdix spadicea are study area during all seasons so that the species (Mehta 1979). Mount Abu is the strangely not included in their list. true status of the avifauna is reflected. We only place in Rajasthan where a variety of Prakash & Singh (1995) have not only have also incorporated ten casual records orchids (Orchidaceae) are found. Three perpetuated erroneous and doubtful by others. We did not survey forests at the species of wild roses (Rosaceae) and 16 records of Ali (1979) and Devarshi & foothills of Mount Abu. species of ferns (Pteridophyta) have also Trigunayat (1989) they have included been reported from here. The south–western inaccuracies in their list. They list Short- Results and discussion part of the Sanctuary is rich in bamboo billed Minivet Pericrocotus brevirostris, A total of 136 species during March 2001– [Gramineae (Poaceae)] forests. which is a species confined to eastern Nepal June 2005, and ten casual records by others, and north–east India. The Short-billed have been combined to produce a Earlier ornithological works Minivet of Butler has long been erroneously comprehensive checklist of 146 bird species Captain E.A. Butler (1875, 1876 & 1877) of considered conspecific with P. ethologus, for Mount Abu. The high number of species HM’s 83rd Regiment was the first to publish but the two differ in ecology and new to Mount Abu (23) indicates the Indian Birds Vol. 2 No. 2 (March-April 2006) 27 restricted nature of recent works (Devarshi remarkably noisy, enlivening the hills” with which is now replaced by crop fields. & Trigunayat 1989, Prakash & Singh 1995). their notes for at least two months. We did While the total number of species not record the latter species at all, despite Threats to the area and conservation recorded (146) may not be impressive, its host species being present! significance Mount Abu boasts of four Red Data Book The apparent absence of owls at Mount The threats to Mount Abu’s birds come from species – the Near–threatened Darter Abu is probably real for we never saw nor various sources. The forested areas are Anhinga melanogaster, the Critically heard any. But in the foothill forests of Abu, under threat from cattle grazing, cutting and Endangered Indian White-backed Vulture owl species will undoubtedly be recorded lopping of trees, encroachment by labourers, Gyps bengalensis and Long-billed Vulture with additional effort. spreading exotic vegetation and summer G. indicus and the Vulnerable Green Munia It is sobering to note that most of the fires. Mount Abu used to be peaceful except Amandava formosa (BirdLife International species recorded by Butler at Mount Abu for the two tourist–filled summer months. 2001). The Indian endemics include Grey have declined in numbers. The adjectives Now tourists flock to the area all the year Junglefowl Gallus sonneratii, Indian used by Butler like “very abundant”, round. The increased tourism and Blackbird Turdus simillimus usually “abundant”, “very common”, “considerable population has had an adverse affect on considered conspecific with Turdus merula numbers” etc., to describe abundance of the Mount Abu. Hundreds of hotels and guest (but see Rasmussen & Anderton 2005), species, seem irrelevant today. Butler found houses have erupted on the hill slopes. The White-spotted Fantail-Flycatcher the resident vultures, Indian White-backed forest in the foothills of Mount Abu has Rhipidura albogularis and Green Munia. Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Longbilled Vulture been largely cleared and even on the top Another taxon worth mentioning is the “common”, Jungle Bush-Quail Perdicula only fragments of good habitat remain. A north–western race of the Red Spurfowl asiatica “very common”, Red-rumped contributory factor to the above pressures Galloperdix spadicea caurina Blanford, Swallow Hirundo daurica “very abundant”, is the weak management of the Sanctuary. 1898, with Mount Abu, southern Rajputana Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus in While nominally under the control of the [= south Rajasthan], as its type–locality (Ali “considerable numbers”, Green Munia D.F.O., Mount Abu, there is little evidence & Ripley 1980). Though fairly common and “common”, Spotted Munia Lonchura of field activity by forest guards who are unthreatened, the Aravali race has a very punctulata in “large flocks”, and Crested poorly equipped, unsupervised and largely small distribution, with Mount Abu as its Bunting Melophus lathami as “one of the unmotivated. Institutional weaknesses are principal stronghold. commonest birds”. Although we recorded also highlighted by the confusion over the In winter (December–January) and in these species, a considerable diminution of status of the Sanctuary. Though 328 km2 of early May, when stragglers (e.g. Blyth’s populations has occurred. Mount Abu are declared protected, only Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum) Though extensive, our list is not 112.98 km2 are notified as the Sanctuary area were in transit and summer migrants (Indian necessarily complete; difficult taxa like (Anonymous 2003). Blackbird, Indian Golden Oriole Oriolus Phylloscopus warblers probably being kundoo and Asian Paradise-Flycatcher under represented. Acknowledgements Terpsiphone paradisi) had already arrived Permission to visit the Sanctuary was granted in Mount Abu, maximum number (50) of bird Physical changes that have occurred in by Forest Department of Rajasthan. Valuable species were recorded (three field days). Mount Abu assistance was received from T.R. Verma, D.F.O., Minimum bird species count (26) was during Large scale changes have taken place in the and Karan Singh, Range Officer, of the Sanctuary. R.G. Soni dug out photograph of monsoon, particularly in August (two field forest cover of Mount Abu in the last Jungle Owlet from his collection. Jugal Kishore days). century. Butler (1875) found the Mount Abu Tiwari, Satish Kumar Sharma and Shantanu Most records concerning migrants and jungles “impenetrable” that it was Kumar supplied unpublished information on winter visitors were not unexpected as they “impossible to explore whole of them”, and several species. Shantanu Kumar commented on occurred within their accepted ranges of consequently doubtless a few species an initial draft of the paper. distribution. However, some species, like escaped notice. During 1938–1939 Prakash Olivaceous Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus (1997) noted “dense unbroken green of Appendix griseolus, Red-throated Flycatcher forested hills” and saw “four dead tigers, The following species were recorded by Ficedula parva and Grey-headed being carried on bamboo poles on men’s others, but eluded us during our study from Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis, each of shoulders to the kothi [=residence] of the 2001–2005. Status of most of these can be which was encountered only once or twice, Agent to the Governor General”. The last described as extremely rare as they are based were much rarer than would have been tiger in Mount Abu was reported in 1970 on only one or two records from Mount Abu. expected. (Anonymous Undated). Large-scale Our comments are given in square brackets For certain species noted by Butler (1875), infrastructural works like the dams, Kodra [ ]. we were constantly on the lookout. In fact and Kodra II, and air force radars have we went specifically for Common Cuckoo probably harmed forests and waterways. Indian Shag Phalacrocorax fuscicollis: Occurred Cuculus canorus and Indian Plaintive Large trees have become scarce. Exotic on “the lake” at Mount Abu (Butler 1876). Cuckoo Cacomantis passerinus in the Lantana camara has overwhelmed Mount Black Kite Milvus migrans: Butler recorded the months of May and June. Common Cuckoo Abu’s forests. In the ‘old days’, as one species as abundant (1875). Even as late as the 1940s McCann (1942) found the species was recorded once although Butler (1875: entered the Dilwara–Achalgarh tract, one “common”. [Has the food supply depleted 460) observed that it arrived “at Mount was greeted with the fragrance of wild rose due to the closure of abattoirs and butcher Aboo [= Mount Abu] in considerable Rosa involucrata (= R. clinophylla), which shops? The present human population of numbers towards the end of May” and “are grew in extensive patches (Prakash 1997) – 28 Indian Birds Vol. 2 No. 2 (March-April 2006)
Mount Abu is distinctly vegetarian.] Lesser Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis: Recorded shot one (Butler 1875). Western Marsh-Harrier Circus aeruginosus: Not by Butler (1875), “both in the hills and in the Striolated Bunting Emberiza striolata: Butler recorded by Butler but one specimen was plains”. McCann (1944) mentions its (1875) observed it “occasionally at Mount “obtained” by Dr King at “the lake (Nakki)” occurrence “during the dry season”. Aboo in the cold weather”. (Butler 1875). Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus: Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala: Besra Sparrowhawk Accipiter virgatus: A young “Escaped” Butler, but Hume shot two and Dr Butler (1875) saw “a few small flocks” and male was collected “at or near Aboo by Dr. King had “several in his list” (Butler 1875). “shot specimens there as late as the middle of King” but not recorded by Butler (1875). European Roller Coracias garrulus: Reported by May”. Bonelli’s Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus: Not Trivedi (2003), but not seen by us. Grey-headed Starling Sturnus malabaricus: recorded by Butler but Hume observed it Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla: Butler (1875) Butler (1875) found it “common at Mount twice, “soaring over the upper plateau of saw “one on the wing once at Mount Aboo”. Aboo in the hot weather, congregating in Mount Aboo” (Butler 1875) [Quite possibly [Not at all unlikely in winter]. considerable flocks in May and June”. [HSS occurs occasionally in winter]. Eurasian Crag-Martin Hirundo rupestris: “Not has recorded it in Banswara. It has also been Brown Crake Amaurornis akool: Butler (1876) uncommon” in the cold weather (Butler 1875). recorded at Sitamata (Shantanu Kumar, described it as, “by no means common”, and [Its presence is likely in winter]. verbally). The species was present in small “shot a specimen at Mount Abu in the middle Eurasian Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis: Only “Dr flocks of 3–5 birds during flowering of Butea of May” [Quite possibly still occurs]. King noted this from Aboo” (Butler 1875). monosperma (February–March) at Phulwari Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola: Only one Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus: Wildlife Sanctuary (2001–2004) and record of a bird trapped in a damp spot in the Butler (1875) “got two good specimens, male Kumbhalgarh (2002), Satish Kumar Sharma, forest near St. Mary’s High School and female”. [Has been recorded from Kota in verbally]. (Shivrajkumar 1949). Not recorded by Butler winter (Shantanu Kumar, verbally)]. Black-headed Oriole Oriolus xanthornus: Not (1876). Marshall’s Iora Aegithina nigrolutea: Marshall recorded by Butler (1875) but Nirmalkumar Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago: Butler (1876) noted specimens of two males and one (1969) recorded the species once. [We have (1876) observed a few on a small patch of female in Hume’s collection, which he thought recently recorded it from Phulwari Wildlife marshy ground at Mount Abu [Although he were suspiciously like this taxon. [We did not Sanctuary, Udaipur]. did not specify the site, the species is likely meet it during the study and think that the to occur in winter]. habitat is not suitable for it.] References Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis: Hume Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus: Butler (1875) Abdulali, H. 1972. A catalogue of the birds in the considered occurrence of the species at the found it “uncommon”. collection of the Bombay Natural History “little Lake” (Nakki) utterly abnormal and Common Stonechat Saxicola torquata: “Common Society–12. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 69: 378– suspected some mistake. However, Butler on the hills and in the plains” (Butler 1875). 389. included it in his list on the strength of four Malabar Whistling-Thrush Myophonus Ali, S. 1949. Indian hill birds. (Reprinted 1979). specimens shot by Dr Newman (1876) horsfieldii: Butler (1875) saw a pair once. [Rare Bombay: Oxford University Press. [Essentially a species of fluvial habitats. This record. Occurrence unlikely in the absence of Ali, S. and S.D. Ripley 1980. Handbook of the record, even at that time, was doubted by flowing streams. The present day dams were birds of India and Pakistan together with those Hume]. not there in Mount Abu in the Nineteenth of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Indian Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis passerinus: Century.] 2nd ed. Vol. 2. Delhi: Oxford University Press. Described as, “not uncommon at Aboo”, and Tickell’s Thrush Turdus unicolor: Butler (1875) Ali, S. & H. Abdulali. 1945. Some recent records arriving “about the beginning of June”, by shot a female. [A mere straggler in south of the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus fulvescens Butler (1875). [Our visits in May 2001 and Rajasthan]. Hume) in Peninsular India - a correction. J. 2002 and June 2005 did not yield the species]. Variable Wheatear Oenanthe picata: Butler (1875) Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 45 (2): 236-237. Sirkeer Malkoha Phaenicophaeus leschenaultii: found it “common”. Anonymous. Undated. [Rajasthan Forest Hume did not record “Aboo specimens” and Streaked Fantail-Warbler Cisticola juncidis: Butler Department brochure.] commented about Butler’s identification that (1875) noted that it was “not very common in Anonymous. 2003. Rajasthan forest statistics. it “may be correct” (Butler 1875). the hills”. Rajasthan: Forest Department. Collared Scops-Owl Otus bakkamoena: Dr King Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata: Butler (1875) BirdLife International. 2001. Threatened birds shot a bird “at Aboo”. Not recorded by Butler descried it as “common” during winter. of Asia: The BirdLife International Red Data and Hume (Butler 1875). [Probably collected Tickell’s Warbler Phylloscopus affinis: Butler book Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. from the foothills of Mount Abu]. (1875) found that it was “common on the hills”. Butler, E.A. 1875. Notes on the avifauna of Franklin’s Nightjar Caprimulgus affinis: Not Rusty-tailed Flycatcher Muscicapa ruficauda: Mount Aboo and northern Guzerat. Stray recorded by Butler but Hume commented that Butler (1875) recorded it “sparingly at Mount Feathers 3: 437–500. it is “very common” at Abu (Butler 1875). Aboo during the rains and in the cold weather”. Butler, E.A. 1876. Notes on the avifauna of Asian Palm-Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis: A pair [This record of Butler is suspect. Instead of Mount Aboo and northern Guzerat. Stray was recorded once, “at the beginning of hot rains and cold weather it is likely to occur in Feathers 4: 1–41. weather”, by Butler (1875). Rajasthan during autumn passage. It breeds in Butler, E.A. 1877. Notes on the avifauna of Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba: Although the Himalayas from north–east Afghanistan to Mount Aboo and northern Guzerat. Stray Butler (1875) noted this species arriving in eastern Nepal and winters in evergreen Feathers 5: 207–236. “large numbers”, about the beginning of broadleaved forests of Kerala. The only record del Hoyo, J., A. Elliott & D.A. Christie (eds.). September, and remaining in the “cold in Rajasthan is from Bharatpur during autumn 2005. Handbook of the birds of the World. weather”, we failed to see it. [The specimen passage (Kannan 1986)]. Vol. 10. Cuckoo-shrikes to Thrushes. of a female, collected during winter from Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassina: Butler Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. Mount Abu, is in the collection of the Bombay (1875) “observed it on one or two occasions” Devarshi, D. & M.M. Trigunayat. 1989. Natural History Society (Abdulali 1972). during “the rains”. [Occasionally during winter, Checklist of the birds of Mount Abu However, all recent records of this species in east of the Aravalis in Rajasthan]. (Rajasthan). Pavo 27 (1&2): 59–63. Rajasthan are of birds on passage (Sangha et Spotted Creeper Salpornis spilonotus: Butler did Editors. 1948. ‘Occurrence of the Laggar Falcon al. 2005)]. not see “a specimen in the flesh” but Dr King (Falco jugger Gray) at Mt. Abu’ – a correction Indian Birds Vol. 2 No. 2 (March-April 2006) 29
