Rajasthan is not only famous for its royal palaces, scenic beauty, and colorful culture but it is also known for its surreal variety of birds. With a diverse range of landscapes including arid deserts, wetlands, forests, and grasslands, Rajasthan is home to over 500 species of birds.
From the stunning Great Indian Bustard to the elusive Indian eagle-owl, the state provides some of the best bird-watching opportunities in India.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a bird-watcher, or a wildlife photographer, Rajasthan is a bird-watching paradise that offers an unforgettable experience.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the most appealing bird species found in Rajasthan.
1. Grey Junglefowl
The Grey Junglefowl is a species of wild chicken, one of the ancestors to today’s domestic fowl. It has been named after.
Its discoverer 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 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 colour around the neck area which is further highlighted when they spread out during courtship displays for mating purpose.
Overall these beautiful creatures can be identified easily becauseof its unique features making it 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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2. 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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3. Painted Stork
The Painted Stork is a large bird that belongs to the stork family. It has an impressive wingspan and can be found in tropical Asia, ranging from the Indian subcontinent all the way to Southeast Asia.
These birds are unique because of their pink tertial feathers, which gives them their name. They form flocks when they forage in shallow waters near rivers or lakes.
They dip their half-open beaks into water looking for food such as fish, frogs and other small aquatic creatures.
A distinctive feature of these birds is that during breeding season both males and females have red eyes with yellow rings around them.
This species also displays amazing cooperative behaviour when nesting; young storks help build nests by bringing material back to older ones who weave it together forming huge colonies on trees close to wetlands.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Ciconiiformes |
Family | Ciconiidae |
Genus | Mycteria |
Species | M. leucocephala |
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4. Great Indian Bustard
The Great Indian Bustard is a majestic bird found on the Indian subcontinent. It has an ostrich-like appearance, with its horizontal body and long bare legs making it one of the heaviest flying birds in the world.
Sadly, due to intense hunting and habitat loss their numbers have dwindled drastically since 2018 from 1,250 individuals to just 150.
This beautiful species needs our help as they are now critically endangered. Conservation efforts must be taken up urgently for them if we wish for future generations to experience these wonderful creatures in all their glory.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Otidiformes |
Family | Otididae |
Genus | Ardeotis |
Species | A. nigriceps |
5. Yellow-Wattled Lapwing
The Yellow-wattled Lapwing is a stunning bird native to the Indian Subcontinent. It has an unmistakable appearance, with its grey brown body and black cap contrasting sharply against its bright yellow legs and triangular wattle at the base of its neck.
Not only does this make it easily identifiable, but also makes it quite attractive in appearance.
The bird is capable of fast flight and has a sharp call which can be heard over long distances on dry plains across peninsular India.
Although they don’t migrate, they do make seasonal movements depending on rainfall patterns in their locale making them adaptive birds too.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Charadriiformes |
Family | Charadriidae |
Genus | Vanellus |
Species | V. malabaricus |
6. Asian Openbill
The Asian openbill is a large stork found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It has a greyish or white body, glossy black wings and tail, with an adult having a gap between upper mandible and lower one.
Juveniles don’t have this unique feature but will grow it as they mature.
They feed by wading through shallow water looking for snails, crustaceans and aquatic plants to eat from the surface of mudflats or marshes.
Due to its enormous size (up to 121 cm tall) it makes quite an impressive sight when flying.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Ciconiiformes |
Family | Ciconiidae |
Genus | Anastomus |
Species | A. oscitans |
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7. Indian Vulture
The Indian vulture is a large bird of prey found in India, Pakistan and Nepal. It has an old world appearance with its striking black plumage and white ruff around the neck.
Unfortunately it is Critically Endangered since 2002 due to drastic decline in population caused by diclofenac poisoning leading to kidney failure among these birds.
The species mainly nests on hilly crags across central and peninsular India making them vulnerable as they are unable to migrate away from their breeding grounds during harsh weather conditions or food scarcity.
In addition, their close relative Slender-billed Vultures (Gyps tenuirostris) also faces similar threats owing to same reasons further decreasing this species’ numbers even more drastically over time unless conservation efforts are taken up soon.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Accipitriformes |
Family | Accipitridae |
Genus | Gyps |
Species | G. indicus |
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8. Painted Sandgrouse
The Painted Sandgrouse is a species of bird found in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. It belongs to the sandgrouse family and has an average size compared to other similar birds.
