Sept-Oct 2005

Newsletter forBirdwatchers

Vol. 45 No. 5 Sept. - Oct. 2005

CONTENTS

A Note from the Publisher Raiganj Bird Sanctuary lashed by

a hat-trick of killer storms

Avian flu and birdwatchers

Articles Birds of Mizoram, a Checklist, by Anwaruddin Choudhury

Birds of Middle Alt i tude Oak Forest, KumaonHimalayas, by Orus Ilyas

Vulture notes from Vidarbha including Melghat andTadoba Andhari Tiger Reserves, by Raju Kasambe,Dr. Anil Pimpalapure, Jayant Wadatkar and AjayPillarisett

Correspondence

About a Crake, by Wesley Daniel, H.

Sighting records of Black Storks (Ciconia nigra) inAmravati District of Maharashtra, India, byRaju Kasambe, Jayant Wadatkar, Dr. ManoharraoKhode, Rahul Khode

Distribution, density and threats to Barheaded Goose(Anser indicus) in Mysore, Mandya and Chamarajanagardistricts, Southern Karnataka, by Shivaprakash, A.

Vol. 45 No. 5 Sept. - Oct. 2005

S. Theodore Baskaran

Dr. A.M.K. BharosHarish R. BhatDr. S.P. BhatnagarDr. A.K. Chakravarthy

Dr. S. DevasahayamDr. Joseph George

B.S. Kulkarni

Arvind MishraFl.Lt. S. Rangaswami (Retd.)K. Mrutumjaya RaoA.N. Yellappa ReddyDr. Rajiv SaxenaS. SridharDr. Abraham Verghese

Publisher : S. Sridhar

Editorial Board

A Note from the Publisher

Dear fellow birdwatchers,

Raiganj Bird Sanctuary lashed by ahat-trick of killer storms

The Raiganj Bird Sanctuary in West Bengal is progressivelygetting accustomed to killer storms, which have beenthrashing the sanctuary every year in October, since 2003.The Newsletter had explicitly described the storms and theirdevastating effects on the nestlings at the Sanctuary, videnotes (a) Mass Mortality of Asian Open Bill Stork in KulikBird Sanctuary by S. J. Ghosh, (Issue No 1, Vol. 44,Jan.-Feb. 2004) when a storm devastated the sanctuary on10th October 2003 and (b) The Rise and fall of the RaiganjBird Sanctuary (No 6, Vol. 44, Nov.-Dec. 2004), when anotherstorm battered the sanctuary during the first week of October2004.

Sadly, yet another killer storm clobbered the sanctuary duringthe first week of October 2005, smothering over 1000nestlings of Open billed storks, Night herons and Egrets, asnotified by Ajoy Das, the Divisional Forest Officer at Raiganj.

The sanctuary looks visibly withered with three stormslashing it in regular succession. With more tropical stormsbrewing in the Bay of Bengal with the onset of monsoon,redress continues to elude the storks and herons at Raiganj.In other words, the October storms fomented by the monsoonclouds move freely into the sanctuary via the rivuletsbranching out of the rivers Mahananda, Nagar, Kulik andAtrai. Perhaps the nesting waterfowl will get out of thatecological quagmire, once the surrounding areas areadequately afforested to redouble as a bio-shield. Suchmeasures are imperative for shoring up the prospects of thesecond largest bird sanctuary in Asia.

Avian flu and birdwatchers

The spread of bird flu looms large over the Indian subcontinent.While much of East Asia has grappled with the disease,Europe is just beginning to react. With 60 people dead inAsia and an outbreak threatening Greece, Turkey, Romania,Germany, Russia, China, and Canada, how prepared are wein India?

The Asian flu of 1957-58 and Hong Kong flu of 1968-69, eachkilled more than 1 million people. Spanish flu of 1918 and1919, killed upto 40 million persons and sickened, at anestimated 20-40% of the world population. Two of the lastthree global pandemics, all in the 20th century originated inAsia. Worse, the virus has shown that it is capable of infectinghumans and claimed the lives of 60 people, till October 2005.Earlier the outbreaks were restricted to Indonesia, Vietnam,Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and China. In May and July2005 many thousand wild waterbirds were found to have diedat Qinghai lake in western china and the H5 N1 virus wasisolated from the dead birds. Total number of wild birds founddead at Qinghai lake as on 21st May 2005 was 519 of which178 were reported to be Bar-headed Geese (which hadjust completed their migration from the wintering grounds).H5N1, has also been found in one or very few individuals of atleast 11 species of wild birds in Asia since 2003, includingPeregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) Grey Heron (Ardeacinerea) Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) Open-billed Stork(Anastomus oscitans) Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) RuddyShelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) Great black-headed Gull(Larus ichthyaetus) Brown-headed Gull (Larus brunnicephalus)Magpie (Pica pica) and Jungle Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos).

Researchers say evidence of the H5N1 pathogen was foundin the affected birds. There is also evidence that this H5N1viral strain is now being transmitted between wild birds.Previously, the flu was only seen to move to wild birds fromdomestic fowl. The occurrence of highly pathogenic H5N1AIV infection in migrant waterfowl indicates that, this virushas the potential to be a global threat. Evidence of spread inwild geese means farmers outside of Southeast Asia shouldnow be more vigilant for signs of the disease. Avian flu is

Newsletter for Birdwatchers, 45 (5), 2005 67

Vegetation is mostly tropical wet evergreen and semievergreen with bamboos. The original type was tropicalevergreen but due to felling, and jhum (slash-and-burnshifting cultivation of the hill tribes), large areas are underbamboo, especially in older abandoned jhums. There aresome plantation patches raised by the Forest Departmentwith deciduous species such as the teak Tectonagrandis. Some of the finest rainforests of Mizoram arestill found in the southern part of the state covering partsof Lawngtlai and Saiha districts. In the higher areas ofthe east, subtropical broadleaf forest occurs. The gurjanor thingsen (Dipterocarpus turbinatus), kurta (Palaquiumpolyanthum) and cham (Artocarpus chaplasha) are someof the notable tree species of the tropical evergreen forest.In the semi evergreen forest, deciduous species such asbhelu (Tetrameles nudiflora), gamari (Gmelina arborea)

almost impossible to stamp out once it becomes establishedin farm poultry populations. Wild birds infected by bird flushed vast quantities of the virus in their droppings andsecretions. So poultry flocks can become infected with theseviruses in a number of ways.

According to Birdlife International, the H5N1 virus strain isnot currently contagious between humans and most humancases to date have been associated with close contact withinfected domestic poultry. The risk of a human contractingthe disease from a wild bird is remote, unless there wasexcessive close contact with infected birds and their excreta.Killing of wild birds are highly unlikely to stop the spread ofthe disease and are extremely difficult to implement. Thisview is shared by the World Health Organization, Food andAgriculture Organization of the United Nations, the WorldOrganisation for Animal Health and the UK Government.Indeed, culls have the potential to make the situation worseby dispersing infected individuals and stressing healthy birds,making them more prone to disease. Moreover, it would divertresources away from important disease control measures.

During the second half of September, representatives fromthe RSPB (BirdLife in the UK) and other UK bird NGOsincluding the BTO and WWT were involved in discussionswith the relevant UK government agencies, principally to adviceon the latest knowledge of the origins of birds wintering in theUK, migration routes and timing, and bird distributions withinthe UK. Such information is derived in large part from thehard work of volunteers working on schemes such as theBTO Ringing Scheme and the BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCCWetland Bird Survey (WeBS). As a result of this the RSPBhave published some guidelines for birdwatchers in relationto the disease.

Indian birdwatchers can play a pivotal role by visiting theneighborhood wetlands and keeping the wintering waterfowl d

Birds of Mizoram, a ChecklistANWARUDDIN CHOUDHURY, Deputy Commissioner, Baksa.

For corres: The Rhino Foundation for Nature in North-east India, Bamunimaidam, Guwahati 781 021

Introduction

The state of Mizoram (21°58'-24°30' N, 92°16'-93°25' E) in North

Eastern India was formerly referred to as the Lushai Hills ofSouthern Assam, covers an area of 21,081 km². Mizoram is

also part of an Endemic Bird Area, i.e., Eastern Himalaya(Stattersfield et al. 1998). The state is hilly and mountainous.The highest ranges are towards east with Phawngpui or BlueMountain (2157 m a.s.l., the highest point in Mizoram) andLengteng (2141 m a.s.l.) peaks. The lowest elevation is in theriverbeds near Assam-Mizoram and India-Bangladesh border(less than 100 m a.s.l.). The climate of Mizoram is tropical'monsoon' type with a hot wet summer and a cool dry winter.The temperature ranges from 7° to 34°C. The annual rainfall

ranges from 2000 to 4000 mm. The Tropic of Cancer cuts thestate into two.

under surveillance, for any tell tale symptoms of disease. Theyshould promptly report the outbreak of the disease, if any, tothe local authorities. They can also notify the national bodiessuch as MoEF New Delhi, HSADl Bhopal, and internationalorganizations such as Wetlands International, WHO, and BirdlifeInternational.

Ecological blunders are partly to be blamed for the spread ofthe epidemics like Mad-Cow disease, Bird Flu and Sars. Theyhave manifested as a result of the genetic narrowness andinbreeding of commercial varieties of livestock and poultry.Reckless production and utilization of dreadful, revenueoriented man-made animal feeds, lacking in wholesomeness,are responsible for the influx of genetically weak, recessiveand disease prone offsprings. They have limited or noresistance whatsoever and they readily fall victims to diseases.Poultry industry and livestock trade are generating hugequantities of waste materials, pollutants and pathogens, whichare conducive for the virulent forms of viruses to emerge andflourish. Wild birds that travel from one continent to the otherare unwittingly being drawn into this vicious cycle. The currentbird flu threat may morbidly afflict humans or leave themunscathed. But unless livestock and poultry trades areregulated and sanitation rules strictly enforced in everycountry, these disaster recipes will catalyze the advent ofdeadly virus strains, to perpetually torment global populations.

For further details please visit the following Websites: BirdLifeInternational index on bird flu http://www.birdlife.org/action/science/species/avian_flu/index.html. Indian perspective onbird migration and bird flu http://www.kolkatabirds.com/birdflu.htm

Thanking you,

Yours in bird conservationS. SridharPublisher, NLBW

http://www.birdlife.org/action/

http://www.kolkatabirds.com/

68 Newsletter for Birdwatchers, 45 (5) 2005

and simul (Dillenia scabrela) add to the evergreens. Inthe higher hills of the east, various oaks (Quercus spp.)and rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.) are found. Mainbamboo species are Melocanna bambusoides (baccifera)and Steinostachyum dulloa.

