Sindh is home to a diverse array of bird species, ranging from large water birds to small passerines. This region is located in the foothills of the Himalayas and is known for its rich wildlife and flora.
The diverse terrain of Sindh provides a unique habitat for a diverse array of birds, including the endangered Sindh Ibis and the vulnerable White-rumped Vulture.
The Sindh region is also home to a variety of migratory and resident birds, such as the Black-necked Stork, Eurasian Curlew, and White-throated Kingfisher. These birds can be seen in various wetlands, grasslands, and forests throughout the province.
The protection and conservation of these birds are essential to the preservation of the region’s wildlife and natural habitats.
1. Sind Sparrow
The Sind sparrow is a species of bird belonging to the sparrow family, Passeridae. It is found in the Indus Valley region in South Asia, mainly in the Sindh province. This species of sparrow is also known as the jungle, Sind jungle or rufous-backed sparrow.
It is very similar in appearance to the related house sparrow, but it is slightly smaller in size and has unique features in its plumage. The Sind sparrow has a brownish-grey head, with a darker brown crown and nape.
Its upperparts are olive-brown, while its underparts are whitish, with darker streaks. Its wings are dark brown, with white spots, and its tail is rufous-brown. The beak of the Sind sparrow is black and the legs are pinkish-brown.
Its call is a chirping song, reminiscent of the house sparrow. The Sind sparrow is an important species in its habitat, as it helps in dispersing the seeds of certain plants.
It is also known to feed on insects and other invertebrates and is an important part of the local food chain.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passeridae |
| Genus | Passer |
| Species | P. pyrrhonotus |
2. Grey Francolin
The Grey Francolin is a species of bird native to the Indian subcontinent and Iran. It is typically found in the plains and drier parts of these regions. It was formerly also known as the Grey Partridge, though it should not be confused with the European Grey Partridge.
This species of Francolin has a greyish-brown plumage with white mottling and barring on the breast and wings. It has a black eye stripe, red legs, and a short tail.
This species of bird is usually found in pairs or small flocks, where it feeds on seeds, insects, and other small animals.
The Grey Francolin is an important part of the food chain in the dry regions of India and Iran, providing a source of sustenance for a variety of predators, including eagles and vultures. This species is also hunted for sport, and is a popular game bird in some areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Ortygornis |
| Species | O. pondicerianus |
3. Pied Bush Chat
The pied bush chat is a small passerine bird found across a wide range of habitats in West Asia, Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is a common species which is widely distributed and is highly adaptable to different habitats.
It is a small bird, measuring about 11 cm in length and 20-25 g in weight. The Pied bush chat has a wide range of subspecies, with approximately 16 recognised throughout its distribution.
Its subspecies often show distinct geographical distributions, with many island forms also being recognised.
The bird’s plumage can vary between the different subspecies, often showing black-and-white or brown-and-white patterns. The bird is mainly found in areas with shrubs and open grassland, with some subspecies preferring moist grasslands and others inhabiting arid zones.
It is a social species and often forms flocks during the non-breeding season. During the breeding season, the bird is found in pairs, with both the male and female taking part in nest building and caring for the chicks.
The diet of the pied bush chat usually consists of insects, although it has been known to also feed on berries and other fruits.
Overall, the pied bush chat is a common bird which is widely distributed throughout West Asia, Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
It is highly adaptable to different habitats and has a wide range of subspecies, many of which have distinct geographical distributions.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Saxicola |
| Species | S. caprata |
4. Sykes’s Nightjar
Source: Wikipedia
The Sykes’s nightjar is a species of nightjar that is native to the northwestern region of South Asia. This species is also known as the Sykes’ nightjar, Sind nightjar, or Sindh nightjar.
The species was named after Colonel William Henry Sykes, who served in the British military in India. Colonel Sykes was an avid naturalist and explorer, and his work in India helped to expand the knowledge of the country’s wildlife.
His name was chosen to commemorate his contribution to the field. The Sykes’s nightjar is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring between 15 and 17 cm in length. It has a grey-brown plumage and a white throat and belly.
The nightjar is usually seen in open grasslands or scrublands, where it feeds on insects such as moths and beetles.
It is also known to roost on the ground. The Sykes’s nightjar is considered to be a threatened species, and its population is believed to be declining due to loss of habitat and hunting. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species and help it to recover.
In addition, more research is needed to better understand the species and its habitat requirements in order to ensure its survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | C. mahrattensis |
5. Sind Woodpecker
Source: Wikipedia
The Sind woodpecker is an intriguing bird species that can be found in the family Picidae. It is native to the Sindh province of Pakistan, India, and southern Iran. This species is a medium-sized bird, with reddish-brown upperparts, a black crown, and a white face and throat.
Its lower parts are white, with a pinkish hue on the flanks and under the tail.
The beak is black and the wings are barred with black and white. The Sind woodpecker is a fairly common species, and its diet consists mainly of insects, which it obtains by tapping on tree trunks with its chisel-like beak.
During the breeding season, it builds its nest in tree cavities, laying 3-4 eggs which are whitish with brown spots. The chicks are brownish in colour and fledge after about 25 days. This species is a very social bird and often forms small flocks.
Its calls are loud and distinctive, consisting of a sharp “pik” sound. The Sind woodpecker is an important part of the ecosystem in the region, as it helps to control the population of insects, thus providing balance to the environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dendrocopos |
| Species | D. assimilis |
Conclusion
Birds in Sindh are an important part of the local ecosystem and culture. These birds provide valuable services to the environment, such as controlling pests, pollination, and dispersal of seeds.
They are also important for local subsistence and recreational activities, such as hunting, bird watching, and photography.
With the increasing threats of climate change, habitat destruction, and over-exploitation, it is important to protect the birds of Sindh and their habitats.
Conservation and management efforts should focus on the protection and restoration of the bird’s natural habitats, while also promoting sustainable use of the resources.