51 Common Birds In India

India is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and diverse birds. With almost 1300 species of birds, India is a birdwatcher’s paradise. 

From the majestic peacock, India’s national bird, to the colorful parakeet, the country is blessed with a wide variety of avian life.

India’s forests, wetlands, and deserts are home to many species of birds, both migratory and resident. These birds form an integral part of the country’s ecology and culture and provide a source of joy to birdwatchers and nature lovers.

1. 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 it.

Its discoverer was Pierre Sonnerat. It 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 in Southeast 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 around the neck area, which is further highlighted when they spread out during courtship displays for mating purposes.

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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2. Indian Peafowl

The Indian Peafowl, also known as the common or blue peafowl, is a species native to the Indian subcontinent. It has since been introduced to many other countries around the world.

Males are referred to as peacocks and females are called peahens, although both sexes can be colloquially referred to simply as “peacock”.

These birds display sex-specific differences in coloration; males show off their iridescent feathers in shades of green and blues, while female plumage tends towards more muted browns with red accents on their tail feathers.

The mating dance performed by male Peacocks serves not only for courtship but also acts as a form of territorial advertisement between rival males over available resources such as food sources.

This colourful bird lives up its name with its beautiful displays that captivate viewers from all walks of life.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Galliformes
Family	Phasianidae
Genus	Pavo
Species	P. cristatus

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3. Bustard

Bustards are large, terrestrial birds that inhabit dry grassland areas and the steppes of the Old World. They range from 40-150 cm in length and belong to the family Otididae.

Bustards have an omnivorous diet consisting of leaves, buds, seeds, fruit as well as small vertebrates and invertebrates.

These birds usually live a solitary life but can be seen gathering around water sources or food during certain times of year such as mating season.

Due to their large size they are vulnerable to predation by foxes or other animals which is why they tend to remain alert at all times.

When in open spaces while relying on camouflage for protection against predators when out in tall vegetation coverings.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Clade	Otidimorphae
Order	Otidiformes Wagler, 1830
Family	Otididae Rafinesque, 1815

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4. 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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5. Rock Dove

Rock dove, also known as Rock Pigeon or Common Pigeon, is a member of the bird family Columbidae.

It is considered to be an important creature worldwide due to its domestication by humans centuries ago; resulting in the modern-day Domestic pigeon which descends from this species.

Its population has increased over time because some domestic pigeons have escaped captivity and joined wild populations.

The rock dove can most easily be identified by its prominent blue-grey feathers with darker bars on wings and tail along with two black bands on each wing.

They are typically found in large flocks near cliffs or buildings but may also inhabit rural habitats such as open fields and meadows if there’s enough food available for them nearby.

Although they don’t migrate far distances like other birds, their numbers increase significantly during winter.

When more food sources become available closeby so that they won’t need to travel too far away from home base for nourishment.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Columbiformes
Family	Columbidae
Genus	Columba
Species	C. livia

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6. 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 by 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 it is essential that we 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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7. 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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8. 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

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9. Chestnut-Winged Cuckoo

The Chestnut-winged cuckoo is a beautiful bird found in Southeast Asia and parts of South Asia.

It has glossy black head with long crest, chestnut wings, rufous throat and dusky underside as well as narrow white nuchal half collar which make it distinct from other birds.

It breeds along the Himalayas during summer season and migrates south to Sri Lanka during winter season.

This species prefers dense forest habitat but can also be seen in open woodlands or grassland areas where they feed on small invertebrates such insects and worms.

They are known for their loud calls that are heard throughout the day especially early morning when they seek mates or announce territory presence.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Cuculiformes
Family	Cuculidae
Genus	Clamator
Species	C. coromandus

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10. 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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11. Rose-Ringed Parakeet

The Rose-ringed parakeet is a medium sized bird in the family Psittacidae. Native to Africa and India, it has been introduced into many other parts of the world where feral populations have now established themselves.

The most distinctive feature of this species is its colorful neck ring ranging from pink to purple which gives them their name.

However, males often display more vibrant colors than females do. This beautiful bird can also imitate human speech quite well making them popular pets worldwide.