Johann Friedrich Gmelin was the first one who formally described it back in 1789 for Carl Linnaeus’s Systema Naturae.
The most remarkable feature about this bird is its gorgeous coloration on both males and females.
They have white patches across their wings with brownish-gray feathers covering their bodies along with some black markings around the head and neck area.
They are also quite capable fliers as they often cover long distances from water sources during dry seasons when food becomes scarce.
All these features make them truly unique among all other grouse-like birds out there.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Pterocliformes |
Family | Pteroclidae |
Genus | Pterocles |
Species | P. indicus |
9. 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 recognisable when they take off as their wings make a loud whistling sound due to its 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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10. Sind Sparrow
The Sind sparrow is a small passerine bird of the Passeridae family, native to South Asia. It has similar features to the house sparrow but with distinctive plumage differences; males have brighter feathers than females and young birds.
The Sind Sparrow lives in open forests, farmland and rural regions around the Indus Valley region in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan making it an important part of local wildlife.
Its diet consists mainly of vegetation such as grains or seeds along with some insects found on land or water sources like riverside pools.
Conservation efforts are needed for this species due its decreasing population size caused by habitat destruction from human activities such as deforestation and urbanization.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passeridae |
Genus | Passer |
Species | P. pyrrhonotus |
11. Bay-Backed Shrike
The Bay-backed Shrike is a small, but striking bird native to South Asia. It measures just 17 cm long and has maroon-brown upperparts with a pale rump and a long black tail edged in white.
The underparts are white, while the crown and nape of its neck are grey with a distinctive “bandit mask” of black through the eye area.
Additionally, it has an easily visible white wing patch that contrasts nicely against its otherwise dark plumage.
This species makes for an interesting sight as they search open woodlands or scrubland for their prey including insects, reptiles, amphibians and rodents which they impale on thorns or barbed wire fences like other shrikes.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Laniidae |
Genus | Lanius |
Species | L. vittatus |
12. 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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13. 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 |
14. Black-Crowned Sparrow-Lark
The black-crowned sparrow-lark is a species of lark found in northern Africa, the Middle East and north-western India. It resides in dry savanna habitats where it can be seen foraging for food on the ground.
The bird has an impressive white crest with distinctive black crown feathers that are only visible when viewed from above or behind.
Its brown upper parts mingle with its whitish underparts to provide excellent camouflage against predators, while its long legs allow it to run quickly across open fields if necessary.
Overall, this interesting little bird provides a fascinating sight as it hops around looking for food and flying through the air with grace and agility.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Alaudidae |
Genus | Eremopterix |
Species | E. nigriceps |
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15. Black Francolin
Black francolin is a species of gamebird belonging to the pheasant family. It was once known as black partridge and is now declared as state bird of Haryana, India.
The adult males are generally about 33-36 cm in length with an average weight of 453 gm.
They have glossy black plumage with white spotting on their wings and body parts along with barring patterns on tail feathers which makes them look attractive.
Their call sounds like ‘kattar kattar’ continuously repeated at regular intervals throughout the day during breeding season from April – June when they become highly vocal for mating purpose.
These birds can be found in open grasslands, scrub forests or agricultural fields where plenty of food (mainly insects) is available for survival & reproduction purposes making it one of the most common avifauna across its range countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan & Nepal etc.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Galliformes |
Family | Phasianidae |
Genus | Francolinus |
Species | F. francolinus |
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16. River Lapwing
The River Lapwing is a striking black and white bird with long legs and an orange crest upon its head. It can be found throughout much of northern India as well as parts of Southeast Asia, including Vietnam.
This species rarely migrates and tends to stay in the same general area year-round.
The river lapwing has unique features that make it stand out from other birds, such as its bright yellow eyes, short bill, large wingspan for better flight stability, spur-like feathers on its inner wing joints which are used for protection against predators or rivals during mating season.
