When we started our trip to Rajasthan in winter, we were looking forward to sighting many migratory as well as resident birds. The drought faced by the state for the past 3 years has resulted in dry lakes and absence of migratory birds. But, this did not deter us from spotting as much as we could while we explored the state.
Picture – Peacock (left) and Jungle Wabbler (right)
Rajasthan is home to 500 species of birds out of which 100 migratory bird species arrive here every year during winter.
Picture – Pelican
Some of the star migratory birds that arrive in the state are Siberian Cranes, Demoiselle Cranes, Greater Flamingo, Black winged Slit, Rosy Pelican, Common Greenshank, Gadwall, White Wagtail, Asian Koel etc. The birds migrate from Siberia, Europe, Africa and Afghanistan.
Picture – Rafous Indian Treepie (Up and Below)
We were amazed to see large numbers of house sparrows.
Picture – House Sparrows
Spotted some small unidentifiable birds, which looked like sparrows.
Picture – Sparrows
The resident birds of Rajasthan are Ducks, Cranes, Pelicans, Storks, Herons, Jacanas, Ibises, Shrike, Caucol, Rafous Treepie, Bulbul, Peacocks, Great Indian Bustard, Sparrow etc.
Picture – Sarus Cranes
I was hoping to see Rajasthan’s only resident crane – The Sarus. The Sarus is the tallest bird in the world that flies. As we drove from Ranakpur to Udaipur I was scanning into the forests of the Aravalli hills when I spotted Sarus cranes near a pond around 400 meters away from the road. The vehicle screeched to a halt and we ran with cameras in hand to shoot the handsome birds. According to the kids there, there were three of them living near the pond for some years and one of them died recently and the other two continue to live here. It made our day and the list of birds spotted in Rajasthan grew longer.
Picture – Tern (left) and Red Wattled Lapwing (right)
Picture – Egret (left) and Cormorant (right)
Picture – Stilt and Geese / Ducks
Picture – Ducks (left) and Common Green Shank (Right)
Picture – Sunbird (left) and Pigeon (right)
Picture – Bulbul
Picture – Parrots
