Kerala, the southwestern state of India, is known for its diverse and rich wildlife. The state is home to over 500 species of birds, including migrants from different parts of the world.
The lush green forests, backwaters, and extensive coastline of Kerala provide a perfect habitat for these winged beauties. The state’s birdlife attracts birdwatchers and nature lovers worldwide, making it a go-to destination.
Among the avian fauna seen in Kerala, several species are endemic and rare, adding to the uniqueness of the state’s biodiversity. Kerala’s thriving bird population is the pride of the state, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region.
1. Cotton Pygmy Goose
The Cotton Pygmy Goose is a small perching duck found throughout Asia and Southeast Asia, extending south to Queensland.
It stands out among waterfowl as one of the smallest in the world, with a quill-white coloration that helps it blend into its environment.
They often live alone or in pairs but form larger groups when looking for food near bodies of water with plenty of aquatic vegetation.
These birds are omnivorous, feeding on plants like grasses and seeds alongside insects such as beetles and termites.
Their diet also includes fish eggs and larvae from time to time. The cotton pygmies’ size makes them an easy target for predators so they use their agility to quickly escape danger whenever possible.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Nettapus |
| Species | N. coromandelianus |
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2. Lesser Whistling Duck
The Lesser Whistling Duck is a species of whistling duck found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
It has an unmistakable appearance, with its brown body, white-streaked wings, and distinctive black tail feathers.
The adult ducks have red bills, eyes, and legs with yellowish webbed feet for swimming.
They are generally nocturnal feeders but during the day they can be seen around lakes or wet paddy fields in flocks perching on trees or even building their nest inside tree hollows.
Their diet mainly consists of seeds from aquatic plants as well as small fish, mollusks, and insects occasionally taken while wading or diving into water bodies to find food sources.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Dendrocygna |
| Species | D. javanica |
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3. Grey Junglefowl
The Grey Junglefowl is a species of wild chicken, one of the ancestors of today’s domestic fowl. It has been named after.
Its discoverer is Pierre Sonnerat and goes by many other names across different regions such as Komri in Rajasthan, Geera kur, or Parda Komri in Gondi, etc.
These birds have their natural habitats mainly in India and Sri Lanka with some populations also found along South-East Asia.
They are usually seen foraging on the ground under trees seeking food like insects, seeds, and fruits from shrubs.
The males are usually characterized by grey plumage with tinges of brownish-red color around the neck area which is further highlighted when they spread out during courtship displays for mating purposes.
Overall these beautiful creatures can be identified easily because of their unique features making them an interesting wildlife species to observe.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Gallus |
| Species | G. sonneratii |
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4. Greater Coucal
The Greater Coucal is a large, crow-like bird that belongs to the Cuculiformes order. It has a long tail and coppery brown wings.
These birds are found in many habitats across India and Southeast Asia, ranging from jungles to suburban gardens.
They feed on insects as well as small vertebrates such as frogs, lizards, or snakes which they capture with their strong beak.
The males have glossy black plumage while females are dark brown above with buff underparts.
During breeding season these birds make loud croaking calls and can often be heard at night when they become active after sundown looking for food sources like termites or grasshoppers between bushes or low branches of trees close to water bodies like rivers, lakes, etc.
This species plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance in its habitat by controlling pest populations through predation so we must protect them from hunting and other threats for future generations to enjoy.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Centropus |
| Species | C. sinensis |
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5. White-Throated Kingfisher
The White-throated Kingfisher is a beautiful bird with bright colors and distinct features. Its back, wings, and tail are a deep blue while the head, breast, throat, and belly are white.
It has two black stripes across its eyes which contrast nicely against its orange beak and feet.
These birds can often be found perching on tree branches or hovering over creeks in search of food like fish or small insects such as grasshoppers or crickets.
They use their sharp bill to pluck prey from water surfaces and then swallow them whole after making adjustments for size by beating it against rocks if necessary.
The White-throated Kingfisher breeds during monsoon season when rainfall increases levels in rivers leading to an abundance of aquatic life that these birds love so much.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Subfamily | Halcyoninae |
| Genus | Halcyon |
| Species | H. smyrnensis |
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6. Grey-Headed Swamphen
The Grey-headed Swamphen is a species of swamphen found in the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, and parts of Southern China and Northern Thailand.