– and nesting of the Shahin Falcon (Falco Abu Aravalli hills, Rajasthan, India. Newsletter Mukh. Not recorded by Butler (1876). peregrinus peregrinator Sundevall) at Mt. for Birdwatchers 45 (6): 90–93 (2005). ? Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax Abu. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 47 (4): 743– Trivedi, P. 2003. Bird-watching at Mt. Abu. nycticorax: Five birds were recorded on 744. Some interesting observations. Vihang 2003 25.iii.2001 near Nakki Lake. Not recorded by Hume, A.O. & C.H.T. Marshall. 1879. The game (Summer): 22–23. Butler (1876). However, Hume states that the birds of India, Burmah, and Ceylon. Vol. 1. species was “obtained on Aboo” (Butler 1876). Calcutta: Acton. Systematic list Little Green Heron Butorides striatus: Islam, M.Z. & A.R. Rahmani. 2004. Important 146 bird species observed in Mount Abu Resident. Not uncommon. Regularly sighted at Bird Areas in India: Priority sites for are treated below. The account includes Bander Mayer, and once in the Salgaon area. A conservation. Bombay & Cambridge, U.K.: information on abundance, status, location, single bird was recorded at Nakki on 19.vi.2005. Indian Bird Conservation Network, Bombay distribution and breeding. Previous, notable Butler (1876) also saw it “on a few occasions”. Natural History Society & BirdLife * Black Stork Ciconia nigra: Winter visitor? International. records of species are briefly compared with One juvenile was observed catching fish from a Joshi, T. & G. Joshi. 2005. Summer birdwatching our observations, where change in their drying Bander Mayer Lake on 14.iii.2003. Not spree! Flamingo 2 (3&4): 9–10. (2004). status or abundance is perceptible. The recorded by Butler (1876). Kannan, R. 1986. The rufoustailed flycatcher, common and scientific names follow White-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus: Local Muscicapa ruficauda in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Manakadan & Pittie (2001). In a few cases migrant? Two were observed on 14.iii.2003 at J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 83 (1): 206. we have accepted the taxonomic Bander Mayer Lake. Butler (1876) saw birds Manakadan, R. & A. Pittie. 2001. Standardised arrangements of Rasmussen & Anderton “feeding by the side of the Lake” [Nakki]. Dr common and scientific names of the birds of (2005) and del Hoyo et al. (2005). King “also obtained it at Aboo” (Butler 1876). the Indian subcontinent. Buceros 6 (1): i–ix, Gadwall Anas strepera: Winter visitor. Two birds 1–37. on Nakki Lake (19.i.2002) and one at Oria Marshall, G.F.L. 1876. A new Indian Iora. Stray Abbreviations used: (20.i.2002). Feathers 4 (4,5&6): 410–413. * = new record, species not previously Northern Shoveller Anas clypeata: Winter McCann, C. 1942. A ‘busman’s’ holidays in the reported from Mount Abu. visitor. More than 40 on 25.iii.2001 and three on Abu Hills. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 43 (2): ? = status uncertain / unconfirmed. 19.i.2002 at Nakki Lake and seven at Oria on 206–217. 20.i.2002. McCann, C. 1943. The rains come to the Abu Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis: Resident. Northern Pintail Anas acuta: Winter visitor. Hills. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 43 (4): 641– Found on all waterbodies. Observed breeding 21 birds were observed on 19.i.2002 at Nakki 647. during December–January. lake, 20 at Oria and 21 at Mini Nakki on Mehra, S.P. & S. Sharma. 2004. Additional site * Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus: 20.1.2002 and one at Jawai Talab on 8.xii.2002. records of Green Avadavat Amandava formosa Vagrant. Only one sighting of about 15 birds in Common Teal Anas crecca: Winter visitor. Four (Latham, 1790) from Mount Abu, Rajasthan, the sky on 25.iii.2001. Not recorded by Butler at Oria and three at Salgaon on 20.i.2002, eight at India. Newsletter for Ornithologists 1 (6): 84– (1876). Jawai Talab on 8.xii.2002 and two on 15.iii.2002 85. ? Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger: at Nakki Lake. Mehta, M.R. 1979. Flora of Mount Abu. Ph.D. Uncommon. Four sightings at Nakki: on Common Pochard Aythya ferina: Winter visitor. Thesis. University of Jodhpur. 21.v.2001 (one), 10.v.2001 (one), 15.iii.2003 More than 20 were observed at Mini Nakki on Nirmalkumar of Jasdan. 1969. Courage, (five) and 18.vi.2005 (two). Butler (1876) did 20.ii.2002. perseverance and unity in nature. Newsletter not record it. Hume comments that Dr King Tufted Pochard Aythya fuligula: Winter visitor. for Birdwatchers 9 (6): 5. “shot (and preserved) a specimen on the lake at Two birds were observed at Oria on 20.i.2002. Prakash, I. 1997. Childhood in Mount Abu. Mount Aboo” (Butler 1876). Oriental Honey-Buzzard Pernis Hornbill 1997 (4): 24–28. Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo: ptilorhynchus: Resident? All our sightings were Prakash, I. & P. Singh. 1995. Some observations Resident? Eight birds on 19.v.2001, two on during spring and summer. Butler (1875) on the birds of Abu Hill, Aravalli Ranges. Pavo 11.viii.2001, 11 on 19.i.2002; more than 15 on described it as, “not a common bird, occurs in 33 (1&2): 99–110. 6.xii.2002, and 11 on 15.iii.2003 – all at Nakki the jungles of the Aravalli ranges”, and “killed Rasmussen, P.C. & J.C. Anderton. 2005. Birds Lake. one and saw others at Aboo in the jungles at the of South Asia. The Ripley guide. 2 vols. ? Darter Anhinga melanogaster: Uncommon / foot of the hills”; and according to Hume the Washington D.C. & Barcelona: Smithsonian rare. Only one sighting of an individual at Kodra species was obtained from “there” by Dr King Institution & Lynx Edicions. II on 20.v.2001. Butler (1876) thought that it (Butler 1875). Sangha, H.S. & D. Devarshi. 2004. Asian Brown was common at Mount Abu. The species has * Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus: Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica at Mt. Abu, obviously declined. Probably there is not enough Local migrant? Two sightings of single birds on Rajasthan. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 101 (1): fish in the polluted Nakki Lake to support it 20.vii.2002 and 6.xii.2002 in the fields near Oria. 161–162. any more. Butler (1875) did not record it and commented Sangha, H.S., D. Devarshi & G. Bhatnagar. 2005. Little Egret Egretta garzetta: Vagrant. One on that it does not “ascend the hills”. Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba: new to the 7.xii.2002 at Nakki Lake. Five on the drying ? Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus: Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India. Indian Birds Bander Mayer Lake (Windor Meyr) on Only two sightings of single birds on 25.iii.2001 1 (3): 70. 14.iii.2003. Not recorded by Butler but according and 10.v.2002 indicating a decline of the species, Sangha, H.S. & D. Devarshi. (In press) Sighting to Hume it was “obtained also at Aboo” (1876). for Butler (1875) found it “very common”. of Rock Bunting Emberiza cia at Mount Abu, * Grey Heron Ardea cinerea: Vagrant. One on ? Indian White-backed Vulture Gyps Rajasthan. Shivrajkumar, Y.S. 1949. 6.xii.2002 at Nakki Lake. Not recorded by Butler bengalensis: Only one sighting of an individual Occurrence of the Woodcock (Scolopax (1876). on 26.iii.2003. Butler (1875) found it very rusticola L.) at Mount Abu. J. Bombay Nat. * Large Egret Casmerodius albus: Vagrant. One common. Hist. Soc. 48 (3): 585. on 7.xii.2002 at Nakki Lake. Not recorded by Long-billed Vulture Gyps indicus: Resident. Tiwari, J.K. & A. Tiwari. 2006. The distribution, Butler (1876). Usually one / two birds seen except once when habitat and status of Green Avadavat * Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii: One on five birds were observed on 19.v.2001. Butler Amandava formosa (Latham, 1790) in Mount 8.xii.2002 at Shabri Van pond on way to Gau (1875) found it very common and breeding. 30 Indian Birds Vol. 2 No. 2 (March-April 2006)
* Eurasian Griffon Gyps fulvus: Winter visitor. found it “very common”, and according to Hume, Nakki. Butler (1876) “shot a pair of females in Only one sighting of an individual on 21.i.2002. “numerous specimens” were collected by Dr the summer plumage by the side of Lake…on 8th Not recorded by Butler (1875). McCann (1942) King (Butler 1876). May”, and according to Hume (Butler 1876) it erroneously noted G. f. fulvescens as “a common Red Spurfowl Galloperdix spadicea: Resident. was also “obtained” by Dr King. species breeding in suitable places on the crags” Common. Usually in pairs but once (19.i.2002) * Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos: (p. 216), which was subsequently corrected by more than six birds were observed feeding at Winter visitor. Only two sightings: two birds at Ali & Abdulali (1945) to G. indicus. Sunset Point on. Dr King found it common at Oria on 20.ii.2002 and one at Nakki Lake on ? Short-toed Snake-Eagle Circaetus gallicus: Abu “especially where there is much bamboo” 15.iii.2003. Not recorded by Butler (1876). Two records. A pale bird was observed on (Hume & Marshall 1879). Butler frequently saw Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus: 25.iii.2001 at Bailey’s Walk. On 16.iii.2003 one the young broods, varying in number from four Resident? 15 were recorded at Mini Nakki on bird was observed soaring at Kodra. to eight, but only once saw the nest at 26.iii.2001, five at Oria on 20.i.2002, two at Jawai Crested Serpent-Eagle Spilornis cheela: Mahableshwar in the month of April (Hume & Talab on 8.xii.2002, two at Bander Mayer on Resident. Not uncommon, and spread Marshall 1879). 14.iii.2003 and more than twenty at Nakki Lake throughout the study area. On 14.iii.2003 a bird Grey Junglefowl Gallus sonneratii: Resident. on 15.iii.2003. Butler (1876) observed it was seen perched on the artificial boat at Nakki Common. The crowing call of this vocal forest “occasionally round the edges of the lake”. Their Lake, unconcerned about human disturbance. bird was heard throughout the study area and absence during June indicates that they go down Shikra Accipiter badius: Resident. Common. the foothills. The birds are very wary, as they to the plains to breed. Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus: Winter are still hunted by tribals. The forest department * River Tern Sterna aurantia: Winter visitor. visitor. One bird was observed soaring near Peace regularly feeds them at a few points in the All sightings were during winter except once, Park on 6.xii.2002. Butler (1875) observed that Sanctuary. Dr King noted that “the eggs were when it was seen on 21.v.200?. Not recorded by it was “by no means common”. found here from the middle of April to the end of Butler (1876). ? White-eyed Buzzard Butastur teesa: Two May” (Hume & Marshall 1879). Butler (1876) Blue Rock Pigeon Columba livia: Resident. birds were observed on 10.v.2002. Butler (1875) noted that “it is not as common at Aboo, that is, Common. did not record it in the “hot weather”. actually on the hill, as ought to be, owing to the ? Oriental Turtle-Dove Streptopelia orientalis: * Common Buzzard Buteo buteo: Vagrant. Only merciless way it has been destroyed of late”. Number of sightings: two in Sanctuary and 11 at two sightings, possibly of the same bird, on McCann (1942) observed in 1941 that it had Polo Ground on 20.ii.2002; two on 11.v.2002; 14.iii.2003 and 16.iii.2003. Not recorded by declined in numbers since 1916 when he first and one on 14.iii.2003. Butler (1875). visited Abu and its familiar note was “scarce”. Little Brown Dove S. senegalensis: Resident. * Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus: Winter Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus: Resident. Common. visitor. Three sightings of separate individuals Common. It is quite possible that the loss of Spotted Dove S. chinensis: Resident. Common. on 19.i.2002, 21.i.2002 and 8.xii.2002. Not tree cover in the recent past forced peafowl to Eurasian Collared-Dove S. decaocto: Possibly recorded by Butler (1875). move up from the foothills, for Butler (1876) a straggler. Although quite common in the * Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis: Winter visitor. did not record it at Mount Abu and observed surrounding plains it is rather rare in Mount Abu. Up to four birds were seen at a garbage dump that the species abounds “in the jungles at the One bird was recorded at Arna (c. 800 m) in near Samni Gate of the Sanctuary on 26.iii.2001. foot of Abu”. September 2004 (Jugal Tiwari, verbally.) Butler One individual was seen regularly from 19– White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis (1876) “met with one or two specimens” at 21.i.2002 and one on 6.xii.2002. Not recorded phoenicurus: Resident. Not uncommon. The Mount Abu. by Butler (1875). creation of waterbodies at Mount Abu has very Yellow-legged Green-Pigeon Treron Changeable Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus: likely helped the species. Butler (1876) “shot a phoenicoptera: Resident. Rather uncommon. Resident in the foothills. However, there is a fine specimen in a rocky nullah at Mount Aboo Two sightings: five birds on 20.v.2001 and six on recent record of one bird from Uttarayan, Mount on the 21st June”. Hume commented that he had 20.i.2002 at Salgaon. Although Butler (1876) did Abu (Shantanu Kumar, verbally.) Hume obtained seen many specimens from Abu (Butler 1876). not observe this bird at Mount Abu, Hume a “fine adult female” near Anadra, at the foot of Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus: (Butler 1876) states that Dr King “obtained” it the ascent to Mount Abu (Butler 1875). Resident. Three at Salgaon on 20.i.2002. Not there. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus: Winter recorded by Butler (1876) but Hume (ibid.) Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria: visitor. Only one sighting of a single bird on commented that “it was obtained on one occasion Scarce? Recorded less than ten times during one 21.i.2002 at Oria. at Aboo”. year (May 2004–May 2005) at Arna (c. 800 m Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo: Winter visitor. Common Coot Fulica atra: Winter visitor. alt.) and Chhipaberi (c. 650 m alt.), and a nest Recorded at Uttarayan in 1992 and at Trevor Common. Observed at Nakki Lake, Oria and was found on a semul tree Salmalia malabaricum Tank and Sunset Point in the winter of 2001– Salgaon, in small numbers, of up to five birds. during July–August 2004 at Chhipaberi (Jugal 2002 (Shantanu Kumar, verbally.) Butler (1875) Butler (1876) did not record the species. Tiwari, verbally). Butler (1875) did not record found it “tolerably common at Mount Abu at However, Hume commented that the species had the species, but was given a specimen by Dr the end of rains and during cold weather”. been once seen “on the lake at Aboo” (Butler Newman (ibid.). Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus: Resident. 1876). Rose-ringed Parakeet P. krameri: Resident. Rather uncommon / rare. Constant vigilance for Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indica: Resident. Common. More than 300 birds were observed the resident Shaheen Falcon (F. p. peregrinator) Common. Breeds at suitable places. coming to roost on trees around the Polo Ground was rewarded on 22.ix.2002, when one individual ? * Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia: on 6.xii.2002. was observed near Gau Mukh. Butler (1875) All sightings during passage of single birds: Plum-headed Parakeet P. cyanocephala: “shot a fine specimen (female) at Mount Aboo 25.iii.2001 (Nakki lake), 26.iii.2001 (Mini Nakki Resident. Only two sightings of small flocks on on the 10th April 1875,” of the latter, “and met lake, 21.ix.2002 and 15.iii.2003 (Nakki lake). Not 19.i.2002 and 15.iii.2003. with it on one or two occasions at the same recorded by Butler (1876). Pied Crested Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus: place”. The Shaheen is known to breed at Mount Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus: Winter Breeding monsoon visitor. Two birds were Abu (Editors 1948). visitor. Common. Single birds sighted at all recorded on 13.viii.2001. Jungle Bush-Quail Perdicula asiatica: waterbodies. Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus: Summer Resident. Uncommon / rare. Only one sighting Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola: Winter visitor. visitor. Butler (1875) observed that it arrived “at on 20.v.2001 in Bikaner House. Butler (1876) An individual was seen on 26.iii.2001 at Mini Mount Abu in considerable numbers towards Indian Birds Vol. 2 No. 2 (March-April 2006) 31 the end of May” and was “remarkably noisy, Resident. Common. Butler (1875) observed it Earliest arrival was recorded on 15.iii.2003. A enlivening the hills” with its notes for about two breeding in June and July. chick was observed on 11.viii.2001 at Trevor months. During our visits in May and June the * Common Swallow Hirundo rustica: Winter Tank. Moves to lower levels with the onset of species was heard only once at Trevor Tank on visitor. Three birds were observed on 19.1.2002. winter. Usually treated as race of T. merula, but 18.v.2005. Not recorded by Butler (1875). differs markedly in plumage, morphological Brainfever Bird Hierococcyx varius: Resident? Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica: proportions, wing formula, vocalizations and egg Single birds observed on 20.v.2001, 21.ix.2002 Resident? Common throughout the study area. colour (del Hoyo et al. 2005). and 20.vii.2002. Observed breeding in Saint Saviours Church on Bluethroat Luscinia svecica: Occasional. One Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea: Rare. One 13.viii.2001. Butler (1875) found it “very was seen near Achalgarh in December 2004 (Jugal was recorded at Chhipaberi (c. 650 m alt.) in abundant” and breeding in June and July in caves. Tiwari verbally). Butler (1875) “met with it on August 2004 (Jugal Tiwari, verbally). Butler They appear to leave Mount Abu for the plains one or two occasions” only. (1875) “did not find it very plentiful at Mount by late September and re-appear by early March. Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis: Aboo”. White Wagtail Motacilla alba: Winter visitor. Resident. Common. Butler (1875) found it “not Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis: Resident? Not uncommon. very common”. Recorded on 26.iii.2001 at Salgaon, on 20.v.2001 Large Pied Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis: Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicata: Resident. at Kodra II and, near Sunset Point on 18.vi.2005. Resident? Regularly observed near all Less common than the previous species. Two ? * Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum: waterbodies; up to eight birds at Nakki lake on chicks were being fed by parents on 20.v.2001. Although not recorded by us there is one winter 15.iii.2003. Not seen during visits in late May Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros: Winter record. R.G. Soni photographed a single bird near and June; possibly moves down to breed. Butler visitor. Common. Gaumukh in December 1999 (verbally) Not (1875) thought it was “not very common”. ? * Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata: One bird recorded by Butler (1875) at Mount Abu. Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava: Winter visitor. was recorded on 10.v.2002 in the Sanctuary. Not However, he found it “not uncommon in the Single birds were observed at Oria on 20.i.2002 recorded by Butler (1875). jungles at the foot of Mount Aboo”. and 6.xii.2002. Indian Chat Cercomela fusca: Resident. Indian Jungle Nightjar Caprimulgus indicus: Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea: Winter visitor. Common. Resident? Common. It becomes very vocal Single birds were observed at Oria on 20.i.2002 Indian Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus towards the spring and in March–April it was and 6.xii.2002. horsfieldii obscurus Hume, 1872, Stray Feathers heard at several places at dawn. One was flushed Oriental Tree Pipit Anthus hodgsoni: Winter I: 7 (Mount Aboo): Resident. Not uncommon from a bamboo thicket on 18.vi.2005 in the visitor. Six birds were observed on 19.i.2002 near throughout the study area. Mount Abu is the Sanctuary. Sunset Point. Butler (1875) found it “common”. type–locality for this taxon. House Swift Apus affinis: Resident. Common. Black-headed Cuckoo-Shrike Coracina Rufous-bellied Babbler Dumetia hyperythra Small Blue Kingfisher Alcedo atthis: Resident. melanoptera: Summer visitor. Breeding? Only abuensis: Resident. Not uncommon throughout Uncommon. one sighting of a single male near Sunset Point the study area. [Mount Abu is the type–locality White-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon on 19.v.2001. Butler (1875) found it “not for this taxon.] smyrnensis: Resident. Not uncommon. common” and “obtained a few specimens”. Jungle Babbler Turdoides striatus: Resident. Small Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis: Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus: Common. Resident? Single birds recorded on 26.iii.2001 Resident. Common. Franklin’s Prinia Prinia hodgsonii: Resident. (Sanctuary), 18.i.2002 (tiger path), 21.ix.2002 Common Woodshrike Tephrodornis Not uncommon. (Sanctuary). It is possible that they go down to pondicerianus: Resident. Not uncommon. Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis: Resident. Common. the plains to breed during summer. Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus Blyth’s Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus ? Indian Roller C. benghalensis: Only one abuensis: Resident. Very common. Observed at dumetorum: Passage migrant. Not uncommon individual was observed at Oria on 20.i.2002. altitudes as low as c. 480 m above m.s.l. [Mount during spring passage. As late as 10.v.2002, five ? Common Hoopoe Upupa epops: Only two Abu is the type–locality for this taxon.] birds were recorded in the Sanctuary. sightings: one individual was seen on 26.iii.2001 Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer: Resident. Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius: in the Sanctuary and another at Nakki Lake on Very common. Resident. Common. 15.iii.2003. Butler (1875) also found it Common Iora Aegithina tiphia: Resident. Only Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita: uncommon. two sightings on 19.i.2002 and 21ix.2002 near Winter visitor. Common. Indian Grey Hornbill Ocyceros birostris: St Mary’s School. Butler (1875) also found it Olivaceous Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus Resident? Recorded in the Sanctuary on “by no means common” and “did not often meet griseolus: Winter visitor. Uncommon. There is a 20.i.2002. with it at Aboo”. recent record from Trevor Tank. (Shantanu Brown-headed Barbet Megalaima zeylanica: Rufous-backed Shrike Lanius schach: Kumar, verbally). Butler (1875) found it common Resident. Common. Butler (1875) “took a nest Resident. Common. Butler (1875) found it “not during winter. on 8th April 1875, containing four fresh eggs” and uncommon” and observed “nidification at Aboo Greenish Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus on 4.v.1875 he saw “another nest, with half about the third week of May”. trochiloides: Common winter / passage migrant. fledged young ones”. Blue-headed Rock-Thrush Monticola Arrives as early as first week of August. Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima cinclorhynchus: Rare / uncommon passage Greater Whitethroat Sylvia communis: Passage haemacephala: Resident. Common. migrant. One bird was recorded on 25.iii.2001 migrant in autumn. Rare / uncommon. One Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker near Bander Mayer Lake. Butler (1875) found it individual was recorded in the shrubs near the Dendrocopos nanus: Resident. Not uncommon. “rare” and shot one in the month of September. main gate of the Sanctuary on 21.ix.2002. Butler Three sightings on 20.i.2002, 11.v.2002 and But in his comments, Hume wrote that he knew (1875) thought it was “not uncommon at Mount 18.vi.2005, in the Sanctuary. of “several being killed” (Butler 1875). Aboo in the rains and at the commencement of Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker Dendrocopos Blue Rock-Thrush Monticola solitarius: Winter the cold weather”. Also collected by Dr King mahrattensis: Resident. Uncommon. visitor. Not uncommon (Butler 1875). Lesser Golden-backed Woodpecker Dinopium Indian Blackbird Turdus simillimus: Although Common Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca: benghalense: Resident. Uncommon. Only heard considered conspecific with T. merula, a formal Winter visitor. Common. once on 16.iii.2003. taxonomic revision is underway (Rasmussen & ? Hume’s Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia althaea: Dusky Crag-Martin Hirundo concolor: Anderton 2005). Breeding summer visitor. Two on 25.iii.2003 at Bailey’s Walk. 32 Indian Birds Vol. 2 No. 2 (March-April 2006)
? * Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus: indica trees. All but few disappear after autumn. dauurica: Spotted once near Sunset Point, Winter visitor and passage migrant. Up to 13 Breeds in April / May. Butler (1875) found it catching insects, attracted to flowering mango were seen on 20.i.2002 and six on 26.iii.2003. “very abundant at Mount Aboo” and breeding Mangifera indica on 25.iii.2001 (Sangha & Butler (1875) noted it as “very plentiful at Mount in April. Devarshi 2004). Aboo in the cold weather”. Brahminy Starling Sturnus pagodarum: Red-throated Flycatcher Ficedula parva: Green Munia Amandava formosa: Resident. Summer / monsoon visitor? All our sightings are Winter visitor. Only three sightings on 20.i.2002, Not uncommon throughout the study area. Two from summer and monsoon months. Butler 21.ix.2002 and 6.xii.2002. In contrast Butler loose flocks (8+5) were observed feeding on (1875) found it “common at Mount Aboo”. (1875) described it as the “commonest bird at grass seeds on the track in the Sanctuary on Rosy Starling Sturnus roseus: Passage? A flock Mount Aboo in cold weather”. 20.i.2002, two to three birds near Oria on of about 200 birds was seen flying in the valley Tickell’s Blue-Flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae: 20.vii.2002, nine in a lantana–infested area near near Arna in July 2004 (Jugal Tiwari verbally). Resident. Widespread and quite common. St Mary’s School on 8.xii.2002, more than 24 Butler (1875) found it “not so plentifully, on * Grey-headed Flycatcher Culicicapa feeding in the soccer field of St Mary’s School the hills”. ceylonensis: Winter visitor. Only one sighting on on 16.iii.2003 and five on 18.iii.2005 in the Common Myna Acridotheres tristis: Resident. 19.i.2002 near Sunset Point. Not recorded by Sanctuary. Although from time to time various Common and usually confined to Mount Abu Butler (1875). observers have claimed discovery of ‘new’ sites town. Asian Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone at Mount Abu, the species is present throughout Indian Golden Oriole Oriolus kundoo: paradisi: Summer visitor. Arrives around mid– the study area. At Achalgarh an unusually “large Summer visitor. All sightings during May. Once March and moves down by end of September. A flock of 50” birds has been recently reported on 11.viii.2001. Butler (1875) noted that it was white male was seen at Mini Nakki on 26.iii.2001. (Mehra & Sharma 2004). The species is absent present, “both on the hills and in the plains,” Singles (plumage? White?) were seen again on in Mount Abu during August–October. The birds but was “not plentiful”. 19.v.2001, 10.v.2002 and 21.ix.2002. probably descend to the foothills where ? Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus: Only Interestingly, Butler (1875) “never met with one agriculture is prominent (Tiwari & Tiwari 2005). two sightings on 25.iii.2001 and 7.xii.2002 in in white plumage”. Butler (1875) found it “common”. the Sanctuary. Butler (1875) found it “somewhat White-spotted Fantail-Flycatcher Rhipidura White-throated Munia Lonchura malabarica: scarce on the hill” albogularis: Resident. Common. Counted ten Resident. Common. Usually in small flocks, but * Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus: Winter individuals on 20.i.2002, feeding on flies at a once 30–strong at Salgaon on 20.i.2002. Butler and passage migrant. Irregular and uncommon. garbage dump near the Samni Gate of the (1875) noted it as “very common”. Single birds were seen on 26.iii.2001 and Sanctuary. On 7.xii.2002, on the slope facing Spotted Munia Lonchura punctulata: Resident. 7.xii.2002. Six birds on a flowering Eucalyptus Anadra, a single bird was recorded at c. 530 m Not uncommon. Nidification was noted on tree in the forest rest house compound, on above m.s.l. 13.viii.2001. Two pairs were observed bringing 14.iii.2003. Not recorded by Butler (1875). Great Tit Parus major: Resident. Uncommon. maize leaves and, twice, cloth rags, for White-bellied Drongo Dicrurus caerulescens: Recorded a few times near Honeymoon Point, constructing nests in date palms (scientific name) Resident. Not uncommon. Commoner than the Chhipaberi and Sunset Point. One was observed near Doodhia Nullah and Gujarat circuit house. previous two species. feeding four chicks at Arna (Jugal Tiwari, Although Butler (1875) noted it as “common, Indian Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda: verbally). Butler (1875) mentions that it “occurs and associating in large flocks in hot weather” Resident. Common. sparingly”. we observed it only in small numbers. * House Crow Corvus splendens: Vagrant. Only Indian Yellow Tit Parus aplonotus: Resident. House Sparrow Passer domesticus: Resident. one sighting on 7.xii.2002, on the slope facing Common. Common near human habitations. Anadra at an altitude of c. 860 m above m.s.l. * Thick-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum agile: Yellow-throated Sparrow Petronia Indian Jungle Crow Corvus [macrorhynchos] Resident. Four sightings on 21.ix.2002, xanthocollis: Resident. Not uncommon. In spring culminatus: Resident. Common. A pair was 7.xii.2002, 15.iii.2003 (courting pair) and numbers began to increase. On 14.iii.2003 they observed incubating near Trevor Tank on 21.v.2002. 18.vi.2005. Not recorded by Butler (1875). were in good numbers on flowering Erythrina Purple Sunbird Nectarinia asiatica: Resident. Common. Some males assume breeding plumage by mid–January. Nesting begins by the end of March. Breeding of Long-billed Vulture Gyps indicus at Ramanagaram hills, Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus: Resident. Common. Karnataka, India Crested Bunting Melophus lathami: Resident. S. Subramanya1 & O.C. Naveein2 Only three sightings of one / two birds on 1PHT Scheme, ‘J’ Block, GKVK Campus, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore 560065, 20.v.2001, 11.v.2002 and 20.vii.2002. Butler India. Email: [email protected] (1875) described it as “one of the commonest 2Old No.32/3, New No. 22, Spencer Road, Frazer Town, Bangalore 560005, India. birds of Mount Aboo”. Email: [email protected] * Rock Bunting Emberiza cia: Vagrant. One bird was seen feeding at Sunset Point on he hills of Ramanagaram (12°07– variety of flora and fauna, and their forest- 14.iii.2003. (Sangha & Devarshi in press). T12°58’N 77°08’–77°25’E) are located to covered (Tropical Thorn Scrub and Dry- Grey-necked Bunting Emberiza buchanani: the south-west of Bangalore (Karnataka, deciduous) slopes are of great ornithological Winter visitor. Uncommon / rare. Only one India). They stretch for c. 75 km from south importance, supporting over 150 species of individual was observed on 19.i.2002 near St of Magadi till a little north of Kollegal and birds belonging to over 40 families, Mary’s School. Recorded by Butler (1875) as “not very common”. are c. 25 km wide from around Ramanagaram including the endemic Yellow-throated * White-capped Bunting Emberiza stewarti: to the west of Kanakapura. This ancient Bulbul Pycnonotus xantholaemus and the Winter visitor. Uncommon. Five birds were seen range dates from the Lower Proterozoic, critically and globally endangered Long- at Salgaon on 20.i.2002 and three in the Sanctuary making them c. 2,600–2,000 million years old billed Vulture Gyps indicus (pers. obs., on 21.i.2002. Not recorded by Butler (1875). (Kamath 1982). They are home to a large Subramanya et al. 2005). They form part of Indian Birds Vol. 2 No. 2 (March-April 2006) 33 the Important Bird Area (IBA) network in an area of c. 5 km2, comprises of three hill 2002b) in India. This IBA site assumes India (Islam & Rahmani 2004). complexes, the largest being the additional importance as populations of Once widespread across India in Ramadevarabetta complex, with six peaks Long-billed Vultures, known from other particular and South Asia in general, of varying heights (highest 934 m). This is localities in Bangalore and Tumkur districts vultures showed a shocking decline over an important Hindu pilgrimage centre, with of Karnataka, have been wiped out (pers. the last one and half decades (Prakash et al. a temple on top of the hill and is frequented obs.). 2002b). Since 1990, vulture populations by devotees from surrounding villages and have dropped by over 90 per cent, with towns and even distant cities. Acknowledgements population losses of more than 98 per cent The authors would like to thank M.B. Prashanth, reported in many areas. These vultures Nests and Nest-sites Deepak Arya, Shantha Manohar and S. Sandeep (three species of Gyps vultures namely, the Nests were observed on a steep-sided cliff, for accompanying them on various field trips to Oriental White-backed G. bengalensis, located on the southern side of the the locality. The visits to Ramanagaram Hills were partially supported by the Karnataka State Long-billed G. indicus, and Slender-billed Ramadevarabetta hill complex. The nests Forest Department. G. tenuirostris) are now listed as critically were constructed about 35 m from the endangered species (BirdLife International ground and were quite inaccessible to References 2001). This catastrophic decline has been humans either from the ground level or from Arun, P.R. & P.A. Azeez. 2004: Vulture linked to kidney failure, resulting from the the top of the cliff. A total of three nests population decline, diclofenac, and avian gout. use of the anti-inflammatory drug were observed between January–February Current Science 87(5): 10. “diclofenac” on domestic livestock (Oaks 2006. Two of the nests were on horizontal BirdLife International. 2001. Threatened Birds et al. 2004, Arun & Azeez 2004). However, rocky ledges, while the third was within a of Asia: the BirdLife International Red Data the cause of such a colossal loss of vulture deep cavity above another ledge on the cliff- Book. (Eds. Collar, N.J., A.V. Andreev, S. Chan, population is still being debated upon side. Two of the nests that were clearly M.J. Crosby, S. Subramanya & J.A. Tobias.) (Prakash et al. 2002a, Satheesan 2004, 2005, visible, comprised of neat piles of twigs and Cambridge: BirdLife International. Germi, F. 2005. Comparing Urophasianus Germi 2005). grasses. The rocks around the nests were declines with Gyps declines in South Asia. Ramanagaram hills have been a home to copiously coated with white excrements, in [email protected]. 10.v.2005; critically and globally endangered vulture addition to several sections of ledges and 06:58. species for a long time (pers. obs.; cavities that were used as perching sites. Islam, M.Z. & A.R. Rahmani. 2004. Important Subramanya 2004). Recently, eight Long- An adult was always present near the nest Bird Areas in India: Priority areas for billed Vultures were observed on the ledges containing nestlings. No efforts were made conservation. Mumbai, U.K. & Mumbai: of the steep and high rocky cliffs in to approach the nests, observations being Bombay Natural History Society, BirdLife Ramadevarabetta State Forest, close to through a telescope placed c. 65 m away International, & Oxford University Press. Ramanagaram town, located c. 45 km south- from the base of the cliff. Joseph, J.K. 2005. Long-billed Vulture (Gyps indicus).
yahoogroups.com. 10.v.2005; 10:30hrs. Subramanya, S. and Naveein, O.C. 2005. Sighting Subramanya, S., J.N. Prasad, & S. Karthikeyan. Subramanya 2004. Ramanagara Reserve Forest. of the Long-billed Vulture at Deverabetta at 2005. (In press). Status, habitat, habits and In Important Bird Areas in India: Priority Ramanagaram. Unpublished report conservation of Yellow-throated Bulbul areas for conservation. (Eds. Islam, M.Z. submitted to the Principal Chief Conservator Pycnonotus xantholaemus (Jerdon) in South A.R. Rahmani.) Mumbai, U.K. & Mumbai: of Forest, Aranya Bhavan, Bangalore. NEC, India. Proceedings of the BNHS Journal Bombay Natural History Society, BirdLife Bangalore. Centenary Seminar (November 13-15, 2003). International & Oxford University Press.
Sun-bathing by Yellow-legged Green-Pigeon Treron phoenicoptera at Vadodara, Gujarat, India Anika Tere AINP on Agricultural Ornithology, Biological Control Research Laboratory, Anand Agricultural University, Anand 388110, Gujarat, India. Email: [email protected] [With one colour photo online: www.indianbirds.in]
Introduction Laxmivilash Palace campus, Lal Baug, and the temperature was about 15°C. The he Yellow-legged Green-Pigeon railway station in flocks of two to forty (pers. minimum ambient temperature of previous TTreron phoenicoptera, commonly obs.), perching on Ficus trees. However, it night was 9.8°C. known as ‘green pigeon’, is a widespread is difficult to spot perched birds as they get The green pigeons were seen perched on resident of India (Ali & Ripley 1983; Grimmett camouflaged in the surrounding leaves. the dry tree only in the morning, and et al. 1998). It is largely arboreal, but recorded continuously for 19 days from descends to the ground occasionally. It Observations 21.xii.2005 to 8.i.2006 on that tree. However, feeds on drupes, berries and wild figs of On 21.xii.2005, at 07:30 hrs, I counted 89 their number and duration of perching varied numerous species of Ficus. It keeps in flocks fluffed-up Yellow-legged Green-Pigeons (Table 1). The minimum ambient temperature of 5–10, sometimes congregating in larger sun-bathing on the branches of a dry and during this period varied between 9.8°C and numbers to gorge on ripe banyan Ficus leafless Cassia siamea. The tree is located 12.4°C. No other activity was observed at benghalensis or peepul F. religiosa figs in in the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation this time, except occasional preening. The company with the other birds (Ali & Ripley (O.N.G.C.) campus, in Tarsali area (22°15’N birds perched till 09:30 hrs on cool days 1983). In this note I record an instance of 73°12’E), about 9 km from Vadodara railway unless they were forced to fly due to some mass sun-bathing of the green pigeon, on a station. The same number of birds was disturbance. single tree in Vadodara. counted again at 08:15 hrs and 09:30 hrs. All Vadodara city (22°18’N 73°10’E), in the birds had oriented themselves, at an Discussion Gujarat (India), famous for its heritage of angle to face the sun. Their feathers were The dry Cassia siamea was adjacent to large numbers of banyan trees, is a good fluffed and they perched close to the branch, Pithacelobium dulce. Besides this the entire habitat for green pigeons. They are common covering their tarsi with feathers. Their area of O.N.G.C. and Baroda dairy campus is in areas like the Maharaja Sayajirao necks too were retracted into the fluffed full of vegetation such as Peltoforum, University of Baroda campus, Harni, feathers. They had left by 10:30 hrs, when Cassia, Prosopis, Neem, Peepul, Banyan
Table: Sun–bathing by Yellow-legged Green-Pigeon Date Time (hrs) No. of birds Date Time (hrs) No. Of Birds 07:30 89 07:10 2 21.xii.2005 08:15 89 29.xii.2005 07:45 2 09:15 89 09:00 5 10:30 0 30.xii.2005 07:45 12 22.xii.2005 08:15 90 31.xii.2005 07:45 15 23.xii.2005 07:45 89 1.i.2006 09:00 36 07:15 90 2.i.2006 07:45 15 24.xii.2005 09:30 87 3.i.2006 07:45 15 10:15 0 4.i.2006 08:20 25 07:15 92 5.i.2006 07:45 45 25.xii.2005 08:15 90 6.i.2006 08:30 60 08:45 0 7.i.2006 08:15 15 26.xii.2005 07:10 88 08:30 30 09:15 0 8.i.2006 09:00 30 27.xii.2005 07:45 60 09:40 0 28.xii.2005 07:45 15 09:30 40 Indian Birds Vol. 2 No. 2 (March-April 2006) 35 etc. However every time all the birds were especially during the early and late hours, Acknowledgments observed on the same dry tree. It seemed particularly on cold nights) (Simmons 1985). I owe my deep gratitude to Dr B.M. Parasharya that by perching on such tree, the pigeons Sun-bathing has been observed often in for his invaluable suggestions in improving text. were directly exposing themselves to other genera of the Columbidae, like I thank Shri Kishan Jadhav for identifying the sunlight, and thus warming up during the Columba and Streptopelia (pers. obs.). plants. I also sincerely thank Shri S.V. Pawar, Inspector, C.G. Meteorology, Vadodara, for cool mornings. Surprisingly, normally camouflaged birds providing temperature data. Sun–bathing is a form of thermo- become conspicuous during this process regulatory behaviour, in which a bird absorbs of thermoregulation. References heat from the sun and hence reduces the The green pigeons spent more than two Ali, S. & S.D. Ripley. 1983. Handbook of the metabolic expenditure needed to maintain hours sunning themselves on 21.xii.2005 and Birds of India and Pakistan (Compact edition). its optimum body temperature, especially 24.xii.2005. They are, perhaps, able to Delhi: Oxford University Press. in cool or cold conditions. It may occur allocate so much time to sun-bathing as their Grimmett, R., C. Inskipp & T. Inskipp. 1998. during loafing and preening spells at any food is sedentary (growing on plants) and Birds of the Indian subcontinent. Delhi: Oxford time of the year (in temperate regions, they do not have to spend time searching University Press. especially in spring, autumn, and winter) and or chasing after it. Simmons, K.E.L. 1985. Sunning. In: A dictionary at any time of the day (in tropical regions, of birds. (Eds. B. Campbell & E. Lack.) Catton: T. & A.D. Poyser.
Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus nest with four chicks in Marine National Park, Gujarat, India Kamal Bhatt Opp.Dayaram Library, Ranjit Road, Jamnagar 361001, Gujarat, India. Email: [email protected] (See photo on back cover)
lobally, the Black-necked Stork In Dudwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh, References GEphippiorhynchus asiaticus is nest building starts around August and BirdLife International. 2004. Threatened birds classified as Near Threatened (BirdLife chicks hatch around second week of of world. CD-ROM. Cambridge U.K.: International 2004). It generally raises a October (Maheswaran 1998). One nest with BirdLife International. successful brood of two or three young. So three chicks was observed in 1996 but only Maheswaran, G. 1998. Ecology and behaviour of the Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus when I was informed by Mr Radadiya, ACF, two survived by the time they dispersed asiaticus in Dudwa National Park, Uttar Marine National Park, Jamnagar, that he has from the nest around mid-February. Pradesh, India. Ph.D. thesis. Aligarh Muslim seen a nest of Black-necked Stork with four However, in Etawah and Mainpuri districts University, India. chicks at Jodiya Range of Marine National of Uttar Pradesh, Black-necked Stork start Maheswaran, G., A.R. Rahmani, & M.C. Coulter. Park (Jamnagar district, Gujarat), I knew this nest building around mid-August and 2004. Recent records of Black-necked Stork was a rare occurrence. The nest was 60 km chicks hatch by mid-January. According to Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus in India. Forktail from Jamnagar and I visited it on 22.xii.2005. Sundar (2003), breeding success was very 20: 112-116. On the advice of Radadiya, two forest staff low with only one young fledged Sundar, K.S. Gopi. 2003. Notes on the breeding of Marine National Park accompanied me. successfully out of four nests that he biology of the Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus in Etawah and The nest was on a neem tree Azadirachta observed. According to Maheswaran et al. Mainpuri districts, Uttar Pradesh, India. indica (c. 19 m above the ground) situated (2004), population of the Black-necked Stork Forktail 19: 15–20. on the cotton farm of Sri Chhaganbhai. appears to be declining in India except When I reached the area I could see the Gangetic plains of Uttar Pradesh and north- adult male and female Black-necked Stork western India especially Gujarat where along with one juvenile on the nest while populations are stable or marginally two chicks were on the ground. However, I increasing. My observation of nest with could not see the fourth young one. In the four successfully fledged chicks supports meantime I took a few pictures of the nest their claim. To raise such a big brood, storks Shama Futehally Award with young. Perhaps disturbed by our require an enormous amount of food, presence, the adult storks flew from nest especially freshwater fish. The area still Zafar Futehally would like to offer followed by the two young ones on the supports several freshwater wetlands with an award of Rs 5,000/- for the ground. The third juvenile, remained on the abundant fish, which provide an most enjoyable article in Indian nest for a while and later followed the rest uninterrupted food supply for Black-necked Birds in the year 2006. The article of the family. But I had not yet spotted the Storks during their breeding season. will be judged by its success in fourth juvenile. So I stayed the night at The RFO, Shri B.K. Shilu and his staff Jodiya and went searching for the family took good protective care of the nest and combining its scientific quality with the next day. A short while later we found all the storks during the nesting period. a light–hearted and enjoyable style. the four juveniles along with the female stork The award is offered in memory of in the nearby river. Probably this was the his daughter Shama. first time all the juveniles had left the nest. 36 Indian Birds Vol. 2 No. 2 (March-April 2006) Indian White-backed Vultures Gyps bengalensis nesting in Mahuva, Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, India I. R. Gadhvi1 & P.P. Dodia2 1Lecturer, Zoology Department, Sir P. P. Institute of Science, Bhavnagar University, Bhavnagar 364002, Gujarat, India. Email: [email protected] 2Lecturer, K. V. Parekh College, Mahuva, district, Bhavnagar 364290, Gujarat, India.
Introduction the ground to prevent disturbance. The and flowers, thus disturbing the fruiting opulations of the Gyps vultures in activity of adult birds on the nests was process. A healthy coconut tree yields P South Asian countries have been recorded. The approximate height of each 1,500–2,000 coconuts annually, which declining precipitously during the recent nesting tree was estimated. Names and amounts to an income of about Rs 500–600. past. The once abundant Indian White- addresses of farmers were registered for the We observed 85 damaged trees (including backed Vulture Gyps bengalensis, Long- exact location of nesting trees. 24 used for nesting) belonging to 15 farmers. billed Vulture G. indicus and Slender-billed To prevent such damage, farmers use air- Results and discussion Vulture G. tenuirostris, now face extinction. rifles, fire-crackers, etc., to prevent vultures 150 White-backed Vultures were counted The major cause for their decline is the from alighting on their coconut trees. This during the survey. All these vultures roosted veterinary drug, Diclofenac, which is the has resulted in the birds being vary and and some nested on the coconut trees. We most widely used veterinary pain killer in frightened of human approach, taking off recorded 25 active nests of White-backed South Asia. no sooner a roosting or nesting tree was Vultures in an area of 4 km2. All the nesting Mahuva town (21°05’N 71°45’E), in approached. trees were located in private plantations of Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, holds a sizeable local farmers. The nesting trees were marked population of c. 150 White-backed Vultures Conclusion by colour bands for the identification of and is famous for its coconut Cocos To protect vultures in Mahuva, it is exact location of the nesting tree. Each tree nucifera plantation. imperative that local farmers be made aware held just one nest, with a sole exception about their status in India as well as in South Methods holding two. The average height of the Asia. Involvement of communities is a basic A rapid survey for nests of vultures was nesting trees was 16.78 m. Chicks were requirement for the conservation of any carried out from 12–27.iii.2005, during three observed at just two nests. To minimize species, particularly in privately owned visits to the coconut plantations in Mahuva. disturbance, nests were not visited closer, areas, and outside protected areas. To This aimed to collect baseline data on nesting hence the clutch size was not observed. At protect vultures, the state should consider of vultures in Bhavnagar district, to provide least one adult was observed at a nest, fiscal reimbursements to farmers to mitigate information to the forest department for the probably incubating the egg or newly the crop loss. management, protection and conservation hatched chick. Acknowledgement of the species and, to evaluate disturbance If the number of nests recorded (25) was We are thankful to Shri C.N. Pandey, Director, factors to nesting birds. The end of winter, compared with the number of adult birds GEER Foundation, Government of Gujarat, for October–March, is the nesting season of seen (150), it would be difficult to conclude providing travelling expenses for the survey. We Gyps vultures in Saurashtra whether the population was thriving or also thank Shri V.B. Raol and Mr. D.P. Jhala for (Dharmakumarsinhji 1955). By observing the falling! This would require a more detailed accompanying us in the field work. movements of vultures through binoculars, study, perhaps for a couple of years, to find from the outskirts of the town, we identified out the real status of the vultures at References Dharmakumarsinhji, R. S. 1955. Birds of an area of c. 4 km2 of coconut plantation Mahuva. Saurashtra, India: with additional notes on the where the vultures roost. This area was Despite its rarity, owners of the coconut birds of Kutch and Gujerat. 1st ed. Bhavnagar, thoroughly surveyed, by scrutinizing the groves are becoming increasingly intolerant Saurashtra: Published by the author. canopy of every coconut tree, through towards the vultures. According to them, binoculars, to detect the presence / absence trees utilized by vultures, loose their of nests. The observations were made from productivity as vultures damage its leaves
A vulture congregation in Pokhara, Nepal Hashim Tyabji Email: [email protected] (See photo on back cover) n 9.xii.2004 while birding in some donkey. None of the vultures was feeding fulvus. Later, going over photographs with O fallow fields on the outskirts of on the carcase. They were spread out over Hem Baral in Kathmandu, we identified them Pokhara (Nepal), with a small group from an area of about 200 m2. There were four properly as juvenile Himalayan Griffon G. England, we encountered a large mixed species present – Slender-billed Vulture himalayensis. Interestingly there was not a species flock of vultures (> 60 birds). We Gyps tenuirostris, Indian White-backed single adult plumage Himalayan Griffon stopped and approached slowly and Vulture G. bengalensis, Cinereous Vulture present, although we saw a fair number in managed to get in close enough to see an Aegypius monachus and what I at first flight, both before and after, this sighting. almost totally consumed carcase of a glance identified as Eurasian Griffon G. The following morning we saw about 20 Indian Birds Vol. 2 No. 2 (March-April 2006) 37 vultures in a kapok tree, not far from this afternoon sky and so, not easy to identify. ranging a juvenile Himalayan Griffon is spot, amongst which were three adult However, most of them were Aquila eagles during winter, this is something that birders Himalayan Griffons, a couple of Slender- – with at least a few Steppe Eagles Aquila across northern India need to be careful billed Vultures and the remaining (as I nipalensis and possible Greater Spotted about. (A quick aid in separating the two realised later but not then) juvenile Eagles Aquila clanga. However there were species is that the upper parts of immature Himalayan Griffons. no eagles on the ground. Himalayan Griffons are very streaky in Of the 60+ birds about 40 were juvenile A few interesting aspects of this appearance while Eurasian Griffons have a Himalayan Griffons, most of which were in congregation emerge. The large numbers of uniform appearance including immature two large groups with a few individuals Gyps vultures seen, given the fact that we plumages as well. Illustrations in most of scattered about. There were about ten know that ‘Diclofenac’ is available and used the guide books show the Himalayan Griffon Slender-billed Vultures and a dozen Indian on cattle in Nepal (Baral et al. 2005). Could it immature to be greyer than Eurasians but White-backed Vultures. Some of these were be that in the hills Diclofenac is not as this seems misleading to me.) The other thing among the Himalayan Griffons, some were extensively used as in the plains? Could it that struck me was the very low ratio of adult on their own and the largest group (of non- also be that Himalayan Griffons are less plumage birds in relation to immature Himalayan Griffons) was a mix of Slender- susceptible to Diclofenac than other Gyps plumage Himalayan Griffons. billed Vultures and Indian White-backed species? The second point relates to Vultures, of which two were juveniles. There identification. I now realise that the great Reference were also four Cinereous Vultures (two majority of my ‘Eurasian Griffon’ sightings Baral, N., G. Ramji & B. Tamang. 2005. juveniles); huge and hulking even in have actually been juvenile Himalayan Population status and breeding ecology of comparison with the Himalayan Griffons. Griffons—especially in the plains. I’m White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis in Above us circled at least two dozen large probably not alone in mis-identifying this Rampur Valley, Nepal. Forktail 21: 87-91. raptors silhouetted against the mid- species on a regular basis. Given how wide-
A record of the Rufous-necked Hornbill Aceros nipalensis from West Bengal, India Dipankar Ghose1, Peter Lobo2 & Nabanita Ghose1 1C/o WWF-India Sikkim Programme Office, Deorali, (Near Forest Secretariat), Gangtok 737102, Sikkim, India. Email: [email protected] 2Gurudongma Tours, Hilltop, Kalimpong, West Bengal, India. Email: [email protected]
he Rufous-necked Hornbill Aceros distributed in seven PAs of India namely, Bengal, an awareness generation activity Tnipalensis has a historical distribution Namdapha and Manas National Parks and among local people should be undertaken. in India in the states of West Bengal, Sikkim five sanctuaries – Buxa, Mahananda, Eagle’s and the north-eastern states except Tripura Nest, Kamlang and Sessa. This is also the Acknowledgements (Ali & Ripley 2001). Most of the recent current western-most distribution record for The authors would like to thank the Divisional sightings of this species from India have this species, the former being in Buxa; about Forest Officer, Wildlife Division I, Darjeeling been from Arunachal Pradesh (Choudhury 60 km on the eastern side of the current site District (West Bengal, India) for providing 2003, Birand & Pawar 2004). Grimmett et al. (Fig. 1). The habitat wherein the birds were permission to conduct ornithological survey within Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. (1998) and Kazmierczak (2000) mentioned sighted was tropical semi-evergreen forest. that this bird occurred in West Bengal, and Given the resident status of this species, Islam & Rahmani (2004) recorded its there might be a thriving population of this occurrence in three protected areas (PAs) species within Mahananda Wildlife in West Bengal. These are Buxa Tiger Sanctuary. Further research is required to Reserve, Neora Valley National Park and assess the current status of this species in Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. The report this region. Habitat destruction is not an of this species from Buxa is based on a immediate threat for this species in this area, sighting from Buxa Tiger Reserve in 1992 however, threat from poaching cannot be (Allen et al. 1997) whereas records from ruled out. Indigenous people were known other areas are based on assumptions or to hunt this bird for the pot and hunting unauthenticated records. The first definitive outside the PAs in recent times cannot be sighting with photographic evidence of this ruled out. Trapping or hunting this bird species within 12,722 ha Mahananda attracts a penalty of Rs 25,000/- (US$ 550) Wildlife Sanctuary (26°51’34”N 88°24’45”E), and imprisonment for a minimum of three Darjeeling district, West Bengal, was made years, extendable up to seven years, as it is by the authors on 23.x.2005 near Latpanchor a Schedule I species of the Wildlife village, within the Latpanchor beat of the (Protection) Act of India, 1972. Therefore, sanctuary. Two adult males and an adult in addition to carrying out a thorough Figure 1 – Recent sighting areas of Rufous- female were sighted. It is therefore, survey for this species in northern West necked Hornbill from West Bengal, India. 38 Indian Birds Vol. 2 No. 2 (March-April 2006) References 12: 31–48. Islam, M.Z. & A.R. Rahmani. 2004. Important Ali, S. & S.D. Ripley. 2001. Handbook of the Birand, A. & S. Pawar. 2004. An ornithological bird areas in India: Priority sites for birds of India and Pakistan, together with survey in north-east India. Forktail 20: 15–24. conservation. Bombay & Cambridge: Indian those of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Choudhury, A. 2003. Birds of Eaglenest Wildlife Bird Conservation Network & BirdLife Lanka. Vol. 4. Delhi: Oxford University Sanctuary and Sessa Orchid Sanctuary, International. Press. Arunachal Pradesh, India. Forktail 19:1–13. Kazmierczak, K. 2000. A Field Guide to the Birds Allen, D., J. Anderton & K. Kazmierczak. 1997. Grimmett, R., Inskipp, C. and Inskipp, T. 1998. of India. New Delhi: Om Book Service. Report on an ornithological visit to Buxa Birds of the Indian Subcontinent. New Delhi: Tiger Reserve, West Bengal, India. Forktail Oxford University Press.
Birds walk the ramp at Subathu, Himachal Pradesh, India Lt. General Baljit Singh House 219, Sector 16-A, Chandigarh 160015, India s an Army cantonment, Subathu claim was established only in 1815. Was the erythrorhyncha took to chasing each other A is almost 200 years old. Situated at delay the usual turf war between an amateur among pine trees to the merry chatter of their 1,219 m above m.s.l., in the Simla Hills naturalist and soldier to boot and the call. How did John Gould’s artist, Henry C. (30°58’37”N 77°01’37”E), its moderate scientists? Never mind the past, here was a Richter, paint, so true to life, one magpie on climate is a great attraction for birds on their flock of eight White-crested Laughing- the glide and a whole tiding of them in a year round altitudinal movements. A fairly thrushes (Which in this instance has grown sequence as the back drop, without the well preserved pine forest is the boast of from 3 birds about ten years ago) in benefit of first hand experience in the this cantonment township and that, coupled permanent residence on the premises of our Himalaya? I presume that is what genius is with limited terraced cultivation, makes it a host, also a retired soldier. Of course, the all about! I had seen all this bird life from favoured bird breeding zone both in the White-crested Laughingthrushes, pooh- one spot in less than an hour. There were at summer and winter. Add to this a minimal poohing all such sentiment, existed there least twenty other familiar calls from outside human disturbance to bird life, as the because of an extensive, thick bamboo brake, the circle of my vision. combined population of the military garrison their favoured roost and nesting niche. When the Indian Bird Conservation and the township around it, is less than six I was in great luck that day. In a mixed Network (IBCN) were scouting for Important thousand! Some luck, for some avians, party of Red-vented Pycnonotus cafer and Bird Areas (IBAs), I had suggested, through somewhere! the Himalayan Bulbuls P. leucogenys there a brief concept paper (Singh 2006), that they When we drove up to Subathu on were several Red-billed Leiothrix Leiothrix should have a good look at the Army 7.ii.2005, there was an uninterrupted soft lutea and many more Grey-headed cantonments and certain Government of drizzle, grey skies and drifts of mist every Flycatcher-Warblers Seicercus India establishments such as Sriharikota as now and then. However, late into the xanthoschistos. The Latter two were also potential IBA sites. Anyway, for the afternoon, when the sun penetrated the lifers for me. Although all birds looked moment, let me take you back to Subathu. clouds for about 45 minutes of bright sun washed and cleaned by the prolonged The next day was sunny. We were out of shine, we were simply mobbed by birds from drizzle, the lacquered red beak of the the house at sunrise. Mountaineers seldom all directions. They seemed intent on making Leiothrix and the exquisite lime-yellow walk on a level, trodden path. So our host good the lost feeding hours, in the process, breast and belly of this warbler had the led us down a hillside and up another. On almost all birds had lowered their proximity sparkle of finished gems. Their whispered such occasions, photography and bird- threshold. So much so that White-crested calls were a balm to the ears after the watching are great face savers when one is Laughingthrushes Garrulax leucolophus explosive decibels emitted by the White- out of breath! Just a decade ago, on these moved about nonchalantly within two crested Laughingthrushes. In all fairness to hills we would have by now put up a least a meters of us. Little wonder then that within the laughingthrushes, I have to confess that dozen Black Francolin Francolinus minutes I had unwittingly used up all the I rather miss their joyous calls, which, francolinus, as many Red Junglefowl Gallus twenty unexposed frames in my camera. Just filtering through closed windows was a gallus and perhaps an odd Kaleej Pheasant as well, because I could now sit back and welcome wake-up alarm. Lophura leucomelanos as well. Today we watch them all at leisure with my mind’s eye. My favourite, the Blue Whistling-Thrush just heard one Black Francolin, saw several Soldiers, as a tribe, tend to carry the Myophonus caeruleus, was in the silent Great Tits Parus major and twice heard the baggage of historical heritage to ridiculous mode but his mere presence was refreshing. “tzeet-tzeet” of the Blue Whistling-Thrush. limits. When I saw this jolly flock of eight On a solitary silk-cotton tree in the Cresting a rather bald ridge, we surprised a White-crested Laughingthrushes (my compound of the Bamboo Lodge were solitary Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus. He lifetime’s first in the wild) I felt a kind of seen Large-billed Crows Corvus was not taking any chances and with proprietary kinship with the species. For, [macrorhynchos] japonensis, Indian laboured wing beats he vanished down the after all, was it not a fellow solider, Maj. Gen. Treepies Dendrocitta vagabunda, valley in a powerful glide, the echo of his Thomas Hardwicke who first introduced this Alexandrine Parakeets Psittacula eupatria alarm call lingering a while. We gained the laughingthrush to science? Although he and a woodpecker, most probably the last ridge-top before breakfast. From a dead collected a specimen at Srinagar in 1796 Fulvous-breasted Pied Dendrocopos tree, close by, came the rather faint sounds (“mountains above Hardwar”, on the present macei. This ramp walk came to an end when of a woodpeckers’ hammering. The reason day road to Joshimath in Uttaranchal), his tidings of Red-billed Blue Magpies Urocissa was soon obvious because the pygmy Indian Birds Vol. 2 No. 2 (March-April 2006) 39 woodpecker, a mere 13 cm from beak to tail, It was time for the last walk of the day, Once the railway track to Simla was couldn’t be expected to hammer any louder. this time ostensibly to work up a thirst for a commissioned, in 1903, Subathu slipped into I was looking into the sun and it was difficult sun-downer! Descending through freshly one hundred years of solitude. But that most to tell whether it was the Brown-capped ploughed, terraced fields, we put up clouds imposing colonial mansion, Kennedy Dendrocopos nanus or Grey-capped D. of sparrow-sized birds. The first impression House, was retained in its pristine dignity. canicapillus. For the Brown-capped, at was of an exclusive congregation of female Today it serves as the Garrison Officers’ about 1,067 m, this may well be an altitudinal House Sparrows Passer domesticus. That Mess and the trees around it are full of avian record. was untenable, of course. Closer comings and goings the year long. To work up an appetite for lunch, we observation revealed the birds to be On the drive back to Chandigarh we lost gained several other ridge tops, ultimately Hodgson’s Mountain-Finches Leucosticte count of the Streaked Laughingthrushes reaching a pine–covered open patch, at least nemoricola in flocks of upto a hundred. Trochalopteron [Garrulax] lineatus and the 457 m above Subathu. By now the sun was With that, the tally of my lifetime’s first Blue Whistling-Thrushes that crossed our fairly hot and a few Common Kestrels Falco encounters, in the past 24 hour period, path. Stopping at a way-side eatery for a tinnunculus were floating on thermals, no stood at an incredible six. Of course, cup of coffee, we saw on the facing hill slope doubt looking for food. But some Eurasian altogether we had seen more than thirty one Great Tit, a pair of Indian Robins Griffons Gyps fulvus seemed to be riding species and heard an equal number in less Saxicoloides fulicata and several Common the thermals for the sheer joy of it. As we than two days. So Subathu is definitely an Mynas Acridotheres tristis in a tight knot settled to a sandwich–black coffee lunch, I attractive destination for serious bird on the ground, locked in mortal combat. noticed a bird hawking insects with short watching. What more could one ask of life, when you sallies into the air. It resembled the male Almost all Army Cantonments of Subathu have an abundance of such innocent Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis vintage are steeped in the history of the pleasures! and so I took no further notice. But when it Raj. When Simla became the summer capital, perched on a bush directly below us, the Governors’ Generals / Viceroys of India rode Reference bird revealed its powder-blue crown and up on horse-back and Subathu was the Singh, B. 2006. Can we augment the Important nape. This lifer was a male Blue-capped natural midway staging post. The garrison Bird Area concept in India? The role of large Redstart Phoenicurus caeruleocephalus. commandant’s residence, which Capt. P.C. landholdings outside Protected Areas. Indian That moment will also remain a lifetime’s Kennedy had constructed around 1820, Birds 2 (1): 18-20. regret, for not having carried a spare film- now inevitably became the great watering- roll. A moment later, a Great Barbet hole for Raj personalities on their annual Megalaima virens came and perched so altitudinal migration (!) and in the process close at eye–level that I could count its embalmed this quaint little cantonment with moustachial bristles! This was a lunch hour, the mystique, nostalgia, romance and truly of dreams. gossip of the Raj.
