9-3-2020 PERIYAR RIVER LODGE, INDIA - ORIENTAL MAGPIE ROBIN (Copsychus saularis)

This species is 19 centimetres (7.5 in) long, including the long tail, which is usually held cocked upright when hopping on the ground. When they are singing a song the tail is normal like other birds. It is similar in shape to the smaller European robin, but is longer-tailed. The male has black upperparts, head and throat apart from a white shoulder patch. The underparts and the sides of the long tail are white. Females are greyish black above and greyish white under. Young birds have scaly brown upperparts and head.

It is mostly seen close to the ground, hopping along branches or foraging in leaf-litter on the ground with a cocked tail. Males sing loudly from the top of trees or other high perches during the breeding season.

The nominate race is found on the Indian subcontinent and the females of this race are the palest. The females of the Andaman Islands race andamanensis are darker, heavier-billed and shorter-tailed. The Sri Lankan race ceylonensis (formerly included with the peninsular Indian populations south of the Kaveri River) and southern nominate individuals have the females nearly identical to the males in shade. The eastern populations, the ones in Bangladesh and Bhutan, have more black on the tail and were formerly named erimelas. The populations in Myanmar (Burma) and further south are named as the race musicus. A number of other races have been named across the range, including prosthopellus (Hong Kong), nesiotes, zacnecus, nesiarchus, masculus, pagiensis, javensis, problematicus, amoenus, adamsi, pluto, deuteronymus and mindanensis. However, many of these are not well-marked and the status of some of them is disputed. Some, like mindanensis, have now been usually recognized as full species (the Philippine magpie-robin). There is more geographic variation in the plumage of females than in that of the males.

9-3-2020 PERIYAR RIVER LODGE, INDIA - COMMON FOUR RING BUTTERFLY (Ypthima huebneri)

Ypthima huebneri,the common fourring, is a species of Satyrinae butterfly found in Asia.

Throughout South India, Indian Himalayan Region, Nepal, Burma, Malaysia, Cambodia and Indochina.

Larva. About one inch (25 mm) in length, with two divergent processes from the anal segment pointing backwards. "Colour entirely green with a dorsal line somewhat darker green, which becomes white at the fourth segment, and extends right through the crown of the head; there is also a paler green lateral line below the spiracles." Host plants include Axonopus compressus.

Pupa. "Green or brown, with the head rounded, the edges of the wing-cases raised and angled anteriorly; the thorax humped and marked like the abdominal segments, with some dark brown waved lines and spots" (de Niceville quoted in Bingham).

8-3-2020 PERIYAR RIVER LODGE, INDIA - WAVE MOTH (genus scopula)

Genus Scopula – Field Guide to the Insects of TasmaniaScopula is a large, diverse genus of Geometridae moths, often called "wave moths," with around 800 species distributed worldwide in varied habitats. Known for their small to medium size, these moths usually have cryptic, pale coloration with wavy, thin, or dotted wing patterns. They are often difficult to identify without examining their genitalia. 

Key Facts About Genus Scopula

Classification: Described by Franz von Paula Schrank in 1802, they belong to the Sterrhinae subfamily.

Appearance & Size: Wingspans typically range between 18–29 mm. Wings often feature a, transverse line, a central band, and an outer line, although some species have reduced markings.

Habitat & Behavior: They inhabit forests, scrublands, and heathlands, often found in both open and forested areas. They are active during the day or night depending on the species and are easily disturbed from vegetation.

Diet: Larvae (caterpillars) are often oligophagous, feeding on low-growing plants such as thyme, oregano, heath, and various herbs.

Life Cycle: The larvae are typically long and slender, often referred to as loopers.

9-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - CHALKY PERCHER DRAGONFLY (Diplacodes trivialis)

Diplacodes trivialis is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae known as the chalky percher[5] or ground skimmer. It is found in Seychelles, Oman, United Arab Emirates, China, Japan, India, Maldives and southwards to New Guinea and Australia.