It was once thought to be a subspecies of the Purple Swamphen but recent studies have elevated it to full species status within its superspecies.
Its distinguishing feature is its grey head which sets it apart from other members of this family. They are mainly aquatic birds that inhabit wetlands such as marshes, swamps, lagoons, and ponds.
They feed on plants like leaves, seeds, or fruit along with small aquatic prey like snails or insects.
Their nest can usually be found near water sources where they make an elaborate platform out of vegetation material for their eggs – up to six per clutch.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Porphyrio |
| Species | P. poliocephalus |
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7. Indian Pond Heron
The Indian Pond Heron, also called Paddybird is a small heron found in the Old World. It breeds from southern Iran to India, Burma, and Sri Lanka and can be seen near waterbodies or even around human habitations.
These birds are easily recognizable when they take off as their wings make a loud whistling sound due to their long flight feathers which are greyish-brown with white patches on them.
They feed mainly on fish but will eat other aquatic creatures such as frogs and insects too.
During breeding season they construct nests made of reeds close to water bodies where they lay 3–5 eggs at once.
The female incubates the eggs for about 19 days after which both parents share duties of feeding chicks until juveniles become independent enough to fly away.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardeola |
| Species | A. grayii |
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8. Rufous Treepie
The Rufous Treepie is a member of the Corvidae family and native to the Indian Subcontinent, as well as parts of Southeast Asia. It has distinctive loud musical calls that make it easily recognizable.
This bird can be found in open scrub lands, agricultural areas, forests, and even urban gardens due to its adaptability and omnivorous diet.
With its long tail feathers ranging from brown-black to greyish-brown on top with orange underneath; this species stands out among other birds.
They also have an interesting way of eating fruits: they peck at them while hovering midair. The Rufous Treepie is not only beautiful but also quite intelligent – their problem-solving abilities are second only to those of primates.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Dendrocitta |
| Species | D. vagabunda |
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9. Common Myna
The Common Myna is a bird native to Asia and belongs to the Sturnidae family. It has an omnivorous diet, strong territorial instinct, and is well adapted to urban environments.
With its range increasing rapidly, it was declared one of the most invasive species by IUCN in 2000. Its distinctive features include a black head with a yellow bill, a brown body, and white tips on wings & tail feathers.
The common myna communicates through loud clicking noises that can easily be heard from long distances in both rural as well as urban areas alike.
They are known for their intelligence; they mimic sounds such as human speech or other birds’ calls making them popular pets among households too.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Acridotheres |
| Species | A. tristis |
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10. Darters
Darters are tropical waterbirds from the family Anhingidae, which includes four species. Three of these species are common and found in multiple locations while one is rarer and classified as near-threatened by IUCN.
Their most notable feature is their long neck which they use to dive into shallow waters for prey such as fish or frogs.
They have slim bodies with large wings allowing them to soar high in the sky at great speeds making it difficult for predators to catch them during flight.
Darters also make regular visits to land where they bask in the sun on tree branches or rocky outcroppings.
These birds can be easily identified by their dark feathers, yellowish eyes, and orangey beak – all features that help distinguish them from other birds of similar size and coloration.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Anhingidae Reichenbach, 1849[1] |
| Genus | Anhinga Brisson, 1760 |
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11. Brahminy Kite
The Brahminy Kite is a majestic bird of prey native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia. It was formerly known as the red-backed sea eagle in Australia.
This medium-sized raptor has a distinctive white head with rufous-brown feathers covering its body, making it easily recognizable from far away. The wingspan can reach up to 5 feet wide.
Brahminy kites are found mainly on coasts and inland wetlands where they feed mostly on dead fish or carrion left by other animals.
They also hunt for small mammals such as rodents or reptiles like lizards and snakes during dry spells when food sources become scarce.
These birds have adapted well over time and will even scavenge for food near picnic sites or urban areas if need be.
Overall these beautiful creatures are an important part of their local ecosystems which rely heavily upon them for keeping animal populations balanced through natural predation methods instead of manmade ones; this ensures that nature remains healthy so future generations may enjoy it too.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Haliastur |
| Species | H. indus |
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12. White-Breasted Waterhen
The White-breasted Waterhen is a stunning species of bird from South and Southeast Asia. It has a striking appearance, with its dark slaty plumage contrasted by the clean white of its face, breast, and belly.
