Birds of Padhri
ORIENTAL WHITE EYE
Small active bird, with prominent white eye rings. Highly gregarious, found in flocks of 3-30. They can live upto 10 years.
SHRIKE BIRDS
Although Shrikes are songbirds, they behave like birds of prey. They are often referred to as ”butcher birds” because they easily kill their pray with sharply hooked beaks, and then impale their pray on sharp thorns, to store it for later. Shrikes then return and pick at its meal over the course of several days. Average lifespan of Shrikes in the wild is between 7 to 8 years
INDIAN ROLLER
A brightly colored bird with various shades of blue on the wings, tails, and belly that are often more prominent in flight. Generally silent, but more vocal in breeding season with harsh calls. Prefers open areas, including agricultural landscapes, sitting on exposed perches including electric wires. Indian Roller’s can live upto 17 years.
THE CHUKAR
The chukar is the national bird of Pakistan. Chukar is a symbol of love and is sometimes depicted as staring at the moon as a sign of its love for the moon. Chakura was a mythological partridge/ crow in Hindu mythology that was thought to live in the moonbeams and was a symbol of good luck.
THE SEE SEE PARTRIDGE
Eye-catching small gamebird of barren hills. Territorial song of the male is very similar to that of a Sand Partridge. The See See Partridge makes a wing-whistle upon take off, hence called “Chankana” by the locals.
BLACK FRANCOLIN
Also know as “Kaala Teetar”. Strikingly patterned male is unmistakable with his jet-black face and breast, white cheek patch, dark rust-brown collar, and bright white spots. Occurs in dry grasslands, agricultural land, and weedy fields. Shyer than other franeolins; more often heard than seen. Usually found solitary or in pairs.
LONG EARED OWL
Medium-sized, rather slender owl with long ‘sear’ tufts. Strictly nocturnal; rarely seen foraging at dusk and dawn. Found In areas with a mix of dense cover for roosting, such as brushy thickets or conifer groves, aml open spaces for hunting. Generally uncommon to rare and seldom-seen, but can gather in communal winter roosts with dozens of individuals (if you’re lucky enough to find a roost, do not disturb tlic birds).
