Avifaunal Survey of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, January 2007 Editorial Board S

Indian Birds Vol. 3 No. 5 September-October 2007

ISSN 0973-1407

Editor Emeritus Zafar Futehally

Editor Aasheesh Pittie Email: [email protected] Contents Associate Editor V. Santharam Avifaunal survey of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, January 2007 Editorial Board S. Pande, N. Sant, S. Ranade, S. Pednekar, P. Mestry, P. Deshpande, Maan Barua Anwaruddin Choudhury S. Kharat & V. Deshmukh Bill Harvey Farah Ishtiaq 162 Rajah Jayapal Madhusudan Katti Taej Mundkur A bibliography of the ornithology of Andaman & Nicobar Islands Rishad Naoroji Suhel Quader Aasheesh Pittie 181 Harkirat Singh Sangha C. Sashikumar S. Subramanya K. Gopi Sundar

Contributing Editors Short notes 198 Praveen J. Ragupathy Kannan Lavkumar Khachar

Contributing Photographer Clement Francis Arpit Deomurari

Layout & Design K. Jayaram

Office P. Rambabu NEW ORNIS FOUNDATION Registration No. 314/2004 URL: www.indianbirds.in

Trustees Zafar Futehally Aasheesh Pittie V. Santharam, PhD. Rishad Naoroji Taej Mundkur, PhD. S. Subramanya, PhD. Suhel Quader, PhD.

Aims & Objectives • To publish a newsletter that will provide a platform to birdwatchers for publishing notes and observations primarily on birds of South Asia. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus, Hut Bay, Little Andaman Is. Photo: Satish Pande • To promote awareness of bird watching amongst the general public.

• To establish and maintain links/liaison with other Date of publication: 26 November 2007 associations or organized bodies in India or abroad whose objectives are in keeping with the objectives of the Trust (i.e. to support amateur Front cover: Narcondam Hornbill Aceros narcondami (male), Narcondam Is. birdwatchers with cash / kind for projects in Photographer: Niranjan Sant. ornithology).

Indian Birds Vol. 3 No. 5 (September–October 2007) 161 Avifaunal survey of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, January 2007

Satish Pande, Niranjan Sant, Satish Ranade, Shivkumar Pednekar, Premsagar Mestry, Prashant Deshpande, Sanjay Kharat & Vaibhav Deshmukh

Pande, Satish., Sant, N., Ranade, S., Pednekar, S., Mestry, P., Deshpande, P., Kharat, S. & Deshmukh, V. 2007. Avifaunal survey of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, January 2007. Indian Birds 3 (5): 162–180. Satish Pande, ELA Foundation, Pune. C-9, Bhosale Park, Sahakarnagar-2, Pune 411009, Maharashtra, India. Email: [email protected] Mss received on: 12.vii.2007

Introduction Indian waters. The first part of this survey focused on offshore The earliest reports on the avifauna of Andaman Islands are waters and islands in the Arabian Sea and was completed by Blyth (1845, 1846a, 1846b, 1863, 1866—the last with during October–November 2005 (Pande 2005). The second extracts from Captain Blair’s letter, after whom Port Blair is part focused on the Lakshadweep Archipelago in the named). Avifaunal accounts of birds from Andaman and Arabian Sea (Pande 2007; Pande et al. 2007). Here we present Nicobar Islands from various other collections were recorded a report of the third and final part of the survey. by naturalists like Mouat (1863), Pelzeln, (1865, first report of Nicobar avifauna in Tikedar, 1984), Walden (1866, 1873), Study area Beavan (1867), Tytler (1867), Ball (1870, 1872), Hume (1874, The Andaman and Nicobar, or, Bay Islands, in the Bay of 1875, 1876), St. John (1898), Butler (1899, 1900), Cory (1902), Bengal (06º45’N–13º30’N 92º20’E–93º56’E), extend over 800 Richmond (1902) and Osmaston (1905,1906a, 1906b, 1908). km from north to south and have an approximate landmass Some prominent avifaunal collectors were Barbe, Capt. Lewis, of 8,429 km2 (Saldanha 1989; Tikedar 1984). These are truly A. O. Hume, F. Stoliczka, R. Davison, Asst. Surgeon G. E. oceanic islands, never having been connected to the Dobson, Boden Kloss, W. L. Abbott, Captains Ramsay, mainland during Pleistocene glaciations (Ripley & Beehler Wardlaw and, Wimbley (Tikedar 1984). Later studies on bio- ecology and migratory and other birds of the Bay Islands were by Wickham (1910), Whitehead (1912), Kloss (1927), Ferrar (1932), Bayley-de-Castro (1933), Stapylton (1933), Osmaston (1933) and, Vaurie (1959, 1965). There was a lull after World War II and immediately after Indian Independence, due to administrative problems, after which bird studies of the Bay Islands were resumed with reports by Abdulali (1964, 1965, 1967a, 1967b, 1971, 1976, 1981a, 1981b), Das (1971), Mukherjee & Dasgupta (1975), Dasgupta (1976), Mukherjee (1981), Saha & Dasgupta (1980), Tikader (1984), Whitaker (1985), Davidar et al. (1996), Sankaran (1998, 1998a), Grimmett et al. (1999), Sankaran & Sivakumar (1999), Vijayan et al. (2000), Dasgupta et al. (2002), Pande et al. (2003), Sivakumar (2003), Pande (2005, 2007) and, Pande et al. (2007). These are just a few of the major references from a larger bibliography on the avifauna of the Bay Islands (see pp. 181–197, this issue). In 2005, ELA Foundation (Pune) and the Fig. 1. Schematic map of Fig. 2. Schematic map of South Andaman Indian Coast Guard, under the guidance of Andaman & Nicobar Islands Island focused on the region around Port Ecological Society (Pune) undertook a survey showing our survey route. Blair to show the places visited by us during of pelagic and oceanic island avifauna in the survey.