Despite being quite beautiful when seen up close, this species often goes unnoticed due to their small size; they typically measure between 25 – 28 cm long.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Charadriiformes |
Family | Charadriidae |
Genus | Vanellus |
Species | V. duvaucelii |
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17. Great Stone-Curlew
The Great Stone-Curlew, also known as the great thick-knee, is a large wader found in tropical southern Asia. It stands out with its long yellow legs and brownish plumage.
This bird was first described by French naturalist Georges Cuvier in 1829 who gave it the scientific name Oedicnemus recurvirostris, with Nepal being its type locality.
The species prefers to inhabit open country like steppes or grasslands where they hunt for prey on foot during night time while keeping watch from high perches during daybreak.
They are monogamous birds that breed between April – June and form strong pair bonds throughout their lifetime.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Charadriiformes |
Family | Burhinidae |
Genus | Esacus |
Species | E. recurvirostris |
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18. White-Bellied Minivet
The white-bellied minivet is a species of bird found in Nepal and India, predominantly inhabiting dry deciduous forests.
Its vernacular name seemingly derives from an Indian imitative word associated with its saffron coloring.
The male has a glossy black head, bright yellow cheeks and throat while the rest of its body is mainly white barring some red feathers on the wings; females are slightly duller but also display similar coloration.
They inhabit evergreen forest edges or open habitats such as gardens and fields where they feed on insects by gleaning them off foliage whilst moving through trees.
White-bellied minivets pair up during breeding season to build cup shaped nests out of twigs which they place high up in treetops for protection from predators.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Campephagidae |
Genus | Pericrocotus |
Species | P. erythropygius |
19. White-Tailed Lapwing
The White-tailed Lapwing is a stunning wader bird which belongs to the lapwing genus and can be identified by its long legs, long bill and striking white tail feathers.
Its Latin name Vanellus leucurus means ‘white tailed winnowing fan’ reflecting the birds habitat of open grassland meadows across Europe, Asia and Africa.
It feeds on insects in short vegetation or bare ground during breeding season but will also eat small invertebrates such as earthworms when available.
During nonbreeding season it spends most of its time roosting in flocks near water bodies like estuaries or lagoons where food sources are plentiful.
The species faces threats from human activities such as loss of wetland habitats due to pollution so conservation efforts should focus on protecting these areas for this beautiful creature’s future survival.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Charadriiformes |
Family | Charadriidae |
Genus | Vanellus |
Species | V. leucurus |
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20. White-Rumped Vulture
The white-rumped vulture is an Old World species found mainly in South and Southeast Asia. Sadly, it has been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List since 2000 due to a severe decline in its population numbers.
The cause of this rapid drop is diclofenac poisoning which leads to kidney failure for these birds.
In the 1980s there were estimated to be several million individuals, but now their numbers have dropped drastically with some experts estimating them at fewer than 10 thousand breeding pairs left today.
Conservation efforts are underway across numerous countries to help save this unique species from extinction and raise awareness about the dangers posed by diclofenac pollution on wildlife populations around the world.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Accipitriformes |
Family | Accipitridae |
Genus | Gyps |
Species | G. bengalensis |
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21. Isabelline Shrike
The Isabelline Shrike is a member of the shrike family, Laniidae, and was previously thought to be congeneric with the Red-backed or Red-tailed Shrikes.
It has an extensive range across many countries from Caspian Sea in Western Asia all the way eastward up to Central China’s Qaidam Basin.
During winter months it migrates southwards towards Africa and Arabia for warmer climates.
Its genus name ‘Lanius’ is derived from Latin meaning “butcher”, as its diet consists mainly of small insects and sometimes even lizards or sparrows.
The Isabelline Shrike can easily be identified by its brownish grey coloration along with black wings having white wingtips plus two white bars on each side of their tail feathers.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Laniidae |
Genus | Lanius |
Species | L. isabellinus |
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22. Yellow-Eyed Pigeon
The Yellow-eyed Pigeon is a stunningly beautiful bird found in several countries across Central Asia. It has a pale back and distinctive yellow eyes, giving it an exotic appearance that makes it stand out from other species of pigeon.
During the summer months, they breed in southern Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan before migrating south to Pakistan during wintertime.
The birds can also be seen at Tal Chhapar Sanctuary and Jorbeer in Rajasthan as well as parts of Jammu & Kashmir throughout the year.