Mizoram has been poorly covered by ornithologicalsurveys. Due to long stint of insurgent activities (since1960s), the area was always low on the agenda of potentialresearchers. The few published works include Koelz(1954), Choudhury (1996, 2002ab, 2005), Katju (1996),and Ghosh and Thanga (1998). However, there are someunpublished listings and field reports, which provide usefuldata (Kaul et al. 1996, Robertson 1995-96, ShankarRaman 1995). General information on birds occurring inMizoram is also found in synoptic works such as Ali &Ripley (1987), Grimmett et al. (1998) and Islam andRahmani (2004).

In all, more than 500 species of birds are likely to occurin Mizoram (422 listed in Appendix 1).

Methods

Brief f ield works have been carried out in northernMizoram in 1986 (March), 1987(February), and 1988(April) while carrying out intensive wildlife surveys in thesouthern districts of Assam. During the course of thosevisits, I covered parts of Aizawl and Kolasib districts andthe fringe areas of Mamit district. In April 2000, two weekshave been spent in the field covering parts of Aizawl,Kolasib, Lawngtlai, Lunglei, Mamit, Saiha, and Serchhipdistricts. The protected areas surveyed were DampaSanctuary and Tiger Reserve, Ngengpui W ildl i feSanctuary, Phawngpui National Park and the fringe ofKhawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary. In February 2001, oneweek was spent in the field covering parts of Aizawl,Kolasib, and Champhai districts. The protected areassurveyed were Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary and MurlenNational Park.

The total distance covered in April 2000 includes, 61 kmof foot transect along the existing paths and streams inthe forests, 2.5 km boat-transect along the Ngengpui Riverand Palak Dil, and 1847 km transect along roads byvehicle. In February 2001, 30 km of foot transect alongthe existing paths and streams in the forests, and 943km transect along roads by vehicle. Houses in selectvillages were randomly searched for any preservedspecimen or part thereof. All materials were personallyexamined, identified, photographed and measured as perstandard procedure.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the following forest officials fortheir assistance during the study, N.Pradhan (ACF,HQ), L. Pachuan, P.Lianzuala, K.Hramzama and his wife,C.Buanga, C.Hranghimea, T.Zakiau, K.Kheilai, KhuduRay, Lalkung, Zarlansanga, Khaikhu, Lalnunzi ra,Sonadhar Saikia, Muankima, Rinsanga, Vanlalpeka, andother staff.I also thank the following for their help during

this study, Mizoram. Ms Bawitei, P. Rahlo, Mrs Nango,K.Vabeisia, Waukry, M. Goswami and J. Paul; Assam:Jalal Mazumdar, Amaruddin, Dr Anil Goswami, Hakim andmany others. Thanks are also due to late AlauddinChoudhury (my father), Sirai Laskar, Sirai, Monai, Tomu,and Mukut for assistance during survey in extremesouthern Assam.

APPENDIX 1

Annotated checklist of birds recorded so far in Mizoram. Threatcategory according to BirdLife (2004).

Species Stat Abun--us -dance

Family PhasianidaeHill partridge Arborophila torqueola R URufous-throated hill partridge Arborophila rufogularis R UWhite-cheeked hill partridge Arborophila atrogularis R CMountain bamboo partridge Bambusicola fytchii R CBlyth's tragopan Tragopan blythii Vulnerable, R R R URed jungle fowl Gallus gallus R CKaleej pheasant Lophura leucomelanos, latham R CMs. Hume's pheasant Syrmaticus humiae Vulnerable R UGrey peacock-pheasant Polyplectron bicalcaratum R CGreen or Burmese peafowl Pavo muticus Vulnerable V?Family DendrocygnidaeLesser whistling duck or Tree-duck Dendrocygna javanica M UFamily AnatidaeWhite-winged wood duck Cairina scutulata Endangered R VCotton teal or Cotton pigmy goose

Nettapus coromandelianus R UNorthern pintail Anas acuta W UFamily TurnicidaeSmall buttonquail Turnix sylvatica R CYellow-legged buttonquail Turnix tanki R,W UBarred buttonquail Turnix suscitator R CFamily IndicatoridaeYellow-rumped honeyguide Indicator xanthonotus R UFamily PicidaeSpeckled piculet Picumnus innominatus R UWhite-browed piculet Sasia ochracea R UGrey-capped pygmy woodpecker Dendrocopos

(syn Picoides) canicapillus RFulvous-breasted woodpecker Dendrocopos

(syn Picoides) macei RStripe-breasted woodpecker Dendrocopos

(syn Picoides) atratus RRufous-bellied woodpecker Dendrocopos

(syn Picoides) hyperythrus R UCrimson-breasted woodpecker Dendrocopos

(syn Picoides) cathpharius R UDarjeeling pied woodpecker Dendrocopos

(syn Picoides) darjellensis R URufous woodpecker Celeus (syn Micropternus) brachyurus R CSmall yellow-naped woodpecker or Lesser yellownape

Picus chlorolophus R CLarge yellow-naped woodpecker or Greater yellownape

Picus flavinucha R CBlack-naped green or Grey-headed woodpecker

Picus canus R CHimalayan golden-backed three-toed woodpecker or

Himalayan flameback Dinopium shorii R UIndian golden-backed three - toed woodpecker or

Common flameback Dinopium javanense R C


Larger golden-backed woodpecker or Greater flamebackChrysocolaptes lucidus R C

Pale-headed woodpecker Gecinulus grantia RBay woodpecker Blythipicus pyrrhotis RGreat slaty woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus RFamily MegalaimidaeGreat barbet Megalaima virens R CLineated barbet Megalaima lineata R CGolden-throated barbet Megalaima franklinii R CBlue-throated barbet Megalaima asiatica R CBlue-eared barbet Megalaima australis R CCoppersmith barbet Megalaima haemacephala R CFamily BucerotidaeGreat or Great pied hornbill Buceros bicornis R UBrown hornbill Anorrhinus (syn. Ptilolaemus) tickelli R URufous-necked hornbill Aceros nipalensis Vulnerable R UWreathed hornbill Aceros (syn. Rhyticeros) undulatus R UOriental pied hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris

syn. malabaricus R CFamily UpupidaeCommon hoopoe Upupa epops R CFamily TrogonidaeRed-headed trogon Harpactes erythrocephalus R CFamily CoraciidaeIndian roller Coracias benghalensis R UDollarbird or Broad-billed roller Eurystomus orientalis R CFamily AlcedinidaeCommon or Small blue kingfisher Alcedo atthis R CBlue-eared kingfisher Alcedo meninting R UOriental dwarf or Three-toed kingfisher Ceyx erithaca R UFamily HalcyonidaeStork-billed kingfisher Halcyon (syn. Pelargopsis) capensis R UWhite-breasted or White-throated kingfisher

Halcyon smyrnensis R CFamily CerylidaePied kingfisher Ceryle rudis R UFamily MeropidaeBlue-bearded bee-eater Nyctyornis athertoni R CGreen or Small green bee-eater Merops orientalis R CBlue-tailed bee-eater Merops philippinus R,L UChestnut-headed bee-eater Merops leschenaulti R CFamily CuculidaePied crested cuckoo Clamator jacobinus BmChestnut-winged or Red-winged crested

cuckoo Clamator coromandus R?Large hawk cuckoo Cuculus (syn. Hierococcyx)

sparverioides R,BmCommon hawk cuckoo or Brainfever bird Cuculus

(syn. Hierococcyx) varius R CHodgson's hawk-cuckoo Cuculus (syn. Hierococcyx) fugax R?Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus R,L CEurasian cuckoo Cuculus canorus R(?), BmLesser or Small cuckoo Cuculus poliocephalus R,MBanded bay cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii R,L(?)CPlaintive cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus R,MViolet cuckoo Chalcites (syn. Chrysococcyx) xanthorhynchus

Status unclear but present (R,L ?)Drongo cuckoo Surniculus lugubris R or MAsian koel Eudynamys scolopacea R,L CGreen-billed malkoha Rhopodytes

(syn. Phaenicophaeus) tristis R CFamily CentropodidaeGreater coucal or Crow-pheasant Centropus sinensis R C

Species Stat Abunus dance


Lesser coucal Centropus bengalensis R CFamily PsittacidaeVernal hanging parrot or Indian lorikeet Loriculus vernalis R,L UAlexandrine or Large indian parakeet Psittacula eupatria R URose-ringed parakeet Psittacula krameri R UEastern slaty-headed or Grey-headed

parakeet Psittacula finschii R CBlossom-headed parakeet Psittacula roseata R CRed-breasted parakeet Psittacula alexandri R CFamily ApodidaeHimalayan swiftlet Collocalia brevirostris RBrown - backed needletail or Large brown - throated

spinetail swift Chaetura giganteasyn. Hirundapus giganteus R,L

Asian palm swift Cypsiurus parvus syn. balasiensis RFork-tailed swift or Large white-rumped Apus pacificus W UDark-rumped swift Apus acuticauda Vulnerable, RR ? R UHouse swift Apus affinis R,L CFamily TytonidaeBarn owl Tyto alba R UFamily StrigidaeMountain or Spotted scops owl Otus spilocephalus REurasian scops owl Otus scops ? (listed by Robertson 1995-96)Collared scops owl Otus bakkamoena RBrown fish owl Ketupa zeylonensis R UBrown wood owl Strix leptogrammica RCollared owlet Glaucidium brodiei RAsian barred owlet Glaucidium cuculoides R,L CSpotted owlet Athene brama R CBrown hawk-owl Ninox scutulata R CFamily EurostopodidaeGreat eared nightjar Eurostopodus macrotis R,L CFamily CaprimulgidaeGrey or Indian jungle nightjar Caprimulgus indicus R,L CLarge-tailed or Long-tailed nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus R,LSavannah or Franklin's nightjar Caprimulgus affinis R,LFamily ColumbidaeRock or Blue rock pigeon Columba livia OSpeckled wood pigeon Columba hodgsonii R UAshy wood pigeon Columba pulchricollis R UOriental turtle dove Streptopelia orientalis R CSpotted dove Streptopelia chinensis R CRed collared or Red turtle dove Streptopelia tranquebarica R CIndian ring or Eurasian collared dove Streptopelia decaocto R CBar-tailed or Barred cuckoo-dove Macropygia unchall R CEmerald dove Chalcophaps indica R COrange-breasted green pigeon Treron bicincta R CPompadour or Grey-fronted green pigeon Treron pompadora R CThick-billed green pigeon Treron curvirostra R CYellow-legged green pigeon Treron phoenicoptera R CPin-tailed green pigeon Treron apicauda R,L CWedge-tailed green pigeon Treron sphenura R,L CGreen imperial pigeon Ducula aenea R CMountain imperial pigeon Ducula badia R CFamily RallidaeWhite-breasted waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus R CWater cock Gallicrex cinerea R UPurple swamphen or Purple moorhen Porphyrio porphyrio R CCommon moorhen Gallinula chloropus R CFamily Scolopacidae, subfamily ScolopacinaeEurasian woodcock Scolopax rusticola W CFamily Scolopacidae, subfamily TringinaeCommon greenshank Tringa nebularia W C