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1989). The Bay Islands comprise 324 large and small islands endemic to the Bay Islands (Tikedar 1984). There are seven and are broadly divisible into three groups: national parks and 91 sanctuaries in the Andaman group and five national parks and one biosphere reserve in 1. Andaman group: comprising the islands of North Nicobars, comprising more than 16% of the total area of the Andaman, Middle Andaman, South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Pande et al. 1991; Kumar et Baratang, Rutland and other smaller islands and, al. 2005). Little Andaman, 65 km from South Andaman. 2. Nicobar group: comprising Great Nicobar, Little Methods Nicobar, Nancowry group of islands and, Car Nicobar This survey began at Port Blair (11º41’N, 92º43’E) on 8.i.2007 group of islands. and ended there on 20.i.2007. A brief itinerary is given in 3. Volcanic island group: comprising Narcondam—a Table 1 and routes are illustrated in Figs. 1 & 2. The total long dormant volcano and, Barren Island—a live length of the voyage was 1,700 km. All the sites that we volcano. visited are listed as IBA sites among the total of 19 sites listed from Bay Islands (Islam & Rahmani 2004). The first two groups are separated by the turbulent Ten- The survey was carried out on Indian Coast Guard ship Degree Channel, which is 150 km wide and about 400 CGS KANAKLATA BARUA for all islands except fathoms (731.52 m) deep, while the Duncan Passage Narcondam and Barren Islands, which were surveyed on separates Little Andaman from the Great Andaman group. the fast patrol vessel CGS LAXMI BAI. The cruising speed The islands are summits or ‘camel’s backs’ of the submerged during the surveys was 10–18 knots per hour (18.50–33.00 oceanic mountains, with coral deposits on some islands. kmph). The pelagic and island birds’ surveys were From the north the mountains are continuations of the Naga conducted in three phases, namely, oceanic bird survey en and Lushai Hills and Arakan Yoma through Cape Negrais route while cruising in the Andaman sea, island bird survey of Myanmar and in the south are festoons of Achin Head of by either landing from a jetty or in Geminis and, coastal bird Sumatra, Indonesia (Srinivasan 1986). The southern-most survey which was carried out on foot or in jeep in the form of point of India, the Pygmalion Point of Great Nicobar (now a non-intersecting line transect. Binoculars (10x40 and 20x60 submerged since the Tsunami in 2004), is 1,330 km from magnification), night vision binoculars and Swarowaski 40x southern India, but only 144 km from Achin Head, Sumatra. spotting scope were used for the coastal survey. Still- The soil cover of the Bay Islands is thin, acidic and comprises photographs were taken with SLR Canon EOS 20D and 2D alluvial, diluvial, clay and sandy types. The climate is with 300 mm and 1,200 mm lenses and video footage with tropical and moist with 300 cm annual rainfall, over 80% two cameras with 20x optical zoom lenses. The island survey humidity and temperature varying from 23ºC–31ºC (State was conducted in linear non-intersecting transects, the Statistical Bureau 1989). Typhoons occur during the south- lengths of which were proportionate to the size of the west monsoon and thunderstorms during summer. Weather respective island. The avian names in this communication is less oppressive from December till February. follow Manakadan & Pittie (2001) and taxonomy follows The forest types in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Rasmussen & Anderton (2005). Avian taxonomy is currently are: giant evergreen (multi-tier climatic climax along river undergoing change and remains a bit unclear with a few banks), Andaman tropical evergreen, southern hill top endemic Bay Island sub-species being upgraded to species tropical evergreen, Andaman semi-evergreen, Andaman level by Rasmussen & Anderton (2005). moist deciduous and, littoral and mangrove forests. Some vegetation cover also comprises of cane and bamboo brakes (Tikedar 1984; Anon., undated). The faunal elements of these islands bear both Indo- Malayan and Indo-Chinese affinities due to the geographic proximity of those landmasses (Smith 1931; Stoliczka 1870 quoted in Tikedar 1984). The absence of large mammals and presence of endemic fauna and flora is an interesting aspect of their composition (Tikedar 1984) since rare species are under greater threat than others and conservation biology largely focuses on their conservation (Gatson 1994). 28 endemic bird species (excluding races) are reported from Andaman and Nicobar groups of which 20 are endemic to the Andaman and eight to the Nicobar group (Jathar & Rahamani 2007). 103–105 taxa (37–38.2%) out of 268–270 avian species and races recorded from these islands are endemic—illustrating a high degree of endemism (Sankaran Niranjan Sant & Vijayan, 1993; Vijayan et al. 2000). There is a great degree Narcondam Island of speciation among island avifauna and other vertebrate groups also show this trait with 30 mammals and 23 reptiles

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Table 1. Itinerary of the survey of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. (Abbreviations: SA=South Andaman; LA=Little Andaman; GN=Great Nicobar; CN=Car Nicobar) Location Date Time spent Mode of survey

Port Blair, SA 8.i.2007 4 hrs Walk Crossing Duncan Passage 8–9.i.2007 Overnight, at sea Ship Jackson Creek, LA 9.i.2007 3 hrs Walk, fishing boat Andaman Sea 9–10.i.2007 Overnight, at sea Ship Hut Bay, LA 10.i.2007 7 hrs Walk, jeep Across Ten Degree Channel 10–11.i.2007 Overnight, at sea Ship Campbell Bay, GN 11.i.2007 12 hrs Jeep, walk East-West road, GN 12.i.2007 8 hrs Jeep Galathea Bay to Pygmallion Pt, GN 12.i.2007 2 hrs, at sea Ship GN to Camorta 12–13.i.2007 Overnight, at sea Ship Camorta, Nancowry group, Nicobars 13.i.2007 4 hrs Walk —do— 14.i.2007 10 hrs Jeep Camorta to CN 14–15.i.2007 Overnight, at sea Ship Car Nicobar 15.i.2007 4 hrs Walk CN to Port Blair 15–16.i.2007 Overnight, at sea Ship Chidiyatapu, SA 16.i.2007 4 hrs Jeep, walk Mt. Harriet, SA 16.i.2007 4 hrs, ferry crossing Jeep, boat, walk Corbyn Cove, SA 17.i.2007 6 hrs Jeep, walk Port Blair to Narcondam Is. 17–18.i.2007 Overnight, at sea Ship Narcondam Is. 18.i.2007 5hrs Walk Barren Is. offshore 18.i.2007 1 hr, at sea Ship To Port Blair 18–19.i.2007 Overnight, at sea Ship Port Blair, North Point, Ross Is., SA 19.i.2007 6 hrs Jeep, walk, boat Port Blair, SA 20.i2007 3 hrs Walk

