11-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - PURPLE HERON (Ardea purpurea)

The Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea), a statuesque avian, stands with a height ranging from 70 to 94 cm and boasts a wingspan of 120 to 152 cm. Despite its grand stature, it is a slender creature, tipping the scales at a mere 0.5 to 1.35 kg. This bird is slightly smaller and more svelte than its cousin, the Grey Heron, and is adorned with darker, reddish-brown plumage.

Adult Purple Herons are distinguished by their black foreheads and crowns, with a dark stripe cascading down the back of the neck, culminating in a modest, dangling crest. Their heads and necks are a buffish chestnut, streaked with dark lines, while the mantle dons an oily brown hue. The upper parts and tail are a brownish grey, and the underparts are a mix of chestnut and black. During the breeding season, the beak of the adult brightens, and the eyes gleam with a yellow iris.

The Purple Heron is a denizen of marshes, lagoons, and lakes, often shrouded by dense vegetation. It has a penchant for freshwater habitats, particularly those with expansive reed beds of Phragmites. Coastal mangrove swamps are also within its realm, though less frequently visited.

11-3-2020 KERULA, INDIA - WESTERN LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta ssp. garzetta)

The Little Egret, Egretta garzetta, is a dainty heron adorned in pure white plumage. It is characterized by a slender black beak, long black legs, and, notably in the western race, yellow feet. This elegant bird is a sight to behold with its graceful neck and poised stance.

Adult Little Egrets measure between 55–65 cm in length with a wingspan of 88–106 cm, and weigh 350–550 g. Their plumage is predominantly white, though some may exhibit bluish-grey coloration. Breeding adults boast ornate nape plumes reaching about 150 mm, along with distinctive feathers on the breast and elongated scapulars. The bill and lores are black, with greenish-grey skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye, which houses a yellow iris. Legs are black with contrasting yellow feet, though juveniles may have greenish-black legs and duller feet. The subspecies E. g. nigripes is distinguished by yellow skin between the bill and eye, and blackish feet.

The Little Egret frequents a variety of wetland habitats, from the shores of lakes and rivers to marshes and coastal regions. It is often found in open environments, such as mangroves, swamps, mudflats, and sandy beaches, as well as human-altered landscapes like rice fields.

The species has a broad breeding distribution across warm temperate to tropical regions of Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. Northern populations are migratory, wintering in Africa and southern Asia, while others remain as permanent residents in warmer areas.

11-3-2020 KERULA, INDIA - INDIAN POND HERON (Ardeola grayii)

The Indian pond heron or paddybird (Ardeola grayii) is a small heron. It is of Old World origins, breeding in southern Iran and east to the Indian subcontinent, Burma, and Sri Lanka. They are widespread and common but can be easily missed when they stalk prey at the edge of small water-bodies or even when they roost close to human habitations.

They are distinctive when they take off, with bright white wings flashing in contrast to the cryptic streaked olive and brown colours of the body. Their camouflage is so excellent that they can be approached closely before they take to flight, a behaviour which has resulted in folk names and beliefs that the birds are short-sighted or blind.

Indian pond herons are stocky with short necks, short thick bills and buff-brown backs. In summer, adults have long neck feathers. Their appearance is transformed from dull colours when they take to flight and the white of the wings makes them very prominent. They are very similar to the squacco herons, Ardeola ralloides, but darker backed. To the east of their range, they are replaced by the Chinese pond herons, Ardeola bacchus.

During the breeding season, there are records of individuals with red legs. The numbers do not suggest that this is a normal change for adults during the breeding season and some have suggested the possibility of it being genetic variants.

Erythristic plumage has been noted. The race phillipsi has been suggested for the populations found in the Maldives, without much acceptance. It forms a superspecies with the closely related Chinese pond heron, Javan pond heron and the Madagascar pond heron.[citation needed]

They are usually silent but may make a harsh croak in alarm when flushed or near their nests.

This bird was first described by Colonel W. H. Sykes in 1832 and given its scientific name in honour of John Edward Gray. Karyology studies indicate that pond herons have 68 chromosomes (2N).

They are very common in India, and are usually solitary foragers but numbers of them may sometimes feed in close proximity during the dry seasons when small wetlands have a high concentration of prey. They are semi-colonial breeders. They may also forage at garbage heaps. During dry seasons, they sometimes take to foraging on well watered lawns or even dry grassland. When foraging, they allow close approach and flush only at close range. They sometimes form communal roosts, often in avenue trees over busy urban areas.

