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Time of India
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
10 Colourful Birds That Look Like They Were Painted by Artists
These days, with filters and edits everywhere, it's easy to forget that some of the most amazing colours still come straight from nature. And birds? Some of them are honestly so colourful, you'd think they aren't real. But they are! No editing, no effects– just feathers that naturally look like they've been painted. All over the world, there are birds with bright blues, glowing greens, and shades that don't even seem real. Some of them use those colours to attract a mate, some to blend in, and others just stand out without trying. Here are ten birds that are so beautiful, you'll probably do a double-take– but yes, they're completely real. Keel-Billed Toucan If you've ever spotted a bird that looked like it had a rainbow for a beak, it was probably this one. The keel-billed toucan lives in Central America and is instantly recognised by its oversized, multicoloured bill– with green, orange, red, and blue all rolled into one. Surprisingly, the beak is lightweight despite its size. It helps the bird pick fruit, insects, and sometimes even small reptiles. With a mostly black body, a yellow throat, and a splash of red under the tail, this bird is as functional as it is eye-catching. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Discover Why These Off-Plan Dubai Apartments Sell Fast? Binghatti Developers FZE Read More Undo Splendid Fairy Wren For most of the year, this Australian bird blends into the background– until the breeding season, when the male transforms into a bright blue spectacle with black markings across the face. Colour alone isn't the only thing used to impress potential mates– males are also known to present flower petals during courtship. Gouldian Finch Nicknamed the 'rainbow finch,' this tiny bird wears a patchwork of green backs, purple chests, yellow bellies, and heads that can be red, black, or yellow. Each one looks slightly different, making them even more fascinating to spot. They usually move in groups and stay near water sources. Unfortunately, due to habitat loss and trapping, their numbers in the wild have declined. Fiery-Throated Hummingbird Small and quick, this hummingbird shines beautifully. Found in the highlands of Central America, its throat flashes orange, green, and blue when the light hits just right. It feeds on nectar and tiny insects, using its long beak to reach deep into flowers. Indian Peafowl (Peacock) One of the most recognisable birds in the world, the male peafowl's bright blue body and elaborate tail feathers are unmatched. The tail features "eyes" in blue and green, fanned out dramatically during mating displays. Interestingly, the females– known as peahens– are more subdued, dressed in earthy browns and greens without the ornate tail. Lilac-Breasted Roller Found across eastern and southern Africa, this bird looks like a flying colour palette– with a lilac chest, turquoise belly, green head, and bright blue wings. It's no surprise photographers can't resist stopping to capture it. During courtship, it puts on quite a show with quick dives and mid-air rolls. The rest of the time, it's usually perched up high, watching for insects, frogs, or lizards to swoop down on. Wilson's Bird of Paradise One of the most eye-catching birds in the bird-of-paradise family, Wilson's bird of paradise is found in parts of Indonesia. The male stands out with a red back, yellow collar, green chest, and a bright blue, bald head– plus two curly tail feathers that look almost unreal. Red-Necked Tanager With a green body, red neck and cheeks, bluish throat, and hints of purple on the head, this bird looks like someone coloured it in with every crayon they had. It lives mostly in the forests of South America. These birds forage mainly in treetops, occasionally coming down for fruit. Resplendent Quetzal This bird almost glows in the cloud forests of Central America. Males have shimmering green feathers, a red chest, and extremely long tail feathers during the breeding season– sometimes over three feet in length. More than just beautiful, the quetzal has deep cultural roots in ancient Mesoamerican traditions and still features in national symbols and folklore. Spangled Cotinga Found in the Amazon rainforest, the male spangled cotinga has soft blue feathers and a magenta throat– a colour combo you don't see too often. Despite their bright looks, they're usually quiet and stick to themselves, often seen perched high in fruiting trees. During breeding season, they add insects to their diet for a little extra energy– especially when it's time to impress a mate.