Recent ornithological literature from South Asia and Tibet Aasheesh Pittie 8-2-545 Road No 7, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad 500034, India. Email: [email protected] BOOKS South Asia. The Ripley guide. Field guide. Vol. Sandpiper survey draws a blank. http:// Chandan, P., A. Chatterjee, P. Gautam, C.M. 1. Washington, D.C. and Barcelona: www.birdlife.org/news/news/ 2005/02/spoon- Seth, J. Takpa, S.-u. Haq, P. Tashi & S. Vidya Smithsonian Institution and Lynx Edicions. billedsandpiper.html. Date accessed: 9 2005. Black-necked Crane - Status, breeding Rasmussen, P.C.J.C. Anderton 2005. Birds of February 2005. productivity and conservation in Ladakh, South Asia. The Ripley guide. Attributes and Dalton, Rex. 2005. Ornithologists stunned by India 2000-2004. (ed.). Delhi: WWF-India & status. Vol. 2. Washington, D.C. and bird collector’s deceit. Nature Online. [URL: Department of Wildlife Protection, Govt. of Barcelona: Smithsonian Institution and Lynx www.scientist.com/news/20051017/01/ Jammu & Kashmir. Edicions. printerfriendly]. Date accessed: 14.ix.2005. Dang, H. 2005. Sariska National Park. (ed.). Spierenburg, P. 2005. Birds in Bhutan. Status Flores, Graciela. 2005. Impact of bird fraud New Delhi: Indus Publishing Company. and distribution. 1st. (ed.). Bedford, U.K.: unclear. The Scientist. [URL: http://www.the- Dave, K.N. 2005. Birds in Sanskrit literature. Oriental Bird Club. scientist.com/news/20051017/01/ Revised. (ed.). Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Sreekumar, B. 2005. Vembanad water bird count printerfriendly]. Date accessed: 17.x.2005. Publishers Private Limited. 2005. (ed.). Kottayam: Department of Jeganathan, P., A.R. Rahmani & R.E. Green. Grimmett, R.T. Inskipp 2005. Birds of southern Forests and Wildlife, Govt. of Kerala / 2005. Construction of Telugu-Ganga Canal in India. 1st. (ed.). London: Christopher Helm. Kottayam Nature Society. and around two protected areas in Cuddapah Kumar, A., J.P. Sati, P.C. Tak & J.R.B. Alfred Verghese, A., S. Sridhar, A.K. Chakravarthy, district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Immediate 2005. Handbook of Indian wetland birds and H.R. Bhat & P. Karanth (eds.). 2005. New threat to the world population of the critically their conservation. 1. (ed.). Kolkata.: Director, initiatives for bird conservation. Bangalore: endangered Jerdon’s Courser Rhinoptilus Zoological Survey of India. INCERT & Newsletter for Birdwatchers bitorquatus. Survey report, Bombay Natural Leela, N.S. (ed.) 2005. New initiatives for bird History Society: 1-19. conservation. Student supplement. Bangalore: ONLINE PUBLICATIONS / Vasudha, V. 2005. Where have all the sparrows INCERT & Newsletter for Birdwatchers. GREY LITERATURE gone? [URL: http://www.indiatogether.org/ Rasmussen, P.C.J.C. Anderton 2005. Birds of BirdLife International. 2005. Spoon-billed 2005/aug/env-sparrow.htm.] 40 Indian Birds Vol. 2 No. 2 (March-April 2006) PAPERS Chantler, P. 2005. Dark-rumped Swifts: notes and field identification of Asian rosefinches. Alula on their breeding plumage and how to see 3: 18-27. Forsman, D. 2005. Eastern Imperial Eagle them. 4: 39-40 (with one map, one pl., and Redman, N. 2005. Reviews: Leopards and other plumages. 11 (4): 146-152 (with 12 col. two photos). wildlife of Yala. 3: 93. photos). Choudhury, A. 2005. Asian Openbills nesting in Robson, C. 2005. From the field: India. 2 bamboo. 3: 69. (December): 98 (2004). Animal Conservation Collar, N.J. 2005. Changes in species-level Robson, C. 2005. From the field: Sri Lanka. 2 Jones, K., J. Barzen & M.V. Ashley. 2005. taxonomy of Asian birds in 2004, with other (December): 102 (2004). Geographical partitioning of microsatellite notes. 3: 35-40. Robson, C. 2005. From the field: Myanmar. 2 variation in the Sarus Crane. 8: 1-8. Feijen, C., H.R. Feijen & G.G.M. Schulten. 2005. (December): 99-101 (2004). Raptor migration in Bhutan: incidental Robson, C. 2005. From the field: India. 3: 78-79. The Auk observations. 3: 61-62. Robson, C. 2005. From the field: Sri Lanka. 3: Rappole, J.H., S.C. Renner, N.M. Shwe & P.R. Gautam, R.N. Baral. 2005. White-rumped 80. Sweet. 2005. A new species of Scimitar- Vulture studies in Rampur Valley, Nepal. 2 Robson, C. 2005. From the field: Bhutan. 4: 84. Babbler (Timaliidae: Jabouilleia) from the sub- (December): 81-82 (2004). Robson, C. 2005. From the field: India. 4: 85-86. Himalayan region of Myanmar. 122 (4): 1064- Giri, J.B.G.C. Som. 2005. Survey of nesting Robson, C. 2005. From the field: Nepal. 4: 88. 1069. vultures in Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Robson, C. 2005. From the field: Burma. 4: 87- Reserve, west Nepal. 3: 9. 88. Biological Letters Grimmett, R. 2005. BirdLife in Asia - a 10-year Salgado, A. 2005. A nest record of Spot-winged Pande, S. 2005. The shrike in Sanskrit literature overview. 4: 15-22 (with three tables and one Thrush Zoothera spiloptera in Sri Lanka and since 400 BC. 41 (2): 191-193 (2003). map). some notes on its plumage with particular Pande, S., A. Pawashe, N. Sant & A. Mahabal. Harvey, B. 2005. Reviews: Numbers and reference to its postocular bare skin patch. 4: 2005. Status, habitat preferences and distribution of waterbirds and wetlands in the 64-66 (with six photos). population estimates of non-breeding shrikes Asia-Pacific region: results of the Asian Shahabuddin, G., A. Verma & R. Kumar. 2005. Lanius spp. in Maharashtra and Karnataka Waterbird Census 1997-2001. By David Li Bird monitoring in Sariska Tiger Reserve, states, India. 41 (2): 65-69 (2003). Zuo Wei and Taej Mundkur. 3: 93. north-west India. 3: 63-65. Harvey, B. 2005. Review: The birds of South Sharma, S. 2005. Population status and Bird Conservation International Asia: the Ripley guide. Volumes 1 & 2. By distribution of Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilus Gamauf, A., J.-O. Gjershaug, N. Rov, K. Kvaloy Pamela C. Rasmussen and John C. Anderton. (sic) javanicus in Bardia, Kailai and & E. Haring. 2005. Species or subspecies? The 2005. 4: 80-83. Kanchanpur districts, western Nepal. 3: 8. dilemma of taxonomic ranking of some South- Hruby, J. 2005. Ferdinand Stoliczka. 3 (June): Singh, P.B. 2005. Population status and habitat East Asian hawk-eagles (genus Spizaetus). 15: 50-56. utilisation of Swamp Francolin in Royal Sukla 99-117 (with three figures and two tables). Kannan, V. 2005. Sociable Lapwing Vanellus Phanta Wildlife Reserve, Nepal. 2 (December): gregarius in India. 2 (December): 78-79 (2004). 83 (2004). Birding World Lambert, F. 2005. Reviews: Handbook of the Sykes, B. 2005. The tsunami tragedy: OBC’s Crochet, P.-A. 2005. Relationships and names birds of the World. Volume 8: Broadbills to perspective. 3: 13-16. amongst the eagles. 18 (5): 178. Tapaculos. 2 (December): 107-108. Lambert, F. 2005. Reviews: Handbook of the British Birds BirdingAsia birds of the world. Volume 9: Cotingas to Dymond, N. 2005. Reviews: Birds of South Asia Anonymous. 2005. Short reviews: A pocket guide Wagtails. 3: 88-89. - The Ripley Guide. 98: 609-610. to the birds of Nagaland. By Anwaruddin Lethaby, N. 2005. The occurrence of Lesser Fish Svensson, L., M. Collinson, A.G. Knox, D.T. Choudhury. 3: 94. Eagle Ichthyophaga humilis on the Cauvery Parkin & G. Sangster. 2005. Species limits in Anonymous. 2005. Short reviews: Birds of River, Karnataka, India and some notes on the Red-breasted Flycatcher. 98 (October): Kaziranga National Park: a checklist. 3: 94. the identification of this species. 4: 33-38 (with 538-541. Anonymous. 2005. Short reviews: Birds of 11 photos). Collar, N.J. 2005. Meinertzhagen right or wrong. Mumbai. By Sunjoy Monga. 3: 94. Newell, D. 2005. Reviews: Gulls of Europe, Asia 98: 492-493. Anonymous. 2005. Short reviews: Annotated and North America. By Klaus Malling Olsen checklist of the birds of western Maharashtra. and Hans Larsson. London: Christopher Helm, Buceros By Anand Prasad. 3: 94. 2003, reprinted with corrections 2004. 608 Narwade, S.S., G.A. Jathar & A.R. Rahmani. Anonymous. 2005. Short reviews: Shorebirds: pages. 823 colour photographs. 83 colour 2005. Bibliography of the birds of South India. an artist in the field. By Lester Perera. 3: 94. illustrations. ISBN 0-7136-7087-8. Hardback. 10 (2&3): 1-164. Andrews, R. 2005. Photospot: Indian Skimmer £45. 3: 87-88. Pittie, A. 2005. A bibliography of the Anatidae Rynchops albicollis. 4: 23 (with two photos). Prasad, A. 2005. Reviews: Birds and mammals of south Asia. 9 (3): 2 ll., pp. 1-90. (2004). Athreya, R. 2005. Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, of Ladakh. 3: 91-92. Zarri, A.A.A.R. Rahmani. 2005. Annotated Arunachal Pradesh, India. 4: 47-51 (with eight Prasad, A. 2005. Reviews: Birds of Kangra. 3: avifauna of the Upper Nilgiris, Western Ghats, photos). 92. Tamil Nadu, India. 10 (1): i-iii, 1-46. Baral, H.S. 2005. Population status, breeding and Prasad, A. 2005. Reviews: BirdSpot 3.5: A bird habitat preference of Lesser Adjutant in Koshi database management and map-generating Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club Tappu Wildlife Reserve and surrounding areas, program for Indian subcontinent. By L. Dickinson, E.C. 2005. The correct authorship of east Nepal. 2 (December): 82 (2004). Shyamal. 3: 93-94. the name Astur kienerii (Rufous-bellied Hawk Barua, M. 2005. Kaziranga. 3: 28-34. Quader, S. 2005. Reviews: Important Bird Areas Eagle). 125 (4): 317-320. Basnet, Y.R. 2005. Survey of Raja Rani in India: priority sites for conservation. 3: 89- Clark, W.S. 2005. Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis Community Forest, east Nepal. 3: 8-9. 90. is monotypic. 125 (2): 149-153 (With two Butchart, S.H.M., N.J. Collar, M.J. Crosby & Rahmani, A. 2005. Reviews: Birds: beyond col. photos.). J.A. Tobias. 2005. “Lost” and poorly known watching. 3: 92. King, B. 2005. The taxonomic status of the three birds: top targets for birders in Asia. 3: 41-49. Rasmussen, P.C. 2005. Revised species limits subspecies of Cuculus saturatus. 125 (1): 48- Indian Birds Vol. 2 No. 2 (March-April 2006) 41
55. Vapi: A first record for Gujarat state. 3 (2): (2): 15-16. Kirwan, G.M.M.S. Gregory. 2005. A new genus 11. Mashru, A. 2005. Breeding of Black-headed for the Mongolian Finch Bucanetes Devkar, R., P. Khanpara & R. Katara. 2005. Munia: First record from Saurashtra. 3 (1): 6- mongolicus (Swinhoe, 1870). 125 (1): 68-80. Birds and bats in ambience. 3 (1): 7. 7. Penhallurick, J.M. Walters. 2005. Some Devkar, R.V., P.S. Khanpara & P.B. Mavadiya. Mashru, A.R. Jhala. 2005. The Greylag Goose taxonomic comments on the genus 2005. Greyheaded Flycatcher at Sakkarbaug at Rajkot. 3 (2): 9. Polyplectron (Phasianidae). 125 (3): 228-229. Zoological Park, Junagadh. 3 (1): 13. Mundkur, T. 2005. Letters to the editors. Dhadhal, J. 2005. Letters to the editors. [“Thank you ever so much for the bundle of Cormorant Research Group Bulletin [“Sighting of the Black-capped Kingfisher...”]. very important information that you have sent Urfi, A.J.M. Mahindiran. 2005. A review of 2 (5&6): 11-12 (2004). to me...”]. 2 (5&6): 11 (2004). cormorants in India and a note on the cormorant Dhadhal, J. 2005. Important bird sites around Mundkur, T. 2005. [“Thanks for the Flamingo colonies in the heronries of the Delhi Zoo. 6: Porbandar. 3 (2): 5-8. Vol. 3(1) received some days back.”]. 3 (2): 39-43 (With one table and one text-fig.). Dhadhal, J. 2005. Status of White-eared Bulbul 15. in Saurashtra. 3 (3): 8. Muni, N. 2005. Heronry appreciation Current Science Dhadhal, J.N. Khachar. 2005. Some important programme at Kankaria Zoo. 3 (2): 13. Hilaluddin, R. Kaul, M.S. Hussain, E. Imam, J.N. bird records near Jasdan. 3 (1): 12. Muni, N. 2005. Ahmedabad field trip. 3 (3). Shah, F. Abbasi & T.A. Shawl. 2005. Status Gadhvi, I. 2005. Bhavnagar: an urban Bharatpur. Nansey, J. 2005. First symposium on grasslands and distribution of breeding cattle egret and 3 (3): 11. of Saurashtra and Kachchh: Status and little egret in Amroha using density method. Ganpule, P. 2005. [“I enjoyed reading “Flamingo” conservation of lark species. 3 (2): 12-13. 88 (8): 1239-1243. very much. In reference to the Yellow-legged Parasharya, B.M. 2005. Report on the Asian Urfi, A.J., M. Sen, A. Kalam & T. Meganathan. Green-Pigeon in Kachchh...”]. 3 (2): 15. Midwinter Waterfowl Census 2004. 2 (3&4): 2005. Counting birds in India: Methodologies Ganpule, P. 2005. Paneli vidi-an ideal quail area. 2. (2004). and trends. 89 (12): 1997-2003. 3 (3): 8. Parasharya, B.M. 2005. Some important Hathi, D., R. Jhala & B. Trivedi. 2005. Unusual sightings. 2 (3&4): 11. (2004). Dutch Birding feeding behaviour of River Tern (Sterna Parasharya, B.M., J.J. Jani, D.J. Patel & A. Tere. Driessens, G.L. Svensson. 2005. Identification aurantia). 2 (3&4): 1-2. (2004). 2005. Sarus Crane count in Kheda district of Collared Pratincole and Oriental Pratincole Himmatsinhji, M.K. 2005. [“I was happy to during 2004. 2: 4-7 (2004). - a critical review of characters. 27: 1-35 (With have Vol. 3, No. 1 (Jan-Mar): 2005 issue of Parasharya, B.M.G. Pandya. 2005. Birds on 42 photographs and 5 text-figs.). the Newsletter...”]. 3 (2): 14. Sabarmati River in June 2004. 3 (1): 11. Plantema, O.E.B. Ebels. 2005. Tibetan Himmatsinhji, M.K. 2005. [“I found a good Patel, D. 2005. Rescue of Spotted Owlet. 2 Snowcock. 27: 43-44 (With four photos). example of the comments I had made in my (3&4): 10. (2004). letter...”]. 3 (3): 14-15. Patel, S. 2005. Some important sightings. 2 Flamingo Iyer, M.K. 2005. Terrestrial birds of Thol Bird (3&4): 11. (2004). Anonymous. 2005. Great Indian Bustards in Sanctuary and its surroundings. 3 (1): 3-6. Patel, S. 2005. [“Mr. Hiren Soni’s note regarding Velavadar National Park. 2 (3&4): 11. (2004). Jadeja, J. 2005. New records of flycatchers from trade of Indian exotic birds in Ahmedabad...”]. Anonymous. 2005. Report on the workshop on Jamnagar city. 3 (1): 10. 2 (3&4): 11. (2004). “Current status of vultures in Gujarat” held Jadeja, R.D.S.N. Varu. 2005. Black-capped Patel, S. 2005. Black Drongo bathing in a lake. 3 on 19th September 2004 at Anand. 2 (5&6): Kingfisher in Kachchh. 2 (3&4): 2. (2004). (1): 10. 2-3 (2004). Jat, M.U. 2005. Birdwatching in Vadodara. 2 Patel, S. 2005. Dogs scaring vultures. 3 (1): 11. Anonymous. 2005. Some important sightings. 2 (3&4): 9. (2004). Patel, S. 2005. Nesting adaptations in birds. 3 (5&6): 10 (2004). Jethva, A.B. 2005. Vulture crisis. 3 (1): 9. (2): 8. Anonymous. 2005. Vulture update. 3 (1): 13. Jhala, R. 2005. First event of BCSG-Rajkot Patel, S., C.H. Nirmala & M. Bhatt. 2005. Saving Anonymous. 2005. Some important sightings. 3 chapter. 3 (3): 10-11. 200 vultures from probable death. 3 (3): 6. (1): 14. Jhala, R., R. Jadav, B. Trivedi, R. Ardesena, D. Pomal, A.S.N. Varu. 2005. Heronry near Chhari Anonymous. 2005. Vulture update. 3 (2): 12. Hathi & D.K.C. Mario. 2005. Birding at Dhandh. 2 (5&6): 10 (2004). Anonymous. 2005. Some interesting bird Khirasara Vidi. 3 (1): 12. Puwar, S. 2005. Some important sightings. 2 sightings. 3 (2): 14. Joshi, J. 2005. Bird count of Atul heronry. 2 (3&4): 11. (2004). Anonymous. 2005. Vulture update. 3 (3): 12. (3&4): 7. (2004). Rank, D.N. 2005. A visit to Kanewal Reservoir. Anonymous. 2005. Some interesting bird Joshi, J. 2005. Another sighting of Indian 2 (3&4): 5-6. (2004). sightings. 3 (3): 13. Plaintive Cuckoo. 2 (3&4): 10. (2004). Rank, D.N. 2005. Sarus count on Sabarmati Bhatt, A. 2005. Birding around Rajula. 2 (3&4): Joshi, T.G. Joshi. 2005. Summer birdwatching River near Ahmedabad. 2 (5&6): 7-8. 8-9. (2004). spree! 2 (3&4): 9-10. (2004). Rank, D.N.B.M. Parasharya. 2005. Status of Bhatt, A. 2005. Nesting of River Tern and Great Khachar, L. 2005. [“I trust you will ensure that Black-capped Kingfisher in Gujarat. 2 (3&4): Stone-Plover during midwinter. 2 (5&6): 9 we have certain very clear procedures for 2-3. (2004). (2004). accepting new additions to the birds of our Rank, D.N.B.M. Parasharya. 2005. Marsh Bhatt, M. 2005. Letters to the editors. [“I sighted region...”]. 3 (3): 15. Harrier roosting at Saiyant Reservoir. 2 (3&4): Black-capped Kingfisher...”]. 2 (5&6): 11 Khacher, L. 2005. [“Shortly after I got back here 6. (2004). (2004). (from Hingolgadh), the postman delivered Raol, L. 2005. [“As usual I finished reading Bhatt, N. 2005. [“This has reference to ‘Letter “Flamingo” Vol. 2. Nos. 1 & 2...”]. 2 (3&4): “Flamingo” in one siting and enjoyed it very from The President’ in Vol.-II, No.3-4...”]. 3 11-12. (2004). much.”]. 3 (2): 15. (3): 14. Khacher, L. 2005. Letter from the President. 2 Sapna, S. 2005. Entrust the mortifying wetlands Bhatt, N.C. 2005. Unusual feeding behaviour of (3&4): 12. (2004). to whom? 3 (2): 10-11. Spot-billed Duck and Comb Duck. 2 (5&6): Khacher, L. 2005. Letters to the editors. [“I have Shah, Y. 2005. Matting (sic) of Red-headed 9. just seen the ‘Flamingo’ Vol. 2 No. 3&4, Falcon (Falco chiquerra) (sic). 2 (3&4): 10. Chauhan, R. 2005. Chhapariyali diary. 3 (3): 9. 2004.”]. 2 (5&6): 11 (2004). (2004). Desai, P. 2005. Red-winged Crested Cuckoo at Khacher, L. 2005. Letter from the President. 3 Shah, Y., C. Vora & F. Chauhan. 2005. A vagrant 42 Indian Birds Vol. 2 No. 2 (March-April 2006)