The Indian pond heron's feeding habitat is marshy wetlands. They usually feed at the edge of ponds but make extensive use of floating vegetation such as water hyacinth to access deeper water. They may also on occasion swim on water or fish from the air and land in deeper waters. They have also been observed to fly and capture fishes leaping out of water. Sometimes, they fly low over water to drive frogs and fishes towards the shore before settling along the shoreline. They have been noted to pick up crumbs of bread and drop them on the water surface to bait fishes.

The primary food of these birds includes crustaceans, aquatic insects, fishes, tadpoles and sometimes leeches (Herpobdelloides sp.). Outside wetlands, these herons feed on insects (including crickets, dragonflies and bees, fish (Barilius noted as important in a study in Chandigarh) and amphibians.

11-3-2020 KERULA, INDIA - BRAHMINY KITE EAGLE (Haliastur indus)

The brahminy kite (Haliastur indus), also known as the red-backed sea-eagle in Australia, is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors, such as eagles, buzzards, and harriers. They are found in the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia. They are found mainly on the coast and in inland wetlands, where they feed on dead fish and other prey. Adults have a reddish-brown body plumage contrasting with their white head and breast which make them easy to distinguish from other birds of prey.

11-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - MEDIUM EGRET (Ardea intermedia)

The intermediate egret, also known as the median egret, smaller egret, or medium egret, is a medium-sized heron with a graceful stature. It is adorned with all-white plumage, and during the breeding season, it may exhibit a reddish or black bill, greenish-yellow gape skin, and loose filamentous plumes on its breast and back. The legs are generally dark, and the bill is thickish and yellow, with regional variations in coloration. Both sexes are similar in appearance.

This egret stands between 56–72 cm (22–28 in) in length, with a wingspan of 105–115 cm (41–45 in), and weighs approximately 400 g (14 oz). It can be distinguished from other egrets by its size, which is intermediate between the great egret and smaller white egrets such as the little egret and cattle egret. The intermediate egret has a slightly domed head and a shorter, thicker bill compared to the great egret. Its gape line ends below the eye, and it has a neck length slightly less than its body length.

The intermediate egret is a resident breeder in southern and eastern Asia, favoring shallow coastal or freshwater environments, including flooded fields.

This species is found across Asia, from the Russian Far East to Japan, India, and the Greater Sundas. It is also present in sub-Saharan Africa, eastern Indonesia, New Guinea, and Australia.

The intermediate egret is known for its methodical stalking of prey in shallow waters. It often nests in colonies with other herons, constructing platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs. The bird is a successful breeder, particularly in wet years, and exhibits protective behavior over its nest and young.

The intermediate egret can be confused with the great egret, which has a longer neck with a kink and a longer bill that aligns with the flat top of its head. The little egret, another similar species, has yellow-soled feet and a black bill, and it often runs after fish in shallow water.

Its diet consists of fish, frogs, crustaceans, and insects, which it hunts by stalking methodically in shallow waters.

The intermediate egret is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it is not currently at significant risk of extinction in the wild.

The medium egret stalks its prey methodically in shallow coastal or fresh water, including flooded fields. It eats fish, frogs, crustaceans and insects. It often nests in colonies with other herons, usually on platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs. The typical clutch size is 2 or 3 eggs but there can be as many as 6 eggs in a clutch, the colour of the eggs is pale green, with a smooth, slightly pitted shell. Both parents incubate the eggs and they hatch after between 24 and 27 days. The eggs hatch asynchronously, after hatching the adults brood the semialtricial young for 12 days, defending the nests from aerial predators during both incubation and brooding, they crouch over the nest and raise their plumes and point their bill towards the threat. 

The parents regurgitate food to feed the young, initially onto the floor of the nest but later the chick takes the food from the parent's mouth. There may be competition for food within the brood. Pinfeathers may appear on the chicks as early as 4 days old and the young are able to leave the nest at 24 days old, although they return to be fed. Fledging occurs at around 40 days old and they leave the colony after 70 days. In Africa and Australia they are reported to be quite successful breeders with 96% and 88% of nests fledging at least a single chick. Intermediate egret populations are more successful in wet years than in dry years.

11-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - BLACK HEADED IBIS (Threskiornis melanocephalus)

The black-headed ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus), also known as the Oriental white ibis, Indian white ibis, and black-necked ibis, is a species of wading bird of the ibis family Threskiornithidae which breeds in the South and Southeast Asia from India to the west and as far east as Japan. It is the only native ibis species in its range that has an overall white plumage with a black neck and head. The down-curved beak and legs are also black. Though often referred to as a wetland species, the black-headed ibis forages in a range of natural and man-made habitats. This species of ibis nests only during the rainy season.