Observations & results Dove Macropygia rufipennis andamanica were easily identified 3,804 birds belonging to 126 species were recorded on South even in forested areas and near human habitation due to Andaman, Little Andaman, Car Nicobar, Camorta (or their distinct silhouettes; Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus Kamorta), Great Nicobar and Narcondam islands during chloris davisoni, both races of which were easily identified, the survey (Table 2). Table 2 further indicates the population as they often perched on open trees and their collars and of each species on the respective islands. White-bellied facial markings were diagnostic; Indian Golden Oriole Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta affinis was recorded on all islands Oriolus kundoo; Crimson Sunbirds Aethopyga siparaja surveyed (P: Population=320). Asian Glossy Starling Aplonis nicobarica were memorable sightings in the densely forested panayensis albiris was found only on Great Nicobar and areas of Great Nicobar Island when they momentarily Camorta, in high numbers (P=250). Red-whiskered Bulbul revealed themselves near the forest roads and clearings—a Pycnonotus jocosus, an introduced species, was found on all challenge for photography; and other endemic races of islands except Narcondam (P=214). Olive-backed Sunbird several species as mentioned in Table 2. Cinnyris jugularis was also abundant on all islands (P=220). The avifauna of Bay Islands is mesmerizing and the Amongst the winter visitors, Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis forests are alive with the raucous shrieks of parakeets and fulva was the most numerous species (P=109). Only seven the whistles of raptors, besides the buzzing of myriads of species were observed on Narcondam Island, with the insects and calls of several birds that are better heard than predominant being Narcondam Hornbill Aceros narcondami seen. Some photographs taken by us during the survey are (P=115), a highly restricted and vulnerable species, its entire given in this communication. global population occurring only on this small island. 71 endemic birds were recorded belonging to 22 species Some noteworthy species recorded during the survey and 50 sub-species. Out of 126 species, 94 were resident, 30 were Chinese Sparrowhawk Accipiter soloensis, which was were winter visitors and 2 were partly resident and migrant. seen perched on a large tree near the lagoon; Andaman Teal 13 species of raptors (diurnal and nocturnal) were recorded. Anas albogularis were seen in flight and uttered calls on the An analysis of our observations indicates that the 126 wing as we ferried across the inland lagoon; Black-naped species recorded from the Bay Islands belonged to 15 Orders, Tern Sterna sumatrana were seen on a boulder that was 43 Families, 2 Sub-Families and 86 Genera (Table 3). The partially submerged in coastal break-water; Andaman maximum number of species was observed in the Order Scops-Owl Otus balli was seen by streetlight after we heard Passeriformes (39), followed by Charadriiformes (23), its call at dusk; Pied Triller Lalage nigra were seen perched Falconiformes and Coraciiformes (11 each). Only one species on the top of a tall leafless tree while surveying a flock of each was recorded in Podicipediformes, Anseriformes and Rosy Starlings Sturnus roseus through the telescope; White- Galliformes (Fig. 3). Maximum species richness (90) and breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus humei were population (1,087) were recorded on South Andaman. seen in the same area in the coastal forest; Andaman Cuckoo- However, on Little Andaman, though species richness was

164 Indian Birds Vol. 3 No. 5 (September–October 2007) Pande et al.: Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Table 2. Island-wise populations of avifauna of Andaman and Nicobar Islands recorded during the survey. [Abbreviations: SA-South Andaman; LA-Little Andaman; CN-Car Nicobar; CM-Camorta; GN-Great Nicobar; N-Narcondam; TTL-Total; E-Endemic (species and race); NR-Possible new record; RS-Residential status; R-Resident; W-Winter visitor.]

Taxa SA LA CN CM GN N TTL E NR RS

PODICIPEDIFORMES Podicipedidae Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 0600006 +R CICONIIFORMES Ardeidae Little Egret Egretta garzetta 120000012 R Pacific Reef Egret E. sacra 73227021 R Great Egret E. alba 56156023 R Intermediate Egret E. intermedia 63134219 R Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii grayii 240008032 R Little Green Heron Butorides striata spodiogaster 2000002* R Great-billed Heron Ardea sumatrana 0000101 R Purple Heron A. purpurea 0000202 R Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis 2000002 R Malayan Night-Heron Gorsachius melanolophus 0100102 R ANSERIFORMES Anatidae Andaman Teal Anas albogularis 0200002* R FALCONIFORMES Accipitridae Brahminy Kite Haliastur Indus 4000004 R White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster 168464240 R Crested Serpent-Eagle Spilornis cheela davisoni 1400005* R Andaman Serpent-Eagle S. elgini 0100001* R Nicobar Serpent-Eagle S. klossi 0000101* R Changeable Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus limnaeetus andamanensis 1100002* R Shikra Accipiter badius 1001002 R Nicobar Sparrowhawk A. butleri 0020002*W Eurasian Sparrowhawk A. nisus 1000001 W Chinese Sparrowhawk A. soloensis 0001001 R Falconidae Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 0100001 R GALLIFORMES Phasianidae Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus 1000001 R GRUIFORMES Rallidae Andaman Crake Rallina canningi 0100001* R Corn Crake Crex crex 0200002 +R White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus insularis 11009011* R White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus 65002013 R Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus (orientalis?) 144006024* R CHARADRIIFORMES Charadriidae Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva 26 50+ 2 6 25+ 0 109 W Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus 64208020 W Lesser Sand Plover C. mongolus atrifrons 13 6 4 0 25+ 0 48 W Oriental Plover C. veredus 2000002 +W Scolopacidae Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola 0000202 W Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura 12 2 0 0 30 0 44 W Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus 810012021 W Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata 0000202 W Whimbrel N. phaeopus 10 14 2 4 20 0 50 W Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus 0000606 +W Common Redshank T. totanus 85222019 W Marsh Sandpiper T. stagnatilis 2101408 +W Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus 0000606 W Common Greenshank T. nebularia 420010016 W Green Sandpiper T. ochropus 281020031 W Wood Sandpiper T. glareola 240014020 W Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos 422410022 W Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres 812658039 W Little Stint Calidris minuta 6000006 W

Indian Birds Vol. 3 No. 5 (September–October 2007) 165 Pande et al.: Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Taxa SA LA CN CM GN N TTL E NR RS

