Notes on Himalayan Birds

By Rupin Dang and Deepak Badhwar (created between 1992 and 1996)

1. Great Cormorant: (Phalacrocorax carbo) Hindi name: Jal Kauwa; 82 cms; occasionally in lakes upto 3,450 mts. sexes alike; glistening blue-black plumage and a bright yellow gular pouch in the breeding season makes this large bird conspicuous in the fast torrential streams or lakes of the Himalaya. An almost exclusive fish eater, it sits on banks and tree stumps drying out its plumage with wings open.

2. Goosander: (Mergus merganser) 66cms; 3000 to 4000 mts; in Ladakh. Perhaps breeding higher as well. Breeding male with a glossy black head & neck and pointed red bill & legs. The female has a chestnut head, chin and upper throat is white. Found in clear rapid streams hunting for fish and crustaceans.

3. Black Winged Kite: (Elanus caeruleus) Hindi name: Kapasi; 35cms, upto 1600 mts; sexes alike. Handsome grey-white bird with black patches on wing shoulders, sluggish flight and hovering like a kestrel to rush finally on its prey of lizards, field mice or large insects make it easily recognizable in the field.

4. Crested Honey Buzzard: (Pternis ptilorynchus) Hindi name: Shahutela; 68 cms; upto 1800 mts; sexes alike. A variably plumaged buzzard with up to six colour phases. A single high-pitched whistle, usually flying high in circles or perched singly in high tree tops. Besides feeding on small animals, birds and large insects, it also feeds on honey bees, wasps and their larvae and possibly also bees-wax. The dense covering of scale-like feathers on the face provide protection from the bee-stings.

5. Himalayan Golden Eagle: (Aquila chrysaetos) Himachali name: Dhungsoorish; 90 to 100 cms; 1850 to 5500 mts; sexes alike. A large and powerful bird. Very dark brown with golden nape and hind neck. Affects desolate, rugged high mountains where pairs hold sway over large territories. They hunt together mainly for game birds and animals.

6. Crested Serpent Eagle: (Spilnornis cheela) Hindi name: Dogra Cheel; 74 cms; upto 2000 mts; sexes alike. Colour varies with age but a beautifully spotted belly and a bright yellow patch at base of bill and yellow unfeathered legs diagnostic. Black tail with broad white band visible in flight and a distinct three-noted shrill scream confirms identity at height. Sits bolt upright on a leafy branch and feeds on reptiles, rodents etc.

Performs super acrobatics during mating season from March to May in the hills.

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