The black-headed ibis is one of several large waterbird species in south and south-east Asia, with adults measuring 65–76 cm in length. The white plumage is starkly contrasted against a conspicuous naked black neck and head, and black down-curved beak. Tails of adults bear light grey ornamental feathers that turn jet black during the breeding season. During the breeding season, bare patches under the wing turn blood-red. The head of some breeding adults gain a blueish tinge, or very rarely have a pink or bright red patch behind the neck] Some breeding adults also develop tufts of white feathers behind the neck, and rarely also get a yellowish colouration on the breast and back. Sexes are identical but juveniles are identifiable from adults in having greyish feathering on the neck and speckled brown-grey feathering on the wings and back. Like storks and spoonbills, it lacks a true voice-producing mechanism and is silent except for ventriloquistic grunts uttered by pairs at the nest.

11-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - ORIENTAL DARTER (Anhinga melanogaster)

The Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster) is a water bird of tropical South Asia and Southeast Asia. It has a long and slender neck with a straight, pointed bill and, like the cormorant, it hunts for fish while its body is submerged in water. It spears a fish underwater, bringing it above the surface, tossing and juggling it before swallowing the fish head first. The body remains submerged as it swims, and the slender neck alone is visible above the water, which accounts for the colloquial name of snakebird. Like the cormorants, it has wettable feathers and it is often found perched on a rock or branch with its wings held open to dry.

Fish are first speared and the snake-like neck emerges above the water to toss and swallow the fish head-first

The Oriental darter is like all other anhingas, a cormorant-like species that has a very long neck. The structure of the neck is as in other species of darter with strongly developed muscles about a kink in the neck at the 8th and 9th vertebrae that allows it to be flexed and darted forward with rapid force to stab fish underwater. The edges of the commissures of the mandible tips have minute inward pointing serrations that hold impaled fish.

The adult plumage above is black and the wing coverts and tertials having silvery streaks along the shaft. The crown and neck are brown shading to black towards the back of the neck. The underparts are blackish brown. A pale line over the eye and throat and a line running along the sides of the neck gives it a striped appearance. The iris is white with a yellow ring (brighter yellow in breeding birds) around it. The tip of the upper mandible is dark while the base is pale brown bill while the lower mandible is yellowish. The legs and webbing on the foot are yellow in immatures and non-breeding birds while breeding birds have darker grey tarsi and toes with yellow webbing. The sexes are not easily distinguishable but males tend to have black speckles that coalesce on the white throat. Adult females have a shorter bill and tend to have the black at the base of neck and chest separated from the hind neck by a wide buff band that ends at the shoulder. This pattern however is also found in immatures whose neck is lighter and lack the long pointed scapulars. In flight the long and slender neck, wide wing and wedge shaped tail make it distinctive. Young birds have a pale brown neck and appear whitish on the underside and lack the white streak along the side of the neck. The inner secondaries or tertials and the central tail feathers appear wavy or corrugated. The tail is long and made up of twelve stiff feathers which are dragged along the ground when the bird attempts to walk or hop on land.

11-3-2020 KERULA, INDIA - HOUSE CROW (Corvus splendens)

The House Crow, Corvus splendens, is a bird of moderate size, measuring about 40 cm in length, and presents a slimmer profile than its relatives, the jackdaw and the carrion crow. Exhibiting a striking contrast in its plumage, the bird's head, throat, and upper breast are adorned with a rich, glossy black, while the neck and lower breast are cloaked in a lighter grey-brown. Its wings, tail, and legs are of a deep black, completing its distinctive appearance.

To identify the House Crow, look for the combination of its black and grey plumage, with the grey extending around the neck forming a collar. This collar's shade varies among subspecies, ranging from pale to dark grey. The bird's bill and plumage coloration also show regional variations.

The House Crow is closely associated with human settlements, thriving in environments ranging from small villages to bustling cities. It has adapted remarkably well to urban life, often seen foraging in marketplaces and garbage dumps. 

Native to southern Asia, the House Crow's range includes Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, the Laccadive Islands, southern Myanmar, south Thailand, and coastal southern Iran. It has been introduced to East Africa, Australia, and Europe, with a notable breeding population in the Dutch town of Hook of Holland.

The House Crow is a highly opportunistic and flexible species, thriving in close proximity to humans. It has shown a remarkable ability to utilize a variety of resources, which has contributed to its success as an invasive species in tropical regions.

The House Crow's call is a distinctive and harsh "kaaw-kaaw," which is a familiar sound in its urban habitats.