Burmese or Chestnut- rumped shrikeLanius collurioides R,L,P U

Black-headed shrike Lanius schach tricolor W CGrey-backed or Tibetan shrike Lanius tephronotus W CFamily Corvidae, subfamily CorvinaeEurasian jay Garrulus glandarius R URed-billed blue magpie Cissa (= Urocissa) erythrorhyncha R UCommon green magpie Cissa chinensis R CRufous or Indian treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda R CGrey or Himalayan treepie Dendrocitta formosae R,L CJungle or Large - billed crow Corvus macrorhynchos R UAshy woodswallow or Ashy swallow-shrike Artamus fuscus R CSlender-billed oriole Oriolus tenuirostris R UBlack-headed or Black-hooded oriole Oriolus xanthornus R CMaroon oriole Oriolus traillii R CLarge cuckooshrike Coracina novaehollandiae syn. macei R CBlack-winged or Smaller grey cuckooshrike

Coracina melaschistos R LSmall minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus R UGrey-chinned or Yellow-throated minivet Pericrocotus solaris RLong-tailed minivet Pericrocotus ethologus RShort-billed minivet Pericrocotus brevirostris R,L UScarlet minivet Pericrocotus flammeus R CPied or Bar-winged flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus RFamily Corvidae, subfamily DicrurinaeYellow-bellied fantail Rhipidura hypoxantha R,L CWhite-throated fantail flycatcher Rhipidura albicollis R CBlack drongo Dicrurus adsimilis syn. macrocercus R CGrey or Ashy drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus R CCrow-billed drongo Dicrurus annectans R,LBronzed drongo Dicrurus aeneus R CLesser racket-tailed drongo Dicrurus remifer R CHair-crested drongo Dicrurus hottentottus R CGreater racket-tailed drongo Dicrurus paradiseus R CBlack-naped monarch Hypothymis azurea R,L CAsian paradise flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi R,L UFamily Corvidae, subfamily AegithalinaeCommon iora Aegithina tiphia R CFamily Corvidae, subfamily MelanocotinaeLarge woodshrike Tephrodornis gularis syn.virgatus RFamily Muscicapidae, subfamily TurdinaeChestnut-bellied rock thrush Monticola rufiventris R,L CBlue rock thrush Monticola solitarius W CBlue whistling thrush Myiophonus caeruleus R,L COrange-headed thrush Zoothera citrina RLong-tailed thrush Zoothera dixoni WScaly or Golden mountain thrush Zoothera dauma R,L WDark-sided thrush Zoothera marginata RBlack-breasted thrush Turdus dissimilis R,LGrey-winged blackbird Turdus boulboul R,W CEye-browed or Dark thrush Turdus obscurus WLesser shortwing Brachypteryx leucophrys R,LDark-sided or Sooty flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica W UBrown-breasted flycatcher Muscicapa muttui R,LFerruginous flycatcher Muscicapa ferruginea R,LRusty-breasted blue or Slaty-backed flycatcher Muscicapa

(= Ficedula) hodgsonii R,L URufous- or Orange-gorgeted flycatcher Ficedula

(= Muscicapa) strophiata R URed-throated or Red-breasted flycatcher Ficedula

(= Muscicapa) parva W C



Wood or Spotted sandpiper Tringa glareola W CCommon sandpiper Tringa (syn. Actitis) hypoleucos W CFamily Charadriidae, subfamily CharadriinaeLittle ringed plover Charadrius dubius jerdoni R,L USpur-winged or River lapwing Vanellus spinosus syn.duvauceli R UGrey-headed lapwing Vanellus cinereus W URed-wattled lapwing Vanellus indicus R UWhite-tailed lapwing Vanellus leucurus W VFamily AccipitridaeJerdon's or Blyth's baza Aviceda jerdoni R UBlack baza Aviceda leuphotes R COriental honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus RBlack or Pariah kite Milvus migrans R UWhite-backed or White-rumped vulture

Gyps bengalensis Critically endangered OLong-billed vulture Gyps indicus Critically endangered OShort-toed snake eagle Circaetus gallicus One recordCrested serpent eagle Spilornis cheela R CPied harrier Circus melanoleucos W UShikra Accipiter badius R CCommon buzzard Buteo buteo W UBlack eagle Ictinaetus malayensis R UBooted hawk-eagle Hieraaetus pennatus W?,P? URufous-bellied hawk-eagle Hieraaetus kienerii R UChangeable hawk-eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus R CFamily FalconidaePied falconet Microhierax melanoleucos R UCommon kestrel Falco tinnunculus W COriental hobby Falco severus R UPeregrine falcon Falco peregrinus R UFamily PodicipedidaeLittle grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis R UFamily AnhingidaeDarter Anhinga melanogaster syn. rufa R CFamily PhalacrocoracidaeLittle cormorant Phalacrocorax niger R UGreat cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo W UFamily ArdeidaeLittle egret Egretta garzetta R UIntermediate or Smaller egret Mesophoyx intermedia

syn. Egretta intermedia R UCattle egret Bubulcus ibis R UIndian pond heron or Paddybird Ardeola grayii R ULittle or Little green heron Ardeola striatus syn.

Butorides striatus R CNight or Black-crowned night heron Nycticorax nycticorax R UMalayan night heron or Tiger bittern

Gorsachius melanolophus R UChestnut bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus R UFamily PittidaeBlue-naped pitta Pitta nipalensis R,L UBlue pitta Pitta cyanea R UFamily EurylaimidaeSilver-breasted or Collared broadbill Serilophus lunatus R ULong-tailed broadbill Psarisomus dalhousiae R,L CFamily IrenidaeGold-mantled chloropsis or Blue- winged leafbird

Chloropsis cochinchinensis R CGolden-fronted leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons R COrange-bellied leafbird Chloropsis hardwickii R UFamily LaniidaeBrown shrike Lanius cristatus W C


White-gorgeted flycatcher Ficedula(= Muscicapa) monileger R U

Snowy-browed or Rufous-breasted blue flycatcherFicedula (= Muscicapa) hyperythra R,L U

Little pied flycatcher Ficedula (= Muscicapa)westermanni L C

Ultramarine or White-browed blue flycatcher Ficedula(= Muscicapa) superciliaris Bm,R U

Slaty-blue flycatcher Ficedula tricolor(Muscicapa leucomelanura) R,L

Sapphire flycatcher Ficedula (= Muscicapa) sapphira R,W UVerditer flycatcher Eumyias (= Muscicapa) thalassina W CLarge niltava Niltava (= Muscicapa) grandis R,L CSmall niltava Niltava (= Muscicapa) macgrigoriae R,L CRufous-bellied niltava Niltava (= Muscicapa) sundara R,L CWhite-tailed flycatcher Cyornis concretus W UPale-chinned or Brooks's flycatcher Cyornis (=Muscicapa)

poliogenys R CPale blue flycatcher Cyornis (= Muscicapa) unicolor

seasonal status unclear CBlue-throated flycatcher Cyornis rubeculoides R,W UTickell's blue flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae W UGrey-headed canary flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis R,W CSiberian rubythroat Luscinia (= Erithacus) calliope W UOrange-flanked bush robin Tarsiger (= Erithacus) cyanurus W VGolden bush robin Tarsiger (= Erithacus) chrysaeus R,WOriental magpie robin Copsychus saularis R CWhite-rumped shama Copsychus malabaricus R CBlack redstart Phoenicurus ochruros W UBlue-fronted redstart Phoenicurus frontalis WWhite-capped water redstart or River chat

Chaimarrornis leucocephalus R,W CPlumbeous water redstart Rhyacornis fuliginosus R,W CWhite-tailed blue robin Cinclidium (Myiomela) leucura R,W CLittle forktail Enicurus scouleri R,L UBlack-backed forktail Enicurus immaculatus R CSlaty-backed forktail Enicurus schistaceus R,L CWhite-crowned or Leschenault's forktail Enicurus leschenaulti R,L CSpotted forktail Enicurus maculatus R,L CPurple cochoa Cochoa purpurea J R VGreen cochoa Cochoa viridis J R VCommon stonechat or Collared bushchat Saxicola torquata W,R CPied bushchat Saxicola caprata M,R CGrey or Dark-grey bushchat Saxicola ferrea R LFamily SturnidaeChestnut-tailed starling or Grey-headed myna

Sturnus malabaricus R CAsian pied starling or Pied myna Sturnus contra L UCommon myna Acridotheres tristis R CJungle myna Acridotheres fuscus R CWhite-vented or Orange-billed jungle myna

Acridotheres cinereus syn. javanicus R UHill myna Gracula religiosa R CFamily SittidaeChestnut-vented nuthatch Sitta nagaensis RChestnut-bellied nuthatch Sitta castanea R CWhite-tailed nuthatch Sitta himalayensis R WVelvet-fronted nuthatch Sitta frontalis R CFamily CerthiidaeSikkim or Brown-throated treecreeper Certhia discolor RFamily ParidaeGrey or Great tit Parus major R C

Species Stat Abun--us -dance


Green-backed tit Parus monticolus R WBlack-spotted yellow or Yellow-cheeked tit Parus spilonotus R CSultan tit Melanochlora sultanea R CFamily AegithalidaeBlack-throated or Red-headed tit Aegithalos concinnus R CFamily HirundinidaeCollared sand martin Riparia riparia R,LPlain sand martin Riparia paludicola R,LSwallow, Barn swallow or Common swallow Hirundo rustica R,W CRed-rumped or Striated swallow Hirundo daurica R,WAsian house martin Delichon dasypus W UNepal house martin Delichon nipalensis R,LFamily PycnonotidaeCrested finchbill or Finch-billed bulbul Spizixos canifrons R,LStriated or Striated green bulbul Pycnonotus striatus R,CBlack-headed bulbul Pycnonotus atriceps R CBlack-crested yellow bulbul Pycnonotus melanicterus R CRed-whiskered bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus R CRed-vented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer R CBlyth's or Flavescens bulbul Pycnonotus flavescens RWhite-throated bulbul Alophoixus (syn Cringer) flaveolus R,L COlive bulbul Iole virescens (Hypsipetes viridescens) R CAshy, Brown-eared or Yellow-winged bulbul

Hemixos (Hypsipetes) flavala R CMountain or Rufous-bellied bulbul Hypsipetes mcclellandii RBlack bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus syn. madagascariensis R,L CFamily CisticolidaeZitting cisticola or Streaked fantail warbler Cisticola juncidis R,LHill prinia or Black-throated hill warbler Prinia atrogularis R,L CRufescent prinia or Beavan's wren-warbler Prinia rufescens R CGrey-breasted prinia or Ashy-grey wren-warbler

Prinia hodgsonii R CFamily ZosteropidaeOriental white-eye Zosterops palpebrosus R CFamily Sylviidae, subfamily AcrocephalinaeChestnut-headed tesia or Ground warbler

Tesia castaneocoronata R,L CGrey-bellied tesia or Dull slaty-bellied ground warbler