These doves are important for maintaining biodiversity; their presence helps keep ecosystems healthy by acting as seed dispersers which promotes plant germination and growth around them.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Columbiformes |
Family | Columbidae |
Genus | Columba |
Species | C. eversmanni |
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23. Chestnut-Bellied Sandgrouse
The Chestnut-bellied sandgrouse is a species of bird found in northern and central Africa, as well as western and southern Asia.
It has six recognised subspecies which differ in plumage colouration; males typically have mostly light buffy brown feathers with darker bars on the wings, while females are greyer with paler head markings.
These birds prefer semi-arid regions such as deserts or grasslands where they eat seeds from plants like grasses, herbs and shrubs.
They can be nomadic depending on food availability but tend to be sedentary during mating season when they form small groups called leks for courtship displays involving intricate feather ruffling and strutting around potential mates.
The Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse is an important part of its native ecosystems due to their role in dispersing plant seeds over large areas through defecating them after ingestion.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Pterocliformes |
Family | Pteroclidae |
Genus | Pterocles |
Species | P. exustus |
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24. Indian Silverbill
The Indian silverbill is a small passerine bird found in the Indian Subcontinent and adjoining regions.
It has grey upperparts, white underparts with black barring on its breast and abdomen, bluish-white wings and tail feathers; Males have bright red eyes while females have brownish eyes.
This estrildid finch species inhabits dry areas of the Middle East region as well as the subcontinent where it breeds commonly.
The diet of this species consists mainly of grass seeds supplemented by insects during breeding season.
Although they are not known to be migratory birds, they may flock together when food sources become scarce in their native range due to drought or other environmental conditions.
They can also now be found outside their natural range following introductions from humans for aviculture purposes
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Estrildidae |
Genus | Euodice |
Species | E. malabarica |
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25. Demoiselle Crane
The Demoiselle Crane, scientifically known as Grus virgo, is a species of crane found in Central Europe and parts of Siberia. They range from the Black Sea to Mongolia and northeastern China.
A small breeding population can be also found in Turkey. These cranes are migratory birds; those living in western Eurasia will spend wintertime in Africa while the Asian populations fly south to India for warmer climates during cold months.
The bird stands at around 1 meter tall with white feathers on its face, neck and breast contrasting against an overall grey body plumage that gives it a unique appearance among other crane species.
Its long legs make them capable of wading through wetlands where they feed on insects, worms and aquatic vegetation when available.
Their calls sound like loud trumpeting which often signals their presence over wide areas even before sighting them.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Gruiformes |
Family | Gruidae |
Genus | Grus |
Species | G. virgo |
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26. White-Eared Bulbul
The white-eared bulbul is a member of the Pycnonotus genus and belongs to the Bulbul family. It inhabits south-western Asia from India to Arabia, where it can be seen in open woodlands or even gardens.
This species has long been recognized as one of six similar bulbuls that make up a superspecies, including Himalayan bulbul, White-spectacled bulbul, African Red-eyed Bulbuls and Cape Bulbuls.
The bird is brownish gray with reddish tints on its back and wings while its head is greyish with yellow eyes surrounded by a thin white eye ring which gives this species its name .
They feed mainly on fruits but also take insects like ants , grasshoppers , beetles etc . Their diet includes berries , seeds and flowers too.
In addition they are known for their loud vocalizations when alarmed making them an easily identifiable companion in any outdoor setting.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Pycnonotidae |
Genus | Pycnonotus |
Species | P. leucotis |
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27. Laggar Falcon
The Laggar falcon is a bird of prey found in the Indian subcontinent. It has an overall dark colouration, with blackish “trousers”, and closely resembles the Lanner Falcon.
Its range stretches from southeastern Iran to northwestern Myanmar, including Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
These birds are usually seen soaring high above their preferred habitats: open grasslands or scrubby forests that provide them access to small mammals such as hares and rodents which they hunt for food.
They mostly feed on carrion but also take birds up to the size of pigeons or doves when active hunting opportunities arise.
Their conservation status is listed by IUCN as Least Concern due to its wide distribution across multiple countries within South Asia
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Falconiformes |
Family | Falconidae |
Genus | Falco |
Subgenus | Hierofalco |
Species | F. jugger |
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28. Wire-Tailed Swallow
The Wire-tailed Swallow is a small passerine bird from the Hirundo genus and swallow family.