Breeding requires the presence of trees, although the House Crow may also nest on structures like telephone towers. It lays 3-5 eggs in a stick nest, and in South Asia, it is often parasitized by the Asian koel. The breeding season peaks from April to July.

An omnivorous scavenger, the House Crow's diet includes refuse, small reptiles and mammals, insects, other invertebrates, eggs, nestlings, grain, and fruits. It is known to forage on the ground and in trees, taking advantage of a wide range of food sources.

12-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - WHITE THROATED KINGFISHER (Halcyon smyrnensis)

The White-throated Kingfisher, Halcyon smyrnensis, also known as the White-breasted Kingfisher, is a vibrant tree kingfisher. It boasts a striking blue back, wings, and tail, while its head, shoulders, flanks, and lower belly are a rich chestnut. The throat and breast are a contrasting white, and the large bill and legs are a vivid red. This robust bird measures 27–28 cm in length and exhibits a rapid and direct flight, revealing large white patches on its blue and black wings during flight. Both sexes appear similar, though juveniles present a more subdued version of the adult's plumage.

When identifying the White-throated Kingfisher, look for its bright blue upperparts and chestnut head and body. The white throat and breast are distinctive, as is the red bill and legs. In flight, the white wing patches are a key identification feature. Juveniles may be less colorful but retain the same general pattern.

This kingfisher is adaptable and can be found in a variety of open habitats, from plains with trees and wires to urban areas. It is also seen at elevations up to 7500 feet in the Himalayas.

The White-throated Kingfisher has a wide distribution across Asia, from the Sinai in the west, through the Indian subcontinent, to China and Indonesia. It is a resident species over much of its range, with some populations making short-distance movements.

This kingfisher is known for its conspicuous perching on wires or other exposed perches within its territory. It is a common sight in South Asia and is known to be attracted to lights at night during the monsoon season, suggesting partial migratory behavior.

During the breeding season, the White-throated Kingfisher is vocal, with loud calls in the mornings from prominent perches. The male's courtship display includes stiffly flicking open wings to expose the white wing mirrors, while the female invites with a rapid kit-kit-kit call.

Breeding coincides with the onset of the Monsoons. The nest is a tunnel in an earth bank, and a clutch typically consists of 4-7 round white eggs. Incubation takes 20-22 days, and fledging occurs in 19 days.

The diet is varied, including large crustaceans, insects, earthworms, rodents, lizards, snakes, fish, frogs, and occasionally small birds. It is noted for rarely drinking water but regularly bathing.

13-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - ORIENTAL DARTER (Anhinga melanogaster)

The Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster) is a water bird of tropical South Asia and Southeast Asia. It has a long and slender neck with a straight, pointed bill and, like the cormorant, it hunts for fish while its body is submerged in water. It spears a fish underwater, bringing it above the surface, tossing and juggling it before swallowing the fish head first. The body remains submerged as it swims, and the slender neck alone is visible above the water, which accounts for the colloquial name of snakebird. Like the cormorants, it has wettable feathers and it is often found perched on a rock or branch with its wings held open to dry.

13-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - SCARLET ROSEMALLOW (Hibiscus coccineus)

Noteworthy Characteristics. Hibiscus coccineus is a vigorous, sturdy, erect, woody-based perennial that typically grows 3-6' tall and features showy, hollyhock-like, 5-petaled, bright scarlet red flowers (3-5" diameter) borne in the upper leaf axils of the plant over a long, mid-summer to early fall bloom period.

The plant is found in swamps, marshes and ditches on the coastal plain of the Southeastern United States. It is native from Southeastern Virginia south to Florida, then west to Louisiana. Despite its common name Texas star, the plant is not found naturally in Texas. In addition to the scarlet-flowering variety, a white-flowering variety is also known as the white Texas star or lone star hibiscus.

12-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - RUFOUS TREEPIE (Dendrocitta vagabunda)

The rufous treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda) is a treepie, native to the Indian subcontinent and adjoining parts of Southeast Asia. It is a member of the crow family, Corvidae. It is long tailed and has loud musical calls making it very conspicuous. It is found commonly in open scrub, agricultural areas, forests as well as urban gardens. Like other corvids it is very adaptable, omnivorous and opportunistic in feeding.

The sexes are alike and the main colour of the body is cinnamon with a black head and the long graduated tail is bluish grey and is tipped in black. The wing has a white patch. The only confusable species is the grey treepie which however lacks the bright rufous mantle. The bill is stout with a hooked tip. The underparts and lower back are a warm tawny-brown to orange-brown in colour with white wing coverts and black primaries. The bill, legs and feet are black.

