Uttar Pradesh, located in the northern region of India, is a state endowed with diverse landscapes including dense forests, grasslands, rivers, and wetlands.
This topographical diversity is reflected in the rich avifauna of the state, which houses over 500 species of birds. Some species of the bird are found throughout the year, while others are migratory, visiting the state during the winter season.
Uttar Pradesh is home to some of the most iconic bird species in India, such as the Great Indian Bustard, Sarus Crane, Painted Stork, and Black-necked Stork, to name a few.
With its rich bird diversity and well-established Bird Sanctuaries, Uttar Pradesh is a paradise for bird watchers and a must-visit state for any nature lover.
1. Red-wattled lapwing
The Red-wattled Lapwing is an Asian bird belonging to the family Charadriidae. It has a distinctive loud call which led to it being nicknamed ‘did he do it’ by locals, due to its sound resembling the phrase.
These birds are usually found on open ground and cannot perch like other lapwings. They have black feathers with white wings, back and tail along with reddish wattles near their eyes that give them their name.
Red-wattled Lapwings feed mainly on insects but also eat some plant matter such as seeds or grains.
During breeding season they form strong pair bonds and make nests in shallow depressions of sand or soil lined with vegetation for incubating eggs during mating season before hatching out young chicks in around 25 days after laying eggs.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Vanellus |
| Species | V. indicus |
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2. Indian cuckoo
The Indian cuckoo is a beautiful bird belonging to the Cuculiformes family and found in the subcontinent of India and Southeast Asia.
It has an impressive range, stretching from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka all the way east to Indonesia, north to China and even Russia.
They usually live alone or in pairs at high altitudes up to 3,600m (11800ft), typically inhabiting woodlands or open forests.
This medium-sized cuckoo is quite shy but easily identified by its distinct white throat patch edged with black as well as its white belly with grey flanks.
Its call can also be heard throughout many parts of South Asia during mating season between April - June; it's distinctive “coo-kook” sound bringing joyousness into any jungle atmosphere.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Cuculus |
| Species | C. micropterus |
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3. Yellow-footed green pigeon
The Yellow-footed Green Pigeon is a common species of green pigeon found in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. It has yellow feet and legs, with emerald green body plumage that stands out from its surroundings.
This vibrant bird is also the state bird of Maharashtra, where it's called "Haroli" or "Hariyal". Its diet consists mainly of fruit like Ficus racemosa, Terminalia arjuna, Syzygium cumini etc., which are important sources for wild animals.
With their impressive vocalizations and adaptability to different environments they have become popular among city dwellers as well.
The Yellow-footed Green Pigeon plays an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by providing food to other wildlife while dispersing seeds through defecation - helping propagate new plants across vast areas.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Treron |
| Species | T. phoenicopterus |
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4. 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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5. Scaly-breasted munia
The Scaly-breasted Munia is a small estrildid finch native to tropical Asia. It was formally described and named by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, as its name suggests from the distinct scale-like feather markings on the breast and belly.
The adult bird has brown upperparts, with white lower parts spotted blackish-brown. Its head is pale grey or whitish with an orange beak and legs; the eyes are dark brown.
This species feeds mainly on grass seeds, but also eats insects such as caterpillars in some areas of their range during breeding season.
An interesting fact about this bird is that it builds its nest out of plant stems woven together into a cup shape suspended from trees or shrubs.
Overall they are quite common birds which can often been seen hopping around near human habitation looking for food scraps.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Estrildidae |
| Genus | Lonchura |
| Species | L. punctulata |
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6. 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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7. Sarus crane
The Sarus crane is a magnificent bird commonly found in various parts of Asia and Australia. This non-migratory crane is known for its towering height, reaching up to 1.8 meters.
Their graceful and towering figure makes them a notable presence in open wetlands of South Asia, Dipterocarpus forests in Southeast Asia, and woodlands, grasslands of Australia.
The Sarus crane has a unique red head and neck with white and grey plumage.
They forage on aquatic plants, crustaceans, mollusks, small amphibians, and insects. Breeding for the Sarus crane involves intricate displays of dances and calls by the male, with nests built on shallow waterbodies.
Their habitats presently face degradation due to urbanization, agriculture, and pollution, which pose a threat to their survival.
Conservationists have initiated efforts to protect their habitats and conserve their populations, making sure that these striking birds continue to grace our skies.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Gruidae |
| Genus | Antigone |
| Species | A. antigone |
8. Brown rock chat
The Brown rock chat, also known as the Indian chat, belongs to the family Muscicapidae and is found in northern and central India. This bird species is commonly found on old buildings and rocky areas.
Despite resembling a female Indian robin, it is larger in size and lacks a reddish vent. Its behavior and posture also differ from the Indian robin. When in flight, it shares some resemblance with thrushes and redstarts.
The Brown rock chat feeds on...
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Oenanthe |
| Species | O. fusca |
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