Tesia cyaniventer R,L CStrong-footed or Brownish-flanked bush warbler

Cettia fortipes syn. montana R,WAberrant bush warbler Cettia flavolivacea W UBrown bush warbler Bradypterus luteoventris L CMountain or Golden-headed tailorbird Orthotomus cuculatus R UCommon tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius R CDark-necked or Black-necked tailorbird

Orthotomus atrogularis R UDusky warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus WBuff-barred or Orange-barred leaf warbler

Phylloscopus pulcher WLemon-rumped or Pallas's leaf warbler Phylloscopus

chloronotus syn. proregulus R,L,WYellow-browed warbler Phylloscopus inornatus R,WGreenish warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides WBlyth's leaf warbler Phylloscopus reguloides WYellow-vented warbler Phylloscopus cantator R,WGolden-spectacled warbler Seicercus burkii W CGrey-hooded warbler Seicercus xanthoschistos R,L CWhite-spectacled warbler or Allied flycatcher-warbler

Seicercus affinis R,LGrey-cheeked warbler Seicercus poliogenys R,LChestnut-crowned warbler Seicercus castaniceps R,L


Black-faced warbler Abroscopus schisticeps R,L CYellow-bellied warbler Abroscopus superciliaris R,L CFamily Sylviidae, subfamily MegalurinaeStriated marsh warbler or Striated grassbird

Megalurus palustris R CFamily Sylviidae, subfamily GarrulacinaeWhite-crested laughingthrush Garrulax leucolophus R CLesser necklaced laughingthrush Garrulax monileger R CBlack-gorgeted or Greater necklaced laughing-

thrush Garrulax pectoralis R CRufous-necked laughingthrush Garrulax ruficollis R CYellow-throated laughingthrush Garrulax galbanus R URufous-vented or yellow-breasted laughing thrush

Garrulax gularis (= delesserti ) R CAshy or Moustached laughingthrush Garrulax cineraceus R,L CRufous-chinned laughingthrush Garrulax rufogularis R,L CGrey-sided laughingthrush Garrulax caerulatus R,L CSpot-breasted laughingthrush Garrulax merulinus R CStriped or Manipur streaked laughingthrush

Garrulax virgatus RR R CBrown-capped laughingthrush Garrulax austeni RR R UBlue-winged laughingthrush Garrulax squamatus R URed-headed or Chestnut-crowned laughingthrush

Garrulax erythrocephalus R,L URed-faced liocichla or Crimson-winged laughing thrush

Garrulax (syn. Liocichla) phoenicea R,L CFamily Sylviidae, subfamily SylviinaeAbbott's babbler Malacocincla (syn. Trichastoma) abbotti R CBuff-breasted babbler Pellorneum tickelli RSpotted or Puff-throated babbler Pellorneum ruficeps R CLarge scimitar babbler Pomatorhinus hypoleucos R USpot-breasted scimitar babbler Pomatorhinus erythrocnemis R CWhite-browed or Slaty-headed scimitar babbler

Pomatorhinus schisticeps R CStreak-breasted or Rufous-necked or Scimitar babbler

Pomatorhinus ruficollis R,W CRed-billed, Hume's or Long-billed scimitar babbler

Pomatorhinus ochraceiceps RCoral-billed scimitar babbler Pomatorhinus ferruginosus R CSlender-billed scimitar babbler Xiphirhynchus superciliaris R,W LLong-billed wren babbler Rimator malacoptilus R,L VStreaked wren babbler Napothera brevicaudata R,L CScaly-breasted or Scaly-bellied wren babbler

Pnoepyga albiventer R,L UBrown or Pygmy wren babbler Pnoepyga pusilla R,L CLong-tailed or Streaked long-tailed wren babbler

Spelaeornis chocolatinus R CRufous-fronted or Red-fronted babbler Stachyris rufifrons R CGolden or Golden-headed babbler Stachyris chrysaea R CGrey-throated or Black-throated babbler Stachyris nigriceps R CStriped tit babbler or Yellow-breasted babbler

Macronous gularis R CChestnut-capped or Red-capped babbler Timalia pileata R CChinese babax Babax lanceolatus R Current status unknownSilver-eared mesia Leiothrix argentauris R CCutia or Nepal cutia Cutia nipalensis R UWhite-browed or Red-winged shrike babbler

Pteruthius flaviscapis R UBlack-eared or Chestnut-throated shrike babbler

Pteruthius melanotis R,W UWhite-hooded or White-headed shrike babbler

Gampsorhynchus rufulus R C



Rusty-fronted or Spectacled barwing Actinodura egertoni R CBlue-winged siva or Blue-winged minla Minla cyanouroptera R,W CBar-throated siva or Chestnut-tailed minla Minla strigula L,W URed-tailed minla Minla ignotincta R CYellow-throated fulvetta or Dusky-green tit babbler

Alcippe cinerea R URufous- winged fulvetta or Chestnut-headed tit babbler

Alcippe castaneceps R CRed-throated fulvetta or Tit babbler Alcippe rufogularis R CRusty-capped fulvetta or Rufous-headed tit babbler

Alcippe dubia syn. brunnea R CBrown-cheeked fulvetta or Quaker babbler

Alcippe poioicephala R CNepal fulvetta or Nepal babbler Alcippe nipalensis R,L CRufous-backed or Chestnut-backed sibia

Heterophasia annectans R UGrey sibia Heterophasia gracilis RR R CStriated or White-throated yuhina Yuhina castaniceps R CWhite-naped yuhina Yuhina bakeri RR R CWhiskered or Yellow-naped yuhina Yuhina flavicollis R,W CStripe-throated yuhina Yuhina gularis W UBlack-chinned yuhina Yuhina nigrimenta R CWhite-bellied yuhina Yuhina zantholeuca R UGrey-headed parrotbill Paradoxornis gularis R USpot-breasted or White-throated parrotbill

Paradoxornis guttaticollis RGreater rufous-headed parrotbill Paradoxornis ruficeps R UFamily AlaudidaeRufous-winged bush lark Mirafra assamica R COriental or Small skylark Alauda gulgula R,W,LFamily Nectariniidae, subfamily NectariniinaeYellow-vented flowerpecker Dicaeum chrysorrheum R CPlain flowerpecker Dicaeum concolor R CFire-breasted flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus R,L CScarlet-backed flowerpecker Dicaeum cruentatum R CRuby-cheeked sunbird Anthreptes singalensis R UPurple-rumped sunbird Nectarinia zeylonica RPurple-throated or Vanhasselt's sunbird Nectarinia sperata R UPurple sunbird Nectarinia asiatica R CMs. Gould's sunbird Aethopyga gouldiae R,L,W UGreen-tailed or Nepal yellow-backed sunbird

Aethopyga nipalensis R,LBlack-throated or Black-breasted sunbird Aethopyga saturata R,L,WCrimson or Yellow-backed sunbird Aethopyga siparaja R,L CFire-tailed sunbird Aethopyga ignicauda R,L CLittle spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra R CStreaked spiderhunter Arachnothera magna R,L CFamily Passeridae, subfamily PasserinaeHouse sparrow Passer domesticus R URusset or Cinnamon tree sparrow Passer rutilans R,W UEurasian tree sparrow Passer montanus R CFamily Passeridae, subfamily MotacillinaeForest wagtail Dendronanthus (Motacilla) alba R,W,LCWhite or Pied wagtail Motacilla alba W CCitrine or Yellow-headed wagtail Motacilla citreola W CYellow wagtail Motacilla flava W CGrey wagtail Motacilla cinerea syn. caspica W URichard's pipit Anthus richardi WPaddyfield pipit Anthus rufulus syn. novaeseelandiae R CIndian tree or Olive-backed pipit Anthus hodgsoni W CFamily Passeridae, subfamily PloceinaeBaya weaver Ploceus philippinus R,L U


Family Passeridae, subfamily EstrildinaeWhite-rumped or White-backed munia Lonchura striata R CSpotted or Scaly- breasted munia Lonchura punctulata R CBlack-headed munia Lonchura malacca R UFamily Fringillidae, subfamily FringillinaeYellow-breasted or Himalayan greenfinch Carduelis spinoides R,WCommon rosefinch or Scarlet grosbeak Carpodacus erythrinus WScarlet finch Haematospiza sipahi R,L USpot-winged grosbeak Mycerobas

(syn. Coccothraustes) melanozanthos R,L UFamily Fringillidae, subfamily EmberizinaeLittle bunting Emberiza pusilla W CChestnut bunting Emberiza rutila W U

Status: R=resident; W=winter visitor; L=local movement;M= migrant; Bm= breeding migrant; P=passage migrantAbundance: C=common; U=uncommon; O=occasionalRR=restricted range.

ReferencesAli, S. and Ripley, S.D. 1987. Compact Handbook of the Birds of India

and Pakistan, (2nd edition). Bombay (Mumbai): Oxford Univ. Press.

Birdlife 2004. Threatened Birds of the World. Birdlife International, CDRom, Cambridge, U.K.

Choudhury, A.U. 1996. On the trail of Blyth's Tragopan. WPA NewsNo.51: 14-16.

Choudhury, A. U. 2002a. Survey of Mrs Hume's Pheasant in NE India.d

decline in abundance and distribution as a consequence ofdegradation and reduction in habitat. The large-scalechanges in the landscape of the Kumaon must have adverselyaffected the bird community.

The Kumaon Himalayas presents a variety of habitat typesranging from moist deciduous forests at lower altitudes, inSiwalik hills to alpine meadows at higher reaches of theHimalayan mountains. Extensive tracts of Shorea robusta(sal) forest dominate the Siwalik hills and extend up to analtitude of 1200 m. Beyond this pine forests dominate thelandscape upto 2400 m. Oak forests occur at middle altitudeof Himalayan hills and stretch between 1300 and 3200 m.The temperate broad leaf forest that includes species suchas Tsuga demosa, Taxus baccata and Betula utilis occurbetween 3200 and 3500 m., while above this altitude lies thealpine zone dominated by shrubs and grasses.

Surveyed sites in Kumaon HimalayasThe survey was conducted during pre monsoon of 1997 inthree districts of the Kumaon Himalayas i.e., Almora, Nainitaland Pithoragarh. Overall 19 sites were covered. Briefdescription of each surveyed site is as follows.

1.Kunjakharak: This area is situated on 29° 33� 3.75� N

latitude and 79° 33� 3.75�E longitude. The area is 12 km²

Report No. 5. The Rhino Foundation for nature in NE India, Guwahati[final report to OBC, UK]. 30pp, maps.

Choudhury, A.U. 2002b. Major inland wetlands of north-eastern India. Areport submitted to Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology & Natural History(SACON), Coimbatore. 49pp, incl. maps, plates.

Choudhury, A.U. 2005. New sites for Mrs Hume's Pheasant Syrmaticushumiae in north-east India based on hunter's specimens and localreports

Ghose, D. & Thanga, L. 1998. Nesting of Blyth's Tragopan. Tragopan 8: 9.