Diplacodes trivialis is small dragonfly with bluish eyes and greenish-yellow or olivaceous thorax and abdomen with black marks. In very old adults, the whole thorax and abdomen become uniform pruinosed blue. Clear wings, without apical or basal markings, and the creamy white anal appendages and deep pruinescence in adults help to distinguish this species from others in its genus. It breeds in ponds, wet rice fields, shallow lakes, drainage ditches and similar habitats. It is one of the most common dragonflies in Asia, found in both the plains and hills and in dry and wet areas.

The genus name Diplacodes combines Diplax, a genus name derived from the Greek δίς (dis, "twice") and πλάξ (plax, "flat and broad"), with the Greek suffix –ώδης (-ōdēs, "resembling" or "having the nature of"). The name refers to the similarity of the genus to Diplax and Diplacina.

The species name trivialis is Latin for "common" or "ordinary", likely referring to the species being one of the most common dragonflies found in India, where the original specimens were collected.

10-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - GREY HEADED SWAMPHEN (Porphyrio poliocephalus)

The grey-headed swamphen (Porphyrio poliocephalus ) is a species of swamphen occurring from the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent to southern China and northern Thailand. It used to be considered a subspecies of the purple swamphen, but was elevated to full species status in 2015; today the purple swamphen is considered a superspecies and each of its six subspecies groups are designated full species.

The male has an elaborate courtship display, holding water weeds in his bill and bowing to the female with loud chuckles.

The grey-headed swamphen was introduced to North America in the late 1990s due to avicultural escapes in the Pembroke Pines, Florida area. State wildlife biologists attempted to eradicate the birds, but they have multiplied and can now be found in many areas of southern Florida. Ornithological authorities consider it likely that the swamphen will become an established part of Florida's avifauna. It was added to the American Birding Association checklist in February 2013.

9-3-2020 PERIYAR RIVER LODGE, INDIA - CRIMSON MARSH GLIDER DRAGONFLY (FEMALE) (Trithemis aurora)

Trithemis aurora, the crimson marsh glider, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is a common and widely distributed species found throughout the year across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

The male of this small species is distinctly different from the female. The male has a reddish-brown face, with eyes that are crimson above and brown on the sides. The thorax is red with a fine, purple pruinescence. The abdomen, the base of which is swollen, is crimson with a violet tinge. The wings are transparent with crimson venation and the base has a broad amber patch. The wing spots are a dark reddish-brown and the legs are black.

The female has an olivaceous or bright reddish-brown face with eyes that are purplish-brown above and grey below. The thorax is olivaceous with brown median and black lateral stripes. The abdomen is reddish-brown with median and lateral black markings. The black markings are confluent at the end of each segment and enclose a reddish-brown spot. The wings are transparent with brown tips. The venation is bright yellow to brown and basal amber markings are pale. The wing spots are a dark brown and the lags are dark grey with narrow yellow stripes.

9-3-2020 PERIYAR RIVER LODGE, INDIA - KEELED INDIAN MABUYA (Eutropis carinata)

The Keeled Indian Mabuya (Eutropis carinata) is a robust, diurnal skink native to South Asia, known for its shiny, bronze-brown body and keeled scales. Completely harmless and insectivorous, these agile "scramblers" are highly adaptable, frequently spotted basking in the sun or foraging through leaf litter in suburban gardens.

Physical Characteristics

Size: Adults grow to a maximum total length of 35–37 cm (about 10–14.5 inches), with the tail making up roughly 1.5 to 1.8 times their body length.

Appearance: They have a bronze, olive, or brown back with dark-brown lateral sides and a light dorsolateral line running from above the eye to the base of the tail.

The "Keeled" Scales: Each dorsal scale features a distinct, raised central ridge (keel), giving the skin a highly textured, ridged appearance.

8-3-2020 PERIYAR RIVER LODGE, INDIA - BLUE TIGER MOTH (Dysphania percota)

Dysphania percota, the blue tiger moth, is a moth of the family Geometridae that can be found in India. It was first described by Charles Swinhoe in 1891.