It has two subspecies, one of which can be found in Africa (Hirundo smithii) and the other in Southern and South Eastern Asia (Hirundo filifera).
The species is mainly resident but populations located at Pakistan and Northern India migrate further south during winter season.
These birds are characterized by their brownish back feathers with white spots along with rufous underparts.
Their distinctive feature being long outer tail feathers that extend beyond even their wingspan when seen while they’re flying.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Hirundinidae |
Genus | Hirundo |
Species | H. smithii |
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29. Little Swift
The Little Swift is a small species of swift found in Africa and southwestern Asia. It is also known to be a vagrant or local breeder in parts of southern Europe.
These birds prefer habitats such as urban areas, rocky cliffs and other sheltered locations where they build their nests using the same techniques that all members of the Apodiformes order use.
They are extremely fast flyers, hence why they were given their Latin name ‘Apus’, which means swift.
The ancient Greeks believed these birds had no feet due to how swiftly they flew. With its unique coloration – grey back with white underparts – this bird stands out from its relatives in the avian world.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Apodiformes |
Family | Apodidae |
Genus | Apus |
Species | A. affinis |
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30. Yellow-Crowned Woodpecker
The Yellow-crowned woodpecker is a small, pied bird found in the Indian subcontinent. It was first described by English ornithologist John Latham in 1801 and is the only species within its genus Leiopicus.
This species has black upperparts with white stripes on its wings and yellow crowns along their heads and necks.
Its underparts are usually greyish or brownish with buffy streaks which help it to camouflage among tree branches as they feed mainly on insects like ants, beetles, bees etc that live inside trunks of trees.
They also eat fruits occasionally but mostly rely on insects for sustenance during breeding season when food availability increases significantly compared to other times of year due to insect activity increasing around this time period.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Piciformes |
Family | Picidae |
Genus | Leiopicus Bonaparte, 1854 |
Species | L. mahrattensis |
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31. Jungle Prinia
The Jungle Prinia is a small warbler bird from the Cisticolidae family that can be found in India, Bangladesh, southwestern Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
It is usually seen in dry, open grasslands and woodlands, as well as in gardens and scrub areas.
This bird has a short, black bill, strong legs, and short, rounded wings, as well as a longish tail. Jungle Prinias are usually around 15 cm long.
As a resident breeder in the regions where it is found, this bird is known for building nests in shrubs or low trees.
Its coloring is mainly brown, with a greyish underbelly. It is usually seen alone or in small groups and is known for its sweet, melodic song.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Cisticolidae |
Genus | Prinia |
Species | P. sylvatica |
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32. 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 |
Also Featured In: Birds of Karnataka, Birds You’ll Find in Kanha National Park
33. Plain Prinia
The Plain prinia, also known as the plain wren-warbler or white-browed wren-warbler, is a small bird species found in southeast Asia.
They are resident breeders in regions ranging from Pakistan and India to south China and southeast Asia.
This bird was once considered a part of the tawny-flanked prinia species, which resides in Africa south of the Sahara.
Additionally, the Plain prinia is a cisticolid warbler. This species is relatively small in size and known for its plain appearance.
Despite being widespread, the Plain prinia is not commonly seen since they prefer to stay hidden in dense vegetation, particularly grasslands and shrublands.
The male birds are known for their high-pitched and melodious songs, which they use to attract mates and defend their territory.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Cisticolidae |
Genus | Prinia |
Species | P. inornata |
34. Streak-Throated Swallow
The streak-throated swallow, also known as the Indian cliff swallow, is a bird species that belongs to the passerine family.
It is primarily found in South Asia and can be seen in countries like Afghanistan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.
This bird species can be a breeder, a year-round resident, or a winter visitor in these regions.
Additionally, streak-throated swallows may also appear as a vagrant in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and the Middle East.
This bird species is part of a bigger family of swallows and has unique streaks on its throat.