owl at Surendranagar. 3 (1): 2. Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal. 21: 190-193. Daniel, J.C. 2005. About books. Salim Ali for Shah, Y., C. Vora, F. Chauhan, Zala & D. Baral, N., R. Gautam & B. Tamang. 2005. schools. By Zai Whitaker, 2003. Permanent Dhamecha. 2005. Some important sightings. Population status and breeding ecology of Black, New Delhi, Pp. 102, (22 x 14 cm). Price: 2 (3&4): 11. (2004). White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis in Rs. 195/- (Hardbound). 2004 (October- Surendran, S. 2005. Symphony at dusk. 2 (3&4): Rampur Valley, Nepal. 21: 87-91. December): 20. (2004). 8. (2004). Barua, M.P. Sharma. 2005. The birds of Nameri Dhumal, S. 2005. Amidst migratory waterfowl - Tere, A. 2005. Communal roosting of House National Park, Assam, India. 21: 15-26. Chilika Lake. 2005 (January-March): 4-13. Crows at Nalsarovar. 3 (2): 4-5. Choudhury, A. 2005. First record of Lesser Islam, M.Z.-u. 2005. Why save birds? 2004 Tere, A.B.M. Parasharya. 2005. Greater Flamingo Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus for Bhutan. (October-December): 47-49. (2004). inhabiting paddy fields. 2 (5&6): 3-4 (2004). 21: 164-165. Jathar, G.A. Deshmukh. 2005. Birds of scrubland. Tere, A.B.M. Parasharya. 2005. Tree Pie in the Choudhury, A. 2005. New site for Mrs Hume’s 2004 (October-December): 42-45. (2004). Great Rann of Kachchh. 3 (3): 5. Pheasant Syrmaticus humiae in north-east Jathar, G.R. Kulkarni. 2005. Rush hour at Thakker, P.S. 2005. Letters to the editors. [“This India based on hunters’ specimens and local Chandoli. 2005 (July-September): 12-15 is with reference to Status of Black-capped reports. 21: 183-186. (With 11 colour photos). Kingfisher...”]. 2 (5&6): 11 (2004). Choudhury, A. 2005. Significant records of birds Jeganathan, P. 2005. Call of the Jerdon’s Courser. Thakker, P.S. 2005. Record of Spotted Creeper in Nagaland, north-east India. 21: 187-190. 2005 (January-March): 14-19. (Salpornis spilonotus) in Gir forest. 3 (1): 8. Döttlinger, H.M. Nicholls. 2005. Distribution Loke, W.T. 2005. Photographing birds with the Thakker, P.S. 2005. Khet Talvadi supporting a and population trends of the ‘black shaheen’ highspeed flash. 2004 (October-December): good number of bird species. 3 (1): 12. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 32-35. (2004). Thakker, P.S. 2005. [“Let me first congratulate peregrinator and the eastern Peregrine Falco Lowther, E.H.N. 2005. Some Indian birds. 2004 for your unbiased, factual and courageous F. p. calidus in Sri Lanka. 21: 133-138. (October-December): 26-29. (2004). editorial write up...”]. 3 (1): 15. Jayarathna, A., P. Caldera & E. Goodale. 2005. Naoroji, R. 2005. Evolution of a raptorphile. 2004 Thakker, P.S. 2005. Bearded Vulture in Great Observations on the nesting and parental (October-December): 10-19. Rann of Kachchh. 3 (2): 9. behaviour of Ashy-headed Laughingthrush Pittie, A. 2005. About books. Birds of Kangra. Thakker, P.S. 2005. Tree Pie at Karimshahi Post Garrulax cinereifrons. 21: 163-164. By Jan Willem den Besten, 2004. Dharamsala in the Great Rann of Kachchh. 3 (3): 5. Kannan, V.R. Manakadan. 2005. The status and & New Delhi: Moonpeak Publishers & Thakor, N.A. 2005. Some important sightings. distribution of Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus Mosaic Books. (12.5 x 19.0cm), pp. 1-176, 2 (3&4): 11. (2004). philippensis in southern India. 21: 9-14. 508 photos, 1 plate (col.), 1 map. Price: Rs Trivedi, B.N. 2005. Indian Plaintive Cuckoo in Khan, M.M.H. 2005. Species diversity, relative 395/- (Paperback). 2004 (October-December): south Gujarat. 2 (3&4): 10. (2004). abundance and habitat use of the birds in the 21. (2004). Trivedi, P. 2005. First sighting dates of some Sundarbans East Wildlife Sanctuary, Rahmani, A.R. 2005. About books. Birds: Beyond migratory bird species in northern and central Bangladesh. 21: 79-86. watching. By Abdul Jamil Urfi, 2004. Gujarat during 2004-05. 3 (3): 7. Roberts, T.B. King. 2005. The call of Sykes’s Universities Press, Hyderabad. Pp. 212 (22 x Trivedi, R. 2005. Counting of Painted Storks Nightjar Caprimulgus mahrattensis. 21: 166- 14 cm). Price: Rs. 285/- (Paperback). 2004 and nests at Piele Garden, Bhavnagar. 3 (3): 5- 167. (October-December): 20. (2004). 6. Seedikkoya, K., P.A. Azeez & E.A.A. Shukkur. Yahya, H.S.A. 2005. An interesting pursuit. 2004 Trivedi, V.M.D.S. Thakker. 2005. Unidentified 2005. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis habitat use (October-December): 23. (2004). dove near Bhavnagar. 3 (1): 13. and association with cattle. 21: 174-176. Vaishnav, H.A., S.A. Chavan & U.A. Vora. 2005. Sivakumar, S.V. Prakash. 2005. Nesting of Ibis Nesting behavior of flamingos in the Rann of Jerdon’s Baza Aviceda jerdoni and Black Baza Gaston, T. 2005. Recent ornithological Kachchh. 3 (2): 2-4. Aviceda leuphotes in Buxa Tiger Reserve, West publications: Pfister, O. Birds and mammals Varu, M.S., J.C. Rupapara & P.K. Kacha. 2005. Bengal, India. 21: 169-171. of Ladakh. xxvii+357 pages, 306 colour plates. Forest Wagtail at Jamnagar. 3 (2): 10. Sundar, K.S.G. 2005. Effectiveness of road New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2004. Varu, S.N. 2005. Mimicry calls by Indian Chat. transects and wetland visits forsurveying Hardback, £49.95, $74.50. ISBN 0-19- 2 (3&4): 7. (2004). Black-necked Storks Ephippiorhynchus 5665714-4. 147: 430. Varu, S.N. 2005. Yellow-legged Green-Pigeon in asiaticus and Sarus Cranes Grus antigone in Ishtiaq, F.A.R. Rahmani. 2005. The Forest Owlet Kachchh. 2 (5&6): 8 (2004). India. 21: 27-32. Heteroglaux blewitti: vocalization, breeding Varu, S.N. 2005. Red-necked Phalarope in Sundar, K.S.G.B.C. Choudhury. 2005. Effect of biology and conservation. 147 (1): 197-205. Kachchh. 2 (5&6): 8 (2004). incubating adult sex and clutch size on egg Sangster, G. 2005. A name for the flamingo-grebe Varu, S.N. 2005. Curious feeding behaviour of orientation in Sarus Cranes Grus antigone. clade. 147: 612-615. Whiskered Tern. 3 (1): 9. 21: 179-181. Varu, S.N. 2005. Hypocolius in Kachchh. 3 (2): India Today 10. Hornbill Menon, A.K. 2005. Feather in his cap. 2005 (18 Varu, S.N. 2005. [“In connection with article Anonymous. 2005. The birds of Asia. April): 11. ‘Birds and bats...’ “]. 3 (3): 14. Pheasants. 2004 (October-December): 38-41. Vora, U. 2005. Letters to the editors. [“I have (2004). Journal of Avian Biology seen the Black-capped Kingfisher...”]. 2 (5&6): Ali, S. 2005. Birding in Travancore. Stray Ericson, P.G.P., A.-L. Jansén, U.S. Johansson & 11 (2004). impressions of a rambling ornithologist. 2004 J. Ekman. 2005. Inter-generic relationships of (October-December): 4-8 (2004). the crows, jays, magpies and allied groups Forktail Chacko, R.T. 2005. The final word. 2004 (Aves: Corvidae) based on nucleotide sequence Ali, Z.M. Akhtar. 2005. Bird surveys at wetlands (October-December): 23. (2004). data. 36 (3): 222-234 (With five tables and in Punjab, Pakistan, with special reference to Cocksedge, J.E. 2005. Can you tell? 2004 five text-figs.). the present status of White-headed Duck (October-December): 23. (2004). Oxyura leucocephala. 21: 43-50. Daniel, J.C. 2005. View point: Jehangir’s Laila Journal of Ecological Society Baral, H.S. 2005. Surveys for Lesser Adjutant Majnu. 2004 (October-December): 2-3 Gole, P. 2005. Indicators of habitat suitability. Leptoptilos javanicus in and around Koshi (2004). 17-18: 36-46 (2004-2005). Indian Birds Vol. 2 No. 2 (March-April 2006) 43
Gole, P. 2005. Improving the indicators. 17-18: Sivakumaran, N.A.R. Rahmani. 2005. Spotted (Pallas) at Mysore, Karnataka. 101 (3): 461- 47-58 (2004-2005). Dove Streptopelia chinensis feeding on winged 462 (2004). termites. 102 (1): 115. Thejaswi, S., A. Shivaprakash & M.M. Kumar. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society Soni, H., J. Pankaj & J. Joshua. 2005. Nesting 2005. A note on harrier roosts in the Mysore Alam, M. 2005. Records of Grey-headed Starling behaviour and unusual feeding pattern in area. 101 (3): 450-451 (2004). Sturnus malabaricus blythii in Mumbai. 101 Common Woodshrike (Tephrodornis Thejaswi, S.A.A. Zarri. 2005. A sight record of (3): 456 (2004). pondicerianus). 102 (1): 120. Tytler’s Leaf-warbler Phylloscopus tytleri from Choudhury, A. 2005. Sighting of Wallcreeper Sundar, K.S.G. 2005. Mortality of herpetofauna, the Nilgiris, southern India. 101 (3): 462-463 Tichodroma muraria in Assam and Manipur. birds and mammals due to vehicular traffic in (2004). 101 (3): 463 (2004). Etawah District, Uttar Pradesh, India. 101 (3): Unnithan, S. 2005. A catalogue of the birds in Choudhury, A. 2005. Great-tufted Myna 392-398 (2004). the collection of the Bombay Natural History Acridotheres grandis - an addition to the birds Sundar, K.S.G. 2005. Observations of mate Society - 40. Family: Fringillidae: Finches. 101 of Meghalaya. 102 (1): 117. change and other aspects of pair-bond in the (3): 360-373 (2004). Gani, M.O. 2005. Distribution of Masked Sarus Crane Grus antigone. 102 (1): 109-112. Unnithan, S. 2005. A catalogue of the birds in Finfoot Heliopais personata in the Sundarbans Sundar, K.S.G. 2005. An instance of mortality the collection of the Bombay Natural History Reserved Forest of Bangladesh. 102 (1): 112- and notes on behaviour of Black-necked Society - 41. Family: Emberizidae: Buntings. 114. With one map. Storks Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus. 102 (1): 102 (1): 10-15. Ghose, D.S. Khan. 2005. Albino bulbul at Keibul 99-101. With one table and one text-fig. Varu, S.N., N.N. Bapat, T.B. Chhaya & A. Lamjao National Park, Manipur, India. 102 Sundar, K.S.G.B.C. Choudhury. 2005. Grit use Pomal. 2005. Red-crested Pochard - (1): 120-121. in the Sarus Crane Grus antigone. 102 (1): Rhodonessa rufina (Pallas) in Kachchh. 102 Hariharan, G.N.P. Balaji. 2005. Use of lichens in 106-109. With three text-figs., and one table. (1): 102. bird nest construction: Observations from Thejaswi, S. 2005. The White-bellied Sea-eagle Zarri, A.A.A.R. Rahmani. 2005. Malabar Trogon Bolampatti range, Tamil Nadu, Western Ghats. Haliaeetus leucogaster (Gmelin) in inland Harpactes fasciatus Pennant in the Nilgiris 102 (1): 121-123. With one b&w photo. southern India. 101 (3): 450 (2004). Upper Plateau Tamil Nadu. 102 (1): 116. Himmatsinhji, M.K. 2005. On the insectivorous Thejaswi, S. 2005. Black Tern Chlidonias niger diet of Columba livia Gmelin. 101 (3): 455 (Linn.) in Mysore, Karnataka: First record Journal of the Zoological Society of London (2004). from inland southern India. 101 (3): 454-455 Dickinson, E.C. 2005. The Proceedings of the Joshua, J., V. Gokula & S.F.W. Sunderraj. 2005. (2004). Zoological Society of London, 1859-1900: an Territorial fighting behaviour of Great Indian Thejaswi, S. 2005. New sites for the globally exploration of breaks between calendar years Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps. 102 (1): 114-115. threatened Yellow-throated Bulbul Pycnonotus of publication. 266: 427-430. With six line-drawings. xantholaemus (Jerdon) in Karnataka, Kerala Kaur, J.B.C. Choudhury. 2005. Predation by and Tamil Nadu, southern India. 101 (3): 458- Journal of Zoological Systematics and Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus on chick 461 (2004). Evolutionary Research of Sarus Crane Grus antigone in Kota, Thejaswi, S.M.C. Manohara. 2005. Sooty Johansson, U.S.P.G.P. Ericson. 2005. A re- Rajasthan. 102 (1): 102-103. Flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica Gmelin and evaluation of basal phylogenetic relationships Krauss, D.A., N. Scivoletti & H. Wells. 2005. Ashy Minivet Pericrocotus divaricatus within trogons (Aves: Trogonidae) based on An observation of mate selection in the House (Raffles) in Bandipur National Park, nuclear DNA sequences. 43 (2): 166-173 (With Crow Corvus splendens: An apparent instance Karnataka, southern India. 101 (3): 457-458 three tables and three text-figs.). of modified lekking in a corvid. 102 (1): 117- (2004). 120. Thejaswi, S., S. Sastry, A. Shivaprakash & M.M. Madras Naturalists’ Society Bulletin Naoroji, R., H.S. Sangha & M. Barua. 2005. The Kumar. 2005. Occurrence of Amur Falcon Jayakumar, G. 2005. The MNS trip to Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni and Amur Falco amurensis Radde and Lesser Kestrel Vedanthangal on 19 Feb’2005. 27 (3&4): 1-2. Falcon Falco amurensis in the Garo Hills, Falco naumanni Fleischer in Mysore, Santharam, V. 2005. A morning at the Guindy Meghalaya, India. 102 (1): 103-105. Karnataka. 101 (3): 451-452 (2004). National Park. 27 (1&2): 1-2. Quader, S. 2005. Probable hybridisation between Thejaswi, S.A. Shivaprakash. 2005. Occurrence weaverbirds, Ploceus philippinus and Ploceus of the Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis in Malabar Trogon manyar. 101 (3): 463-464 (2004). and near Mysore, Karnataka. 101 (3): 446 Balakrishnan, P. 2005. A survey report on the Rahmani, A.R. 2005. Reviews: Birds of Goa: A (2004). House Sparrow Passer domesticus in south reference book, 2004. 101 (3): 437 (2004). Thejaswi, S.A. Shivaprakash. 2005. The Eastern India. 3 (2): 4-6. Sangha, H.S.R. Naoroji. 2005. Occurrence of Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca near Mysore, Nameer, P.O. 2005. Races of Grey-breasted Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger in southern India. 101 (3): 447 (2004). Laughingthrush Garrulax jerdoni: a Ladakh. 102 (1): 99. Thejaswi, S.A. Shivaprakash. 2005. Status of discussion (continued from 3 (1)). 3 (2): 13- Senthilmurugan, B. 2005. Fish in the diet of the the Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga Pallas 15. Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus Vieillot. in the wetlands of the Kaveri Basin of Narayanan, S.P., M.S. Sajith, S. Dipu, Ajay & 102 (1): 116. Karnataka. 101 (3): 447-450 (2004). B. Sreekumar. 2005. Sightings of Mountain Sivakumar, K.R. Sankaran. 2005. Natural history Thejaswi, S.A. Shivaprakash. 2005. Eastern Imperial Pigeon Ducula badia from the notes on chicks of the Nicobar Megapode Calandra-lark Melanocorypha bimaculata in Vembanad wetlands. 3 (2): 13. Megapodius nicobariensis. 101 (3): 452-452 Mysore, Karnataka: A new record for southern Praveen, J. 2005. Races of Greybreasted (2004). India. 101 (3): 455 (2004). Laughing Thrush (Garrulax jerdoni): A Sivakumar, K.R. Sankaran. 2005. The diet of the Thejaswi, S.A. Shivaprakash. 2005. Occurrence discussion. 3 (1): 16-18 (16-17). Nicobar Megapode Megapodius nicobariensis, of the Ashy Minivet Pericrocotus divaricatus Praveen, J. 2005. Book Review: Shore birds of in Great Nicobar Island. 102 (1): 105-106. (Raffles) at the Parambikulam Wildlife Kerala - including Gulls & Terns. By. C. With one table. Sanctuary, Kerala. 101 (3): 456-457 (2004). Sashikumar, Muhamed Jafer Palot, Sathyan Sivakumar, S.V. Prakash. 2005. Cat Snake Boiga Thejaswi, S.A. Shivaprakash. 2005. Meppayur & C. Radhakrishnan. 3 (1): 22-23. trigonata in diet of Jerdon’s Baza Aviceda Observations on the Rusty-rumped Rajesh, K.P. 2005. Green Whip Snake feeding jerdoni. 101 (3): 445-446. Grasshopper-warbler Locustella certhiola on bulbul. 3 (1): 23. 44 Indian Birds Vol. 2 No. 2 (March-April 2006)