In addition they are very social creatures preferring large flocks when out in nature or as part of aviaries during captivity. With proper care these birds can live up to 30 years.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Psittaciformes
Family	Psittaculidae
Genus	Psittacula
Species	P. krameri

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12. Common Kingfisher

The Common Kingfisher is a small, sparrow-sized bird that can be found across Eurasia and North Africa. It has the typical short tail and large head of kingfishers with seven different subspecies recognized in its range.

They are mainly resident birds but will migrate away during winter when rivers freeze over. The species usually live near bodies of water such as streams or lakes.

Where they hunt for fish by diving from above into the water after spotting their prey below them.

These brightly coloured birds have an unmistakable vibrant blue plumage along with orange underparts and white patches on their wings which makes them easy to recognize amongst other similar looking species.

Their call is loud and shrill making it one of the most recognizable sounds heard around wetlands throughout Europe.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Coraciiformes
Family	Alcedinidae
Subfamily	Alcedininae
Genus	Alcedo
Species	A. atthis

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13. Bar-Headed Goose

The Bar-headed Goose is an iconic bird of Central Asia, known for its remarkable ability to reach extreme altitudes when migrating over the Himalayas. It breeds in colonies near mountain lakes and winters as far south as India.

During breeding season it lays three to eight eggs at a time in ground nests. This grey goose genus Anser has no other native member species within the Indian region.

Its wings are adapted for high altitude flight, being long and pointed with small “fingers” along their length that help reduce air turbulence during rapid ascent or descent through mountainous regions.

The bar-headed goose’s strong flying skills have made it one of nature’s most impressive avian migrations.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Anser
Species	A. indicus

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14. Phasianidae

The Phasianidae family of birds is one that contains many popular gamebirds, with a total of 185 species divided across 54 genera.

These heavy ground-living birds include pheasants, partridges, junglefowl, chickens, and turkeys among others like Old World quail and peafowl.

This large family was formerly split into two subfamilies known as the Phasianinae and Perdicinae but this classification has since been changed to reflect more current scientific findings on them.

All these different types of birds have certain things in common such as their strong legs for scratching through leaves or soil looking for food items including insects, seeds, and other vegetation which makes up most of their diet.

They also all tend to be quite colorful in order to attract mates during breeding season when males will often display vibrant feathers or do dances around females in an attempt at courtship ritual displays.

The majority are monogamous creatures too although some may form short-term pair bonds before going off alone again once mating has taken place – either way.

There tends to be very little parental care given by adults after eggs have hatched so chicks need to fend for themselves right away.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Galliformes
Superfamily	Phasianoidea
Family	Phasianidae Horsfield, 1821

15. 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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16. Black Stork

The Black Stork is a majestic bird, with its glossy black feathers and long red legs. Its wingspan ranges from 57 to 61 inches, while it measures an average of 37 to 39 inches tall from beak tip to tail end.

The white underparts contrast perfectly against the dark plumage and are complimented by the vivid red beak.

First described in 1758 by Carl Linnaeus in his “Systema Naturae”, this species has since become popular among bird watchers and naturalists alike for its beauty and gracefulness when flying through the sky.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Ciconiiformes
Family	Ciconiidae
Genus	Ciconia
Species	C. nigra

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17. 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

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18. Asian Koel

The Asian koel is a member of the Cuculiformes family, found in India, China and Southeast Asia. It shares its range with two closely related species – black-billed koels and Pacific koels.

This bird exhibits brood parasitism; it lays its eggs in nests of other birds, who then unknowingly become foster parents to their young.

Characterised by long tails and glossy feathers that vary from deep blue to greenish-black depending on region, these birds are known for their loud call which can be heard during both day or night time.

They feed mainly on fruits but also take insects when available.

All in all, the Asian Koel is an interesting species that has adapted itself well over many centuries within different ecosystems across Asia.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Cuculiformes
Family	Cuculidae
Genus	Eudynamys
Species	E. scolopaceus

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19. 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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20. Lesser Coucal

The Lesser Coucal is an iconic bird of the Cuculidae family. It has a wide distribution range and can be found in wetland habitats with plenty of grass, trees and shrubs.