Due to its presence in multiple countries, the streak-throated swallow is an important part of the ecosystem in South Asia.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Hirundinidae |
Genus | Petrochelidon |
Species | P. luvicola |
Also Featured In: Common Birds in Bangalore,
35. Ashy-Crowned Sparrow-Lark
The Ashy-crowned sparrow-lark is a small bird that belongs to the lark family. It is commonly found in open lands across South Asia where there is bare ground, grass, and scrub.
During the breeding season, males are easily recognizable by their distinct black-and-white face pattern, while females have a sandy brown color that resembles a female sparrow.
Despite their small size, these birds are very active and can be seen flying and hopping around frequently.
They are known for their beautiful singing voice, which is often heard during the mating season.
The Ashy-crowned sparrow-lark is an important part of the natural ecosystem and plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the food chain.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Alaudidae |
Genus | Eremopterix |
Species | E. griseus |
Also Featured In: Common Birds of Jharkhand, Most Common Madhya Pradesh Birds
36. River Tern
The River tern bird, scientifically known as Sterna aurantia, is a member of the Laridae family. It resides along inland rivers in the Indian Subcontinent, Iran, and eastern Myanmar to Thailand.
This bird is uncommon in Thailand. It is known for living almost exclusively in freshwater, contrary to other species in the same family.
Usually quiet when away from breeding grounds, River terns become vocal during their breeding period, which ranges from March to May.
The River terns build their nests in colonies.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Charadriiformes |
Family | Laridae |
Genus | Sterna |
Species | S. aurantia |
Also Featured In: Common Birds that Live in Odisha, Common Birds of Maharashtra
37. Rufous-Tailed Lark
The Rufous-tailed lark, also known as the Rufous-tailed finch-lark, is a ground bird commonly seen in India and parts of Pakistan.
Its large, sturdy bill somewhat resembles that of a finch, with its upper mandible slightly curved.
This bird is typically seen in dry and stony landscapes, foraging for food such as grass seeds, grain, and insects.
With its dull brown coloring, it easily blends in with its surroundings. Both males and females share the same appearance.
Overall, the Rufous-tailed lark’s natural habitat and diet make it a hardy and adaptable bird species.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Alaudidae |
Genus | Ammomanes |
Species | A. phoenicura |
38. White-Browed Fantail
The White-browed fantail bird is a member of the Rhipiduridae family and is quite small, measuring only 18 cm in length. Its upperparts are dark brown, and it has white spots on its wings.
The underparts are whitish, and the tail is fan-shaped and has white edges. On its forehead, the long white supercilia meet, and the throat and eyemask are blackish and bordered with a whitish moustache.
This bird’s appearance is unique, and it is a delight to see in nature.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Rhipiduridae |
Genus | Rhipidura |
Species | R. aureola |
39. White-Bellied Drongo
The white-bellied drongo bird is native to the Indian Subcontinent and belongs to a family of insect-eating birds called Dicruridae.
It is mostly black in color with a white belly and vent, but its young ones are completely black and can be easily confused with the black drongo, which is smaller in size.
The bird is often seen hopping around in trees and bushes, hunting for insects to feed on. It has a distinct, chattering call that can be heard from a distance.
The white-bellied drongo is relatively common and enjoys a wide range of habitats, from forests to open fields.
It is an important part of the ecosystem, controlling insect populations and participating in seed dispersal.
Despite being a commonly found species, it is still a beautiful and intriguing bird to spot in the wild.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Dicruridae |
Genus | Dicrurus |
Species | D. caerulescens |
Also Featured In: Endemic Sri Lanka Birds,
40. Rufous-Fronted Prinia
The Rufous-fronted Prinia is a small bird found in India and Pakistan. It belongs to the family of Cisticolidae and prefers subtropical or tropical dry forests.
The species is 12 cm long and is known for its stocky build. The bird was described by Edward Blyth based on an illustration by Buchanan Hamilton.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Cisticolidae |
Genus | Prinia |
Species | P. buchanani |
41. 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 |
42. Indian Nightjar
The Indian nightjar is a tiny bird that inhabits open areas in South and Southeast Asia. It is known for its nocturnal habits and distinct calls, which resemble the sound of a stone skipping on ice.
This bird is crepuscular, meaning that it is most active during dawn and dusk. Although it is not often seen, it can be identified by its unique clicking calls.