India.com
17-07-2025
- India.com
7 Hidden Saltwater Lakes Near Delhi You Must Visit For An Unforgettable Birdwatching Experience
The capital of India Delhi provides residents with more than political and cultural opportunities because the city leads toward dreamlike natural environments. The vital bird habitats include saltwater lakes which host both migratory and resident bird species. Saline water bodies develop exclusive habitats that attract numerous bird species which can be observed by birdwatchers. Birdwatchers can explore this guide to discover amongst the best saltwater lake locations around Delhi for their pastime. 1. Sultanpur National Park Sultanpur National Park stands as a prominent bird sanctuary in the Delhi vicinity at its 50-kilometer distance. The park holds seasonal wetlands with slight salinity because it stands near arid locations although it lacks complete saltwater characteristics. The shallow winter waters of this site attract thousands of migrating Northern Shoveler and Greater Flamingo and Bar-headed Goose species. Indian Peafowl together with the Grey Heron inhabit the park area throughout the year. Birdwatchers of every experience level can find pleasure at this location because of its excellent trail conditions coupled with observation platforms throughout the park. 2. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana National Park) The Keoladeo Ghana National Park deserves UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition for its global significance even though its distance from Delhi reaches 180 kilometers. The sanctuary combines freshwater marshlands with saltier wetlands which create various ecological habitats. During peak migration season (October to March), over 370 bird species visit this haven. Siberian Cranes and Painted Storks together with Pelicans are among the animals often seen at this location. People often visit this place from Delhi by road because of its convenient accessibility. 3. Surajpur Wetland From central Delhi's position at 45 kilometers distance one can find the bird-watching destination of Surajpur Wetland within Greater Noida. Part of the freshwater region but some sections have slightly salty water because of agricultural drainage and soil mineral content. Black-winged Stilts Common Teals together with Eurasian Spoonbills make up more than 200 bird species which inhabit the wetland. Enticing winter guests arrive at the site to become visible as Greylag Geese and Ruff. Public transport reaches the site directly and the place provides special pathways for walking visitors. 4. Okhla Bird Sanctuary Okhla Bird Sanctuary exists on the banks of the Yamuna River as it bridges the Delhi-UP state border and maintains its biodiversity in a small protected area. A mere 4 square kilometer area lets this site serve as an important habitat for countless birds who find comfort in its freshwater and mildly salty waters. Three hundred different bird species have been identified at this location which features two exceptional bird species—the Baer's Pochard and Ferruginous Duck. The sanctuary gains its fame from the winter gathering of waterfowl that occurs there. The well-built path enables people to observe nature without causing any disturbance to wildlife. 5. Basai Wetland The lesser-known birdwatcher destination Basai Wetland finds its location around 60 kilometers northwest of Delhi. The wetland continues to hold vital importance as an avifauna conservation site despite ongoing threats from urban development. Saltwater pools form in selected locations of this wetland because of industrial waste and natural water chemistry. The Black-tailed Godwit together with the Red-crested Pochard and Yellow-wattled Lapwing are commonly observed species at this location. The untouched birdwatching environment provides a peaceful sanctuary where protection work continues to defend against expanding development. 6. Dadhana Wetland Bird-lovers keep Dadhana Wetland as a hidden treasure based in Haryana's Jhajjar district which lies about 70 kilometers from Delhi. The saltwater combination in this habitat enables it to nurture life from the aquatic realm as well as birds of all types. Northern Pintail together with Gadwall and Common Coot birds migrate to this site when winter arrives. The wetland becomes brighter during all seasons because it sustains two native bird species: Purple Swamphen and the resident Indian Spot-billed Duck. The uncommercial site of Dadhana presents inherent natural beauty together with plenty of photo-worthy subjects. 7. Badkhal Lake Before neglect, the Badkhal Lake served as a local attraction for visitors who engaged in boating and organized picnics between Faridabad and Delhi which are about 30 kilometers apart. The lake experienced years of abandonment that resulted in its dry sections where only salinity remained. Conservation work in recent years brought back elements of the lake which now host Little Grebe and Moorhen and Cotton Pygmy Goose species. The protection and restoration work at Badkhal Lake position it as a potential upcoming birdwatching location if present conservation strategies continue achieving positive results. Why Saltwater Lakes Are Important for Birdwatching A network of saltwater lakes functions as a vital habitat for maintaining different bird species. Their particular chemical properties enable the development of special vegetation and water-based organisms that provide food for numerous bird species. Migratory birds make stopover use of these locations as they travel between continents. The high nutrient levels in saline waters create conditions that result in large ecta fish and insect populations which supply birds with ample food resources. Tips for Birdwatching Near Delhi The optimal hours for observing birds in their natural activity occur during early morning and late afternoon. Desert Birdwatchers need to purchase binoculars together with cameras that include strong zoom capabilities for distant wildlife observation. Choose Clothing Items with Neutral Colors because these tones will not alarm birds while matching the background environment better. Your distance from wildlife nesting areas and use of quiet activities can help prevent disturbing their habitats. Observing seasonal migratory movements will help you decide the best time to visit the area for bird observation. The vicinity of Delhi to multiple saltwater lakes and wetland areas creates extraordinary conditions for bird observation. All birdwatchers will find valuable viewing opportunities at these sites where they can observe both large flamingos and delicate warblers. Both responsible visits and advocacy efforts will help sustain these valuable ecosystems as vibrant environments throughout the generations. The serene beauty of nature awaits everyone who rests their gear to step outside and experience its symphonic appeal.