Temminck’s Stint C. temminckii 0000202 W Sternidae Black-naped Tern Sterna sumatrana 26860022RW White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus 04024010 W Great Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii cristata 0004004 W COLUMBIFORMES Columbidae Blue Rock Pigeon Columba livia 100 0 0 0 0 0 100 R Andaman Wood Pigeon C. palumboides 4200006* R Red Collared-Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica humilis 120000012* R Andaman Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia rufipennis andamanica 20064012* R Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica maxima 2000002* R Chalcophaps indica augusta 0002002* R Andaman Green-Pigeon Treron chloropterus 18 4 0 18 30 6 76 * R Green Imperial-Pigeon Ducula aenea andamanica 166000628* R Nicobar Imperial-Pigeon D. nicobarica 0 0 0 30+ 16 0 46 * R Pied Imperial-Pigeon D. bicolor 0 0 0 40 50+ 0 90 R PSITTACIFORMES Psittacidae Indian Hanging Parrot Loriculus vernalis 814000022 R Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria magnirostris 6 20+ 0 0 0 0 26 * R Red-breasted Parakeet P. alexandri abbotti 30 50+ 0 0 0 0 80 * R Red-cheeked Parakeet P. longicauda nicobarica 0 0 0 30+ 60+ 0 90 * R Nicobar Parakeet P. caniceps 0 0 0 4 10+ 0 14 * R CUCULIFORMES Cuculidae Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus 4000217 W Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea dolosa 14 4 0 8 10 0 36 * R Andaman Coucal Centropus andamanensis 64004014* R STRIGIFORMES Tytonidae Andaman Barn Owl Tyto deroepstorffi 1000001* R Strigidae Andaman Scops-Owl Otus balli 3000104* R APODIFORMES Apodidae White-bellied Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta affinis 70+ 70+ 60+ 70+ 50+ 0 320 * R Common Edible-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus fuciphaga inexpectata 20+ 4 4 20+ 20+ 0 68 * R Brown-throated Needletail Swift Hirundapus giganteus indica 12+ 0 0 20+ 30+ 0 62 * R CORACIIFORMES Alcedinidae Small Blue Kingfisher Alcedo atthis bengalensis 126200020 R Blue-eared Kingfisher A. meninting rufigaster 1100002* R Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis osmastoni 2000002* R White-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis saturatior 148400026* R Black-capped Kingfisher H. pileata 6200008 R Collared Kingfisher Todirhamphus chloris davisoni 126000018* R Collared Kingfisher T. chloris occipitalis 00 010010* R Meropidae Small Bee-eater Merops orientalis 30+ 12 0 20+ 0 0 62 R Blue-tailed Bee-eater M. philippinus 10 10 0 14+ 0 0 34 R Chest-headed Bee-eater M. leschenaultii andamanensis 66000012* R Coraciidae Oriental Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus orientalis gigas 2101004* R Bucerotidae Narcondam Hornbill Aceros narcondami 0 0 0 0 0 115+ 115 * R PICIFORMES Capitonidae Crimson-throated Barbet Megalaima rubricapilla 44020010 R Picidae Spot-breasted Pied Woodpecker Dendrocopos analis 2000002* R [D. macei andamanensis] Andaman Woodpecker D. hodgei 0200002* R

166 Indian Birds Vol. 3 No. 5 (September–October 2007) Pande et al.: Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Taxa SA LA CN CM GN N TTL E NR RS

PASSERIFORMES Hirundinidae Common Swallow Hirundo rustica 010000010 W House Swallow H. tahitica javanica 40+ 20+ 14 25+ 0 0 99 W Motacillidae R Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 16 10 4 6 6 0 42 W White Wagtail M. alba 0400004 W Campephagidae Andaman Cuckoo-shrike Coracina dobsoni 4000004* R Pied Triller Lalage nigra 0002002* R Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus vividus 86000014* R Scarlet Minivet P. speciosus (Pericrocotus flammeus andamanensis) 4400008* R Monarchidae Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea tytleri 4200006* R Black-naped Monarch H. a. nicobarica 0003205* R Pycnonotidae Andaman Bulbul Pycnonotus fuscoflavescens 16 10 0 0 0 0 26 * R Red-whiskered Bulbul P. jocosus whistleri 70+ 70+ 14 30+ 30+ 0 214 * R Nicobar Bulbul Hypsipetes nicobariensis 0004004* R Laniidae Philippine Shrike Lanius cristatus lucionensis 13 17 4 15 20 0 69 RW Turdidae Orange-headed Thrush Zoothera citrina andamanensis 2000002* R Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis andamanensis 7000007* R Andaman Shama C. albiventris 4100005* R Muscicapidae Muscicapinae Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica 147050026 W Cisticolidae Streaked Fantail Warbler Cisticola juncidis malaya 0 0 0 30+ 0 0 30 * R Sylviidae Orphean Warbler Sylvia hortensis 0002002 R Dicaeidae Andaman Flowerpecker Dicaeum virescens 18 10 0 12 14 0 54 * R Nectariniidae Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis andamanica 50+ 50+ 0 0 0 6 106 * R Olive-backed Sunbird C. j. proselia 00140 0014* R Olive-backed Sunbird C. j. klossi 0 0 0 40+ 60+ 0 100 * R Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja nicobarica 000012012* R Zosteropidae Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus nicobaricus 00442010* R Estrildidae White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata fumigata 4000004* R White-rumped Munia L. s. semistriata 000200020* R Passeridae Passerinae House Sparrow Passer domesticus 20 10 0 0 30 0 60 R Sturnidae Asian Glossy Starling Aplonis panayensis tytleri 180000018* R Asian Glossy Starling A. p. albiris 0 0 0 50+ 200+ 0 250 * R Rosy Starling Sturnus roseus 0 0 0 80+ 0 0 80 W White-headed Starling S. erythropygia 4040008* R Common Hill-Myna Gracula religiosa andamanensis 8140020042* R Common Myna Acridotheres tristis 600006 R Oriolidae Indian Golden Oriole Oriolus kundoo 4002208 R Black-naped Oriole O. chinensis andamanensis 6200008* R Black-naped Oriole O. c. macrourus 00048012* R Irenidae Asian Fairy-Bluebird Irene puella puella 64000010 R Dicruridae Andaman Drongo Dicrurus andamanensis 30+ 6 0 0 0 0 36 * R Ashy Drongo D. leucophaeus 0400004 R Greater Racket-tailed Drongo D. paradiseus otiosus 15+ 30+ 0 0 0 0 45 * R

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Taxa SA LA CN CM GN N TTL E NR RS

