The Melodious Asian Koel
As the mercury rises, the unmistakable call of the Asian Koel often fills the air, marking its arrival as a prominent summer visitor to India. This cuckoo
species is a visual delight, with males showcasing a glossy, jet-black plumage that shimmers under the sun. In contrast, the females present a more subtle yet equally beautiful appearance, adorned in brown feathers with delicate white streaks. Their presence becomes particularly noticeable during their breeding season, when their distinctive 'koo-ooo' song can be heard echoing through the landscape, making them one of the most readily identified and cherished summer birds across the subcontinent.
Nocturnal Black-crowned Heron
During the hotter months, India also becomes a temporary home for the Black-crowned Night Heron, a species that journeys from parts of Europe and West Asia. These herons have a penchant for aquatic environments, typically favouring wetlands and marshy areas where they can easily find their preferred prey. While they can be seen during daylight, their most active periods are at dusk and throughout the night. Their diet primarily consists of fish and other small aquatic creatures, which they skillfully hunt under the cloak of darkness, making them a fascinating, albeit less visible, summer resident.
Vibrant Bee-eaters Arrive
The skies of India are further enlivened by the presence of several species of bee-eaters during summer. Among them is the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, easily distinguishable by the striking azure hue on its cheeks and a gracefully curved bill, perfect for its insectivorous diet. Close on its heels is the Blue-tailed Bee-eater, a visually stunning bird that undertakes migrations from Southeast Asia. These energetic flyers are often spotted near bodies of water and are renowned for their aerial acrobatics, expertly snatching bees, dragonflies, and other flying insects directly from the air – a truly captivating spectacle for any observer.
The Unique Comb Duck
Another intriguing waterfowl that graces Indian wetlands during the summer for its breeding season is the Comb Duck, also colloquially known as 'Natka'. This duck possesses a truly distinctive feature: a prominent knob or comb-like protuberance located on its bill, setting it apart from other duck species. It seeks out the calm waters of marshes and wetlands, where it can find suitable conditions for nesting and raising its young. Its presence adds to the diversity of avian life that seeks refuge and reproduction grounds in India during these warmer months.
Golden Oriole's Bright Presence
The Eurasian Golden Oriole makes a spectacular addition to the summer avian landscape of India, migrating from its breeding grounds in Europe and Africa. This bird is instantly recognizable by its dazzling, almost luminous yellow plumage, which stands in stark contrast against the greenery of its preferred habitats. Beyond its visual appeal, the Golden Oriole is celebrated for its melodious whistling song, a sound that adds a musical quality to the forests and open woodlands it inhabits. Its vibrant colors and enchanting calls make it a highly sought-after sighting for bird enthusiasts during the summer.