Grimmett,R., Inskipp, C. and Inskipp, T. 1998: Birds of the Indiansubcontinent. London: Christopher Helm (Publishers) Ltd.

Islam, Z. and Rahmani, A.R. (eds.) 2004. Important Bird Areas in India.Bombay Natural History Society, Mumbai and BirdLife International,Cambridge.

Katju, D. 1996. Pheasants in Mizoram, India: an impression. Tragopan5:9-10.

Kaul,R., Ahmed, A. and Katju, D. 1996. Wildlife studies in north-east India- IV [Mizoram]. Unpub. Report, World Pheasant Association (India),New Delhi.

Koelz, W. 1954. Ornithological studies. Contrib. Inst. Regional Exploration,No.1. Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

Robertson, A. 1995-96. Mizoram - list of bird species observed. Unpub.Report. 13 pp.

Shankar Raman, T.R. 1995. Shifting cultivation and conservation of tropicalforest bird communities in north-east India. Unpub. Report to OrientalBird Club.

Stattersfield, A.J., Crosby,M.J., Long, A.J., & Wege, D.C. 1998. EndemicBird Areas of the World, priorities for Biodiversity Conservation.Cambridge: Birdlife International.


Birds of Middle Altitude Oak Forest,Kumaon Himalayas

ORUS ILYAS, Department of Wildlife Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh-202002

IntroductionThe Himalayas have enjoyed historic and religious significancefor over thousands of years. Kumaon Himalayas is the mostpicturesque part of the Himalayas in Northern India. TheKumaon Himalayas, comprising Almora, Pithoragarh andNainital districts in Uttaranchal, India, cover an area of 21032km². It lies between 28° 43� 55� & 30° 30� 12� N latitude and

78° 44� 30� & 80° 45� E longitude. Kumaon Himalayas is an

irresistible tourist attraction, famous for its unmatched viewfrom different oak patches with the backdrop of breathtakingsnow clad Himalayan peaks and also for the opportunity itoffers to stay in the midst of a rich variety of wild animalsand native flora.

Kumaon Himalayas was once covered with extensive tractsof oak forest (Quercus spp.). Significant changes in landuse pattern, brought about by man during the last twocenturies have led to fragmentation of oak forest. Large areashave been replaced either by chir-pine (Pinus roxburghii) orterrace cultivation for maximising economic gains.

Changes in landscape leading to alteration in vegetationcommunities and reduction in extent of natural forests areoften associated with changes in distribution and abundanceof animal community. The bird community may experience


and altitude varies from 1900 - 2400 mts. Quercussemecarpifolia and Quercus floribunda are the main oakspecies present there and the tree density is 280/ha. Othertree species are Cedrus deodara, Rhododendron sp andViburnum mullaia present there.

2.Binayak: This oak patch has 20 km² area and is situated

on 29° 27� 45.4� N latitude and 79° 24� 31.8� E longitude. The

altitude variation is from 1900 - 2500 mts. The forest is mixedtype with many coniferous tree species such as Taxus bacata,Abes pindrow and Cedrus deodara. The tree density is 452/ha and main oak species were Quercus leucotrichophoraand Quercus floribunda.

3.Mukteshwer: This oak patch is maintained by IndianVeterinary Research Institute (IVRI) and its area is about 25km², situated on 29° 28'34.05" N latitude and 79° 38' 28.12"

E longitude. The altitude varies from 1500-2340 mts. MainlyQuercus floribunda was planted there and other tree speciesassociated are Ilex, Quercus leucotrichophora andRhododendron. Tree density is 890/ha.

4.Gager: The area of Gager is about 10 km². It's situation is

29° 26' 11.35" N latitude and 79° 30' 31.87"E longitude. The

altitude varies from 1700-2300 mts of this patch. The treedensity is 949/ha while the main species associate isQuercus floribunda, Rhododendron sp and Viburnum sp.

5.Maheshkhan: This area is situated on 29° 24'16.2" N

latitude and 79° 33'50.62" E longitude. It's size is about 12

km² and altitude varies from 1900-2300 mts. Tree density is

564/ha and dominant tree species are Quercusleucotrichophora, Quercus floribunda, Cedrus deodara andLyonia sp.

6. Sunderdhunga: This site is situated on 30° 13�30.32� N

latitude and 79° 54� 18.5� E longitude, covers an area about

100 km². The altitude varies from 2500mts to alpine zone.

It's mainly mixed conifer forest type. Tree density is about588/ha and dominant tree species are Abes pindrow, Betulautilis and Quercus lanata. Important animal species such asHimalayan mouse hare (Ochotona roylei), Satyr tragopan(Tragopan sayra), Monal pheasant (Lophophorus impejanus)were sighted.

7. Pindari: Its a famous glacier trekking route, situated on30° 11� 11.29� N latitude and 79° 59� 30� E longitude. The

area of pindari is about 200 km² and altitude varies from 2400

mts to alpine zone. The tree density is 389/ha. Taxus baccata,Abes pindrow, Betula util is, Quercus lanata andRhododendron barbatum are dominant tree species. Apartfrom flora, other bird species like Satyr tragopan and Monalpheasant were sighted.

8. Jageshwer: This site is situated on 29° 39�3.24� N latitude

and 79° 33�3.75�E longitude. Altitude range from 1900-2100

mts. Tree density 841/ha and dominated tree species areQuercus leucotrichophora, Litsea umbrossa, Persea dutheiand Swida oblonga.

9. Sitlakhet : The area is about 10 km², lies on 29° 35�45.90�N

latitude and 79° 33�3.75�E longitude. Altitude ranges from

1900-2100mts. Tree density is 787/ha and dominent treespecies were Quercus leucotrichophora, Litsea, Perseaduthei and Swida oblonga.

10. Pandavkholi: This site lies on 29° 35�19.45� N latitude

and 79° 27�E longitude, which comprises 14 km². Altitude

varies from 1800-2500 mts. This oak patch has 779/ha treedensity and main tree species are Quercus floribunda, Ilex,Eunanymous tingens and Symplocos thifolia.

11. Gasi: This patch has a very long stretch of oak forestwhich covers an area about 100 km². It's direction is towards

30° 4�48.38�N latitude and 80° E longitude. The altitude varies

from 2300-2900 mts. Dominant tree species are Symplocosthifolia, Litsea umbrossa, Persea duthei and Quercusfloribunda and their density is 1006/ha.

12. Gandhura: The patch size of Ghandhura forest is 50km² and lies between 29° 51�40� N altitude and 80° 14�

16.9�E latitude. The tree density is 891/ha and altitude varies

from 1500-2600m.

13. Sobla: The fragmented oak patch lies between 30° 4'1.62"

N latitude and 80° 34�15�E longitude, covers 30 km² area.

The altitude ranges from 1900-3500mts. Dominant treespecies are Abes pindrow, Quercus lanata, Pinus wallichiana,Taxus baccata, Betula utilis and density is 847/ha.

14. Duku: This site lies on 30° 1' 56.25" N latitude and 80°

30' E longitude. The area is approximately 65 km² and

elevation ranges from 2100-3500 mts. The main tree specieswas Quercus foribunda, Persea duthei, Rhododendron andtheir density is 837/ha.

15. Majtham: This fragmented oak patch is also a part ofAskot Wildlife Sanctuary. Area is about 30 km² and altitude

ranges from 1300-2700 mts. The tree density is 964/ha andthe dominant tree species are Quercus lanata, Myricaesculenta, Lyonia ovalifolia and Rhododendron arboreum.

16. Daphiyadhura: The area of this patch is 35 km²and

altitude ranges from 1300-2440 mts. The tree density is 904/ha. while the dominant tree species are Lyonia ovalifolia,Rhododendron arboreum, Quercus lanata, Quercussemecarpifolia and Quercus leucotriceophora.

17. Munsiyari: This oak patch lies on 30° 5�3.24� N latitude

and 80° 14�41.25� E longitude, and cover and area of 100

km². Elevation ranges from 2100-2500 mts. This place is

very near to Milam glacier that is why forest was mixedconiferous type. Main tree species are Quercussemecarpifolia, Texus baccata. Rhododendron arboreum andBetula utilis, while the tree density is 408/ha.

18. Mechh: This oak patch is in Champawat range and coversan area of 50 km². The altitude ranges from 2100-2200 mts.

The dominant tree species are Quercus lanata,Rhododendron arboreum, Myrica esculenta, Lyonia ovalifoliawhile the density was 651/ha.

19. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary: This oak patch is situated30 km far in the east direction of Almora district and coversan area about 45 km². The altitude ranges from 1500- 2440m

from the sea level. The dominant tree species are Quercusfloribunda, Quercus leucotrichophora, Rhododendronarboreum, Myrica esculenta, Lyonia ovalifolia etc.

An extensive survey was conducted to list the bird speciesin Kumaon Himalayas during pre-monsoon 1997. Total 19


oak patches were selected and surveyed to record the birdspecies at different sites in Kumaon Himalayas. A list of 207bird species belonging to 36 families were recorded from 19oak patches of Kumaon Himalayas.

During our survey we recorded 4 species of Pheasants: Kaleejpheasant (Lophura leucomelanos), Koklas pheasant(Pucrasia macrolopha), Satyr tragopan and Monal pheasant.Out of four the two pheasants such as Satyr tragopan andMonal pheasant were found to be endangered.

Birds such as nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes, alpinechough Pyrrhocorax graculus, brown dipper Cinclus pallasiiwere found at very high altitude near Pindari and Sunderdhugaarea.

Though the entire Kumaon Himalayas is rich in bird diversity,due to large scale clearance of forest for agriculture andcommercial purposes; anthropogenic pressures on the oakpatches for fuel-wood, fodder, timber and other NTFP; theoak forests are not only becoming thinner but are also gettingconsiderably fragmented. Poaching is one of the major threatsto the bird diversity of Kumaon Himalayas. To conserve thebird species as well as the biodiversity of the area, well-planned, sustainable eco-development strategy should beinitiated on a war footing.