The widespread populations show variations and several subspecies are recognized. The nominate subspecies is found in the northeastern part of peninsular India south to Hyderabad. The desert form is paler and called pallida, vernayi of the Eastern Ghats is brighter while parvula of the Western Ghats is smaller in size. The form in Afghanistan and Pakistan is bristoli while the form in southern Thailand is saturatior. E. C. Stuart Baker describes sclateri from the upper Chindwin to the Chin Hills and kinneari from southern Myanmar and northwest Thailand. The population in eastern Thailand an Indochina is sakeratensis.

The range of the rufous treepie is quite large, covering Pakistan, India and into Bangladesh, Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. It inhabits open forest consisting of scrub, plantations and gardens. In the Garhwal Himalayas, it migrates seasonally between different elevations.

12-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - LITTLE CORMORANT (Microcarbo niger)

The Little Cormorant, Microcarbo niger, is a dainty member of the cormorant family, measuring about 50 centimeters in length. In its breeding attire, it boasts a sleek, all-black plumage adorned with white spots and delicate filoplumes on its face, and a modest crest on the back of its head. The non-breeding or juvenile birds display a more subdued brownish plumage, with a small, distinct white patch on the throat.

Distinguishable from the slightly larger Indian Cormorant by its shorter beak and absence of a peaked head, the Little Cormorant has dark eyes and facial skin. Males and females appear similar, though males are generally larger. A rare silvery-grey plumage has been noted in some individuals.

The Little Cormorant frequents a variety of freshwater bodies, from diminutive village ponds to expansive lakes, and occasionally coastal estuaries.

This species is widely distributed across the Indian Subcontinent, extending east to Java. It is absent from the Himalayas, though vagrants have been spotted in Ladakh.

Often seen perched on waterside rocks with wings outstretched, the Little Cormorant forages alone or in small groups. It dives underwater, propelled by webbed feet, to catch fish, which are sometimes stolen by other birds when brought to the surface.

Breeding occurs in trees, often within mixed-species heronries. The breeding season varies regionally, with nests constructed from sticks. Clutch sizes range from two to six eggs, with asynchronous hatching due to incubation starting with the first egg.

The Little Cormorant may be confused with the vagrant Pygmy Cormorants, especially west of the Indus River valley, where their ranges overlap.

Their diet consists mainly of fish, which they catch by diving in shallow waters. They are known to fish in waters less than a meter deep, targeting fish approximately 2–8 centimeters in length.

Near their nests and roosts, Little Cormorants are quite vocal, emitting low roaring sounds, grunts, groans, and a variety of calls including a low-pitched "ah-ah-ah" and "kok-kok-kok".

12-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - INDIAN POND HERON (Ardeola grayii)

The Indian Pond Heron, known colloquially as the paddybird, is a modestly sized heron with a penchant for concealment. Its plumage is a mélange of streaked olive and brown, which serves as excellent camouflage against the marshy landscapes it frequents. However, when this bird takes flight, it reveals a striking contrast with its bright white wings, a feature that is otherwise hidden when at rest.

This stocky bird possesses a short neck and a robust, thick bill. The back is buff-brown, and during the summer, adults boast elongated neck feathers. When in flight, the Indian Pond Heron is unmistakable due to the white of its wings. It bears a resemblance to the squacco herons but is distinguished by its darker back. Observers should note that individuals may occasionally exhibit red legs during the breeding season, though this is not a common trait.

The Indian Pond Heron is often found stalking prey at the edges of small water bodies or roosting near human habitations. It is adept at utilizing floating vegetation to access deeper waters and is known to frequent marshy wetlands.

This heron has its origins in the Old World, with a breeding range that extends from southern Iran across the Indian subcontinent to Burma and Sri Lanka. It is a widespread and common species, yet its cryptic coloration often renders it invisible until it is nearly underfoot.

Typically solitary in its foraging habits, the Indian Pond Heron may gather in numbers during the dry season when prey is concentrated in shrinking wetlands. It is a semi-colonial breeder and has been observed foraging in diverse environments, including garbage heaps and well-watered lawns. The bird's tendency to allow close approaches by humans is notable, and it may form communal roosts in urban areas.

The Indian Pond Heron is generally a silent bird, but it may emit a harsh croak when alarmed or near its nesting sites.

The onset of the monsoons marks the beginning of the breeding season for these herons. They nest in small colonies, often alongside other wading birds, constructing platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs. The nests are typically built at heights of 9 to 10 meters. The male collects materials while the female assembles the nest. Clutches usually consist of three to five eggs, which hatch asynchronously after 18 to 24 days. Bothparents are involved in feeding the young, primarily with fish.

