INDIA'S VANISHING BIRDS
India Today|March 11, 2024
CLIMATE CHANGE, DEFORESTATION, DISEASE AND HUMAN APATHY ARE TAKING A TOLL ON OUR AVIAN HERITAGE. IF WE DON’T ACT NOW, WE WILL LOSE SOME BIRDS FOREVER
SONALI ACHARJEE
INDIA'S VANISHING BIRDS

LESSER FLORICAN

Sypheotides indicus

Habitat: Grasslands in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra

Reason for decline: Invasive species in open habitats, collisions with power lines 

SLENDER-BILLED VULTURE

Gyps tenuirostris

Habitat: from the Gangetic plain north, west to Himachal, south as far as northern Odisha, and east through Assam 

Reason for decline: Toxins found in carcasses they eat

MANIPUR BUSH QUAIL

Perdicula manipurensis

Habitat: Damp grasslands of northeast India 

Reason for decline: Drainage and destruction of tall grasslands; illegal trade 

WHITE-BELLIED HERON

Ardea insignis

Habitat: Wetlands of tropical/ subtropical forests in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas of northeast India 

Reason for decline: Loss of breeding and feeding grounds 

BUGUN LIOCICHLA

Liocichla bugunorum

Habitat: Montane forest and dense undergrowth in Arunachal Pradesh

Reason for decline: Loss of habitat

WHITE-WINGED WOOD DUCK

Asarcornis scutulata

Habitat: Assam and Arunachal Pradesh

Reason for decline: Habitat loss, hunting

THE FOREST OWLET

Heteroglaux blewitti

Habitat: Dry deciduous teak forests in central India

Reason for decline: Deforestation, timber logging

SAKER FALCON

Falco cherrug 

Habitat: Open areas in Rajasthan, Ladakh

Reason for decline: Habitat loss, scarcity of food, illegal trade

This story is from the March 11, 2024 edition of India Today.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the March 11, 2024 edition of India Today.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM INDIA TODAYView All
ARTS AND THE MAN
India Today

ARTS AND THE MAN

In his centenary year, F.N. Souza: The Archetypal Artist tries to make sense of the recurring themes in the artist’s work

time-read
2 mins  |
May 27, 2024
The Reluctant Art Critic
India Today

The Reluctant Art Critic

Advertising executive, art critic and possible catalyst of the modern Indian art movement, Rudolf von Leyden was an intriguing figure in pre-Independence Bombay

time-read
2 mins  |
May 27, 2024
PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST & POET
India Today

PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST & POET

ANINDYO ROY’S THE VICEROY’S ARTIST IS A FICTIONALISED ACCOUNT OF EDWARD LEAR’S TRAVELS IN INDIA

time-read
2 mins  |
May 27, 2024
Lady of the Light
India Today

Lady of the Light

This artist has transformed the humble bulb into a thing of beauty

time-read
1 min  |
May 27, 2024
S'more to Think Of
India Today

S'more to Think Of

Called Marshmallow, this penthouse in Gurgaon with soft curves and plush aesthetics stays true to its name

time-read
2 mins  |
May 27, 2024
A Marvelous Melange
India Today

A Marvelous Melange

From stylish living quarters to multipurpose adaptive space, this home in Mumbai turns every nook into a showstopper

time-read
3 mins  |
May 27, 2024
TECH MEETS TEXTURE
India Today

TECH MEETS TEXTURE

Smart fabrics and intelligent textiles are changing the way we view home furnishings

time-read
1 min  |
May 27, 2024
Refresh and Revive
India Today

Refresh and Revive

That old table, those cabinets or even the console can be given a new lease of life, one that is tailor-made to the latest trends

time-read
2 mins  |
May 27, 2024
Standout Spaces
India Today

Standout Spaces

Want dramatic interiors but don’t know how? This home in Mumbai becomes a lesson in learning the nuances of adding magic inside.

time-read
1 min  |
May 27, 2024
Vernacular Wise
India Today

Vernacular Wise

Forget international brands and design, the beauty and simplicity of local materials and ancient techniques is gaining momentum

time-read
1 min  |
May 27, 2024