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo D. p. nicobariensis 0 0 0 0 40+ 0 40 * R Artamidae White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus humei 0400004* R Corvidae Andaman Treepie Dendrocitta bayleyi 4000004* R Jungle Crow Corvus macrorhynchos levaillantii 50+ 30+ 0 0 0 0 80 * R Total population 1,087 737 167 671 1,004 138 3,804 Percent population 28.58 19.37 4.39 17.64 26.39 3.53 100 Total species / races 90 75 25 48 59 7 126 71

Table 3. Avifaunal biodiversity of Andaman and Nicobar high (75), the population was relatively less (737), whereas Islands recorded during the survey. on Great Nicobar, the bird population was high (1,004) compared with species richness (59). Least population (138) Order Family Sub-Family Genus Species and species richness (7) were noted on Narcondam Island. Podicipediformes 1 0 1 1 The conservation status of birds recorded during the Ciconiiformes 1 0 8 10 survey are shown in Tables 4A and 4B. We recorded 17 Anseriformes 1 0 1 1 Andaman endemics and five Nicobar, including one on Car Falconiformes 2 0 6 11 Nicobar. None of the endemics is categorised as either Galliformes 1 0 1 1 Gruiformes 1 0 4 4 critically endangered or endangered by BirdLife International Charadriiformes 3 0 12 23 (2001). However, the significant conservation status of Columbiformes 1 0 6 9 species recorded by us can be summarised as, vulnerable Psittaciformes 1 0 2 5 (4), data-deficient (2), near-threatened (11), Appendix II CITES Cuculiformes 1 0 3 3 Strigiformes 2 0 2 2 (17), Schedule I of WL(P)A, 1972 (12). Large Crested Tern Apodiformes 1 0 2 3 Sterna bergii is listed in Annex 2 of the African-Eurasian Coraciiformes 4 0 6 11 Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA 2000), (Boere et al. Piciformes 2 0 2 3 2006). Passeriformes 21 2 30 39 TOTAL: Orders 15 43 2 86 126 Niranjan Sant Destruction of mangroves by tsunami.

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Table 4a. Conservation status of endemic birds of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Species endemic to Andaman: A; Nicobar: N; NRC-Narcondam. Ref: Jathar & Rahmani 2007; Those marked with * were recorded by us during the survey. Abbreviations: ISLAND-Island of occurrence; CITES-Relevant Appendix; BLI-BirdLife (2001); WL (P) A-Relevant Schedule, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; BUCR-Buceros 2007. VU-Vulnerable; DD-Data- deficient; NT-Near-threatened; RV-Revision required. Note: Andaman Coucal Family: Cuculidae, Centropus andamanensis is Near Endemic to Andamans with small populations on Coco and Table Islands, Myanmar. Nicobar Megapode and Narcondam Hornbill are also listed in ZSI, Red Data Book, 1994, as Vulnerable.)

Taxa ISLAND CITES BLI WL (P) A BUCR

Anatidae Andaman Teal Anas albogularis A* - - IV RV Accipitridae Nicobar Sparrowhawk Accipiter butleri N* II VU I VU Great Nicobar Serpent-Eagle Spilornis klossi N* II NT I NT Andaman Serpent-Eagle Spilornis elgini A* II NT I NT Megapodiidae Nicobar Megapode Megapodius nicobariensis N-VUIVU Rallidae Andaman Crake Rallina canningi A* - DD IV DD Columbidae Andaman Wood-Pigeon Columba palumboides A* - NT IV NT Andaman Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia rufipennis A* - NT IV NT Andaman Green Pigeon Treron chloropterus A* - - IV RV Nicobar Imperial-Pigeon Ducula nicobarica N* - - IV RV Psittacidae Nicobar Parakeet Psittacula caniceps N* - NT IV NT Strigidae Andaman Barn Owl Tyto deroepstorffi A* - - IV RV Andaman Scops-Owl Otus balli A* - NT IV NT Nicobar Scops- Owl Otus alius N - DD IV DD Hume’s Hawk-Owl Ninox obscura A--IVRV Andaman Hawk-Owl Ninox affinis A - NT IV NT Caprimulgidae Andaman Nightjar Caprimulgus andamanicus A--IVRV Bucerotidae Narcondam Hornbill Aceros narcondami NRC* - VU I VU Picidae Andaman Woodpecker Dryocopus hodgei A* - NT IV NT Campephagidae Andaman Cuckoo-Shrike Coracina dobsoni A* - - IV RV Pycnonotidae Andaman Bulbul Pycnonotus fuscoflavescens A* - - IV RV Nicobar Bulbul Hypsipetes nicobariensis N* - VU IV VU Muscicapidae Nicobar Jungle-flycatcher Rhinomyias nicobaricus N--IVRV Turdidae Andaman Shama Copsychus albiventris A* - - IV RV Dicaeidae Andaman Flowerpecker Dicaeum virescens A* - - IV RV Sturnidae Andaman White-headed Starling Sturnus erythropygia A, CN* - - IV RV Dicruridae Andaman Drongo Dicrurus andamanensis A* - NT IV NT Corvidae Andaman Treepie Dendrocitta bayleyi A* - NT IV NT

In general, pelagic birds were scarce during the survey people own air guns, which do not require a license. period. Nicobar Megapode Megapodius nicobariensis was not We witnessed six persons with air guns in a short recorded as its habitats were inaccessible due to the recent duration of time and all were on their way to kill birds Tsunami disaster, which devastated roads. in the Camorta forest. Though they kill anything that can be shot, the Pied and Green Imperial-Pigeons are Threats their favorite table birds. It was learnt from several Hunting local sources that hunting is causing a tremendous 1. Hunting birds for the pot is rampant in Camorta and pressure on the bird life on these islands which, they other Nancowry group of islands as well as in Great affirm, is already depleted, and the endemic as well Nicobar and Car Nicobar. A significant number of as threatened species, irrespective of the protection

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Table 4B. Conservation status of birds recorded during this survey of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Note: All other avian species recorded in the survey, except Philippine Shrike, are listed in Schedule IV (Birds) of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, (as amended up to 2002).