It is similar to Dysphania palmyra, but differs in the whole apical area of the forewings being deep purple from the discocellular spot and postmedial line to outer margin, with two small blue spots below the sub-costals and one on inner margin near outer angle. Hindwings never with any trace of yellow.

The larvae feed on Carallia species.

8-3-2020 PERIYAR RIVER LODGE, INDIA - ORIENTAL MAGPIE ROBIN (Copsychus saularis)

This magpie-robin is a resident breeder in tropical southern Asia from Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and eastern Pakistan, eastern Indonesia, Thailand, south China, Malaysia, and Singapore.

The Oriental magpie-robin is found in open woodland and cultivated areas often close to human habitations.

Magpie-robins breed mainly from March to July in India and January to June in south-east Asia. Males sing from high perches during courtship. The display of the male involves puffing up the feathers, raising the bill, fanning the tail and strutting. They nest in tree hollows or niches in walls or building, often adopting nest boxes. They line the cavity with grass. The female is involved in most of the nest building, which happens about a week before the eggs are laid. Four or five eggs are laid at intervals of 24 hours and these are oval and usually pale blue green with brownish speckles that match the color of hay. The eggs are incubated by the female alone for 8 to 14 days. The nests are said to have a characteristic odour.

Females spend more effort on feeding the young than males. Males are quite aggressive in the breeding season and will defend their territory. They respond to the singing of intruders and even their reflections. Males spend more time on nest defense. Studies of the bird song show dialects with neighbours varying in their songs. The calls of many other species may be imitated as part of their song. This may indicate that birds disperse and are not philopatric. Females may sing briefly in the presence of a male. Apart from their song, they use a range of calls including territorial calls, emergence and roosting calls, threat calls, submissive calls, begging calls and distress calls. The typical mobbing calls is a harsh hissing krshhh.

10-3-2020 THATTEKAD BIRD SANCTUARY, INDIA - CRESTED HONEY BUZZARD (Pernis ptilorhynchus)

The Crested honey buzzard appears long-necked with a small head resembling that of a pigeon. It has a long tail and a short head crest. It is brown above, but not as dark as the European honey buzzard, and paler below. A dark throat stripe is present. Unusually for a large bird of prey, the sexes can be distinguished. The male has a blue-grey head with a brown iris, while the female's head is brown and the iris is yellow. She is slightly larger and darker than the male. 

Crested honey buzzards spend summer in Siberia and Japan, and winter in tropical Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Elsewhere, these birds are more or less resident. Crested honey buzzards prefer to live in well-forested lowland and hilly areas that are broken by open glades. In South and Southeast Asia, they are sometimes found in small groves near villages.

The male has two black bands in the tail and three black underwing bands, while the female has three black tail bands and four narrower black underwing bands. The juvenile has extensive black primary tips with narrower underwing bands. It has a yellow cere at the base of the bill, and a dark iris. The coloration and the tail pattern of the species are highly variable.

10-3-2020 THATTEKAD BIRD SANCTUARY, 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.

11-3-2020 KANHA, INDIA - STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)

The Striated Heron, also known as the Mangrove Heron, Little Green Heron, or Green-backed Heron, is a diminutive member of the heron family. It stands approximately 44 cm tall and is characterized by its blue-grey back and wings, white underparts, and a distinctive black cap. A dark line extends from the bill to under the eye, and the bird's legs are short and yellow. Juveniles display a browner plumage above and are streaked below.

Adult Striated Herons can be identified by their blue-grey plumage on the back and wings, contrasted with white underparts. The black cap and the line extending from the bill under the eye are key features. Their yellow legs are relatively short. Juveniles are distinguishable by their browner and streaked appearance.

The Striated Heron favors small wetlands within the Old World tropics, ranging from West Africa to Japan and Australia, as well as in South America and the Caribbean.

This species is mostly sedentary, with its range encompassing the Old World tropics from West Africa to Japan and Australia, and extending to South America and the Caribbean. Vagrants have been recorded on various Oceanic islands.

