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State Birds of India: India is a land of incredible diversity. It is not only renowned for its state animals and flowers but also for its state birds. These avian representatives are not just beautiful and diverse; they embody the rich natural heritage of each state. In this blog, we’ll explore what state birds are, provide a list of state names and their designated birds, discuss the state birds facing extinction, introduce the national bird of India, and share fascinating facts about it.
What are State Birds of India?
State birds are specific bird species chosen to symbolize individual states or union territories within a country. These selections are typically based on the birds’ cultural, historical, or ecological significance to the region. State birds serve as important symbols of a state’s identity and its connection to its natural heritage.
List of State Birds in India
State birds serve as important symbols of a state’s identity and its connection to its natural heritage. The designation of state birds is a way for states or regions to celebrate and showcase their unique avian diversity and beauty. These birds can be native species that are abundant in the area or species that hold special cultural or historical importance. State birds are often celebrated in various ways, such as in state emblems, official ceremonies, and educational programs, and they can serve as a source of pride for residents of the respective states or regions.
In many countries, different states or regions have their own designated state birds, each representing the natural and cultural heritage of that specific area. These state birds help raise awareness about the importance of preserving local ecosystems and conserving native bird species.
State-wise List of Birds in India
Here’s a list of the state birds of Indian states, along with their scientific names:
| State | State Bird | Scientific Name |
|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | Indian Roller | Coracias benghalensis |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Hornbill | Buceros bicornis |
| Assam | White-winged Wood Duck | Asarcornis scutulata |
| Bihar | House Sparrow | Passer domesticus |
| Chhattisgarh | Hill Myna | Gracula religiosa |
| Goa | Flame-throated Bulbul | Pycnonotus gularis |
| Gujarat | Greater Flamingo | Phoenicopterus roseus |
| Haryana | Black Francolin | Francolinus francolinus |
| Himachal Pradesh | Western Tragopan | Tragopan melanocephalus |
| Jharkhand | Asian Koel | Eudynamys scolopaceus |
| Karnataka | Indian Roller | Coracias benghalensis |
| Kerala | Great Hornbill | Buceros bicornis |
| Madhya Pradesh | Indian Paradise Flycatcher | Terpsiphone paradisi |
| Maharashtra | Yellow-footed Green Pigeon | Treron phoenicopterus |
| Manipur | Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant | Syrmaticus humiae |
| Meghalaya | Hill Myna | Gracula religiosa |
| Mizoram | Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant | Syrmaticus humiae |
| Nagaland | Blyth’s Tragopan | Tragopan blythii |
| Odisha | Indian Roller | Coracias benghalensis |
| Punjab | Northern Goshawk | Accipiter gentilis |
| Rajasthan | Indian Bustard | Ardeotis nigriceps |
| Sikkim | Blood Pheasant | Ithaginis cruentus |
| Tamil Nadu | Emerald Dove | Chalcophaps indica |
| Telangana | Indian Roller | Coracias benghalensis |
| Tripura | Green Imperial Pigeon | Ducula aenea |
| Uttar Pradesh | Sarus Crane | Antigone antigone |
| Uttarakhand | Himalayan Monal | Lophophorus impejanus |
| West Bengal | White-throated Kingfisher | Halcyon smyrnensis |
List of Union Territories Birds
Here’s a list of the state birds of the union territories of India:
| Union Territory | State Bird | Scientific Name |
|---|---|---|
| Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Andaman Wood Pigeon | Columba palumboides |
| Chandigarh | Indian Grey Hornbill | Ocyceros birostris |
| Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu | Oriental Magpie Robin | Copsychus saularis |
| Delhi | House Sparrow | Passer domesticus |
| Lakshadweep | Sooty Tern | Onychoprion fuscatus |
| Puducherry | Asian Koel | Eudynamys scolopaceus |
State Birds Facing Extinction
Several state birds in India are facing the threat of extinction due to various factors, including habitat loss, poaching, climate change, and human activities. These endangered state birds require urgent conservation efforts to ensure their survival. Here are a few state birds that are currently at risk:
Great Indian Bustard (Rajasthan): The Great Indian Bustard is one of the most critically endangered birds in India, primarily due to habitat loss, hunting, and collision with power lines.