12-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - BRAHMINY KITE EAGLE (Haliastur indus)

The brahminy kite is distinctive and contrastingly coloured, with chestnut plumage except for the white head and breast and black wing tips. The juveniles are browner, but can be distinguished from both the resident and migratory races of black kites in Asia by the paler appearance, shorter wings, and rounded tail. The pale patch on the underwing carpal region is of a squarish shape and separated from Buteo buzzards. The brahminy kite is about the same size as the black kite (Milvus migrans) and has a typical kite flight, with wings angled, but its tail is rounded unlike the Milvus species, red kite, and black kite, which have forked tails. The two genera are, however, very close.

The call is a mewing keeyew.

This kite is a familiar sight in the skies of Sri Lanka, Nepal, India, Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and southeast Asia and as far south as New South Wales, Australia, through which region it is widespread and resident. They perform seasonal movements associated with rainfall in some parts of their range.

They are mainly seen in the plains, but can sometimes occur above 5000 feet in the Himalayas.

It is evaluated as being of least concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, the species is on the decline in some parts such as Java.

The breeding season in South Asia is from December to April. In southern and eastern Australia, it is August to October, and April to June in the north and west. The nests are constructed of small branches and sticks with a bowl inside and lined with leaves, and are located in various trees, often mangroves. They show considerable site fidelity nesting in the same area year after year. In some rare instances, they have been seen to nest on the ground under trees. A clutch of two dull-white or bluish-white oval eggs measuring 52 x 41 mm is laid. Both parents take part in nest building and feeding, but likely only the female incubates. The incubation period is about 26 to 27 days.

It is primarily a scavenger, feeding mainly on dead fish and crabs, especially in wetlands and marshland, but occasionally hunts live prey such as hares and bats. They may also indulge in kleptoparasitism and attempt to steal prey from other birds.Brahminy kites have even been recorded taking advantage of Irrawaddy dolphins herding fish to the surface, in the Mekong River. A rare instance of a bird feeding on honey at the hive of Apis florea has been recorded. It also eats rice or cooked food left as an offering in India.

12-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - BRONZE WINGED JACANA (Metopidius indicus)

The bronze-winged jacana (Metopidius indicus ) is a wader in the family Jacanidae. It is found across South and Southeast Asia and is the sole species in the genus Metopidius. Like other jacanas it forages on lilies and other floating aquatic vegetation, the long feet spreading out its weight and preventing sinking. The sexes are alike but females are slightly larger and are polyandrous, maintaining a harem of males during the breeding season in the monsoon rains. Males maintain territories, with one male in the harem chosen to incubate the eggs and take care of the young. When threatened, young chicks may be carried to safety by the male under his wings.

Bronze-winged jacanas are rail-like, large, short tailed birds that appear dark at a distance except for the supercilium. They are 29 cm (11 in) in length. The sexes are similar but the females are slightly larger than the males. The wings are bronzy brown with a green sheen and have a reduced tubercular carpal spur. The head, neck and breast are black and contrast with the broad white supercilium that runs from over the eye to the back of the neck. The lower back and tail coverts are chestnut. The tail is stubby and reddish brown with black terminal band. The greenish yellow bill has a red-base to the upper mandible. A lappet or frontal shield extends up over the forehead and is reddish purple. The legs are greenish. The toes are long and the straight and the elongated nail on the hind toe is longer than the toe. Downy chicks are light brown with a dark stripe running down the nape. Young birds have brown upperparts, a rufous crown, white underparts, a buff foreneck, an undeveloped frontal shield, and may have a dull supercilium. Adults can be confused at a distance with the common moorhen (which is found in similar habitat) and with the watercock and while young can appear similar to the young of the pheasant-tailed jacana, they lack the black necklace seen in that species.

12-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - FENCE POST TREE (Gliricidia sepium)

Gliricidia sepium, often simply referred to as gliricidia or by its Spanish common name madre de cacao (calque of Nahuatl cacahuanāntli; also anglicized as mother of cocoa), is a medium size leguminous tree belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is an important multi-purpose legume tree, with a native range from Mexico to Colombia, but now widely introduced to other tropical zones.

Gliricidia sepium is a medium-sized tree that grows 10–12 m (33–39 ft) high. The bark is smooth, and its color can range from a whitish gray to deep red-brown. The flowers are located on the end of branches that have no leaves. These flowers have a bright pink to lilac color that is tinged with white. A pale yellow spot is usually at the flower's base. The tree's fruit is a pod about 10–15 cm (4–6 in) long. It is green when unripe and becomes yellow-brown when it reaches maturity. The pod produces four to ten round brown seeds.