This bold waterbird can often be seen slowly walking around marshes or even drains near busy roads with its tail held upright in an unmistakable pose.
They are omnivores that feed on both plants and small animals such as insects and invertebrates.
The White-breasted Waterhen plays an important role in their ecosystems as they help to keep it balanced by consuming pests that could potentially cause damage to crops or other plant life if left unchecked.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Amaurornis |
| Species | A. phoenicurus |
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13. 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 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 upper parts with yellowish underparts, making them easy to spot when they’re flying around looking for insects like bees, wasps, and dragonflies.
They usually nest in 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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14. Black Drongo
The Black Drongo is a small passerine bird of the Dicruridae family, commonly found in tropical southern Asia from Iran through India and Bangladesh to Indonesia.
It has an all-black plumage and a distinctive forked tail measuring 28 cm long. This omnivorous species feeds on insects such as flies, bees, beetles, and moths; it also consumes fruit juices during the summer months.
The nest can be built anywhere including open fields or near houses made up of twigs with a cup-shaped inner lining using grasses & hair filled with feathers & cobwebs.
During breeding season they are known to perform aerial acrobatics while chasing away any intruders who come too close to their nests.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Dicruridae |
| Genus | Dicrurus |
| Species | D. macrocercus |
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15. Frogmouth
The Frogmouth is a nocturnal bird that belongs to the same family as owlet-nightjars, swifts, and hummingbirds.
They have large flattened hooked bills with huge frog-like gape which helps them capture insects during night time.
Three species of Podargus are found in Australia and New Guinea only – they have massive eyes that allow for excellent night vision.
Their bodies are generally grey or brownish with cryptic markings for camouflage when roosting during daylight hours.
Generally known as quiet birds, their loud wailing call can be heard at dusk or dawn near river banks or wetlands where they live alone or form pairs throughout the breeding season.
The diet of these fascinating creatures consists mainly of flying insects such as moths, beetles & cicadas, etc., but on occasion will consume small vertebrates like lizards and frogs too.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Podargiformes Matthews, 1918 |
| Family | Podargidae Gray, 1847 |
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16. Blue-Tailed Bee-Eater
The Blue-tailed Bee-eater is a stunning bird found in South and Southeast Asia. This vibrant species has an iridescent blue tail, green back, yellow chest, and white throat that stands out against the bright sky.
It feeds mainly on bees, wasps, and other flying insects which it catches using its sharp beak while swooping through the air with remarkable agility.
The bee-eater typically nests by tunneling into loamy sand banks near rivers or streams to create burrows for their eggs.
During migration season they are often seen in large flocks soaring gracefully across the landscape seeking food sources before settling down in colonies during breeding season.
With its beautiful colors and graceful flight this impressive avian beauty captivates anyone lucky enough to see it up close.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Meropidae |
| Genus | Merops |
| Species | M. philippinus |
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17. Whiskered Tern
The whiskered tern (Chlidonias hybrida) is a small, graceful bird belonging to the family Laridae, which includes gulls, terns, and skimmers.
This bird is widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and Africa, where it breeds in colonies in freshwater marshes, ponds, and lakeshores.
The whiskered tern has a distinctive appearance, resembling a swallow, with a short, forked tail, black cap, and white cheeks.
One of the most distinctive features of the whiskered tern is its bill, which is strong and pointed. This adaptation allows it to catch insects and small fish, which make up the bulk of its diet.
During the breeding season, the whiskered tern’s bill and legs turn bright red, adding to its striking appearance.
The whiskered tern is a highly adaptable bird, and as such, it is found in various races across its range. For example, in Europe, it breeds mainly in western and southern countries, while in Asia, it breeds from the Middle East to the Russian Far East.
The whiskered tern is also a migrant bird, with populations wintering in sub-Saharan Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
Breeding season for the whiskered tern is between May and August, and the birds form colonies with hundreds or thousands of individuals. They build their nests on floating vegetation or on the ground, and both sexes share incubation duties.
The chicks hatch after about three weeks, and the parents feed them insects and small fish until they are ready to fly after about three more weeks.
Although the whiskered tern is not considered threatened, its populations have declined in some areas, primarily due to habitat loss and degradation.