Table. Check list of the birds of Kumaon Himalayas

Common name Scientific name

Family: Ciconiidae1. Black stork Ciconia nigraFamily: Accipitridae2. Pariah kite Milvus migrans3. Shikra Accipiter badius4. Sparrow hawk Accipiter nisus melaschistos5. Upland buzzard Buteo hemilasius6. Eastern steppe eagle Aquila rapax nipalensis7. Bonelli's eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus8. Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos9. Black eagle Ictinaetus malayensis10. Himalayan greyheaded

fishing eagle Ichthyophaga nana11. King vulture Sarcogyps calvus12. Himalayan griffon Gyps himalayensis13. Egyptian vulture Neophron percnopterus14. Bearded vulture Gypaetus barbatus15. Crested serpent eagle Spilornis cheelaFamily: Falconidae16. Shaheen falcon Falco peregrinus peregrinator17. Kestrel Falco tinnunculusFamily: Phasianidae18. Chukor partridge Alectoris chukar19. Black partridge Francolinus francolinus20. Common hill partridge Arborophila torqueola21. Kaleej pheasant Lophura leucomelanos22. Koklas pheasant Pucrasia macrolopha23. Satyr tragopan Tragopan satyra24. Monal pheasant Lophophorus impejanusFamily: Columbidae25. Wedge tailed green pigeon Treron sphenura26. Yellow legged green pigeon Treron phoenicoptera27. Snow pigeon Columba leuconota27. Wood pigeon Columba palumbus28. Hill pigeon Columba rupestris29. Rufous turtle dove Streptopelia orientalis

30. Indian ring dove Streptopelia decaocto31. Spotted dove Streplopelia chinensis32. Emerald dove Chalcophaps indicaFamily: Psittacidae33. Roseringed parakeet Psittacula krameri34. Blossomheaded parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala35. Slatyheaded parakeet Psittacula himalayana36. Redbreasted parakeet Psittacula alexandriFamily: Cuculidae37. Large hawk-cuckoo Cuculus sparverioides38. Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus39. The cuckoo Cuculus canorusFamily: Strigidae40. Collared pigmy owlet Glaucidium brodiei41. Barred owlet Glaucidium cuculoides42. Brown wood owl Strix leptogrammicaFamily: Caprimulgidae43. Indian jungle nightjar Caprimulgus indicus44. Longtailed nightjar Caprimulgus macrurusFamily: Apopidae45. Whitethroated spinetail swift Chaetura caudacuta46. Large whiterumped swift Apus pacificus47. The Swift Apus apus48. White rumped spinetail Chaetura sylvaticaFamily: Alcedinidae49. Common kingfisher Alcedo atthis50. White breasted kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensisFamily: Meropidae51. Chestnut headed bee-eater Merops leschenaulti52. Green bee-eater Merops orientalisFamily: Upupidae53. Hoopoe Upupa epopsFamily: Capitonidae54. Great hill barbet Megalaima virens55. Blue throated barbet Megalaima flavifrons56. Crimson throated barbet Megalaima rubricapillusFamily: Picidae57. Scalybellied green

woodpecker Picus squamatus58. Blacknaped green

woodpecker Picus canus59. Large yellownaped

woodpecker Picus flavinucha60. Small yellownaped

woodpecker Picus chlorolophus61. Lesser goldenbacked

woodpecker Dinopium benghalense62. Rufousbellied woodpecker Hypopicus hyperythrus63. Himalayan pied woodpecker Picoides himalayensis64. Brownfronted pied

woodpecker Picoides auriceps65. Fulvousbreasted pied

woodpecker Picoides tridactylusFamily: Hirundinidae66. Nepal house marten Delichon nipalensisFamily: Laniidae67. Grey Shrike Lanius excubitorFamily: Oriolidae68. Golden oriole Oriolus oriolus69. Slenderbilled black oriole Oriolus chinensis tenuirostris70. Maroon oriole Oriolus trailliiFamily: Dicruridae71. Black drongo Dicrurus adsimilis72. Ashy drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus73. Bronzed drongo Dicrurus aeneus


74. Haircreasted drongo Dicrurus hottentottus75. Lesser racket tailed drongo Dicrurus andamanensisFamily: Sturnidae76. Common myna Acridotheres tristis77. Jungle myna Acridotheres fuscus78. Hill myna Gracula religiosaFamily: Corvidae79. Jay Garrulus glandarius80. Blackthroated jay Garrulus lanceolatus81. Redbilled blue Magpie Cissa erythrorhyncha82. Yellow billed blue magpie Cissa flavirostris83. Himalayan tree pie Dendrocitta formosae84. Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes85. Alpine chough Pyrrhocorax graculus86. House crow Corvus splendens87. Jungle crow Corvus macrorhynchosFamily: Campephagidae88. Pied flycatcher shrike Hemipus picatus89. Smaller grey cuckoo-shrike Coracina melaschistos90. Longtailed minivet Pericrocotus ethologus91. Scarlet minivet Pericrocotus flammeusFamily: Pycnonotidae92. Whitecheeked bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys93. Redvented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer94. Black bulbul Hypsipetes madagascariensis95. Rufous bellied bulbul Hypsipetes mcclellandiFamily: MuscicapidaeSub Family: Timaliinae96. Scalybreasted wren babbler Pnoepyga albiventer97. Rustycheecked scimitar babblerPomatorhinus erythrogenys98. Whitethroated laughing thrushGarrulax albogularis99. Striated laughing thrush Garrulax striatus100. Streaked laughing thrush Garrulax lineatus101. Varigated laughing thrush Garrulax variegatus102. Redheaded laughing thrush Garrulax erythrocephalus103. Redwinged shrike babbler Pteruthius flaviscapis104. Barthroated siva Minla strigula105. Blue winged siva Minla cyanouroptera106. Yellownaped yuhina Yuhina flavicollis107. Blackcapped sibia Heterophasia capistrataSub family: Muscicapinae108. Sooty flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica109. Rufoustailed flycatcher Muscicapa ruficauda110. Orangegorgeted flycatcher Muscicapa ferruginea111. Little pied flycatcher Muscicapa westermanni112. Rufousbellied Niltava Muscicapa sundara113. Small Niltava Muscicapa macgrigoriae114. Whitebrowed blue flycatcher Muscicapa superciliaris115. Verditer flycatcher Muscicapa thalassina116. Greyheaded flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis117. Whitebrowed faintail flycatcher Rhipidura aureola118. Whitethroated fantail flycatcher Rhipidura albicollisSub family: Sylviinae119. Aberrant bush warbler Cettia flavolivacea120. Spotted bush warbler Bradypterus thoracicus121. Plain leaf warbler Phylloscopus neglectus122. Tickell's leaf warbler Phylloscopus affinis123. Orangebarred leaf warbler Phylloscopus pulcher124. Yellowbrowed leaf warbler Phylloscopus inornatus125. Greyfaced leaf warbler Phylloscopus maculipennis126. Largebilled leaf warbler Phylloscopus magnirostris127. Dull green warbler Phylloscopus tenellipes128. Blackbrowed leaf warbler Phylloscopus cantator

129. Greyheaded flycatcher warbler Seicercus xanthoschistos130. Blackfaced flycatcher warbler Abroscopus schisticeps131. Gold crest Regulus regulusSub family: Turdinae132. Blue chat Erithacus brunnea133. Magpie robin Copsychus saularis134. Orange flanked bush robin Erithacus cyanurus135. Whitebrowed bush robin Erithacus indicus136. Blueheaded redstart Phoenicurus coeruleocephalus137. Black redstart Phoenicurus ochruros138. Bluefronted redstart Phoenicurus frontalis139. Little forktail Enicurus scouleri140. Spotted forktail Enicurus maculatus141. Pied bush chat Saxicola capraata142. Stone chat Saxicola torquata143. Desert wheatear Oenanthe deserti144. Whitecapped redstart Chaimarrornis leucocephalus145. Chestnutbellied rock thrush Monticola rufiventris146. Blue rock thrush Monticola solitarius147. Blue whistling thrush Myiophonus caeruleus148. Plainbacked mountain thrush Zoothera mollissima149. Longtailed mountain thrush Zoothera dixoni150. Golden mountain thrush Zoothera dauma151. Large brown thrush Zoothera monticola152. Tickell's thrush Turdus unicolor153. Whitecollard black bird Turdus albocinctus154. Grey winged black bird Turdus boulboul155. Grey headed thrush Turdus rubrocanus156. Blackthroated thrush Turdus ruficollis atrogularis157. Mistle thrush Turdus viscivorusFamily: Cinclidae158. Brown dipper Cinclus pallasiiFamily: Prunellidae159. Alpine accentor Prunella collaris160. Robin accentor Prunella rubeculoides161. Rufous breasted accentor Prunella strophiataFamily: Paridae162. Grey tit Parus major163. Green backed tit Parus monticolus164. Crested black tit Parus melanolophus165. Black tit Parus rufonuchalis166. Coal tit Parus ater167. Yellow cheeked tit Parus xanthogenys168. Firecapped tit Cephalopyrus flammiceps169. Red headed tit Aegithalos cocinnus170. White throated tit Aegithalos niveogularis171. Brown crested tit Parus dichrousFamily: Sittidae172. Whitetailed nuthatch Sitta himalayensisFamily: Certhiidae173. Tree creeper Certhia familiaris174. Himalayan tree creeper Certhia himalayanaFamily: Motacillidae175. Paddy field pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae176. Yellow wagtail Motacilla flava177. Grey wagtail Motacilla cinerea178. Pied wagtail Motacilla alba179. Upland pipit Anthus sylvanusFamily: Dicaeidae180. Firebreasted flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectusFamily: Nectariniidae181. Nepal yellowbacked sunbird Aethopyga nipalensis182. Blackbreasted sunbird Aethopyga saturata


183. Mrs Gould,s sunbird Athopyga gouldiae184. Yellowbacked sunbird Aethopyga siparajaFamily: Zesteropidae185. White eye Zosterops palpebrosaFamily: PloceidaeSub family: Passerinae186. House sparrow Passer domesticus187. Tree sparrow Passer montanus188. Cinnamon tree sparrow Passer rutilansSub family: Estrildinae189. White throated munia Lonchura malabarica190. Spotted munia Lonchura punctulataFamily: FringillidaeSub family: Fringillinae191. Himalayan green finch Carduelis spinoides192. Hodgson's mountain finch Leucosticte nemoricola

Long-billed Vultures Gyps indicus in ChandrapurDistrictLaxmikant Harkare sighted 8 Long-billed Vultures atMahadeo Pahadi (hills) near Dahegaon village in Chimurtaluq of Chandrapur district. This site is locatedapproximately 90kms North-East of Nagpur city. Locals haveinformed about the nesting of Long-billed Vultures at Mahadeopahadi.

Then Dr. Anil Pimplapure, Gopal Thosar and RameshLadkhedkar visited this site on 19th June 2005 and saw 4vultures. On 28th August 2005 Raju Kasambe and Dr. TariqueSani visited the site and saw 7 Long-billed Vultures andphotographed them on the ledges in the cliffs.

Long-billed Vultures Gyps indicus in MTR:On 1st August 1999, 2 Longbil led Vultures wereseen perching on clif f of Dharkhora waterfall (RK).In November 2000, three nests of Long-billed Vultures werefound at Panchbol Valley (echo point) on the cliff near thewaterfall (AP). One egg each was laid in two nests, whereasthe third pair did not lay any egg and abandoned thenest. One chick died 5 days after hatching. The remainingchick fledged in April 2001 successfully. However, two deadbirds were seen on the ledges. One bird was removed fromthe ledge and sent to Poultry Diagnostic Research Centre,Pune. The post-mortem report said it died of some�viral fever� (AP).