The Striated Heron is known for its patient hunting strategy, standing motionless at the water's edge to ambush prey. It is more visible than many of its small heron counterparts. Intriguingly, it has been observed using bait, such as a feather or leaf, to attract fish.

11-3-2020 KANHA, INDIA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta 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.

11-3-2020 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.

The Little Cormorant is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating it is not currently at significant risk of widespread decline.

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".

11-3-2020 KANHA, 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.

11-3-2020 KANHA, 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.

11-3-2020 KANHA, INDIA - WESTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (Motacilla flava)

The Western Yellow Wagtail, Motacilla flava, is a small, graceful passerine bird belonging to the wagtail family, Motacillidae. This species is noted for its slender build and the characteristic long, constantly wagging tail, a hallmark of its genus. Among its European relatives, it boasts the shortest tail. The adult male in breeding plumage is predominantly olive above with a vibrant yellow underbelly. Females and non-breeding males may exhibit a paler yellow, often intermixed with white.

To identify the Western Yellow Wagtail, look for a bird measuring about 15–16 cm in length. Breeding males display a variety of head colors and patterns, which can be quite distinctive, depending on the subspecies. In general, males have a more vivid plumage compared to the females, which are more subdued and often have a greenish wash.

This insectivorous bird favors open country near water sources, such as wet meadows, where it can be seen foraging for food.

The Western Yellow Wagtail breeds across much of temperate Europe and Asia. It is a resident bird in the milder parts of its range, like western Europe. However, populations from the north and east undertake migrations to Africa and south Asia to escape the winter chill.

The Western Yellow Wagtail is known for its dynamic tail movement, which it exhibits while walking on the ground. It is a sociable bird, often seen in small flocks during migration or in its wintering grounds.

The call of the Western Yellow Wagtail is a distinctive high-pitched 'jeet', which can be heard during its active periods.

Breeding takes place in tussocks, where the female lays a clutch of 4–8 speckled eggs. The nest is often situated close to the ground, concealed within dense vegetation.

The Western Yellow Wagtail can be confused with other wagtail species, but its shorter tail and the color variations in the breeding male's head plumage are helpful distinguishing features.

As an insectivore, the Western Yellow Wagtail feeds primarily on insects, which it catches with quick, darting movements on the ground or in flight.

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Western Yellow Wagtail as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no significant threats to its global population.

10-3-2020 THATTEKAD BIRD SANCTUARY, INDIA - FLAME THROATED BULBUL (Rubigula gularis)

The flame-throated bulbul (Rubigula gularis) is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds and the state bird of Goa. It is found only in the forests of the Western Ghats in southern India. Formerly included as a subspecies of Pycnonotus flaviventris, it has since been elevated to the status of a full species. They are olive-backed with yellow undersides, a triangular orange-red throat and a white iris that stands out against the contrasting black head. They are usually seen foraging in groups in the forest canopy for berries and small insects. They have a call often with two or three tinkling notes that can sound similar to those produced by the red-whiskered bulbul. The species has been referred to in the past by names such as ruby-throated bulbul and black-headed bulbul, but these are ambiguous and could apply to other species such as Rubigula flaviventris and R. dispar.

The flame-throated bulbul is about 18 cm long with an olive-green back and yellow underparts, a squarish black head without a crest, an orange-red throat. The iris is white and contrasts with the dark head. The legs are brown and the gape is yellowish-pink. The bill is dark brown to black. The plumage of young birds has not been described.

The flame-throated bulbul is found in the Western Ghats from southern Maharashtra and Goa southwards. It is a bird of forest that is only rarely seen at the edges of forests or inside coffee plantations.

The flame-throated bulbul keeps in small flocks and feeds on berries, including those of Lantana sp. It inhabits evergreen forests often along streams and valleys. The flame-throated bulbul feeds on fruit and insects, sometimes in mixed species foraging flocks.

Populations appear to move seasonally within the Western Ghats.