Taxa CITES WL (P) A BLI

Accipitridae I- Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus II I - White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster II I - Crested Serpent-Eagle Spilornis cheela davisoni II I - Changeable Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus limnaeetus andamanensis II I - Nicobar Sparrowhawk A. butleri [A. badius obsoletus] II I - Eurasian Sparrowhawk A. nisus II I - Chinese Sparrowhawk A. soloensis II I - Falconidae Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus II IV - Psittacidae Indian Hanging Parrot Loriculus vernalis II IV - Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria magnirostris II IV - Red-breasted Parakeet P. alexandri abbotti II IV - Red-breasted Parakeet P. longicauda nicobarica II IV NT Sturnidae Common Hill-Myna Gracula religiosa andamanensis II IV - Common Hill-Myna G. r. halibrecta II IV -

accorded them by the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 4. Another threat from hunting is posed by the 1972, are indiscriminately and freely killed. infiltrators and illegal immigrants from Myanmar who 2. A police post is present on Narcondam Island for take refuge on the North Andaman, Narcondam, reasons of national security. Sadly, these police Barren and other northern Andaman Islands and, personnel pose a threat to the local wild life. They from other SE Asian countries that take illegal refuge purportedly hunt Narcondam Hornbills for food, fell in Nicobars. They hunt animals and birds for food trees for firewood and rear goats for food (Islam & (Authors’ information gathered from local fishermen Rahmani 2002). We have photographed a 1 m long and other sources that cannot be disclosed). The water monitor Varanus sp., tied to a palm tree within spread of human and other diseases from this route is the compound of the police quarters, waiting to be also a very distinct threat not only to people but also slaughtered for consumption. animals. Inadvertent introduction of exotic flora 3. The endemic and highly threatened Narcondam through seeds and fruits and of small mammals like Hornbill resides on the remote Narcondam Island. In rodents, brought by these infiltrators, is also likely. fact some policemen accepted that they currently ate the water monitors and that the practice of killing the Poaching Narcondam Hornbill was also prevalent amongst the 5. Poaching of the pure saliva nests of the endemic previous staff. But they claim that killing of Common Edible-nest Swiftlet Collocalia fuciphaga Narcondam Hornbill has now stopped. inexpectata, is reportedly still persistent. We were told that these nests could be procured from the market in Port Blair. This clandestine activity is detrimental to the survival of these swiftlets (Sankaran 1998).

Infectious diseases 6. Discussions with veterinary doctors in Port Blair Zoo revealed that poultry is a common source of food in Great Nicobar. This poultry is invariably not immunized and the occurrence of viral and other diseases causing its decimation is frequent. Since such non-immunized birds can potentially mix with the endemic wild Megapodes, the chances of cross infection to these birds present a health hazard to this flagship and endangered restricted range species of Bay Islands.

Natural calamity Satish Ranade 7. Megapode Island, which once existed on the south-west Water monitor for pot in police camp. Narcondam Is. of Great Nicobar and which was an important nesting

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habitat of the threatened and endemic Nicobar 5. All poultry, used for culinary purposes, in remote Megapode, was submerged in the recent Tsunami, as islands like Narcondam and Great Nicobars, should were several kilometers of coastal habitat on Great strictly be immunized against known viral diseases. Nicobar and other Nicobar group islands. The post- Such viral diseases are likely to spread to endemic Tsunami assessment the Megapode’s population status birds like Narcondam Hornbill, Andaman Teal and is a Herculean task that should be taken up as soon a Nicobar Megapode, which are highly restricted in possible, especially since there are other deterents like distribution and are also threatened. human fear and reluctance, apart from the logistics. 6. Rampant hunting, with air guns, is prevalent on 8. Eruptions from the active volcano on Barren Island several islands of the Andaman and Nicobar group. could decimate the wild life presently existing there. The sale of firearms on the islands should also be prohibited. Their presence is a very distinct threat to Recommendations wild birds. 1. Repeated surveillance and monitoring of bird 7. We observed the police personnel stationed at populations on Andaman and Nicobar Islands Narcondam Island indulging in trapping, killing and should be undertaken. eating the water monitors. This should be immediately 2. No habitat modification on these islands should be stopped. Narcondam Island is an IBA site (IN-AN- permitted. Their status quo should be maintained and 14). A total of 19 IBA sites are listed from the Bay land use should not be modified without proper Islands. Erstwhile activities like sand mining, timber environmental impact assessment. Introduction of logging and the introduction of alien species like terrestrial mammalian predators should not be elephant Elephas maximus, spotted deer Axis axis and allowed on Bay Islands (Kumar et al. 2005). Common Myna Acridotheres tristis have adversely 3. Tourist entry on Narcondam and Nicobar group of affected local ecology (Islam & Rahmani 2004). Islands should be strictly restricted and regular avian 8. We ascertained from local residents that the poaching and ecological studies by competent authorities of the nests of Common Edible-nest Swiftlets Collocalia should be undertaken with prior permission. fuciphaga and their sale is still reported from Port Blair 4. The Coast Guard surveillance on Andaman and markets. This needs to be stopped and the role of Nicobar Islands, particularly Narcondam and the education in this endeavor cannot be Nicobar group of islands, should be maintained by overemphasized. actual on-spot landing and not just by distant 9. Creating awareness among the local people, on the patrolling. Unless the personnel land on these islands, importance of the ecology of Bay Islands should be a true status of pelagic and endemic birds cannot be priority. evaluated since the larger patrol vessels cannot 10. Officers and crew of the Coast Guard should be approach close enough to several of these islands, involved in a marine ecology orientation workshop hence prohibiting bird life and other faunal wherein the importance of marine ecosystem with monitoring. Off-coast monitoring will also not reveal respect to birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, flora and other any form of illegal exploitation on the islands. fauna should be highlighted in a simple manner. The

Fig. 3. Representation of island-wise diversity of avian orders, families, species and their respective percent populations in Andaman and Nicobar Islands as recorded during the survey. (Abbreviations: SA-South Andaman; LA-Little Andaman; CN-Car Nicobar; CM-Camorta; GN-Great Nicobar; N-Narcondam; TTL-Total)