This species stands out due to its relatively small size compared to other cuckoos as well as their less prominent bills and pale shaft streaks on the feathers of their heads and backs.

They have long claws which they use for perching or catching prey while hunting, making them efficient predators.

The calls made by these birds are quite distinct from those heard from other members of this genus – it sounds like two stones being knocked together.

All in all, this unique species is truly fascinating.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Cuculiformes
Family	Cuculidae
Genus	Centropus
Species	C. bengalensis

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21. Green-Billed Malkoha

The Green-billed Malkoha is a striking bird found across the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It measures 50 to 60 cm in length, with a waxy bluish black body and long graduated tail featuring white tips on its feathers.

The most remarkable feature of this species is its prominently curved green bill, which gives it name. These birds are usually seen in dry scrub or thin forest habitats.

They feed mainly on insects such as grasshoppers, caterpillars and beetles that they hunt by perching before swooping down to capture their prey.

In addition to hunting for food, these birds also nestle into trees during the day time when it gets too hot outside.

Weighing around 100 gmms, Green-Billed Malkohas make an interesting sight wherever they go due to their unique appearance.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Cuculiformes
Family	Cuculidae
Genus	Phaenicophaeus
Species	P. tristis

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22. Kingfisher

Kingfishers are a vibrant and unique family of birds, with most species found in tropical regions across Africa, Asia, Oceania and Europe.

Their bright colors make them easily identifiable among the foliage of deep forests near calm ponds or rivers.

They come in three subfamilies: tree kingfishers (Halcyoninae), water kingfishers (Cerylinae) and river kingfishers (Alcedinidae).

Kingfisher birds have short legs used for perching along branches overhanging streams or lakes; they also possess strong beaks perfect for catching fish.

These little hunters will remain motionless as if suspended from thin air until an unsuspecting prey comes within reach.

Then they swoop down quickly to grab their meal. With 116 different species making up this incredible family, there’s something special about every single one.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Coraciiformes
Suborder	Alcedines
Family	Alcedinidae Rafinesque, 1815

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23. Greater White-Fronted Goose

The Greater White-fronted Goose is a species of waterfowl native to the subarctic regions of North America and Eurasia.

Its distinguishing feature is the large white patch that runs from its bill down to its throat, earning it its Latin name “albifrons” which translates as ‘white forehead’.

This bird can grow up to 28 inches in length with a wingspan of 50 inches and weigh 2lbs. It feeds mainly on plant material such as grasses, sedges, grains and berries.

The Greater White-fronted Goose also likes areas near rivers or lakes where they forage for food during their annual spring migration across continents ranging from Alaska all the way into Russia.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Anser
Species	A. albifrons

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24. 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 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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25. Red-Crested Pochard

The Red-crested Pochard is a beautiful diving duck, easily recognizable by its golden-red head and neck. 

Found in southern Europe and Central Asia to Mongolia, this large bird also spends winter months along the Indian subcontinent and Africa.

They inhabit lowland marshes and lakes where they feed on aquatic plants as well as small fish or insects that they dive for. 

In flight, their wings make a loud whistling sound due to their size which gives away their presence even when far off.

These birds are social creatures often found swimming in flocks of several dozens making them an impressive sight indeed.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Netta
Species	N. rufina

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26. Grey-Headed Swamphen

The Grey-headed Swamphen is a species of swamphen found in the Middle East, 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 own 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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27. Indian Skimmer

The Indian skimmer, also known as the Indian Scissors-bill, is a species of bird belonging to the Skimmer genus Rynchops. 

It has an unique lower mandible that ploughs along the surface of water while it flies over in search for aquatic prey.

This distinctive feature makes them similar to terns but they are easily distinguishable by their short upper bill and black head with white sides. 

They can be found mainly in Southern Asia across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka on tidal rivers or brackish lagoons near coasts during breeding season.

During winter months these birds migrate southwards towards West Africa where they spend most of their time feeding off small insects and crustaceans from shallow waters which make up majority of their diet.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Charadriiformes
Family	Laridae
Genus	Rynchops
Species	R. albicollis

28. Blue-Faced Malkoha

The Blue-faced Malkoha is a beautiful and unique bird which can be found in the scrub and deciduous forests of India and Sri Lanka.