The breeding season is mostly from February to April. The nest is a small cup, placed in undergrowth from 1 to 3 metres from the ground level and is usually made of yellowing leaves bound with cobwebs and can easily be mistaken for a wind-blown accumulation of dry leaves.

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 is characterized by its long and slender neck, which is reminiscent of a snake, hence its colloquial name "snakebird." The bird's plumage is predominantly black with silvery streaks on the wing coverts and tertials. The underparts are blackish brown, and a pale line over the eye and throat, along with a line running along the sides of the neck, gives it a striped appearance.

Adult Oriental darters can be identified by their white iris with a yellow ring, a dark tip on the upper mandible, and yellowish lower mandible. 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. In flight, the bird's long and slender neck, wide wings, and wedge-shaped tail make it distinctive.

The Oriental darter is typically found in freshwater lakes and streams, where it can be seen foraging alone with its body submerged and neck moving jerkily above the water.

This species is native to tropical regions of South Asia and Southeast Asia.

The Oriental darter hunts by submerging its body in water and darting its neck forward with rapid force to stab fish underwater. It then brings the fish to the surface, tossing it before swallowing head first. The bird is often seen perched on a rock or branch with wings held open to dry, as its feathers are wettable like those of cormorants. It may soar on thermals or alternate flapping and gliding in flight.

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.

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.

10-3-2020 THATTEKAD BIRD SANCTUARY, INDIA - ASIAN BROWN FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa dauurica)

The Queen of Spain fritillary (Issoria lathonia) is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae.

This migratory species is widespread in most of Europe, in North Africa, Canary Islands, and in the eastern Palearctic realm (Central Asia, Himalayas, Baluchistan, and Western China). These butterflies live in open areas, in dry lawns, agricultural wastelands and in extensive crops at altitudes between sea level and 2700 m.

The Asian brown flycatcher (Muscicapa dauurica) is a small passerine bird in the flycatcher family Muscicapidae. The word Muscicapa comes from the Latin musca, a fly and capere, to catch. The specific dauurica refers to Dauria, an area of south-eastern Siberia named after a local nomadic tribe.

This is an insectivorous species which breeds in Japan, eastern Siberia and the Himalayas. It is migratory and winters in tropical southern Asia from southern India and Sri Lanka east to Indonesia.

The correct specific epithet for this species is disputed.

10-3-2020 PERIYAR RIVER LODGE, INDIA - MALIBAR GIANT SQUIRREL (Ratufa indica)

The Indian giant squirrel or Malabar giant squirrel (Ratufa indica) is a large multi-coloured tree squirrel species endemic to forests and woodlands in India. It is a diurnal, arboreal, and mainly herbivorous squirrel.

This species is endemic to India, with sections of its distribution in the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats and Satpura Range as far north as Madhya Pradesh (approximately 22° N). It is found at altitudes of 180–2,300 m (590–7,550 ft) in tropical deciduous, semi-deciduous (where often utilizing denser riparian growth), and moist evergreen forests and woodlands. In general, its distribution is fragmented because it is intolerant of habitat degradation. The Indian giant squirrel generally nests in taller trees with a mean height of 11 m (36 ft) (±3 m (10 ft) SD) in order to avoid predators.

The Indian giant squirrel is one of the largest squirrels, with a head–and–body length of 25–50 cm (10–20 in), a tail that is about the same or somewhat longer, and a weight of 1.5–2 kg (3–4 lb), although rarely up to 3 kg (7 lb).[7][8] Average for both sexes is about 36 cm (1 ft 2 in) in head–and–body length, 45 cm (1 ft 6 in) in tail length and 1.7–1.8 kg (3.7–4.0 lb) in weight.

It has a conspicuous one-, two-, or three-toned colour scheme. The colours involved can be whitish, creamy-beige, buff, tan, rust, reddish-maroon, brown, dark seal brown, or black. The underparts and the front legs are usually cream coloured, and the head can be brown or beige, and there is a distinctive white spot between the ears. Otherwise the colours depend on the subspecies.

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.