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Abdulali, H. 1976. The fauna of Narcondam Island. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 71: 496–505. Abdulali, H. 1981a. The birds of Great and Car Nicobars with some notes on Wildlife conservation in the islands. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 75: 744–772. Abdulali, H. 1981b. Additional notes on Andaman birds. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 78: 46–49. Anon. Undated. Birds. The Winged Heritage of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Department of Environment & Forests, A & N Administration. Designed by Dr. Alok Saxena, Drawings by J. T. Rao. Pp. 1–12. Ball, V. 1870. Notes on birds observed in the neighbourhood of Port Blair, Andaman Islands, during month of August 1864. J. Asiatic Soc. Bengal 39: 240–243. Ball, V. 1872. Notes on a collection of birds made in Andaman Islands by Asst. Surgeon, G. E. Dobson M. B., during months of April and May. J. Asiatic Soc. Bengal 41: 273–290. Satish Pande Bayley-DeCastro, A. 1933. Early arrival of snipe in the Andamans. J. Survey team at Hut Bay, Little Andaman Island: Standing L–R: Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 36: 1005–1007. Dr Sanjay Kharat, Dr Satish Pande, CO CGS Kanaklata Beavan, R. 1867. The avifauna of the Andaman Islands. Ibis (2) 3: 314– Baraua Capt. Rakesh Makwana, Shivkumar Pednekar, 334. Prashant Deshpande and Satish Ranade. Sitting L–R: BirdLife International 2001. Threatened birds of Asia. Cambridge, U. K.: Premsagar Mestri, Vaibhav Deshmukh. BirdLife International. Blyth, E. 1845a. Notices and descriptions of various new and little immense role of Coast Guard in the protection, known species of birds. J. Asiatic Soc. Bengal 14: 173–212; 546– 602. conservation and preservation of our fragile marine Blyth, E. 1845b. Notices and descriptions of various new and little natural wealth should be highlighted to them, since known species of birds. J. Asiatic Soc. Bengal 14: 546–602. the Bay Islands are virtually out of bounds to the Blyth, E. 1846a. Notices and descriptions of various new and little common man. known species of birds. J. Asiatic Soc. Bengal 15: 1–54. Blyth, E. 1846b. Notes on the fauna of the Nicobar Islands. On collections by Mr. Barbe and Capt.Lewis. J. Asiatic Soc. Bengal: 15: Acknowledgements 367–379. We gratefully thank Vice Adm. M. P. Awati (Retd.), Chairman of Blyth, E. 1863. Zoology of Andaman Islands. Appendix (pp 345–367 Ecological Society, for his continued interest and support for making with Tytler’s notes) to Mouat (1863). J. Asiatic Soc. Bengal 32: 85– this expedition possible. We thank Director General Coast Guard Vice 89. Adm. F. Contractor for the understanding our purpose and helping us Blyth, E. 1866. Abstracts from letters from Capt. Blair. Ibis (2): 220– pursue this unique pelagic and endemic bird survey. We thank Inspector 221. Gen. S. K. Sharma, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, for his whole- Boere, G. C., Galbraith, C. A. & Stroud, D. A. (eds.) 2006. Waterbirds hearted support for our expedition. We are grateful to the Indian around the world. The Stationery Office, Edinburg, UK. 960 pp. Coast Guard and the Indian Navy (Camorta Base) for their support. Butler, A. L. 1899. Birds of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Parts We especially thank Comdt. Rakesh Makwana CO, CGS KANAKLATA 1–3. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc 12: 386–403; 555–571; 684–696. BARUA and Comdt. S. R. Sharma CO, CGS LAXMI BAI and their Butler, A. L. 1900. Birds of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. J. competent and helpful staff for helping our team in every possible Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 13: 144–154. manner. We thank Comm S. B. Mishra, Chief Staff Officer, Operations, CITES : http://www.cites.org/eng/app/appendices.shtml. (4th Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, for his continued support in March 2007, with corrections). solving all our problems related to fixing schedules and making the Cory, C. P. 1902. Some further notes on the Narcondam Hornbill entire survey an extremely coordinated and enjoyable exercise. We are (Rhytidoceros narcondami) (with plate). J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. grateful to the Conservator of Forests stationed at Great Nicobar for 14: 372. local hospitality and necessary permissions for local surveys. Dr Anil Das, P. K. 1971. New records of birds from the Andaman and Nicobar Mahabal, Zoological Survey of India, W. R. S. Akurdi, Pune, advised Islands. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 68: 459–461. in writing this mss. We thank Drs R. S. Sharma and Kailas Chandra, Dasgupta, J. M. 1976. Records of birds from the Andaman and Nicobar latter, O/C ZSI Jabalpur, for providing us relevant reference material. Islands. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc.73: 222–223. We thank Wing Commander Y. Prakash Rao, Air Force Station, Port Dasgupta, J. M., Roy, S. B. & Datta, B. K. 2002. Endemic birds of Blair, for providing photographs of Barren and Narcondam Islands India. Rec. Zool. Sur. India. Occ. Paper No. 200: 1–44 (Published – and for guidance. We thank Kishor Babu of Camorta for providing us Director, Zool. Surv. India, Kolkata). the much-needed transport free of cost for the survey of Camorta. We Davidar, P., Yoganand, T. R. K., Ganesh, T. and Joshi N. 1996. An thank ELA Foundation, Pune and Prakash Gole of Ecological Society, assessment of common and rare forest bird species of Andaman Pune, for their support. Pramod Deshpande and Amit Pawashe islands. Forktail 12: 135–142. specially prepared the maps included in this mss. Ferrar, M. L. 1932. Bird migration notes from Port Blair. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 35: 73: 448–450. References Gatson, K. J. 1994. Rarity. London, Chapman and Hall. Abdulali, H. 1964. Four new races of the birds from the Andaman and Hume, A. O. 1874. Contributions to the ornithology of India: The Nicobar islands. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 61: 410–417. Islands of the Bay of Bengal. Stray Feathers 2: 490–501. Abdulali, H. 1965. 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Bombay Natural History Society and BirdLife International (UK) Pp.xviii+1133. Jathar, G. A. & Rahmani, A. R. 2006. Endemic birds of India. Buceros. Vol. 11 (2&3): 1–53. Kloss, C. B. 1927. A note on Gorsachius melanolophus. Ibis (12) 3: 526– 527. Kumar, A., Sati, J. P., Tak, P. C. & Alfred, J. R. B. 2005. Handbook on Indian Wetland Birds and their Conservation: i–xxvi; 1–468 (Published by the Director, Zoolo. Surv. India). Manakadan, R. & Pittie, A. 2001. Standardised common and scientific names of the birds of the Indian Subcontinent. Buceros 6 (1): i–ix, 1–37. Mouat, F. J. 1863. Adventures and Researches among the Andaman Islanders. Hurst and Blackett, London. Mukherjee, A. K. & Dasgupta, J. M. 1975. Taxonomic status of the

