As the temperature rises in the northern parts of India, forests and wetlands come alive with the singing and presence of various exotic birds that visit for mating, nesting, and migration during summers.
Bird enthusiasts from different places like the foothills of the Himalayas, Aravallis, forests of Uttarakhand, and northern plains tend to observe more activity of these birds during summer.
Here are 10 exotic birds that can be sighted in North India during summer:
1. Indian Paradise Flycatcher
This bird is distinguished by long white streamers and glossy blackhead in male birds. During the summer breeding season, it can usually be seen soaring through woodlands.
2. Golden Oriole
A bright yellow bird with black wings, the Golden Oriole tends to be frequently observed in orchards and the peripheries of woodlands in North India.
3. Indian Pitta
The Indian Pitta is also known as “Navrang” due to its array of colours like blue, green, chestnut, and yellow. They are typically observed in moist deciduous forests before the rains.
4. Blue Throated Barbet
This bird is known for its green body, blue throat, and red crown, and is frequently heard through its loud metallic calls in the sub-Himalayan forests.
5. Asian Koel
The Asian Koel is known for its frequent repeating sound of “ku oo” and becomes active in the summers. It is usually found close to human dwellings and forests.
6. Blue Cheeked Bee Eater
This migratory species of bird comes from Africa and Europe and is characterized by eating flying insects in open grasslands.
7. Blue Tailed Bee Eater
This species has a green body and blue tail and is usually found near wetlands or sandy rivers banks during the summers.
8. Pheasant Tailed Jacana
This unique wetland bird has distinctive long feathers on the tail and can be seen walking on floating vegetation.
9. Common Cuckoo
This migratory bird appears during summer in North India and is well known for its repeated chirping sound.
10. Himalayan Bulbul
Himalayan Bulbul can be easily recognized by its crested head and white facial feathers. This bird is highly active in the foot hills of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir during summer time.
Bird watchers say that summer mornings provide the ideal chance for sighting as bird activity tends to be higher during cooler periods. North Indian forests, wetlands, orchards, and biodiversity parks continue to provide some of the best sites for bird watching in the region.
