India's abundant biodiversity is echoed in the distinctive birds selected as symbols by its states. From the colorful Indian Roller to the regal Great Hornbill, these birds are not only symbols but also essential components of their environments. Here's a live update of 10 prominent state birds of India and where to find them in the wild.
1. Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis)
State(s): Arunachal Pradesh, Kerala
Where to Spot: Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh; Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala
Characterized by its massive size and dramatic casque, the Great Hornbill is an iconic species of Indian forests.
2. Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis)
State(s): Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh
Where to Spot: Open areas and woodland edges throughout middle and southern India; widespread in rural areas.
3. White-winged Wood Duck (Asarcornis scutulata)
State(s): Assam
Where to Find: Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Assam
This endangered and rare duck prefers remote wetlands in northeast India.
4. Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa peninsularis)
State(s): Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya
Where to Find: Forests of central India and Meghalaya hills
Renowned for its mimicry and shiny plumage.
5. Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)
State(s): Gujarat
Where to Find: Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat
These ravishing pink birds congregate in large flocks in wetlands of Gujarat.
6. Western Tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus)
State(s): Himachal Pradesh
Where to See: Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh
A lesser-known pheasant, also referred to as "Jujurana," which inhabits high-altitude forests.
7. Sarus Crane (Grus antigone)
State(s): Uttar Pradesh
Where to See: Etawah and Mainpuri wetlands, Uttar Pradesh
The world's tallest avian creature, the Sarus Crane is known for its elegance and pair bonds that last an entire lifetime.
8. Indian Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradise)
State(s): Madhya Pradesh
Where to See: Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Parks, Madhya Pradesh
Recognized by its elongated, ribbon-like tail and flashy plumage.
9. Mrs. Hume's Pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae)
State(s): Manipur, Mizoram
Where to Spot: Northeast Indian forests, particularly Manipur and Mizoram
A rare pheasant, usually shy in dense forests.
10. Indian Peafowl (Peacock) (Pavo cristatus)
State(s): National Bird of India, also Odisha state bird
Where to Spot: Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan; forests and fields throughout India
Famous for its iridescent plumage and impressive courtship display.
Top Birding Spots in India
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Bharatpur (Keoladeo Ghana National Park), Rajasthan: UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for migratory and residential birds.
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Chilika Lake, Odisha: Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, home to flamingos and pelicans.
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Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh: More than 450 species of birds, including hornbills and pheasants.
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Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat: Flamingos, herons, and several waterbirds.
Sources: Wikipedia, Nature InFocus, BYJU's, Career Power, State Birds of India, Outlook Traveller
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