It has an impressive waxy, dark blue-grey plumage on its upperparts with a long tail having graduated white-tipped feathers.

Its throat and chin are darker than other parts of its body but still have spiny pale feathers that branch out from it.

The lower belly usually displays a dusky hue while the wings are brownish grey at their base fading to light brown at tips.

This species also has distinctive green bill giving them their name ‘Small Green Billed’ malkohas’.

They mainly feed on insects or fruits depending upon availability making them omnivorous birds by nature.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Cuculiformes
Family	Cuculidae
Genus	Phaenicophaeus
Species	P. viridirostris

29. Andaman Coucal

The Andaman coucal, or brown coucal is a species of non-parasitic cuckoo found mainly in the forested habitats and thickly covered gardens of the Andamans, Coco and Table Islands.

It can grow to be quite large for its kind, with males ranging from 380–400mm (12.6-15.7 inches) in length and females being slightly larger at 400–420mm (15.7 inches). 

These birds are known for their distinctive black head crest which they raise while singing during mating season as part of courtship behaviour.

They also have grey wings and tail feathers accompanied by reddish chestnut underparts giving them an impressive overall look.

The diet consists mainly of insects but they will sometimes eat small lizards or frogs too – making them beneficial to local ecosystems where these creatures may otherwise become overpopulated.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Cuculiformes
Family	Cuculidae
Genus	Centropus
Species	C. andamanensis

30. Asian Emerald Cuckoo

The Asian emerald cuckoo is a species of bird found in South and Southeast Asia. It has iridescent green feathers, with yellow underparts and white speckles along its wings.

Its call is an unmistakable high-pitched whistle that can be heard up to 1 km away. This unique sound serves as both warning signal for other birds, and attracts the attention of potential mates during breeding season.

The diet consists mainly of insects such as butterflies, moths, grasshoppers, flies etc., but they also eat fruits like figs when available.

They prefer lowland or montane forests where there are plenty of trees for them to nest in.

Although their numbers have been declining due to deforestation and hunting pressure from humans; governments across the region are now taking steps to protect this beautiful creature so it may continue thriving in our forests for generations to come.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Cuculiformes
Family	Cuculidae
Genus	Chrysococcyx
Species	C. maculatus

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31. Violet Cuckoo

The Violet Cuckoo is a stunning bird with glossy violet feathers on its head and upper body. Its tail has a white tip and barred outer feathers, while the chin and upper breast are brightly iridescent.

The belly of the cuckoo is white with broad black, green or violet bars that contrast beautifully against its more vibrant plumage.

Adult males also have some reddish-brown patches around their throat area which adds to their alluring appearance.

These birds inhabit tropical forests throughout Southeast Asia where they feed mainly on insects, small lizards and fruits from trees such as figs, berries and mangos – making them quite popular amongst local wildlife.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Cuculiformes
Family	Cuculidae
Genus	Chrysococcyx
Species	C. xanthorhynchus

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32. Lesser Cuckoo

The lesser cuckoo is a species of bird found in many parts of the world, including Bangladesh, Bhutan and China. It belongs to the Cuculidae family which also includes other types of cuckoos.

The lesser cuckoo has a brown back with black wings and tail feathers that have white tips. Its breast is pale grey while its belly is whitish-gray or buffy yellow. 

In Japan it’s called hoso-daka due to its loud call similar to ‘ho’ or ‘so’ sound repeated several times during breeding season as part of mating ritual between males and females pairs.

This peculiar behavior can be observed when they fly from tree branches into open ground seeking for food such as insects, spiders and small reptiles like lizards which are their main diet components along with some berries occasionally eaten too. 

They build nests out of twigs on trees located close by water bodies where they lay eggs up to 5 – 6 per clutch depending on time each year .

All these features make them an interesting addition into any wildlife ecosystem.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Cuculiformes
Family	Cuculidae
Genus	Cuculus
Species	C. poliocephalus

33. Thrush

Thrushes are small to medium-sized birds belonging to the Turdidae family, and found all over the world. They live on or near the ground and feed on insects, other invertebrates and fruit.

