Kanha National Park, located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The park is home to various species of flora and fauna, including beautiful birds.
With over 200 species of birds, Kanha National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
From the mighty birds of prey like the majestic Indian eagle-owl and the spectacular crested serpent eagle to the stunning plumage of the Indian pitta and the rare and threatened forest owlet, birders can have a delightful experience in this park.
The wide variety of birds in Kanha National Park makes it a perfect destination to observe the fascinating world of birds in their natural habitat.
1. Indian Roller
The Indian roller is a beautiful bird of the Coraciidae family. It has an average length of 12-13 inches and weighs 5.9 to 6.2 ounces with a wingspan of 26-29 inches.
Its face and throat are pinkish, while its head and back are brown with blue on its rump, light blue markings on one side of the wing, dark blue markings on other side making it easily distinguishable in flight.
Both male and female have same colouration but males tend to be slightly larger than females though they can only be differentiated when seen together closely due to similar colouring pattern between sexes.
The Indian Roller makes spectacular aerial dives from great heights during courtship display which attracts many viewers each year.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Coraciidae |
| Genus | Coracias |
| Species | C. benghalensis |
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2. White-Eyed Buzzard
The White-eyed Buzzard is a medium-sized hawk found in South Asia. It has a brown head, rufous tail and distinctive white iris.
Its throat bears a dark mesial stripe bordered by white feathers, while its upper wing holds pale median coverts.
Unlike true buzzards, the underside of their wings don’t have carpal patches.
They feed on small mammals such as rodents and lizards; they also consume snakes and large insects like locusts or grasshoppers.
These birds build stick nests high up in trees for breeding purposes; usually laying one to two eggs at once which are incubated over 4 weeks .
The chicks fledge after about 6 weeks but will stay with their parents until the next breeding season begins when they become independent adults that can live up to 10 years old.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Butastur |
| Species | B. teesa |
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3. Asian Green Bee-Eater
The Asian green bee-eater is a near passerine bird in the bee-eater family. It’s native to parts of Asia, stretching from Iran all the way over to Vietnam.
These birds are resident but tend to migrate seasonally and can also be found in Africa and Arabia.
They have bright green feathers on their upperparts with yellowish underparts, making them easy to spot when they’re flying around looking for insects like bees, wasps and dragonflies.
They usually nest burrows dug into sandy ground or riverbanks where they lay up to five eggs at once.
The Asian green bee-eater is an exciting species that has been popular among ornithologists since its discovery hundreds of years ago.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Meropidae |
| Genus | Merops |
| Species | M. orientalis |
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4. Black-Hooded Oriole
The Black-hooded Oriole is a beautiful and unique bird found in tropical southern Asia. It has black feathers on its head, giving it the name “black hooded”.
Its diet consists of insects, fruit, especially figs which can be found in the tree canopy where they spend most of their time. They build nests high up on trees to lay their eggs – usually two per nest.
The orioles are active during daybreak and nightfall when they search for food or mates. Their bright colors make them noticeable even from afar making them an interesting sight for any nature lover with a keen eye.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Oriolidae |
| Genus | Oriolus |
| Species | O. xanthornus |
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5. Malabar Pied Hornbill
The Malabar pied hornbill is an incredible bird found in the Old World. It has a unique appearance due to its black and white colouration, with a large yellow beak that curves downwards at the tip.
This species was first described by Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon in 1780 and illustrated in his Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux book.
The diet of this bird consists mainly of fruit, small reptiles and insects which they catch while flying through trees or on the ground during their daily activities.
They have been known to form monogamous bonds within pairs over long periods of time as well as being highly social creatures living together in flocks for protection against predators such as snakes and raptors.
Overall, these birds are fascinating creatures with amazing adaptations that allow them to survive even under difficult environmental conditions.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Bucerotiformes |
| Family | Bucerotidae |
| Genus | Anthracoceros |
| Species | A. coronatus |
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6. Scarlet Minivet
The Scarlet Minivet is a tiny bird species that is commonly found in tropical regions of southern Asia. It is a resident breeding bird and prefers well-wooded habitats like forests and gardens.