The destruction of wetlands, pollution, and changes in water levels and quality have all had an impact on the bird’s breeding and feeding grounds.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chlidonias |
| Species | C. hybrida |
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18. Hornbill
Hornbills are a tropical and subtropical bird species with characteristic long, curved bills. Their English and scientific names both refer to the shape of their bill which resembles that of a cow’s horn.
They have strong beaks for cracking open hard-shelled fruits as well as powerful wings for flying between trees or over great distances in search of food or mates.
Hornbills also feature beautiful plumage ranging from white to black feathers with yellow, brown, red, and blue accents on the head, neck, and back areas depending on the species.
In addition, they often display brightly colored casques – helmet-like structures – atop their upper mandible adding further visual appeal to these majestic birds.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Bucerotiformes |
| Family | Bucerotidae Rafinesque, 1815 |
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19. Great Hornbill
The Great Hornbill is an impressive bird, belonging to the family of Hornbills. It can be found in India and Southeast Asia, mainly eating fruits but also preying on small mammals, reptiles and birds.
Its striking looks include a concave casque that sits atop its head as well as vibrant yellow-orange feathers covering much of its body.
Unfortunately, it’s been listed by the IUCN Red List since 2018 due to habitat loss resulting from deforestation for agriculture and timber logging activities taking place across the world today.
Despite this sad news, there are still conservation measures being taken such as education programs focusing on sustainable farming practices that will help protect this amazing species’ future.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Bucerotiformes |
| Family | Bucerotidae |
| Genus | Buceros |
| Species | B. bicornis |
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20. Red-Whiskered Bulbul
The Red-whiskered Bulbul is a passerine bird native to tropical Asia. It has an unmistakable black head, white cheek patch, and red whiskers on each side of its beak.
This brightly colored bulbul feeds mainly on fruits but also eats small insects from time to time.
The birds are known for their loud call which consists of three or four notes in succession and can often be heard emanating from treetops or other high perches where it likes to sit conspicuously.
Introductions have been made in many parts of the world outside its original range, with populations establishing themselves successfully in various locations including Hawaii and Florida within the United States.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Pycnonotidae |
| Genus | Pycnonotus |
| Species | P. jocosus |
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21. Crested Honey Buzzard
The Crested Honey Buzzard is a medium-sized raptor found in the family Accipitridae. They measure between 57 and 60 cm, making them one of the smaller birds of prey.
It is also referred to as Oriental, Asiatic, or Eastern Honey Buzzard due to its wide range across Asia.
These buzzards have six subspecies with distinct features such as white tail tip feathers on some species while others have brownish-black wings and bodies that are either grey or chestnut colored.
Their diet consists mainly of honeybees, wasps, and other insects which they hunt using their sharp vision along with swift flight speed reaching up to 70 km/h during migrations.
The Crested Honey Buzzard plays an important role within their ecosystem by controlling populations of insect pests which can be harmful to our environment if left unchecked.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Pernis |
| Species | P. ptilorhynchus |
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22. 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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23. 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 coloration, 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 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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24. Drongos
Drongos are an Old World tropical family of passerine birds belonging to the Dicruridae genus.
They have short legs, forked tails, and a distinctive upright stance when perched.
Depending on the species they may be mostly black or dark grey with some having elaborate tail decorations.
Drongos feed mainly on insects and small birds – catching them both in flight and from the ground.
They also sometimes eat fruit, nectar, and even carcasses.
The drongo’s unique adaptations make it one of nature’s most successful hunters; able to survive almost anywhere in their natural range across Africa, Asia & Australia.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Corvoidea |
| Family | Dicruridae Vigors, 1825 |
| Genus | Dicrurus Vieillot, 1816 |
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25. Blue-Throated Blue Flycatcher
The Blue-throated flycatcher is a small passerine bird belonging to the Muscicapidae family. It has an unmistakable appearance, with its bright blue throat contrasting against its otherwise brown plumage.
This species can be found in much of the Indian Subcontinent, ranging from all through the Himalayas and plains to West Bengal.
Unlike other members of this genus, it prefers thicker forests as habitat rather than open areas or scrublands.
These birds mainly feed on insects which they catch by making short sallies into midair after taking off from perches at low levels among foliage and branches.