Their feathers range from greyish browns to deep blues in colour with spotted wings that help them blend into their natural habitats such as forests, woodlands and shrubs.

Thrushes have distinctive songs which they sing during spring mating season; many species also perform complex flight displays for courtship rituals.

These birds may be solitary creatures but can often be seen foraging together in groups or pairs when searching for food sources like worms, snails or berries.

A healthy thrush population is an indication of a balanced environment since they require clean water sources as well as plenty of vegetation cover – making them important indicators of ecosystem health worldwide.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Suborder	Passeri
Family	Turdidae Rafinesque, 1815

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34. Slaty-Legged Crake

The Slaty-legged Crake is a waterbird in the rail and crake family found across south Asia. It inhabits swamps, wetlands and well-wooded areas from India to Indonesia.

This species can be identified by its mottled grey coloration on their legs and wings as well as their bright red eyes. These birds are mainly permanent residents but some of them migrate further north during certain seasons.

They feed mostly on aquatic invertebrates such as insects, larvae, worms etc among other things including small fish or amphibians when available. 

The female lays one clutch with 4-7 eggs per season which she incubates for 16 days before they hatch out into younglings who leave the nest within 2 weeks after hatching.

Their calls consist of low whistles which makes it difficult to spot them unless you know what to look for.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Gruiformes
Family	Rallidae
Genus	Rallina
Species	R. eurizonoides

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35. Black-Bellied Tern

The black-bellied tern is a beautiful bird found in the Indian subcontinent, extending from Pakistan to Myanmar. 

It has an elegant forked tail and its feathers come in two distinctive shades – during summer months it boasts a deep black belly which contrasts with its grey upperparts.

Unfortunately this species has become very rare, leading the International Union of Conservation of Nature to classify them as endangered. 

They are often seen near large rivers where they fish for small insects and crustaceans. This stunning bird deserves more attention so that conservation measures can be put into place to ensure their future survival.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Charadriiformes
Family	Laridae
Genus	Sterna
Species	S. acuticauda

36. Himalayan Cuckoo

The Himalayan cuckoo is a species of bird found in the mountains of the Himalayas and parts of East Asia. It migrates south during winter to Southeast Asia, where it can be seen in greater numbers from October to March.

The distinctive call of this medium-sized greyish brown bird with white patches on its wings has become synonymous with the arrival of springtime for many people living around its range.

Its diet consists mainly insects picked up from foliage or snatched out of midair, as well as an occasional fruit or berry when available.

It lives mostly solitary life but forms pairs while breeding season which typically lasts between April and June depending upon location within its range.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Cuculiformes
Family	Cuculidae
Genus	Cuculus
Species	C. saturatus

37. Bulbul

Bulbuls are a medium-sized passerine songbird family native to Africa, the Middle East and tropical Asia up until Japan. They can also be found on some of the Indian Ocean islands.

There are 160 species within 32 genera in this family which includes greenbuls, brownbuls, leafloves and bristlebills.

Bulbul birds have been known for their beautiful singing voices as well as for being very active during mating season when they gather together to create large flocks where potential mates can show off their skills.

The coloration of bulbuls range from dull greys or browns to vibrant yellows with black markings around the head region making them quite attractive creatures indeed.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Parvorder	Sylviida
Family	Pycnonotidae Gray, GR, 1840

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38. Red Junglefowl

The Red Junglefowl is a tropical bird belonging to the Phasianidae family, native to much of Southeast Asia and parts of South Asia. It has been referred to as Bankiva or Bankiva Fowl in the past.

This species was instrumental in giving rise to chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) that are commonly domesticated today.

In addition, it has contributed genetic material along with Grey Junglefowl, Sri Lankan Junglefowl and Green Junglefowl towards creation of various breeds found around the world.

The male red jungle fowls have a distinctive long tail while they also boast iridescent patches on their neck feathers which develop during mating season for display purposes.

They mainly feed on plants & insects but may occasionally consume lizards too.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Galliformes
Family	Phasianidae
Genus	Gallus
Species	G. gallus

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39. Black-Necked Crane

The Black-necked Crane is a majestic bird found in Asia. It has an impressive wingspan of 235cm and stands up to 139 cm tall.