G. sepium has been cultivated extensively by indigenous American cultures in North, Central, and South America since the pre-Columbian era, which makes it difficult to ascertain its original native distribution. Genetic studies have identified the center of genetic diversity of G. sepium as the dry zones of southern Mexico and northern Central America, which is now generally regarded as its true native range.

G. sepium was first introduced to the Philippines from Mexico via the Manila galleons along with 200 other tropical American plant species from as early as the early 1600s. Their use as a shade tree for cacao, coffee, and tea plantations led to their further spread. These later introductions include the Caribbean before 1850; Sri Lanka in the 1800s; India and Indonesia at around 1900; and West Africa, Uganda, and Kenya in the early 1900s. Other introductions followed in the 20th century and G. sepium now has a pantropical distributionnmaniye in Nigeria; rechesengel in Palau; and mãe-do-cacau in Portuguese.

12-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - DITCH JEWEL DRAGONFLY (Brachythemis contaminata)

Brachythemis contaminata, ditch jewel, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is found in many Asian countries.

It is a small dragonfly with brown-capped yellowish-green eyes. Its thorax is olivaceous-brown, marked with a reddish-brown humeral stripe and two brownish stripes on each side. Wings are transparent; but with a broad bright orange fascia extending from base to within 2 to 3 cells of reddish pterostigma. Abdomen is ochreous-red, marked with dorsal and sub-dorsal brown stripes. Anal appendages are in reddish-brown. Female is similar to the male; but in pale yellowish-green color. Wings are transparent, tinted with yellow at extreme base;, but the bright orange fascia seen in the male absent.

It breeds in weedy ponds, lakes, and slowly moving streams; especially in sluggish waters. It is very common along sewage canals, tanks, ponds and ditches.

This type of dragonfly has the smallest genome of its kind. The entire circular genome is 15,056 bp in length and represents the smallest in presently known odonatan mitogenomes. (Yu et al 2014).  Its first species to have a complete mitochondrial genome among the family Libellulidae. This helps learn more about their genetics, and their evolution.

12-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - MILE A MINUTE VINE (Ipomoea cairica)

Ipomoea cairica is a vining, herbaceous, perennial plant with palmate leaves and large, showy white to lavender flowers. A species of morning glory, it has many common names, including mile-a-minute vine, Messina creeper, Cairo morning glory, coast morning glory and railroad creeper. The species name cairica translates to "from Cairo", the city where this species was first collected.

A hairless, slim climber with bulbous roots and lignescented base, its leaves are stalked with 2 to 6 cm long petioles. The leaf blade is ovate to circular in outline, 3 to 10 cm long and 6 to 9 cm wide. It is divided into five to seven segments, these are lanceolate, ovate or elliptic, entire and pointed at the tip and base. Often pseudo side-leaves are formed.

The lavender-coloured inflorescences are one to a cyme. The flower stalks are 12 to 20 mm long, the sepals are 6 to 8 mm long, ovate and sting-pointed. The crown is funnel-shaped, 4 to 6 cm long and violet colored. The stamens and the stylus do not protrude beyond the crown. The ovary is hairless. The fruits are spherical capsules approximately 1 cm in diameter containing one or two hairy seeds. Each fruit matures at about 1 cm across and contains hairy seeds. The vine blooms occasionally throughout the months, but more profusely from spring to summer.

Its exact native range is uncertain, though it is believed to originate from a rather wide area, ranging from Cape Verde to the Arabian Peninsula, including northern Africa, tropical Africa and the Mediterranean. It covers walls, fences or trees, with stems that can measure more than 10 metres (33 ft) in length. The altitude at which it has been recorded ranges from 250 metres (820 ft) to 2,250 m (7,380 ft).

Because of human dispersal, it occurs today on most continents as an introduced species and is sometimes a noxious weed and an invasive species, such as along the coast of New South Wales. As well as in the United States, where it occurs in Hawaii, California, all the gulf coast states, as well as Arkansas and Missouri. It also occurs in Brazil, where it is used in traditional medicine. It is a widespread garden escape in southeast Australia.

Some plant nurseries sell this plant as an ornamental plant thanks to its showy purple flowers and as well for its fast growth to quickly cover unsightly fences or walls. It can grow as a separate plant if snapped during attempted removal process. The plant causes respiratory symptoms if ingested.

12-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - LESSER WHISTLING DUCK (Dendrocygna javanica)

The Lesser Whistling Duck, also known as the Indian Whistling Duck or Lesser Whistling Teal, is a charming species with a distinctive chestnut brown plumage and a long neck. This bird is easily recognized by its broad wings, which are particularly visible during flight, and its chestnut rump, which sets it apart from its larger relative, the Fulvous Whistling Duck, with its creamy white rump.