Nicobar Emerald Dove, Chalcophaps augusta Bonaparte, 1850 Satish Ranade (Aves: Columbidae) Proc. Zool. Soc. Calcutta. 28: 133–135. Survey team on Camorta Island: Sitting L–R: Vaibhav Mukherjee, A. K. 1981. Status of the Andaman Teal, Anas gibberifrons Deshmukh, Shivkumar Pednekar, Sanjay Kharat. Standing albogularis (Hume). Proc. Wildlife Workshop: 121–122. L–R: Prashant Deshpande (back), Satish Pande, Niranjan Osmaston, B. B. 1905. A visit to Narcondam. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. Sant & Premsagar Mestri. 16: 620–622. Osmaston, B. B. 1906a. Notes on Andaman birds with accounts of the Sankaran, R. & Sivakumar, K. 1999. Preliminary results of an ongoing nidification of several species whose nests and eggs have not been study of the Nicobar Megapode Megapodius nicobariensis Blyth. hitherto described. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 17: 156–163; 486– ZoologischeVerhandelingen. 327: 75–90. 491. Sivakumar, K. 2003. Megapode: A fascinating bird of Nicobar Islands. Osmaston, B. B. 1906b. 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Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology & Natural History, Guide. 2 Vols. Smithsonian Institution and Lynx Edicions, Coimbatore, India. Washington, D. C. and Barcelona. Walden, A. 1866. Notes on birds collected in Tenasserim and in Richmond, C. W. 1902. Birds collected by Dr. W. L. Abbot and Mr. C. Andaman Islands. Proc. Zool. Soc. London 1866: 537–556. B. Kloss in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Proc. U. S. Nat. Walden, A. 1873. On a collection of birds from the Andaman Islands. Mus., 25: 287–314. Ibis (3) 3: 296–321. Whitaker, R. 1985. Endangered Andamans. New Delhi: Environmental Ripley, S. D. & Beehler, B. M. 1989. Ornithogeographic affinities of the Services Group, WWF–India, and MAB India, Department of Andaman and Nicobar islands. J. Biogeogr. 16: 323–332. Environment. Saldanha, C. J. 1989. Andamans, Nicobars and Lakshadweep. An Whitehead, J. H. 1912. Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) in Andamans. J. environmental impact assessment. New Delhi: Oxford and IBH. Bombay nat. Hist. 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Part I: Vertebrata (Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia and Amphibia). Director, & Chakravarthy, A. K. (eds.). Bangalore: Ornithological Society Zoological Survey of India (Ed.). Calcutta: Zoological Survey of of India. India.

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Pied Imperial-Pigeon Ducula bicolor, Campbell Bay, Great Nicobar Is. both Niranjan Sant

Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus nicobaricus, Car Nicobar Is.

174 Indian Birds Vol. 3 No. 5 (September–October 2007) both Satish Pande Left: Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis klossi, Great Nicobar Is. Right: Cinnyris jugularis andamanicus (male), Andaman Is. both Niranjan Sant Left: Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis proselia, Car Nicobar Is. Right: Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja nicobaricus, Great Nicobar Is. Niranjan Sant Satish Pande White-headed Starling Sturnia erythropygia katchalensis, Car Nicobar Is. Asian Glossy Starling Aplonis panayensis alibris, Great Nicobar Is. both Niranjan Sant House Swallow Hirundo tahitica, Corbyn’s Cove, South Andaman Is. Green Imperial-Pigeon Ducula aenea andamanica, Great Nicobar Is.

Indian Birds Vol. 3 No. 5 (September–October 2007) 175 both Satish Pande Niranjan Sant Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus whistleri, Andaman Cuckooshrike Coracina Andaman Coucal Centropus andamanensis, Camorta Is. dobsoni, Chiriya Tapoo, Little Andaman Is. South Andaman Is. Right Satish Pande Middle Satish Pande Satish Pande Niranjan Sant Top: Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea nicobarica, Camorta Is. Bottom: White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus humei, Little Andaman Is. Middle: Andaman Treepie Dendrocitta bayleyi, Mt. Harriet, South Andaman Is. Right: Red-breasted Parakeet Psittacula alexandri abbotti (2 adult males & 1 juv.), Corbyn’s Cove, South Andaman Is. Satish Pande Niranjan Sant White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata semistriata, Camorta Is. Red-cheeked Parakeet Psittacula longicauda nicobarica, Great Nicobar Is.

176 Indian Birds Vol. 3 No. 5 (September–October 2007) Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus nicobariensis, Great Andaman Bulbul Pycnonotus fuseoflavescens, Little Andaman Is. Nicobar Is. All Niranjan Sant

Andaman Serpent-Eagle Spilornis elgini, Mt. Harriet, South Crested Serpent-Eagle Spilornis cheela davisoni, Little Andaman Is. Andaman Is.

Indian Birds Vol. 3 No. 5 (September–October 2007) 177 Spot-breasted Pied Woodpecker Dendrocopos analis All (female), Chiriya Tapoo, South Andaman Is. Satish Pande Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis andamensis, Little Andaman Is. Indian Golden Oriole Oriolus kundoo (female), Great Nicobar Is. both Satish Pande White-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis saturatior, Mt. Harriet, Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis osmastoni, Mt. Harriet, South Andaman Is. South Andaman Is. both Niranjan Sant Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris davisoni, South Andaman Is. Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris occipitalis, Great Nicobar Is.

178 Indian Birds Vol. 3 No. 5 (September–October 2007) Niranjan Sant Satish Pande Andaman Woodpecker Dryocopus hodgei (young female?), Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis andamanensis, Port Blair, Little Andaman Is. South Andaman Is. Niranjan Sant Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis macrourus, Great Nicobar Is.

Indian Birds Vol. 3 No. 5 (September–October 2007) 179 both Satish Pande Chinese Sparrowhawk Accipiter soloensis, Camorta Is. White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster, Little Andaman Is. both Satish Pande Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea dolosa (female), Port Blair, Common Edible-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus fuciphaga inexpectata South Andaman Is. (incomplete fallen nest), Hut Bay, Little Andaman Is. Satish Pande White-bellied Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta affinis, Car Nicobar Is.

180 Indian Birds Vol. 3 No. 5 (September–October 2007)