Its feathers are whitish grey with beautiful black markings – head, neck and legs as well as the primaries and secondaries on its wings.

The white patch towards the back of its eye adds to their distinctiveness making them easily recognizable.

They can be seen flying gracefully over Tibet Plateau, India or Bhutan where they breed during summer months before migrating southwards for wintering grounds closer to sea level areas like Assam Valley in North East India.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Gruiformes
Family	Gruidae
Genus	Grus
Species	G. nigricollis

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40. Himalayan Quail

The Himalayan quail is a medium-sized bird belonging to the pheasant family. It was last seen in 1876 and is now feared extinct.

This species has only been reported from two locations in Uttarakhand, India, with 12 specimens collected for study over time.

The main identifying features of this unusual quail are its red bill and legs along with grayish brown plumage on its body which gives it an overall buff coloration.

Its diet consists mainly of vegetation such as grasses, seeds and buds found near their habitats at high altitudes in the western Himalayas region.

Unfortunately due to habitat destruction caused by human activities and lack of research data regarding.

The decline of this species’ population numbers, no one can accurately comment on whether or not they have gone completely extinct since being spotted nearly 150 years ago.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Galliformes
Family	Phasianidae
Tribe	Coturnicini
Genus	Ophrysia Bonaparte, 1856
Species	O. superciliosa

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41. Black Kite

The black kite is one of the most abundant species of diurnal birds of prey in the world, with a global population estimated to be up to 6 million individuals.

It belongs to the family Accipitridae and has medium-sized body size. The wingspan can range from 150 cm – 180cm wide.

They have dark brown feathers on their back light brown or grey underparts, and long forked tails that help it maneuver through.

Its environment while hunting for food, such as insects, small mammals, reptiles, etc., and scavenging opportunities when available.

Black Kites are found across several continents, including Europe, Africa, Asia Minor & Australia, where they breed during spring in nests made among trees near wetlands or riversides;

 migratory populations move southward away from winter cold temperatures as far east as India & Japan before returning home again next season.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Accipitriformes
Family	Accipitridae
Genus	Milvus
Species	M. migrans

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42. Spoon-Billed Sandpiper

The spoon-billed sandpiper is a small wader that has been facing drastic population decline since 1970.

It breeds in the Bering Sea and winters in Southeast Asia, yet its estimated breeding population of 350 to 500 by 2000 reveals how greatly it has suffered from human activities such as overfishing and habitat destruction.

Its scientific name Platalea pygmea was proposed by Carl Linnaeus himself, highlighting just how rare this species really is.

This bird’s unique beak shape allows it to feed on crustaceans, worms, larvae and other invertebrates – however without conservation efforts these birds may soon vanish forever.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Charadriiformes
Family	Scolopacidae
Genus	Calidris
Species	C. pygmaea

43. Falcated Duck

The Falcated Duck is a beautiful species of dabbling duck native to the east Palearctic region. It has a close relationship with both gadwall and wigeons, leading some researchers to assign it its own genus called Mareca in 2009.

The bird stands at approximately 20-25 inches tall and features an orange bill, dark brown head, speckled white/brown body feathers, long tail feathers that are folded up like fans (this gives them their name), yellow legs and feet as well as black eyes.

This majestic creature can be found inhabiting wetlands such as lakes or ponds around East Siberia through North Japan.

During winter months they migrate further south towards India in search of food sources during colder climates. All these characteristics make the Falcated Duck one of nature’s most beautiful works.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Mareca
Species	M. falcata

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44. Spotted Dove

The Spotted Dove is a common species of pigeon found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It has an elegant, slender body with small head, long tail feathers and spotted wings.

Its coloring ranges from grey to brownish-grey on its upperparts with white underparts that are speckled black or dark grey. The male generally has more prominent spots than the female.

 They feed mainly on seeds but will also consume insects when available during breeding season as well as berries, grains and fruits throughout their range.