The Indian nightjar is a resident breeder, which means it stays in one area year-round and breeds there.
This bird chooses its habitat carefully, preferring open landscapes where it can easily find insects to feed on during the night.
Overall, the Indian nightjar is a fascinating and elusive bird that adds to the diversity of birdlife in Asia.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Clade | Strisores |
Order | Caprimulgiformes |
Family | Caprimulgidae |
Genus | Caprimulgus |
Species | C. asiaticus |
Also Featured In: Birds that Live in Tamil Nadu,
43. Common Woodshrike
The Common woodshrike bird is a small, ashy brown species found across Asia. It has a distinctive dark cheek patch and broad white brow.
Normally found in thin forests and scrub habitats, they are known to hunt insects as their primary diet, occasionally joining other insectivorous birds.
Native to Sri Lanka, they were previously classified under the family Vangidae. Despite their small size, they have striking features that make them stand out.
The Common woodshrike bird is a unique and intriguing species that deserves our attention and appreciation.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Vangidae |
Genus | Tephrodornis |
Species | T. pondicerianus |
44. 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 |
Also Featured In: Birds of Konkan, Birds Live In Koh Kood
45. Long-Billed Pipit
The Long-billed pipit, also known as the Brown Rock pipit, is a well-distributed passerine bird with many subspecies. The systematics of the complex are still unclear.
It is a resident or short-distance migrant bird. It belongs to a group of birds that look similar.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Motacillidae |
Genus | Anthus |
Species | A. similis |
46. Variable Wheatear
The variable wheatear, belonging to the family Muscicapidae, is a bird species found in hot deserts. Its habitat consists of arid and semi-arid regions, and it is usually found in rocky areas.
The bird is quite common in several countries including Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan.
The species has been well adapted to the harsh desert conditions and can thrive without much water.
The variable wheatear is usually grayish-brown with a white belly, and has a distinct black eyepatch which makes it easy to identify.
Its diet consists of insects and small invertebrates, which it feeds on by hopping on the ground.
Overall, the variable wheatear is a fascinating bird species that has adapted exceptionally to the harsh desert environment.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Muscicapidae |
Genus | Oenanthe |
Species | O. picata |
47. Grey-Breasted Prinia
The Grey-breasted prinia, also known as Franklin’s prinia, is a small passerine bird found mainly in southern regions of the Old World. It is a resident breeder in the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka, and southeast Asia.
This bird is easily distinguished from other prinias by the smoky grey band across its breast. It often holds its tail upright while perched.
The grey-breasted prinia belongs to the wren-warbler family and is known for its distinctive vocalizations.
It is a common sight in grasslands and scrub forests, where it feeds on insects and spiders. This bird’s breeding season varies depending on the region it inhabits.
Its nests are built on the ground, and the female lays 2-4 eggs in each clutch. The grey-breasted prinia is considered a species of least concern by the IUCN.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Cisticolidae |
Genus | Prinia |
Species | P. hodgsonii |
48. Brown Crake
The Brown crake, also known as the Brown bush-hen, is a type of waterbird from the Rallidae family found in southern Asia.
The exact origin of the name “akool” is uncertain, although it may have ties to Hindu mythology or the Sinhalese language.
This species is known to reside in wetland areas and feeds on insects, small fish, and aquatic plants. The Brown crake is a small, elusive bird with brown plumage and a distinctive red bill.
Despite being a relatively common species, they are not often seen due to their shy nature and habitat preferences.
Overall, the Brown crake is an interesting and important member of the aquatic bird community in South Asia.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Gruiformes |
Family | Rallidae |
Genus | Zapornia |
Species | Z. akool |
Conclusion
Rajasthan boasts a rich avian diversity, with 48 bird species calling this arid region home. From majestic raptors like the Indian Vulture to vibrant species like the Indian Roller, the state offers a unique habitat for various birdlife.
These birds play crucial roles in the ecosystem, contributing to pollination, pest control, and ecological balance. As custodians of this diverse avifauna, it is imperative to prioritize conservation efforts, safeguard habitats, and promote sustainable practices.
By fostering awareness and appreciation for Rajasthan’s avian treasures, we can ensure the preservation of these winged wonders for generations to come, enriching our natural heritage and the lives of local communities.