Also, 5 nests of Long-billed Vultures were found on the cliffsof Dharkhora waterfall (near Buradghat village, Taluq.Paratwada) and 2 nests were found at Bhimkund valley nearthe waterfall (near Chikhaldara hill-station). A maximum of14 Long-billed Vultures were sighted at a time during thisperiod (AP).

193. Common rose finch Carpodacus erythrinus194. Pink browed rose finch Carpodacus rodochrous195. Vinaceous rosefinch Carpodacus vinaceus196. Redmantled rose finch Carpodacus rhodochlamys197. Brown bullfinch Pyrrhula nipalensis198. Red headed bullfinch Pyrrhula erythrocephala199. Spotted winged grosbeak Coccothraustes melanozanthos200. Linnet Acanthis cannabina201. Gold fronted finch Serinus pusillus202. Red browed finch Callacanthis burtoni203. Spotted winged rosefinch Carpodacus rhodopeplus204. Great rosefinch Carpodacus rubicilla205. Red headed rosefinch Propyrrhula subhimachalaFamily: Emberizidae206. Rock bunting Emberiza cia207. Crested bunting Melophus lathami d

Vulture notes from Vidarbha including Melghatand Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserves

RAJU KASAMBE#, Dr. ANIL PIMPALAPURE*, JAYANT WADATKAR** and AJAY PILLARISETT,#64, Vidya Vihar Colony, Pratap Nagar, NAGPUR, Maharastra. PIN-440022

Email: [email protected] *Q-12, Siddhivinayak Apts. Laxmi Nagar,Nagpur, Maharastra, PIN-440022

**Post-Graduate Dept. of Zoology, Amravati University, Amravati, Maharastra, PIN-444606

Introduction:The population of vultures has dwindled everywhere. So isthe case at Vidarbha including Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR)and Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR). We fear that thepopulation of all species of vultures, except the LongbilledVultures Gyps indicus, has probably been wiped out by nowin MTR.

In 1925, Mr. R. T. Jenkin, the then R.F.O. Melghat wrotethat � Griffon Vultures (Gyps fulvus) and Scavenger Vultures(Neophron percnopterus) are characteristic of Melghat andthe latter is common near Chikhalda (now Chikhaldara).�Mr. V. B. Sawarkar (1987) mentioned 4 species of Vulturesin MTR in his �Birds of Melghat- Checklist.� These included

King (Red-headed) Vultures Sarcogyps calvus, Indian White-rumped Vultures Gyps bengalensis, Indian LongbilledVultures Gyps indicus (all resident, uncommon) andEgyptian Vultures Neophron percnopterus (resident,common). However, he did not find Griffon Vultures (Gypsfulvus), which were mentioned by Mr. R.T. Jenkin.

Here we are providing the compiled-recent sighting recordsof various vulture species in Vidarbha by the authors. Butthis is not a comprehensive list and does not mean thatvultures are not found at other places in Vidarbha.

White-rumped Vultures Gyps bengalensis in TATR:On 3rd October 2002, JW located 8 nests of White-backedVultures on trees about 30 to 40 feet from ground. Out ofthese 6 were located on trees near Upsha Nullah and twowere located near the Piparheti village. The locals here calledthe nests as �Gotha.� A maximum of 12 vultures were sighted

at a time on the day. The next day, 6 vultures were sightednear Navargaon, a small village . All these locations are onthe fringe of TATR in Chandrapur district.

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It was observed that though there were only 3 nests atPanchbol valley (near Chikhaldara), more vultures werepresent there. The ledges seemed to have gathered lot ofmud and grass thus filling the cave (AP). On 23rd September2001, two ledges were cleared of debris, by a team ofadventurers, viz., Dhanajay Bhagat, Parveshkumar, Mr.Dhanajay Thete, Ajay Pillarisett, Raju Kasambe, JayantWadatkar, and Kedar Pawgi using rappelling and zoomaringtechniques. Surprisingly, a completely decomposed vultureskeleton was found in one ledge. It was brought to Amravati,cleaned and the skeleton is now kept at the Department ofZoology, Amravati University, Amravati.

One bird was seen in flight near Gawilgarh fort (nearChikhaldara) on 1st July 2001 (JW, RK). One bird was againsighted in flight near Dharkhora waterfall on 31st November2001 (JW, RK).

Egyptian Vultures Neophron percnopterus in AmravatiDistrictA single vulture was sighted at Kekatpur reservoiron 30 th January 2000 (RK, JW and Gopal Thosar).Kekatpur is located 30kms north of Amravati city. After agap of almost two years, one more vulture was sighted neara carcass, on the banks of Chhatri reservoir (RK with KishorDudhe), which is adjacent to Amravati city, on 25th and 26th

December 2001. But the stray dogs kept the vulture awayfrom its food and ultimately forced the vulture to fly awaywithout feeding.ReferencesJenkin, R. T., (1925) A Guide to Chikhalda, Govt. Press, NagpurSavarkar, V. B. (1987). Bird Survey of Melghat Tiger Reservoir, Cheetal,

29: 4-27Wadatkar J. S. and Kasambe Raju (2002). Checklist of Birds from

Pohara-Malkhed Reserve Forest, District Amravati, Maharastra,ZOOS-PRINT. 17(6): 807-811.

CORRESPONDENCE

ABOUT A CRAKE. WESLEY, DANIEL, H. 2/126,Ramalinga Nagar South, Tiruchirappalli � 620 017.

Adjacent to my house compound is a plot of land earmarkedfor a park. Low lying area, it receives rain water during thewet season and is overgrown on one half with Typha and onthe other with floating Eichchornia.

On 9th January, 2004 there appeared among the Typhaand seen with the chicks of white breasted water hen, asmallish bird. Its general feeding behaviour was like that ofwaterhen, it pulled things up and pecked and rammedon them rapidly. It was not of the Ruddy-breasted crake Ihad seen on 23 January 1992 at a paddy field 60 kmaway from Tiruchirappalli. It resembled in its gait a spottedcrake (Porzana porzana) I had observed in a typa-infestedwaterbody at Kovandakurichi on 17 February 1993 onmy way to Mid-winter waterfowl censusing. It was not aspotted crake, however, the spots were absent on thesmooth and sleek grayish chin, cheek, neck and the sides.Tellingly, there were no bars on the sides before the leginsertions. The bird was either the little crake (Porzanaparva), or Baillon�s crake (Porzana pusilla). Both have beenreported from Western India (Daniel, R.J.R. 1997). ThePocket Guide of Grimmett et al (1999) does not allot themto Tamil Nadu.

With high-power binoculars � 20 x -100 x 70; zoom, the

bird came closer and clearer than it did with 7 x 35binoculars. The features approximated those of the LittleCrake (Porzana parva). The bill and legs were green; thecrown was dark brown; the eye-streak was a lores that didnot extend behind; the supercilium was concolorous withthe neck, cheek and chin. The upper side was brownishwith black and white markings. The presence of bands onlybehind the legs on the flanks was an unmistakable evidence.The eye-ring and iris were reddish. There was however nored at the bill base. On the dorsal side were buffy whitestripes on each side with a median stripe. The distribution

of the Little Crake is. �Little known. Uncommon winter visitor.

Recorded from Maharashtra (Bombay) and Karnataka�(Ali, S. 1996).

The bird was ever alert, scurrying into the typhas at thebursting calls of the kingfishers, or the popping heads ofhumans in the neighbouring compounds. The water hensoccasionally chased it away; it was disturbed by a landingpond heron and a passing crow.

For the disturbance from people fishing in the area since 21March 2004 the bird was not seen till 27 March 2004. Doesits return suggest site fidelity and tenacity? It was not seenduring the wet months of 2004 and early 2005. The hope ofseeing it again around here has faded because of the rapidecological change that has happened.

References :Ali, S. 1996. The Book of Indian Birds. Twelfth Revised and Enlarged

Centenary Edition BNHS. Oxford University Press.

Daniels, R.J.R. 1997. A Guide to the Birds of South Western India. OxfordUniversity Press.

Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp & Tim Inskipp, 1999. Pocket Guide to theBirds of the Indian Sub-Continent. Oxford University Press.

M M M

SIGHTING RECORDS OF BLACK STORKS (CICONIANIGRA) IN AMRAVATI DISTRICT OF MAHARASHTRA,INDIA. RAJU KASAMBE, JAYANT WADATKAR*,Dr. MANOHARRAO KHODE**, RAHUL KHODE** G-1,Laxmi Apartments, 64, Vidya Vihar Colony, Pratap nagar,NAGPUR,Maharashtra. PIN-440022. India. Email:[email protected]*Post-Graduate Dept. of Zoology, Amravati University,Amravati, Maharashtra, PIN-444606, India.**Shivaji Nagar, At. Warud, Distt. Amravati, Maharashtra, India

Black Storks Ciconia nigra are winter visitors to AmravatiDistrict of Maharashtra. During our regular birdwatching tripsa record of the sightings of these rare birds was maintainedfrom the year 1993. Some of the records were sent toBombay Natural History Society as a part of the annualWinter Waterfowl Census.

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Black Storks are identified because of their glossy blackcoloured wings with white lower breast and belly and redbill and legs. Even in flight it can be identified with whiteunderparts and axillaries contrasting strongly with blackneck and underwing.

According to Ali and Ripley (1987), Black Storks are wintervisitors to Pakistan, North India from Baluchisthan, Sindh,North West Frontier Province and Punjab through Nepal (upto 900m altitude) and the Gangetic plain to eastern Assam,South to Rajasthan to about Kutch and northern Gujarat. Itis considered to be rare in Deccan, South of 180 (Solapurdistrict). However there are sporadic records of these birdsfrom peninsular India (Andheria 2001).

The following table gives 32 unpublished sighting records ofBlack Storks from Amravati district at various reservoirs from1993 to 2005 by the authors.

Other migratory waterfowls were also present at all thereservoirs. However, the sighting record of a lonely BlackStork in Melghat Tiger Reserve (M.T.R.) was not associatedwith any species. The sighting of 34 Black Storks at Jalka-Shahapur reservoir on 18th Nov. 2001, 31 Black Storks atShewati reservoir on 25th Nov. 2001 and 29 Black Storks on30th Mar 1996 at a small Fatepur reservoir (near RajuraBazaar village) might be three of the biggest congregationsof Black Storks reported from peninsular India in recenttimes.