These birds typically live in pairs or small groups near water sources such as ponds, rivers or streams where they can find food easily while staying safe from predators like cats and hawks.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Columbiformes
Family	Columbidae
Genus	Spilopelia
Species	S. chinensis

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45. Sunbird

Sunbirds are a family of passerine birds known as the Nectariniidae, found mainly in Africa and parts of Asia. These small, slender birds have downward-curved bills and often feature brightly coloured iridescent feathers.

The males usually display longer tail feathers than females. Sunbird diets consist mostly of nectar from flowers which they sip using their long bill while hovering above them like hummingbirds do.

They also eat insects such as spiders and moths to supplement their nutrition needs.

Sunbirds can be seen flitting around gardens or parks looking for food sources – sometimes alone but more commonly in pairs or families during breeding season when they become quite territorial over an area where they feed on plants with abundant supplies of nectar.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Superfamily	Passeroidea
Family	Nectariniidae Vigors, 1825

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46. 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

47. Glareolidae

Glareolidae is a family of wading birds, consisting of four genera and 17 species. They are distinguished from other charadrii by their long bills which have a slight downward curve.

Glareolidae live around open grasslands and deserts, where they hunt for insects using the bill to probe into soil or vegetation.

Most species are found in Africa but two pratincoles inhabit parts of Europe and Asia as well.

Coursers tend to be larger than pratincoles with longer legs allowing them to run quickly across sandy dunes while feeding on small animals like lizards or spiders.

Pratincoles feed mainly on flying insects, snatching them out of midair with great agility during flight.

All glareolids share unique features such as large eyes that help it spot prey at night easily making this group one interesting bird family.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Charadriiformes
Suborder	Lari
Family	Glareolidae CL Brehm, 1831

48. 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

49. Knob-Billed Duck

The Knob-billed Duck is a large duck found in tropical wetlands across Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar and the Indian Subcontinent.

They have distinctive knobbed bills which makes them easily recognizable amongst other duck species.

Their diet consists of small aquatic creatures such as crustaceans, mollusks, tadpoles and insects.

This bird prefers to nest near water sources like marshes or shallow lakes but can also make its home in flooded fields during the wet season.

The population of this species has declined due to habitat loss from urbanization and pollution caused by human activities.

Conservation efforts are underway to ensure their survival for future generations with protection offered at some national parks within their range countries.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Sarkidiornis
Species	S. melanotos

50. Himalayan Monal

The Himalayan monal (Lophophorus impejanus) is a beautiful species of pheasant native to the forests and shrublands of the Himalayas. It can be found at elevations ranging from 2,100-4,500 meters.

This magnificent creature has been listed as Least Concern on IUCN’s Red List due to its wide distribution range and stable population size.

In Nepal it is known as Danphe or Danfe, which also happens to be their national bird.

Uttarakhand in India recognizes this species as their state bird too. The colorful feathers boast hues of green, blue and bronze that make them quite captivating to watch out for.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Galliformes
Family	Phasianidae
Genus	Lophophorus
Species	L. impejanus

51. Satyr Tragopan

The Satyr tragopan is a majestic bird found in the Himalayan region of India, Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan.

It inhabits moist oak and rhododendron forests with dense undergrowth and bamboo clumps at altitudes ranging from 2400 to 4200 meters during summer months and 1800 meters during winter.

The male measures around 70 cm long. During mating season, males become even more striking as they display their beautiful crimson-colored horns atop their head while fanning out an impressive tail adorned with blue spots.

These birds are omnivorous but primarily feed on berries, fruits seeds plants shoots along with small insects like ants & beetles for added nutrition. 

Its unique plumage makes it distinctive among other pheasants species making them popular targets for hunters who seek its feathers as trophies or decorative items .Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Galliformes
Family	Phasianidae
Genus	Tragopan
Species	T. satyra

Conclusion

The diverse avian population of India, comprising 51 common bird species, reflects the country’s rich biodiversity. From the majestic peacock to the melodious songbird, India’s birdlife captivates residents and visitors alike.

These species not only add vibrancy to the natural landscapes but also play crucial roles in maintaining ecological balance through pollination, seed dispersal, and insect control.

However, many of these birds face threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.

By protecting their habitats, raising awareness, and promoting responsible tourism, we can ensure these magnificent creatures’ continued existence and enjoyment for generations to come.