India is fortunate to have a wide variety of animals, including many different kinds of birds. With their inherently gorgeous plumage and musical melodies, birds are everywhere and enrich our lives with life, colour, and sound. They are acknowledged as one of the most significant environmental indicators. Bird population changes are frequently cited as the earliest sign of environment-related issues.
However, many of these bird species pose a significant threat to extinction. The fact that bird populations are declining indicates that we are causing environmental harm due to pollution, invasive species, pesticides, habitat degradation, and other human-caused factors. According to the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species, 182 species of Indian birds are categorized as Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, and Near Threatened.
Some critically endangered species of Birds found in India
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Migratory Wetland Species
These birds breed in one area and spend the winter in another. They rely on wetlands for food, water, and refuge during their journeys.
For Example Baer’s Pochard (Aythya baeri), Siberian Crane (Leucogeranus leucogeranus), Spoon-billed Sandpiper (Eurynorhynchus pygmeus)
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Non-migratory Wetland Species
Despite not migrating, these birds are nevertheless dependent on wetlands to survive. They may use wetlands for breeding purposes or all year round as a source of food and water.
For Example: White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis)
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Grassland Species
These are the birds that inhabit grasslands, which are places where grasses predominate. They usually consume insects, seeds, and other small animals while building their nests on the ground.
For Example: Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis), Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), Jerdon’s Courser(Rhinoptilus bitorquatus), Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus gregarius)
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Forest Species
These birds are found in forests, woods, and other forested habitats. They usually make their nests in trees and feed on fruits, seeds, and insects.
For Example: Forest Owlet (Heteroglaux blewitti)
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Scavengers
These birds are scavengers that consume dead animals. Typically, they have powerful beaks and claws that aid in tearing away flesh.
For Example: the Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus), Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus), Slenderbilled Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris), White-backed Vulture (Gyps bengalensis).
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Practically extinct
These practically extinct bird species are in danger of going extinct. They could be extremely rare or in danger due to habitat loss or other issues.
For Example: Himalayan Quail (Ophrysia superciliosa), Pink-headed Duck (Rhodonessa caryophyllacea)
Protection of India’s Birdlife
These are just a handful of the numerous groups and people fighting to preserve India’s birdlife. They can assist in protecting this priceless natural treasure for the next generations.
The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is an estuary mangrove environment that has been designated as a bird sanctuary. It is situated along the Mandovi River in Goa, India, near the western edge of the Island of Choro. The renowned Indian ornithologist Salim Ali is honoured with the name of the refuge.
The Bombay Natural History Society
The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), established on September 15, 1883, is one of India’s biggest non-governmental organizations dedicated to biodiversity and conservation. It has been linked to several well-known naturalists, including the ornithologists Sálim Ali and S. Dillon Ripley.
Wildlife Trust of India
India’s Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) is a group dedicated to protecting the environment. In response to the rapidly declining state of India’s wildlife, WTI was established in November 1998 in New Delhi, India. WTI concentrates its resources on six priority landscapes: the Terai, central India, the southern Ghats system, northeast India, and the western Himalayas.