When observing the Lesser Whistling Duck, look for the orange to yellow ring around the eye and the dark crown, which are key features for identification. Both sexes share similar plumage, making them indistinguishable in the field. In flight, they hold their heads below the body level, a characteristic posture of the Dendrocygna genus.

These ducks favor freshwater wetlands with ample vegetation cover. They are often seen resting during the day on the banks or even on the open sea in coastal areas.

12-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - GREY PANSY BUTTERFLY (Junonia atlites)

The Grey Pansy (Junonia atlites) is a nymphalid butterfly native to South Asia, characterized by its pale greyish-brown wings with intricate dark wavy lines and prominent, pinkish-black eyespots. Commonly found in open, sunny areas like gardens, fields, and wetlands, this 55-60mm butterfly frequently basks with its wings spread. 

J. atlites is found in Bangladesh, India, southern China, Cambodia, Indochina, the Malay Peninsula, western and central Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Key Facts About the Grey Pansy:

Appearance: The upperside is pale greyish buff, while the underside is much paler with fainter markings. Both wings feature a series of distinct eye-spots (ocelli).

Habitat & Behavior: Often observed gliding low over open grassy patches or near water bodies. They are, however, relatively rare in certain areas, such as Singapore.

Larval Food Plants: The caterpillars feed on plants in the Acanthaceae and Linderniaceae families, particularly Hygrophila species.

Regional Variation: Junonia atlites exhibits seasonal forms (wet- and dry-season forms) in parts of its range, such as Malaysia.

Pollinator: The adult serves as an active pollinator, feeding on nectar. 

It is commonly found in the low country and hills of South Asia, including India and Sri Lanka. Junonia atlites, the grey pansy, is a species of nymphalid butterfly found in South Asia.

Upperside of both sexes pale lavender brown, apical half of wings paler. Forewing: cell with, three transverse, short, sinuous black bands, the outermost defining the discocellulars; a similar short, somewhat broader band beyond the apex of the cell; two transverse discal dusky black fasciae, the inner highly sinuous and outward, angulate above vein 4, the outer straighter, somewhat lunular, bordered by a series of whitish ovals with dusky or black centers. The black-centered spots in the ovals in interspaces 2, 5, and 6 margined posteriorly with rich ocherous yellow.

Beyond this series of ovals is a lunular, narrow, transverse dark band, followed by sinuous subterminal and terminal broad dark lines. Apex of wing slightly fuliginous. Hindwing: a short slender black loop from veins 6 to 4 at apex of cell-area; two discal sinuous transverse dark, fasciae in continuation of those on the forewing: followed by a series of dark-centered ovals in interspaces 2–6, the ovals in interspaces 2, 5, and 6 with the dark centers inwardly broadly bordered with ochreous yellow; postdiscal, subterminal and terminal dark lunular lines as on the forewing.

12-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - CHEMBALI DUCK (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus)

Chemballi (often referred to alongside Chara) is a prominent indigenous variety of the Kuttanad duck breed, native to the wetlands and backwaters of Kerala, India. They play a massive role in traditional backyard poultry farming and local culinary cultures across Southern and Northeastern India.

Key Characteristics & Features

Origin & Habitat: Primarily bred in the Kuttanad region of Kerala. They share a famous symbiotic relationship with paddy fields, foraging on pests and snails while naturally fertilizing the soil.

Physical Distinction: While female Chara and Chemballi ducks look very similar, the drakes (males) are distinguished primarily by the plumage coloration on their heads. Chemballi ducks have notably long necks and shanks, giving them superior swimming efficiency in flood-prone waters.

12-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - WESTERN CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis ssp. ibis)

The western cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a species of heron (family Ardeidae) found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. Most taxonomic authorities lump this species and the eastern cattle egret together (called the cattle egret), but some (including the International Ornithologists' Union) separate them. Despite the similarities in plumage to the egrets of the genus Egretta, it is more closely related to the herons of Ardea. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world in the last century.

It is a white bird adorned with buff plumes in the breeding season. It nests in colonies, usually near bodies of water and often with other wading birds. The nest is a platform of sticks in trees or shrubs. Western cattle egrets exploit drier and open habitats more than other heron species. Their feeding habitats include seasonally inundated grasslands, pastures, farmlands, wetlands and rice paddies. They often accompany cattle or other large mammals, catching insect and small vertebrate prey disturbed by these animals. Some populations of the cattle egret are migratory and others show post-breeding dispersal.