The male species has a bright orange or scarlet color with a black upper part. It is a common sight in hilly regions of Northeast India to southern China, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
The bright color of the male makes it easy to identify this species when compared to the female, whose coloring is not as vibrant.
Scarlet Minivets can often be heard singing their melodious songs in the forests, making them a favorite among birdwatchers.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Campephagidae |
| Genus | Pericrocotus |
| Species | P. speciosus |
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7. Jungle Owlet
The jungle owlet is a small bird that is native to the Indian Subcontinent. It is also known as the barred jungle owlet and is often found alone or in small groups.
Their calls are heard at dawn and dusk. There are two subspecies of the jungle owlet, with the one found in the Western Ghats potentially being a separate species. They have a rounded head and are finely barred all over.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Glaucidium |
| Species | G. radiatum |
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8. Red-Naped Ibis
The Red-naped ibis, also known as the Indian black ibis or black ibis, is a species of bird found in the plains of the Indian Subcontinent.
This ibis is unique as it does not heavily rely on water and is often seen in dry fields far away from water bodies.
It is typically found in loose groups and is easily identifiable by its dark body with a white patch on the neck.
The Red-naped ibis, unlike other ibises in the region, can adapt to different environments and feed on a variety of prey. They are known to feed on insects, small reptiles, and even small birds.
This bird species plays an important role in controlling insect populations and is integral to its ecosystem.
Population numbers for the Red-naped ibis remain stable, making it a common sight for bird enthusiasts in the Indian Subcontinent.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Threskiornithidae |
| Genus | Pseudibis |
| Species | P. papillosa |
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9. Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher
Tickell’s blue flycatcher is a small insectivorous bird that belongs to the flycatcher family. It can be found in tropical Asia, from western Myanmar to the Indian subcontinent and Bangladesh.
The upperparts are blue while the throat and breast have a rufous color. This bird feeds mainly on insects and prefers to dwell in dense areas.
It is a unique species and was once considered as a conspecific of the Indochinese blue flycatcher.
Tickell’s blue flycatcher offers a beautiful sight with its blue and rufous coloration. It can be a challenge to spot them in their natural habitat as they tend to camouflage well in their surroundings.
Overall, this little bird is a charming creature that adds color and grace to the biodiversity of the region.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Cyornis |
| Species | C. tickelliae |
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10. Ashy Prinia
The ashy prinia, also known as the ashy wren-warbler, is a dainty bird belonging to the Cisticolidae family.
This tiny warbler is found in the Indian subcontinent, including countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.
Its preferred habitats include urban gardens and farmlands, where it can often be seen flitting from branch to branch.
The ashy prinia is known for its distinctive colors and upright posture. Despite being a common bird in many parts of India, it is still considered a resident breeder.
Its small size and cute appearance make it a favorite among bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cisticolidae |
| Genus | Prinia |
| Species | P. socialis |
11. Paddyfield Pipit
The Paddyfield pipit, also known as Oriental pipit, is a small bird found in southern Asia. This non-migratory bird usually breeds in open scrub, grassland, and cultivated areas.
It is one of the few pipits that breeds in the Asian region. However, during winters, identifying this bird can be challenging as several other species migrate into the area.
With its distinctive color and behavior, it is easy to spot the Paddyfield pipit as it forages on the ground for insects and seeds.
This bird has a melodious voice that is a delight to hear. The Paddyfield pipit’s conservation status is of least concern as it has a widespread distribution and large population. It is a common bird, and many bird enthusiasts love watching it.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Motacillidae |
| Genus | Anthus |
| Species | A. rufulus |
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12. Verditer Flycatcher
The verditer flycatcher is a beautiful bird found in the Himalayas to Sumatra. Known for its unique shade of blue, it has a dark patch above its bill base and between its eyes.
Adult males have an intense blue color all over their body except for the black eye-patch and grey vent.
Females, on the other hand, have a slightly different appearance. Their body is a mixture of light blue and green colors, and they also have a dark patch above their bill base.
These birds feed on insects, and they are often found in dense forests, gardens, and fruit orchards. They are known for their beautiful songs, which can be heard throughout their habitat.
Overall, the verditer flycatcher is a beautiful and fascinating bird that adds color and music to the natural world.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Eumyias |
| Species | E. thalassinus |
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