New Indian Express
03-07-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
Visakhapatnam's IGZP uses artificial incubation to hatch exotic bird chicks
VISAKHAPATNAM: In a first for any zoological park in Andhra Pradesh, the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) in Visakhapatnam has successfully hatched 27 bird chicks through artificial incubation, while seven others were hatched naturally. The chicks belong to five bird species, including Blue Gold Macaw, Lutino Parakeet, Peach-Faced Lovebird, Red Junglefowl, and Indian Peafowl. The zoo's veterinary team, including one senior veterinarian, one conservation biologist, and two paravets and animal keepers, carried out the work. Among the 34 chicks, three Lutino Parakeets and four Peach-Faced Lovebirds were naturally hatched by their parent birds. The parent birds took turns incubating eggs, keeping them warm until they hatched. The remaining chicks, consisting of two Blue Gold Macaws, 13 Red Junglefowl, and 12 Indian Peafowl, were hatched using artificial incubation. 'For the Red Junglefowl and Peafowl, the eggs were incubated at 38°C for 21 and 28 days, respectively, with humidity between 65% and 70%. After hatching, the chicks were moved to a brooder kept at 35°C and 50% to 60% humidity. These chicks are called 'precocial' because they can move around and feed themselves soon after hatching,' said Dr P Bhanu, senior veterinarian at IGZP. He further elaborated, 'The two Blue-and-Gold Macaw chicks were incubated at 37.5°C for 28 days with a humidity of 45% to 54%. Once hatched, the chicks were placed in a brooder with a temperature of around 37.5°C, which is slowly reduced as they grow. The chicks were born blind and weighed around 20 grams. They are being hand-fed every two hours with a special formula that includes digestive enzymes, prebiotics, and other nutrients.'
NDTV
09-06-2025
- NDTV
7 Incredible Birds You'll Only Spot In National Parks Of India
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. India's national parks are home to remarkable bird species. Highlights include the Great Indian Hornbill, Forest Owlet, and Great Indian Bustard, each offering unique sightings for birders. These parks provide breathtaking experiences for wildlife enthusiasts. There's something thrilling about spotting a rare bird in the wild — especially when it's one you can't find anywhere else on Earth. India's national parks aren't just havens for Bengal tigers and Asian elephants; they're also home to some of the most remarkable birds in the world. From bold colour displays to near-mythical sightings, these seven species are must-sees for any serious birder — or anyone who just enjoys a good pair of binoculars and a solid walking shoe. Here are seven birds that are best seen, and in some cases only seen, within India's national parks. Here Are 7 Birds To Spot In Indian National Parks: 1. Great Indian Hornbill Where: Periyar National Park, Kerala; Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh With its oversized yellow casque and dramatic bill, the Great Indian Hornbill looks like it flew straight out of a comic book. But it's not just about looks — this bird plays a vital ecological role by dispersing seeds of fruiting trees across dense forests. Hornbills are monogamous, and during the breeding season, the female seals herself into a tree cavity with mud, leaving only a slit for the male to feed her and the chicks. You'll need a sharp eye and a quiet demeanour to catch sight of one. Early morning treks through Periyar or Namdapha offer the best chance of hearing their whooshing wingbeats — often before you spot them. 2. Forest Owlet Where: Melghat Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra Declared extinct in 1972 and then dramatically rediscovered in 1997, the Forest Owlet is the stuff of ornithological legend. This small, chunky bird with piercing yellow eyes is notoriously hard to spot, as it stays hidden in dense deciduous forests and is active during daylight hours — unusual for an owl. Melghat in Maharashtra is the only confirmed site where these birds are regularly sighted. Patience, silence, and a knowledgeable guide are your best allies here. 3. Black-Necked Stork Where: Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan; Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh Standing over a metre tall, the Black-necked Stork is one of India's largest and rarest wetland birds. Unlike other storks that often feed in flocks, this one prefers to forage alone or in pairs. It's easily recognised by its glossy black neck and head, stark white body, and dramatic red legs. Keoladeo, once a royal duck hunting ground, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to spot this shy wader, particularly during the winter migratory season. 4. Indian Peafowl Where: Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan; Bandipur National Park, Karnataka You've likely seen India's national bird in village fields or temple courtyards, but to see the Indian Peafowl in the wild is something else entirely. In the early morning or late afternoon, peacocks perform their full-blown courtship displays — extravagant dances with their iridescent tail feathers fully fanned. Ranthambore offers a dramatic backdrop with its ancient ruins and rocky terrain, while Bandipur lets you see them against a lush, green forest. 5. Pallas's Fish Eagle Where: Kaziranga National Park, Assam; Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand This massive raptor is a winter visitor to India, and one of the lesser-seen eagles in the country. With its powerful frame, shaggy brown feathers, and pale head, the Pallas's Fish Eagle is a serious predator that dominates riverine habitats. Kaziranga's Brahmaputra wetlands and Jim Corbett's Ramganga reservoir offer the best odds of seeing this majestic bird in action — usually swooping down with precision to grab fish from the water. 6. Indian Roller Indian roller. Photo: Unsplash Where: Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh; Gir National Park, Gujarat It's not hard to see why the Indian Roller is a favourite among wildlife photographers. With electric blue wings that flash in flight and a perky attitude, this bird adds colour and drama to even the most ordinary forest scene. Indian Rollers are often seen perched on open wires or tree stumps, scanning the ground for insects. Their mid-air rolling displays — a courtship behaviour — are a treat if you're lucky enough to witness them. 7. Great Indian Bustard Where: Desert National Park, Rajasthan Fewer than 150 individuals remain of this critically endangered species, making the Great Indian Bustard one of the rarest birds in the world. Standing nearly a metre tall, it's the heaviest flying bird native to India. Despite its size, it can be surprisingly difficult to spot in the vast Thar Desert. Desert National Park near Jaisalmer remains the last stronghold. Conservation efforts are ongoing, but the odds of a sighting are slim — and that makes it all the more special.
