Kerala, a state located in the southwestern region of India, is known for its rich biodiversity and abundant birdlife. The region’s diverse landscapes, including dense forests, wetlands, backwaters, and coastal areas, provide a variety of habitats for different bird species. Here are some notable birds of Kerala:
- Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus): The Indian Peafowl, also known as the Indian Peacock, is the national bird of India. The male peacock is renowned for its vibrant and iridescent plumage.
- Malabar Hornbill (Ocyceros griseus): The Malabar Hornbill is a large bird with a prominent curved bill and a colorful casque on top of its head. It is found in the Western Ghats region of Kerala.
- Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis): The Great Hornbill is one of the largest hornbill species and is known for its distinctive casque and large curved bill. It inhabits the forests of the Western Ghats.
- Indian Pitta (Pitta brachyura): The Indian Pitta is a small, colorful bird with a distinctive pattern of green, blue, and orange feathers. It is known for its melodious call and is found in the forests of Kerala.
- Crimson-backed Sunbird (Leptocoma minima): The Crimson-backed Sunbird is a tiny bird with a brilliant red-orange back and a long curved bill. It is commonly seen in gardens and wooded areas of Kerala.
- White-bellied Treepie (Dendrocitta leucogastra): The White-bellied Treepie is a medium-sized bird with a black and white plumage and a long tail. It is found in the forests and plantations of Kerala.
- Malabar Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros griseus): The Malabar Grey Hornbill is a medium-sized bird with a grey plumage, a white belly, and a large yellow bill. It is endemic to the Western Ghats and is known for its unique call.
- Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala): The Painted Stork is a large wading bird with a white plumage, a black wing, and a distinctive pink bill. It can be seen in wetland areas and backwaters of Kerala.
- Lesser Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna javanica): The Lesser Whistling Duck is a small duck species with a long neck and a distinctive whistling call. It is commonly found in freshwater wetlands and paddy fields.
- Indian Cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscicollis): The Indian Cormorant is a medium-sized waterbird with a dark plumage, a long neck, and a hooked bill. It can be spotted near water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and backwaters.
| Name | Local Name |
|---|---|
| Little Cormorant | Kakkattaravu |
| Indian Darter or Snake Bird | Chera Kozhi |
| Indian Littile Green Bittern | Chinna Kokku |
| Indian Pond Heron, or Paddy Bird | Kulamunti, Kulakokku |
| Cattle Egret | Kalimunti |
| Aambal or Water Lily | Nymphaeaceae |
| Eastern Grey Hero | Perumunti |
| Indian Smaller Egret | Cherumunti |
| Little Egret | Chinnamunti |
| Indian Reef Heron | Tiramunti |
| Night Heron | Toppi-Kokku, Pathirakokku |
| OpenBill Stork | Cherakokkan |
| White Necked Stork | Karim-Kokku, Karavarakuru |
| White Ibis | Kashanti-Kokku |
| Lesser or Common Whistling Teal | Yeranda |
| Common Teal | Yeranda |
| Cotton Teal | Yeranda |
| Blacke Lackwinged Kite | Velli-Eriyan |
| Crested Honey Buzzard | Ten kotichi |
| Common Parian Kite | Chakki Parundu |
| Black Eagle | Karimparundu |
| Brahminy Kite | Garudan, Krishna Parundu |
| Aambal or Water Lily | Nymphaeaceae |
| White Breasted Waterhen | Kula Kozhi |
| The Brozewinged Jacana | Eetkili Kalam, Thamarakozhi |
| Pheasant-Tailed Jacana | Thamara Kozhi, Valan Thamara Kozhi |
| Travancore Pied King Fisher | Pulli-Ponman, Pulli Meenkothi |
| Chestnut-Headed Bee-Eater | Veli-Tatta, Chemban Velitatta |
| Malabar Grey Hornbill | Vezhambal |
| Malabar Pied Hornbill | Vezhambal, Ponden Vezhambal |
| Great Indian Hornbill | Malamuzhalkki (mountain – shaking), Vezhambal, Kompan Vezhambal |
| Malabar Crimson Throated Barbet | Alkili |
| Aambal or Water Lily | Nymphaeaceae |
| Crimson Brested or CopperSmith Barbet | Nymphaeaceae |
| Aambal or Water Lily | Chempukotti |
| Malabar Great Black Woodpecker | Kakka Maramkoti |
| Heart Spotted Woodpecker | Pulli Maramkoti |
| Black-backed Woodpecker | Maramkoti |
| Indian Oriole | Manjakkili |
| Bladck Drongo | Kakka Tampuratti, Anaranchi |
These are just a few examples of the diverse bird species found in Kerala. The state is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, offering numerous opportunities to observe and appreciate its avian treasures.