They are active during mornings and evenings when they become vocal while chirping away happily.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Cyornis |
| Species | C. rubeculoides |
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26. Ashy Drongo
The Ashy Drongo is a species of bird belonging to the drongo family Dicruridae. It has a mainly dark grey plumage and an impressively long, deeply forked tail.
Its distribution across South and Southeast Asia is varied with populations that differ in their shade of grey as well as migration patterns, size, or presence of white patches around the eyes.
This medium-sized passerine measures up to 25 cm lengthwise and weighs around 40 gm on average but can reach up to 70 gm at times.
These birds are known for their aerial acrobatics while hunting insects mid-air which makes them quite popular among birders who come from far-off places just to catch glimpses of these beautiful creatures in flight.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Dicruridae |
| Genus | Dicrurus |
| Species | D. leucophaeus |
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27. Red-Rumped Swallow
The Red-rumped Swallow is a beautiful bird of the swallow family that can be found in temperate southern Europe and Asia from Portugal to Japan.
It breeds in open hilly countries, while Indian and African birds are resident year-round; however, European and other Asian swallows migrate south for winter to Africa or India.
These graceful creatures have even been observed as vagrants on Christmas Island. These small passerine birds are known for their striking red rumps which contrast against their otherwise dark blue plumage.
The diet of these swallows consists primarily of insects such as flies, bees, wasps, etc., which they catch during short flights close to ground level.
So if you ever find yourself out in an open field near some hills this summer keep your eyes peeled for one of nature’s most stunning avian beauties -the Red-rumped Swallow.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Cecropis |
| Species | C. daurica |
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28. Shikra
The Shikra bird, also known as the little banded goshawk, is a widespread bird of prey found in Asia and Africa. It is a small species belonging to the Accipitridae family.
The African variations of the Shikra may potentially represent a distinct species, but they are usually considered subspecies.
This bird has physical similarities to other sparrowhawk species, such as the Chinese Goshawk and Eurasian Sparrowhawk.
The Shikra is a quick predator and possesses excellent hunting skills. It typically preys on small mammals, reptiles, and birds.
The bird is known for its distinctive hunting technique, which involves a sudden dash and a quick silent strike to capture its victim.
Its plumage consists of brown or greyish-brown feathers with white and fine black streaks.
Overall, the Shikra bird is an impressive bird of prey, known for its versatility and hunting prowess.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Accipiter |
| Species | A. badius |
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29. Iora
The iora is a small bird species found in south and southeast Asia. It belongs to the family Aegithinidae, which encompasses only this single genus, Aegithina.
This bird was formerly grouped with the leafbirds and fairy-bluebirds, in the family Irenidae.
The common iora was the bird species that prompted the introduction of the genus Aegithina in 1816 by the French ornithologist Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot.
These birds have a unique appearance, with bright green feathers on their upperparts and yellow or white underparts.
They feed on insects and have a distinctive voice that they use to communicate with other ioras.
Despite their small size, they are active and agile in their movements, making them a delight to observe in the wild.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Malaconotoidea |
| Family | Aegithinidae G. R. Gray, 1869 |
| Genus | Aegithina Vieillot, 1816 |
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30. White-Cheeked Barbet
The White-cheeked barbet, also known as the Small Green barbet or Psilopogon viridis, is a bird species found in southern India.
This bird closely resembles the Brown-headed barbet but has a prominent supercilium and a broad white cheek stripe below the eye.
It inhabits the forested areas of the Western Ghats and parts of the Eastern Ghats. The White-cheeked barbet is known for its beautiful and melodic calls that echo through the dense forest.
It is a frugivorous bird that feeds on various fruits and berries. The breeding season of this bird is from February to August, during which it digs a hole in a tree trunk and lays up to four eggs.
The growing population of the White-cheeked barbet is an indicator of the healthy forest ecosystem in India.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Megalaimidae |
| Genus | Psilopogon |
| Species | P. viridis |
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31. 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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32. Chestnut-Headed Bee-Eater
The Chestnut-headed bee-eater is a vibrantly colorful bird found in the Indian subcontinent and neighboring regions. It belongs to the bee-eater family and is a resident breeder.
The bird is slender and has a predominantly green body, along with blue on the rump and lower belly. The bird’s chestnut head is its most distinguishing feature, which gives it its name.