Table: Sighting records of Black Storks in Amravatidistrict of Maharastra:

Location No of stork/s Dt.of sighting

Pandhari (M.R.F.) 01 13th Feb 1993Pandhari(M.R.F.) 04 15th Feb 1995Pandhari (M.R.F.) 01 7th Feb 1996Fatepur 02 23rd Mar 1996Fatepur 29 30th Mar 1996Pandhari(M.R.F.) 04 26th Jan 1997Satnur(M.R.F.) 01 27th Jan 1997Pandhari(M.R.F.) 03 12th Dec 1997Satnur(M.R.F.) 01 9th Jan 1999Pandhari (M.R.F.) 03 13th Dec 2000Sawardi 01 24th Dec. 2000Pandhari(M.R.F.) 01 7th Jan 2001Indla 03 25th Feb. 2001Sawardi 13 11th Nov.2001Jalka-Shahapur# 34 18th Nov. 2001Shewati 31 25th Nov. 2001Shewati 05 25th Dec. 2001Suryaganga 01 24th Nov. 2002Shewati 07 24th Nov. 2002Shewati 04 18th Dec 2002Satnur(M.R.F.) 04 23rd Feb 2003Kekatpur 14 23rd Nov.2003Suryaganga 01 7th Dec.2003Shewati# 28 4th Jan 2004Shewati 03 11th Jan.2004Pusli (M.R.F.) 09 18th Jan.2004Satnur(M.R.F.) 03 18th Jan.2004M.T.R.(Tourist Zone) 01 8th Feb. 2004

M.T.R (Belkund) 08 17th Feb 2005M.T.R (Belkund) 03 18th Feb 2005Shewati 01 22nd Feb.2004Shewati 01 25th Nov.2005

Abbreviations used:M.R.F. = Mahendri Reserve Forest (Satnur, Pandhari, Pusli

Reservoirs)M.T.R. = Melghat Tiger Reserve

AcknowledgementsWe thank Prof. Nishikant Kale for sharing his two sightingsof Black Storks (#) for this article. We thank our fieldcolleagues viz., Satish Charthal, Kedar Pawagi, KishorDudhe, Mukul Gawai, Kranti Rokade, Raghavendra Nandeand Yadav Tarte for accompanying us during the birdwatchingtrips to various locations. Thanks to Dr. Asad Rahamani,Director for encouraging RK to keep track of the rare birds.

ReferencesAndheria, A. (2001): Sighting of the Black Stork Ciconia nigra and Lesser

Adjutant-Stork at Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka. J. Bombaynat. Hist. Soc.98(3) 443-446

Andheria, A. P. (1995): A checklist of birds of Kanha National Park, 19-21Jan.1995. (Unpublished)

Barman, R. & B.K. Talukdar (1995): New Record of Black Stork Ciconianigra in Deepoor Boel, Assam. Newsletter for Birdwatchers 35:15

Barua. M., G.C. Chettri & P. Bardoloi (1997): Endangered Birds sighted inPobitora Sanctuary. Newsletter for Birdwatchers 37:109

Baskaran, T. (1995): An audio guide to the birds of southern India, andnotes on Night Herons and Black Storks. Newsletter for Birdwatchers35:50

Gandhi, S.S. (1995): New and rare sighting of Black Stork Ciconia nigranear Dehra Dun (UP). Newsletter for Birdwatchers 35: 97-98

Himmatsinhji, M.K. (1985): The Black Stork Ciconia nigra in Kutch: Oldrecord confirmed. J. Bombay nat. Hist. Soc. 82:403.

Kanniah, P. &T. Ganesh (1990): Occurrence of the Black Stork Ciconianigra near Hyderabad. Mayura 7&8: 46-48

Khachar, Shivrajkumar (1976): Occurrence of the Black Stork Ciconianigra in Saurastra. J. Bombay nat. Hist. Soc. 73: 390-391

Khachar, L. (1986): The White and Black Storks Ciconia nigra. Newsletterfor Birdwatchers 26 (3&4) 12-13.

Madsen, S. T. (1988): Black Storks in Nepal and India. Oriental Bird ClubBulletin. 11:34-35.

Manakadan, R. (1988): The Black Stork Ciconia nigra in Kurnool District(Andhra Pradesh). J. Bombay nat. Hist. Soc.: 84: 675-676.

Misra, M. K. (1994): Stork watching at Ratapani. Newsletter forBirdwatchers 34:118.

Naik, S. (1989): Black Storks Ciconia nigra near Pune. Newsletter forBirdwatchers: 29 (7&8): 1

Pandey, S. (1989): Black Stork Ciconia nigra. Newsletter forBirdwatchers: 29 (1&2): 9

Prasad, A. (1997): Black Storks Ciconia nigra in Kerala. Newsletter forBirdwatchers. 37: 65

Praveen,J. (1997): Storks in Walayar. Newsletter for Birdwatchers. 37:9Ramani, R. (1985): Black Storks Ciconia nigra. Newsletter for

Birdwatchers. 25 (3&4): 15Sant, N. (1994): Sighting of Black Stork Ciconia nigra near Belgaum

Newsletter for Birdwatchers: 34(2):39Sawji, P. G. (1990): Black Storks Ciconia nigra in Maharastra. Newsletter

for Birdwatchers. 30(11&12): 11


Address for Correspondence :Newsletter for BirdwatchersNo 10, Sirur Park B Street, Seshadripuram,Bangalore 560 020, India. Tel. 080 2336 4142, 2336 4682E-mail : <[email protected]>

Printed and Published bi-monthly by S. Sridhar at NavbharathEnterprises, Seshadripuram, Bangalore - 560 020, India.

For Private Circulation Only.

Savarkar, V. B. (1987). Bird Survey of Melghat Tiger Reservoir, Cheetal29: 4-27

Sivasubramanian, C. (1992): Indian Skimmer and Black Stork-newadditions to the avifauna of Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur. J.Bombay nat. Hist. Soc. 89: 252-253

M M M

DISTRIBUTION, DENSITY AND THREATS TOBARHEADED GOOSE (ANSER INDICUS) IN MYSORE,MANDYA AND CHAMARAJANAGAR DISTRICTS,SOUTHERN KARNATAKA SHIVAPRAKASH.A.,478, 3rd Cross, 8th Main, �H� Block, Ramakrishna Nagar,

Mysore 570 023.

Barheaded Goose Anser indicus having global populationestimation of 52,000-60,000 (Wetland International 2002)breeds in Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tijikistan andin Indian limit at Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir andare spread over one million sq. km. in winter. Wintering ofthese Geese is limited to 3-4 months only in SouthernKarnataka where observations were carried out. Arrives inbatches of a few hundreds by the end of September anddeparts by middle of February, making them the leastwinterer. Lists of the waterbodies that accommodates thesegentle birds are annexure in table-1. It is interesting to notethat, only 12.5% of 200 waterbodies monitored by us attractthe wintering goose. Total birds counted during 1990-2000are annexured in table-2.

Being crepuscular and nocturnal, feeds in fields causingconsiderable loss to farmers by devouring tender shoots ofwintering crops such as paddy, ragi, gram and vegetablesaccessing during off-duty hours. During daytime rests inmiddle of water bodies. Farmers spread nets in their fieldsnot only to distract the geese but also to hamper theirmovement. Many of the tanks situated are on well-connectedroads, making it easy for the poachers from nearby townsto arrive with their firearms. They hire the fishermen or village-folk to retrieve the hunted geese. And it is true that traditionalhunters who were earlier assisting the Maharaja�s and the

Britishers, continue to do so for their livelihood in the waterbodies away from human settlements without firing a singleshot. Excessive fishing resulting in constant disturbancesin the water bodies drive the geese from one water body toanother. And, finally encroachment and shrinkage of waterbodies is leaving less space for the roosting birds asobserved in four lakes where geese abundance is relativelyhigh (names of lakes withheld on purpose).

There is good scope for conserving these water bodies byeducating the residents of the surrounding villages. We toldthe villagers that these birds which come from the mountainswhich are the abode of gods - Kailash - and that they are

Cover: A flock of Shovellers (Anas clypeata). The heavy spatulatebill of the shoveller, conspicuous in flight as much as at rest, separatesthis winter visitor from other ducks. It shovels its beak from side toside and sieves water to trap small aquatic larvae, crustaceans andmollusks. Shovellers usually arrive by October and stay till April, beforereturning to their Holarctic breeding range. The male has a dark greenhead, white breast, scapulars; chestnut belly and flanks. It utters atsook - took double note and has a loud nasal paay; whilst the femaleis speckled dark down with a faint green speculum and utters loudquack...quack, often in decrescendo. Photo: S. Sridhar, ARPS.

agents - parvathakkis - of Lord Shiva. We also distributedpostcards to be signed by them and sent officials of WildlifeDivisions and Forest departments who have jurisdiction overthe areas, alerting them about the menace of the poachers.These appear to have good effect since the traditionalhunters are seen less in lake areas. We continue with thiskind of educational effort.

Table � 1. List of water bodies frequented byBarheaded GooseSl Name of LocationNo Waterbody1 Abalawadi kere 12 o 00' 43" N; 76 o 56' 00"E2 Arakere 12 o 19' 30" N; 76 o 49' 30"E3 Bannur heggere 12 o 20' 50" N; 76 o 51' 45"E4 Chikkaballi kere 12 o 40' 15" N; 76 o 54' 15"E5 Dadadahalli kere 12 o 12' 06" N; 76 o 38' 00"E6 Gowdagere (north) 12 o 37' 40" N; 76 o 54' 54"E7 Hadinaru kere 12 o 10' 15" N; 76 o 45' 18"E8 Halawarada kere 12 o 11' 55" N; 76 o 54' 24"E9 Hirikere 11 o 57' 00" N; 77 o 04' 35"E10 Irswadi kere 12 o 01' 00" N; 77 o 02' 30"E11 Kaggalipurada kere 12 o 16' 30" N; 76 o 53' 30"E12 Kalale kere 12 o 09' 00" N; 76 o 39' 30"E13 Kalkuni katte 12 o 20' 30" N; 76 o 56' 40"E14 Kalluru kere 12 o 09' 00" N; 77 o 03' 40"E15 Kenchana kere 12 o 17' 00" N; 76 o 14' 35"E16 KRS dam 12 o 24' 00" N 76 o 24' 45"E17 Kunthur kere 12 o 07' 00" N; 76 o 02' 00"E18 Lingambudhi kere 12 o 16' 20" N; 76 o 37' 00"E19 Malavalli kere 12 o 23' 40" N; 77 o 30' 00"E20 Maralli kere 12 o 21' 40" N; 77 o 30' 00"E21 Markalu kere 12 o 23' 15" N; 76 o 58' 30"E22 Narasambudhi 12 o 05' 00" N; 76 o 43' 00"E23 Tailuru kere 12 o 13' 50" N; 76 o 05' 17"E24 Yelandur kere 12 o 03' 00" N; 77 o 01' 00"E25 Yeriyur kere 12 o 04' 00" N; 77 o 02' 00"E

Table � 2 Total birds counted during 1990-2000

Sl No Year Total count1 1990 12022 1991 18923 1992 39544 1993 9535 1994 386 1995 Figures missing7 1996 8338 1997 11499 1998 103610 1999 30111 2000 537

ReferencesBirdLife International, Threatened Birds of the World 2004. CD-ROM,

Cambridge, UK, 2004Data from achieves of Mysore Amateur Naturalists, NGO, Mysore

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Sept-Oct 2005