Sashikumar, C. 2005. Races of Greybreasted Aves). 36 (2): 261-276 (With seven text-figs., vultures at Girnar Hill, Junagadh (Gujarat). Laughing Thrush (Garrulax jerdoni): A and two tables). 45 (2): 21-22. discussion. 3 (1): 16-18 (17-18). Sheldon, F.H., L.A. Whittingham, R.G. Moyle, Ghosh, S.J. 2005. Purbasthali: The unique Sashikumar, C. 2005. Races of Grey-breasted B. Slikas & D.W. Winkler. 2005. Phylogeny wetland needs protection. 44 (6): 85-86. Laughingthrush Garrulax jerdoni: a discussion of swallows (Aves: Hirundinidae) estimated (2004). (continued from 3 (1)). 3 (2): 13-15. from nuclear and mitochondrial DNA Gomathi, N. 2005. Sightings of Whitebellied Sea Sashikumar, C. 2005. Book review: Important sequences. 35: 254-270. Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) in bird areas of India: Priority sites for Mountain Research and Development Kumbakonam. 45 (2): 25. conservation. 3 (2): 16-17. Chettri, N., D.C. Deb, E. Sharma & R. Jackson. Ilyas, O. 2005. Birds of middle altitude oak forest, Sashikumar, C. 2005. Book review: Birds of 2005. The relationship between bird Kumaon Himalayas. 45 (5): 73-77. Kerala. 3 (3): 8-16. communities and habitat. A study along a Iyer, M.K. 2005. Sightings of Gyps (Vultures) Sashikumar, C.J. Palot. 2005. Aralam Wildlife trekking corridor in the Sikkim Himalaya. 25 and Aquila (Eagles) at Dhabla Pound and Thol Sanctuary - bird survey 2005: An interim (3): 235-243 (With one map, four tables and Bird Sanctuary. 45 (2): 24-25. report. 3 (1): 24. one text-fig.). Jethva, A.B. 2005. 40 White backed (sic) Vultures Subramanya, S. 2005. Heronries of Kerala. 3 (1): die at the Mahuva vulture colony, Gujarat. 45 2-15. Nature (3): 44. Vijaya Kumar, T.N. 2005. Occurrence of Rufous Grimmett, R. 2005. Taking flight. 438: 916. Joshua, J., H. Soni, N.M. Joshi & P.N. Joshi. Woodpecker (Celeus brachyurus) in 2005. Sighting of Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) in Kozhikode town. 3 (1): 20. New Birdwatch Firozpura of Banaskantha district, north Zacharias, V.J. 2005. Races of Grey-breasted Papps, S. 2005. Southern guide has a familiar Gujarat, India. 45 (4): 59-60. Laughingthrush Garrulax jerdoni: a discussion feel. 159: 55. Joshua, J., H. Soni, N.M. Joshi & P.N. Joshi. (continued from 3 (1)). 3 (2): 13-15. 2005. Occurrence of Franklin’s or Allied or Newsletter for Birdwatchers Savanna Nightjar (Caprimulgus affinis) in Bhuj Mistnet Bharos, A.M.K. 2005. Possible breeding by the taluk, Kachchh district, Gujarat. 45 (4): 61. Anonymous. 2005. IUCN resolution on Great Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) in Chattisgarh, Kasambe, R. 2005. Breeding behaviour of Blue- Indian Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps. 6 (1): 8. India. 44 (6): 95. (2004). tailed Bee-eaters (Merops philippinus) in Anonymous. 2005. IUCN resolution on Gyps Bharos, A.M.K. 2005. Magpie Robin Central India. 45 (1): 10-13. species of vultures. 6 (1): 9. (Copsychus saularis) feeding on maggots and Kasambe, R. 2005. Poaching of vultures by Jeganathan, P. 2005. Radio tagging the Jerdon’s storing food. 44 (6): 95. (2004). Pardhis of Vidarbha. 45 (3): 42-43. Courser “Pity-not-to-do-it”. 6 (2): 8-9. Bhatnagar, S.P.S.K. Shukla. 2005. Sambhar Lake: Kasambe, R., A. Pimplapure, J. Wadatkar & A. Sangha, H.S.R. Naoroji. 2005. Slender-billed A new breeding ground of Pied Avocet, Pillarisett. 2005. Vulture notes from Vidarbha Babbler Turdoides longirostris in Arunachal Recurvirostra avosetta in India. 44 (6): 86- including Melghat and Tadoba Andhari Tiger Pradesh. 6 (2): 12. 88. (2004). Reserves. 45 (5): 77-78. Santharam, V. 2005. Bird conservation in Tamil Bhatnagar, S.P.S.K. Shukla. 2005. Checklist of Kasambe, R., J. Wadatkar, N.S. Bhusum & F. Nadu - beyond the Red Data Book and IBAs. Sambhar Lake waterfowl in inland saline water Kasdekar. 2005. Forest Owlets Heteroglaux 6 (1): 4-7. ecosystem, Rajasthan, India. 45 (3): 40-41. blewitti in Melghat Tiger Reserve, district Shivaprakash, A. 2005. An overview of the Indian Bhatnagar, S.P.S.K. Shukla. 2005. Winter Amravati, Maharashtra. 45 (3): 38-40. Spotted Eagle in Lingambudh Lake (IBA site). migratory Eurasian waterfowl wader Eurasian Kasambe, R., J. Wadatkar, M. Khode & R. 6 (2): 10-11. Curlew, Numenius arquata (Linnaeus) at Khode. 2005. Sighting records of Black Storks Zarri, A.A. 2005. Nilgiri Laughingthrush: Soul inland saline wetland, Didwana (Nagaur dist.), (Ciconia nigra) in Amravati district of of the Nilgiri Hills. 6 (2): 4-5. Rajasthan. 45 (2): 28. Maharashtra, India. 45 (5): 78-80 (with one Chandrashekar, M.K.T. Mahalingappa. 2005. table). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution Painted Storks abandon Kaggaladu colony. 45 Kelkar, N. 2005. Sightings of a Spotted Owlet Alstrom, P., P.G.P. Ericson, U. Olsson & P. (4): 51-52. Athene brama chick with erythrism at Nagpur, Sundberg. 2005. Phylogeny and classification Chhangani, A.K. 2005. First record of Indian Maharashtra, India. 45 (3): 47. of the avian superfamily Sylvioidea. Molecular Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros birostris) in the Thar Khan, A. 2005. Observation of Red Munia Phylogenetics and Evolution. Desert, Jodhpur, India. 44 (6): 94. (2004). nesting in Keoladeo National Park. 44 (6): 94- Bridge, E.S., A.W. Jones & A.J. Baker. 2005. A Chhangani, A.K. 2005. House Crow (Corvus 95. (2004). phylogenetic framework for the terns splendens) feeding on gum of Acacia nilotica Mashru, A. 2005. Gathering of Steppe Eagles (Sternini) inferred from mtDNA sequences: at Jodhpur, Rajasthan. 45 (1): 14. (Aquila nipalensis). 45 (2): 27. implications for taxonomy and plumage Chhangani, A.K. 2005. Unusual sightings of Mishra, A., J.N. Mandal & T.K. Ghosh. 2005. evolution. 35 (2): 459-469. Sarus Crane (Grus antigone). 45 (1): 15. Breeding of Lesser Adjutant from an Bridgea, E.S., A.W. Jonesb & A.J. Bakerc. 2005. Choudhary, D.N. 2005. Breeding behaviour and unexplored area of Kosi region of N. Bihar. 44 A phylogentic framework for the terns nesting of Indian Moorhen and Night Heronin (6): 84. (2004). (Sternini) inferred from mtDNA sequences: (sic) the Laluchack pond, Bhagalpur, Bihar. Pandey, V.K., S.K. Das, M.K. Pardeshi & N.S. implications for taxonomy and plumage 45 (4): 54-55. Rathore. 2005. Observations of vultures in evolution. 35 (2): Unknown. Choudhury, A. 2005. Birds of Mizoram, a the Desert National Park, Rajasthan, India. 45 Helbig, A.J., A. Kocum, I. Seibold & M.J. Braun. checklist. 45 (5): 67-73. (3): 44-45. 2005. A multi-gene phylogeny of aquiline Desai, R.N., V.V. Yeri & G.S. Kallur. 2005. Some Parihar, G.R. Saxena. 2005. Confirmation of eagles (Aves: Accipitriformes) reveals aspects of the breeding cycles of the Indian presence of Great Indian Bustard in Ghatigaon extensive paraphyly at the genus level. 35: Robin Saxicoloides fulicata fulicata (L.) of Sanctuary and related problems. 45 (1): 14- 147-164. Dharwad (Karnataka: India). 45 (1): 9-10. 15. Olsson, U., P. Alström, P.G.P. Ericson & P. Devasahayam, S. 2005. Bird life at Indian Patel, S. 2005. Wetland protection project of Sundberg. 2005. Non-monophyletic taxa and Institute of Spices Research, Calicut, Kerala. Nature Club Surat. 45 (1): 6-7. cryptic species - Evidence from a molecular 45 (2): 22-24. Patel, S. 2005. Adaptations in nesting. 45 (2): phylogeny of leaf-warblers (Phylloscopus, Devkar, R.V.M.D. Visavadia. 2005. Nesting of 27. Indian Birds Vol. 2 No. 2 (March-April 2006) 45
Patel, S., N. Bhatt & M. Bhatt. 2005. Saving 200 Singh, N. 2005. Demoiselle Crane at Kheedha Heritage site. 2005 (March): 7-8. vultures from probable death. 45 (3): 42. (sic) village. 45 (4): 60. Talwar, R. 2005. Waiting to be rediscovered. The Pimplapure, A. 2005. Sighting of Egyptian Sridhar, S. 2005. The rise and fall of Raiganj Bird Mountain Quail (Ophrysia superciliosa). 2004 Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) in a flock. Sanctuary. 44 (6): Insidefrontcover-83. (2004). (December): 20-21 (2004). 45 (2): 26. Sridhar, S. 2005. Vultures’ woes. 44 (6): 83. Rajaram, M.R.M. Rajaram. 2005. Birdwatching (2004). The Rhino Foundation for Nature in NE India in a coffee estate at Coorg. 45 (1): 8-9. Sridhar, S. 2005. Painted Storks skip Veerapura McGowan, P. 2005. Conserving the pheasants Ramesh, J. 2005. Ninety White-rumped Vultures yet again. 45 (1): 2-4. and partridges of NE India. 6: 15-16. (2004). [Gyps bengalensis] sighted at the Nagarhole Sridhar, S. 2005. Bustards are wearing thin in Nair, M.V. 2005. Notable bird records from National Park. 45 (3): 45. Ghatigaon Sanctuary. 45 (1): 4. Kakojan Reserve Forest. 6: 20. (2004). Rao, K.M. 2005. Birding trip to Rayalaseema Sridhar, S. 2005. Review: Handbook of Indian area. 45 (2): 20-21 (with one b&w photo). wetland birds and their conservation. 45 (4): Samsad News Samad, K.S.A. 2005. Greater Flamingos spotted 61-64. Basu, B. 2005. Ajodhya Hill: A report on the in hot summer in Bellary district. 45 (4): 60. Sridhar, S. 2005. Raiganj Bird Sanctuary lashed annual nature study camp. 23 (3&4): 1-4. Saxena, R. 2005. Legends of crow and some other by a hat-trick of killer storms. 45 (5): Inside Chaudhuri, A. 2005. A short trip to Bokkhali. 23 birds. 44 (6): 96. (2004). front cover. (5&6): 3-4. Saxena, R. 2005. An old record of Imperial Sridhar, S. 2005. Book review: Pictorial Dey, K. 2005. Chilika: Paradise on water. 23 Sandgrouse (Pterodes orientalis) (sic) of Gajner. handbook - shorebirds of Kerala, (including (5&6): 1-2. 44 (6): 96. (2004). gulls and terns), Sashikumar, C.; Muhamed Saxena, R. 2005. Red Jungle Fowl (Gallus gallus). Jafer Palot; Sathyan Meppayur; Sanctuary Asia 45 (1): 15. Radhakrishnan, C. 2004. 45 (2): 28-32. Anonymous. 2005. Bharatpur. Apathy spells Saxena, R. 2005. Bori with a difference. 45 (4): Sridhar, S.A.K. Chakravarthy. 2005. Vexed doom for birds in the wetlands. 25 (1): 74. 56. vultures and their captive breeding programme Anonymous. 2005. Kolleru. Apathy and Saxena, R. 2005. Birds of which Madhya in India. 44 (6): 90-94. (2004). corruption killing lake. 25 (6): 76-77 (With Pradesh? 45 (4): 57. Thakker, P.S. 2005. Whitebellied Sea Eagle in three b&w photos). Saxena, R. 2005. Birding in office. 45 (2): 26. Great Rann of Kachchh, Gujarat. 45 (3): 46. Barua, M. 2005. Seasons in the sun. A Kaziranga Saxena, R. 2005. Spurwinged/River Lapwing/ Timmapur, R.G. 2005. Random bird notes from birding calendar. 25 (1): 28-31. Plover. 45 (2): 26. Hidkal Dam area, Belgaum District, Karnataka. Barua, M. 2005. The flaw in the flu... 25 (6): 62- Shah, Y., C. Vora & F. Chauhan. 2005. A vagrant 45 (3): 35-38. 64. owl at Surendranagar. 45 (3): 48. Umashekar, M.S. Sreevatsa. 2005. Sighting of Basu, B. 2005. Book review: Treasures of Indian Sharma, A. 2005. Birding at Raiganj Bird Black-breasted Weaver (Ploceus benghalensis) Wildlife. Ed. Ashok S. Kothari and Boman F. Sanctuary, North Dinajpur District in West in Raichur - north-east Karnataka. 45 (4): 60- Chhapgar. 25 (6): 89. Bengal. 44 (6): 89-90. (2004). 61. Besten, J.W.d. 2005. Places to be: Dharamsala. Sharma, A. 2005. Small Yellow-naped Wesley, H.D. 2005. About a crake. 45 (5): 78. XXV (4): 61. Woodpecker Picus chlorolophus in mangrove Yahya, H.S.A. 2005. Foraging and feeding Bhatia, Y. 2005. Crab Plovers. XXV (2): 30-33. forest of Sunderbans Tiger Reserve, India. 45 behaviour of Flamingos in the Aanasagar Lake Grewal, B.S. Sen. 2005. Birding in India. XXV (1): 13-14. Ajmer (Rajasthan). 45 (1): 4-6. (2): 60-61. Sharma, A. 2005. Recent record of White-rumped Grewal, B.S. Sen. 2005. Birding in India. XXV Vulture Gyps bengalensis from 24 Paraganas Newsletter of the Asian Waterbird Census (4): 60-61. District, West Bengal. 45 (3): 44. Anonymous. 2005. AWC news from the region. Grewal, B.S. Sen. 2005. Birding in India. 25 (1): Sharma, A. 2005. Redvented Bulbul (Pycnonotus India: Mystery of wintering Spoon-billed 58-59. cafer) feeding on Drumstick leaves (Moringa Sandpiper remains unsolved. 9: 3. Grewal, B.S. Sen. 2005. Birding in India. 25 (3): oleifera) at Malda District, West Bengal. 45 Baral, H.S. 2005. AWC news from the region. 60-61. (3): 47. Nepal. 9: 4-5. Grewal, B.S. Sen. 2005. Birding in India. 25 (6): Sharma, P.K. 2005. Factors contributing to the Li, D. 2005. AWC 2002-2005 results update. 9: 58-59 (with two colour photos and one colour decline of vultures in the Shiwaliks. 45 (3): 2. plate). 45-46. Naing, T.Z. 2005. AWC news from the region. Raj V, V.M. 2005. Magadi wetland - Where geese Sharma, P.K. 2005. Distribution of parental Myanmar. 9: 4. gather. XXV (4): 42-45. responsibilities among Magpie Robins. 45 (4): Sirivardana, U.D. Warakagoda. 2005. AWC news Sen, S.K. 2005. Mizoram. Paradise in peril. XXV 59. from the region. Sri Lanka. 9: 5. (5): 46-51. Sharma, S.K. 2005. Use of bird perches for crop Shah, S. 2005. Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird protection in tribal zone of southern Rajasthan. Panda Sanctuary. XXV (2): 67. 45 (4): 58. Abass, M. 2005. A new bird in Ladakh. The Shiva Kumar, N. 2005. Goodbye Indian Shivaprakash, A. 2005. Distribution, density and Demoiselle Crane (Anthropoides virgo). 2004 Skimmer? XXV (4): 32-35. threats to Barheaded Goose (Anser indicus) (December): 5 (2004). Sriram, J. 2005. White splendour. XXV (2): 34- in Mysore, Mandya and Chamarajanagar Krishnan, V. 2005. The pink lining to Mumbai 35. districts, southern Karnataka. 45 (5): 80 (with disappearing? Flamingos of the Sewri Thorat, S.P. Joshi. 2005. Uran as a protected one table). mudflats. 2005 (June): 12 (With one col. bird sanctuary. 25 (1): 82. Shreyas, S.R.S. Harave. 2005. Shelducks and photo). sandpipers tormented by weekend poachers Mishra, K.K. 2005. A dwindling bird haven in The Tattler at the Hesarghatta lake. 45 (4): 53-54. Sareli. 2005 (June): 13 (with two b&w Islam, M.S. 2005. World significant counts of Singh, A.P. 2005. Birds on Harkidun trek route photos). waterbirds at south central coast of Gengetic (Sankri-Taluka-Khabugad): Garhwal Rosalind, L. 2005. Bustards. 2004 (December): Delta. 42: 8. himalayas. 45 (4): 53. 13-15 (2004). Singh, N. 2005. Observations regarding kuoo- Rosalind, L. 2005. Bharatpur. People’s The Tribune kuoo call of Koel. 44 (6): 95. (2004). participation in conservation of a Wetland Singh, B. 2005. Call of the wild. Treasures of 46 Indian Birds Vol. 2 No. 2 (March-April 2006)
Indian wildlife. 2005 (September): Unknown. Zoos’ Print Praveen, J. 2005. Comments on “Avifauna of Nameer, P.O. 2005. Summary of Ph.D. Thesis: Thrissur district, Kerala, India” by E. A. Vana Premi Bird community structure in selected forest Jayson et al. (2005). 20 (5): 1880-1881. Joseph, A.V. 2005. A brief note on breeding of types of Kerala. XX (11): 20-22. Rao, K.T.S.M.M. Javed. 2005. The Great Indian Red Jungle Fowl and Grey Jungle Fowl in the Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps (Vigors) in and (3) zoos of A. P. 6 (10): 29-32 (With ten b&w., Zoos’ Print Journal around the Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, photos, one line-drawing and three tables). Jayson, E.A.C. Sivaperuman. 2005. Avifauna of Andhra Pradesh, India. 20 (11): 2053-2058. Thrissur district, Kerala, India. 20 (2): 1774- Sahu, H.K.S.D. Rout. 2005. Checklist of Wader Study Group Bulletin 1783. waterbirds in Mayurbhanj district, Orissa. 20 Zöckler, C., S. Balachandran, G.C. Bunting, M. Jayson, E.A.C. Sivaperuman. 2005. Reply to (9): 1992-1993. Fanck, M. Kashiwagi, E.G. Lappo, G. the comments by Sashikumar on “Avifauna Sashikumar, C. 2005. Comments on “Avifauna Maheswaran, A. Sharma, E.E. Syroechkovski of Thrissur district, Kerala, India.” 20 (5): of Thrissur district, Kerala, India” by Jayson & K. Webb. 2005. The Indian Sunderbans: an 1879-1880. et al. 20 (5): 1879. important wintering site for Siberian waders. Jayson, E.A.C. Sivaperuman. 2005. Reply to Singh, H. 2005. Sighting of Sirkeer Malkoha 108: 42-46 (With one map, one table and six the comments by Praveen on “Avifauna of Phaenicophaeus leschenaultii in the Thar col. pics.). Thrissur district, Kerala, India.” 20 (2): 1881- Desert. 20 (6): 1903. 1882. Srinivasulu, C., B. Srinivasulu & V. Nagulu. 2005. World Birdwatch Kler, T.K. 2005. Analysis of nesting material in Catalogue of birds collected by Salim Ali Anonymous. 2005. Rediscovered wren-babbler bird nest boxes. 20 (2): 1882. present in the Natural History Museum, easy to find but hard to see. 27 (2): 2 (With Kler, T.K. 2005. Unusual nesting site of Osmania University, Hyderabad, India. 20 (1): one col. photo.). Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima 1741-1748 (2004). Anonymous. 2005. India to ban diclofenac. 27 haemacephala (Müller) in residential area of Verma, A. 2005. Winter ecology of harriers (2): 4 (With one col. photo.). Ludhiana city. 20 (9): 1994. roosting at Akola, Maharashtra, India. 20 (8): Anonymous. 2005. Wintering Spoon-billed Kulkarni, A.N., V.S. Kanwate & V.D. Deshpande. 1943-1947. Sandpiper survey in India draws a blank. 27 2005. Birds in and around Nanded city, Vyas, R. 2005. Breeding of Ruddy Shelduck (2): 4 (With one col. photo.). Maharashtra. 20 (11): 2076-2078. (Tadorna ferruginea) at Sayaji Baug Zoo, Eberhardt, K. 2005. Chasing the Pink-headed Panchabhai, C.G., A.M. Rode, D.B. Sarode, A.G. Vadodara, Gujarat. 20 (11): 2075. Duck. 27 (3): 22-24 (With eight photos). Bhandarkar, N.P. Dakshinkar & G.R. Bhojne. Langley, N. 2005. The lost and found bird. 27 2005. Clinico-haematological study in ailing (2): 13-16 (With six col. photos.). pigeons of Nagpur city. 20 (5): 1877.