The bird’s beak is long, pointed, and slightly curved, ideal for catching insects, its primary food. These birds prefer living in open and wooded habitats like gardens and deciduous forests.
They are known for their swift flight and have the ability to catch insects while airborne. These birds have unique nesting behavior, where they use their beaks to excavate holes in vertical sandbanks or similar substrates.
Despite their beauty and unique characteristics, these birds are vulnerable to habitat loss and deforestation, making conservation efforts more critical than ever.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Meropidae |
| Genus | Merops |
| Species | M. leschenaulti |
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33. Blue-Winged Parakeet
The Blue-winged parakeet, also known as the Malabar parakeet, is a unique species of parakeet that can be found exclusively in the Western Ghats of southern India.
These birds live in small flocks and are easily recognizable by their long blue tails, which are tipped in yellow, and their dark wings with blue color.
They are very agile and fly rapidly in clearings while making screeching calls that differ from other parakeet species in their area.
Despite being a local favorite, these birds are threatened by habitat loss, and their population is declining.
It is important to protect these beautiful and unique parakeets so that future generations can appreciate their beauty and significance.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittaculidae |
| Genus | Psittacula |
| Species | P. columboides |
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34. White-Bellied Treepie
The white-bellied treepie is a bird species that is native to the forests of southern India. It is a member of the crow family and can be easily distinguished from other birds in the area due to its unique appearance and call.
This bird has a white head and body, which sets it apart from the rufous treepie. In addition, it tends to inhabit denser forests than its counterpart.
The white-bellied treepie is an interesting bird to observe, and it is quite common in its native habitat.
Its presence in the area is an important part of the local ecosystem, and it serves as a reminder of the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
Overall, the white-bellied treepie is a fascinating bird species that is worth exploring and learning more about.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Dendrocitta |
| Species | D. leucogastra |
35. White-bellied blue Flycatcher
The White-bellied blue flycatcher is a small bird found only in the Western Ghats region of southwest India. Male birds have a vibrant dark blue color with a lighter shade on the brow and a greyish-white belly.
The females have a rufous breast, a white face, and an olive-grey colored upper body. These flycatchers are around 13 centimeters long and belong to the Muscicapidae family.
As the name suggests, they are known for catching insects mid-air and can often be seen perched on tree branches, waiting for their prey.
They are an endemic species, meaning they are solely found in this specific region of the world. They are a beautiful bird and a sight to behold for bird enthusiasts and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Cyornis |
| Species | C. pallidipes |
36. Malabar Grey Hornbill
The Malabar grey hornbill is a bird species found in the Western Ghats and surrounding hills of southern India. This bird has a large beak and can typically be found in dense forests or near rubber, areca nut, or coffee plantations.
They are typically seen in pairs or small groups and feed on figs and other forest fruits. Unlike some other hornbill species, the Malabar grey hornbill does not have a prominent casque. They are endemic to the area and are an important part of the local ecosystem.
Despite their small size and lack of flashy features, they are fascinating birds to observe in their natural habitat.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Bucerotiformes |
| Family | Bucerotidae |
| Genus | Ocyceros |
| Species | O. griseus |
37. Indian Pitta
The Indian pitta bird is a beautiful passerine species found in the Indian subcontinent. It prefers to inhabit scrub jungles and deciduous, and dense evergreen forests.
During breeding season, it can be found in the forests of the Himalayas, and hills of central and western India. However, it migrates to other parts of the peninsula during winter.
Despite its striking colors, the Indian pitta is quite shy and usually stays hidden in the undergrowth. It feeds on insects found on the forest floor.
This bird is an important part of the local ecosystems it inhabits and adds to the beauty and diversity of the region.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Pittidae |
| Genus | Pitta |
| Species | P. brachyura |
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Conclusion
Kerala boasts a rich avian diversity, with 37 common bird species thriving in its lush landscapes. From the majestic Indian Peafowl to the melodious Malabar Whistling Thrush, these birds contribute to the state’s ecological balance and add to its natural beauty.
The presence of these avian inhabitants not only enchants birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts but also underscores the importance of preserving Kerala’s diverse ecosystems.
Conservation efforts and habitat protection are essential to ensure that these 37 common birds continue to grace the skies and forests of Kerala, enhancing the overall biodiversity of this beautiful region.