Recoveries from the Newsletter for Birdwatchers (1965) - 10 Zafar Futehally #2205 Oakwood Apartments, Jakkasandra Layout, Koramangala, 3rd Block, 8th Main, Bangalore 560034, Karnataka, India. Email: [email protected]
y 1965, its fifth year, the Newsletter had of green grass with bushes and small trees Brother Navarro had the distinction of Bbecome fairly well known in the then to break the monotony, we saw seven discovering a new species for India during small birding community of India, and a few varieties of warblers. This was a pleasant his visit to Fennel Hill (Karnala Bird articles from Pakistan relating to birds and refreshing sight. Here we saw the Indian Sanctuary) near Mumbai on 31.i.1965. “It common to our two continents reassured Great Reed Warbler, Blyth’s Reed Warblers, must have been around 11 o’clock when I us—as we are essentially a part of one the Orphean Warbler, the Booted Tree was almost at the top of the hill, on the right subcontinent. Warbler, the Ashy Wren Warbler, and the side of the road, when suddenly a noisy Rev. A. Navarro, to whom you have been Indian Wren Warbler. What a splendid party, made up mostly of Warblers, introduced before, took a group of students company they made on the wing, bristling Flycatchers and some birds of another from St. Xavier’s High School, Bombay, to with the enjoyment of their environment. variety, were enjoying themselves in a Kendal in Ahmedabad district for bird But of all this glorious company two of delightful cacophony in a very thick patch watching, “instead of sitting at home for the them—Blyth’s and the Booted Tree of the forest. My attention was caught by a Diwali holidays, firing crackers and feasting Warbler—we were destined to watch more pair of birds calling to each other on sweetmeats”… (1) Our first impression often on trees, while the others preferred to incessantly. Their calls were altogether of the situation was one of dejection and rest on bushes, reeds and grass. Blyth’s unfamiliar to me as much as their colour was. disappointment…the countryside seemed Warbler, which was the most common I sat down on the ground flora most ten devoid of any interest for bird everywhere, gave us the joy of hearing its minutes observing. Finally I was convinced watching…But first impressions are not rather monotonous ‘chat-chat-chat’ chant. that the birds that I was observing were always the best…At the end of six days, But what was our surprised delight when something I had never seen before. So I footing it out for miles, we found to our great we suddenly discovered him warbling at decided there and then to secure at least surprise and joy a list of hundred varieties noon, trimming his throat to a sweet, one specimen of them.” of different birds.” I quote one paragraph melodious and soul-lifting song akin, we “Luckily I did secure one of them. After from this long four page article. thought, to that of the Oriole: only his was examining it with some care I placed it, not “Along the bullock cart ruts and nullahs, a much softer and less high-pitched without some misgivings, in the group of along side which there grew an abundance melody.” the Pied Shrike of the Genus Hemipus. Later Indian Birds Vol. 2 No. 2 (March-April 2006) 47 in the evening at the foot of Fennel Hill two was returning along more or less the same frequent, but their inconspicuous more pairs came my way as they flew through track when I realized that in all the empty colourings make them ‘rare’. Pale Brown the thickest part of the forest. Once I got waste, the lamb had attracted the ever Shrikes are commoner than at other times of home I examined the specimen more watchful vultures. There were some fifteen the winter, while for a period, Kashmir carefully and saw that it was the Ashy birds wheeling high overhead and more Rollers are more numerous than the Indian Minivet.” coming into view. I stopped and watched Roller which is a beautiful and typical bird D.A. Holmes and J.O. Wright continued the circling birds and was intrigued to realize of cultivation. It is always good to see two with their series of annotated list of birds that apart from two or three White-backed species closely related side by side as then around Sukkur Barrage in Sind. Reading Vultures Gyps bengalensis, which is usually the comparisons are easy, and many of our about the commonest birds from experts is the only species seen in the cultivated areas novice members had a fine opportunity of never boring, and the authors produced a of Bahawalpur, there were also eight or nine getting to know the two Rollers. The same useful list of birds seen in different seasons. slightly larger birds with pale khaki bodies is true of the cock Pied Bush Chats and the For example, this is what they say about the which were Griffon Vultures Gyps fulvus.” Pied Wheatears, both of which are frequent Koel Eudynamys scolopacea. “Only a few At the end of April 1965 K.K. Neelakantan and were also able to compare the hens of decades ago this bird was very rare in Sind. was at Thekkady on a brief visit, “and was the Pied Bush Chat with the mate of the Now, however, it is a common visitor to disheartened to see that a number of forest Collared Bush Chat, though the cock himself Lower Sind from April to November. Its giants had been felled to provide room for a has yet evaded us. Common House spread to the Sukkur region has not yet been long line of buildings”. He went again on Sparrows hang around in gossiping flocks so successful. It did not arrive here till May 25th July wanting very much to add Rufous around the farm houses and with them 21st and remained scarce.” Then about the Woodpecker to his life listing. He failed to invariably are a couple of yellow-throated Hoopoe Upupa epops. “This Hoopoe is a do that but there was some consolation in sparrows, the yellow throat never winter visitor leaving about mid-April. The seeing three White-necked Storks on the conspicuous at this time of the year, but first autumn arrival was noted on July 20th. traditional nesting tree near the boat jetty. when side by side the two sparrows are Although from its distribution the common He sent a list of 53 birds seen during his easily told apart. bird here is presumably the typical sub- visit and was surprised that no Grey Wagtail The year ended with the Editor’s report species (U. e. epops). Few birds seen in this or Grey-headed Mynah was seen during on a meeting in Delhi between area during the winter have had any visible this visit. representatives of IUCN and WWF with white on the crest.” The white on the crest D.A. Holmes wrote a major article on the members of the IBWL and others. The presumably is a feature of the migrants, if I water birds in Sind in the August issue after meeting was significant for the progress of recall correctly my conversations with he migrated to Pakistan. “My title” he said, the conservation movement in India for it Yuvraj Shivrajkumar in Kutch during the “may seem anomalous to some but the Sind paved the way for the IUCN General ringing season. Desert is a widely held misconception. Assembly meeting in New Delhi in S.D. Jayakar and Hari Pulugurtha of the Despite its indubitably hot desert climate, November 1969, which resulted in the Genetic and Biometry Laboratory in most of this region is not desert. The annual famous Project Tiger. Bhubaneshwar, Orissa, (where J.B.S. inundation of the Indus now contained a Haldane worked), discovered an impressive regulated…an abundance of jheels and roost of White Wagtails Motacilla alba and water logging menaces the agriculture of three sub-species on the roof of the the region. The result is a wealth of water secretariat in November 1964. Every day birds which provided my most exciting bird around 17:00 hrs over 200 birds descended watching. there and then roosted in the neighbouring In autumn the paddy fields ring with the karanj trees Pongamia pinnata. lovely calls of green and wood sandpipers, I wish I had more space for T.J. Roberts’s the forerunners of the waders that abound lovely article ‘Vultures in the desert’, but I in the area in winter. From November to can only give you a taste of his writing by February the sound of guns (far too many quoting a paragraph from his 2,250-word of them) keep the wings of thousands of account. The detailed descriptions he gives duck whistling over every jheel and crakes of the several species of vultures would be and bitterns can be flushed from any useful for vulture experts, and if any of you reedbed.” One of Holmes’ weaknesses was are interested I will be glad to send you a fast driving and tragically he died while Xerox copy of his article. In the June 1965 speeding around a bend in Geneva. It was issue he wrote: the end of a very fine contributor to the “I had to cross a stretch of some ten miles Newsletter. of pure desert and in one of the ‘pats’ my In the December issue K.S. Lavkumar eye was attracted to the pathetic sight of a wrote at some length about the birds around three-quarter grown sheep lying on its side. Rajkot: “October” he said, “is a very From its feeble attempts to rise and join the interesting month and our farm complex was flock which we had ridden past half a mile no exception, and all the passage migrants previously, it was obviously ‘in extremis’. It one might hope to see in this part of the was not until about two hours later that I country are here. Spotted Flycatchers are 48 Indian Birds Vol. 2 No. 2 (March-April 2006) Review Common birds of India notes. Additional information is from books There are sub-sections on bird migration, by Asad R. Rahmani. Published by the by Dr Salim Ali, Grimmett et al., and from sanctuaries, birds in Indian culture, bird Publications Division Ministry of other sources”…The author admits that “It trade, wildlife protection and threatened bird Information and Broad casting Government is not a comprehensive book on Indian birds, species. The chapters at the end, on books of India, New Delhi 110003. Pp. 106+xiv, 89 because many common birds have been left for further reading, glossary, bird research colour photographs. ISBN: 81-230-1170-9. out due to lack of space.” institutes and extinct, threatened and Hardbound. Price: Rs 180/-. In this small book of about 106 pages, endangered birds are informative and nearly 119 commonly seen birds from all useful. The main text is in narrative style. In spite of his various pre-occupations and types of habitats across India have been The book is well printed with almost no commitments, Dr Asad R. Rahmani could covered besides 12 species (including 2 printing mistakes, but the binding could find time to write a book on the common vultures) which are not so common have have been better and stronger. Low price of birds of India, which has been published also been discussed. This is less than 10 Rs 180/- should put it within the reach of by the publications Division of the Govt. of percent of all the birds to be found on the many birdwatchers. If the colour India. Dr. Rahmani has been involved in the Indian subcontinent, which number about photographs had been numbered and the field-work and study of birds for nearly 30 1,300. In the brief but fairly comprehensive corresponding numbers inserted, the text years or more. This makes him one of the introduction, the reader is informed of the would have been more convenient for most competent and the right person to write biogeography of the country and its climate beginners. on the subject of birds of India. As he and the distribution of birds in some Siraj A. Taher himself writes in the book, “Much of the important regions including the Andaman 2-B Atlas Apartments, Road No. 10, description is based on my personal field and Nicobar and the Lakshadweep Islands. Banjara Hills, Hyderabad 500034, India.
Correspondence
The birds at home the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu—but if I immediate vicinity. ‘The birds at home’ by Pragati Nayak (Indian hear a call outside my window I still want to Living in the Kumaun my attention was Birds of Jan-Feb 2006) is one of the most go out and ascertain who is singing the first drawn to Dr Arun P. Singh’s description charming essays I have read for a long time. song. of his observations while trekking in the Her approach to ornithology is probably I wish Mrs Nayak years and years of valleys of the Saryu and eastern Ramganga, what appeals to most of us. At some stage pleasure and friendship with the birds of and over the intervening high ridges. I of our lives we suddenly find that we are her neighbourhood. would however like to draw your attention smitten by birds. It happened to me at the to one error that has crept in. Dr Singh Doon School, Dehra Dun when I was eleven. Dr Aminuddin Khan describes his trek as being in Bageshwar The school campus was well wooded and Hyderabad and Almora districts. However when he full of birds. But as members of the Email: [email protected] crossed the Ramganga bridge (1,870 m) Naturalists, a society for junior boys, my between Gogina and Namik, he entered friends and I used to go out on most Correction Munsiyari block of Pithoragarh district, and Sundays to study the avifauna of the Doon Wednesday’s post brought the January- the rest of his trek as far as Birthi was in this Valley, which lies between the Shivaliks and February issue of Indian Birds, as ever block. The E. Ramganga down as far as the foothills of the Himalayas. We were also containing some interesting articles. Joe Nachni (between Tejam and Thal) forms the responsible for the collection of stuffed Homan’s initiative to organise the first South border between Bageshwar district on its birds that Dr Salim Ali had bequeathed to Indian Bird Watchers’ Fair was most west bank and Pithoragarh on the east. the Doon School. inspiring. Pragati Nayak’s short article, ‘The Today, I am 74, but the thrill of birding birds At home’, strongly conveyed the David Hopkins has not left me. I cannot take part in field message that one does not have to be a Lakshmi Ashram, P.O. Kausani, District trips like I used to—in Kerala, the Palani professional to enjoy bird watching, and Almora, Uttaranchal 263639, India hills, the Kaveri delta, the leeward side of that one can observe the bird life in ones With Compliments of G. B. K. Charitable Trust Rajan House, 2nd Floor, A. M. Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai 400025. Phones: 040-23312774,23312768, 23312770.Fax:040-23393985.Grams:PITTILAM Email: [email protected]. Website: www.pittielectriclam.com Manufacturers ofelectrical laminations&stampings
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