White-winged Wood Duck (Assam): The White-winged Wood Duck is listed as endangered due to habitat degradation, hunting, and the small population size.
Western Tragopan (Himachal Pradesh): Western Tragopan populations are declining due to habitat loss and hunting.
Yellow-footed Green Pigeon (Maharashtra): This species faces habitat destruction and hunting pressures, which have led to a decline in its population.
Himalayan Monal (Uttarakhand): The Himalayan Monal is threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and illegal trade.
Indian Paradise Flycatcher (Madhya Pradesh): Habitat loss and degradation are major threats to this species, leading to a decline in its numbers.
Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant (Manipur and Mizoram): This pheasant is facing threats from habitat loss and hunting.
Sarus Crane (Uttar Pradesh): Habitat destruction and human disturbance are major threats to the Sarus Crane, which is the world’s tallest flying bird.
What is the National Bird of India?
The national bird of India is the Indian Peafowl, which is commonly known as the Peacock. The scientific name of the Indian Peafowl is Pavo cristatus. The Peacock, with its strikingly colorful and elaborate plumage, holds a special place in Indian culture and tradition. It symbolizes grace, beauty, and cultural significance and is often associated with various mythologies and artistic representations in India. The Indian government officially declared the Peacock as the national bird of India in 1963, recognizing its cultural and ecological importance to the country.
Facts about the National Bird of India
Here are some interesting facts about the national bird of India, the Indian Peafowl (Peacock):
Scientific Name: The scientific name of the Indian Peafowl is “Pavo cristatus.”
Majestic Plumage: The male Indian Peafowl, known as a peacock, is famous for its stunning and colorful plumage. It boasts iridescent blue, green, and bronze feathers that form an extravagant and eye-catching display.
Courtship Display: During the breeding season, male peacocks perform an elaborate courtship dance to attract peahens. This display involves fanning out their feathers, shaking them, and producing a distinctive rattling sound.
Symbol of Beauty: The peacock’s majestic appearance has made it a symbol of beauty and grace in Indian culture. It is often associated with qualities like elegance and integrity.
Cultural Significance: In Hinduism, the peacock is associated with various deities. Lord Kartikeya, the god of war and son of Lord Shiva, is often depicted riding a peacock. Additionally, Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and the arts, is often depicted with a peacock.
Native to India: The Indian Peafowl is native to the Indian subcontinent and is found in various parts of the country. India has the largest population of wild peafowls in the world.
Protected Species: The Indian Peafowl is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 in India, which makes it illegal to harm or hunt these birds.
Peahens: Female peafowls are called peahens and have a more subdued appearance with brown plumage. They play a crucial role in choosing their mates based on the males’ displays.
Diet: Peafowls are omnivorous birds and feed on a variety of foods, including seeds, insects, fruits, and small reptiles.
Vocal Calls: Peafowls are known for their loud and distinctive calls, with the males producing a series of loud “yow-yow” calls, especially during the breeding season.
National Symbol: The Indian government officially declared the Indian Peafowl as the national bird of India in 1963, recognizing its cultural and ecological significance to the country.
Conservation: While the Indian Peafowl is not currently considered endangered, its conservation is essential to ensure its continued presence in the wild, and it serves as a flagship species for the conservation of India’s rich biodiversity.
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Conclusion
State birds, like state animals and flowers, play a vital role in representing India’s rich natural diversity. By understanding their significance and supporting conservation efforts, we can appreciate and protect these avian treasures for generations to come.
State Birds of India – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the state of India's birds report 2023?
The State of India's Birds Report 2023 is a comprehensive study assessing the status of bird species in India. It provides insights into population trends, conservation efforts, and threats faced by different bird species across the country. The report serves as a crucial resource for understanding and conserving India's avian biodiversity.
Which state bird is the peacock?
The peacock is not just the state bird of one particular state in India; it holds the distinction of being the national bird of India. It symbolizes grace, beauty, and cultural significance across the nation.
Which state bird is Hornbill?
The Great Hornbill is the state bird of Kerala, an Indian state known for its rich biodiversity and vibrant cultural heritage.
What is the national bird of India 2023?
As of 2023, the national bird of India remains the peacock, admired for its stunning appearance and cultural significance across the country.
Which is the state bird of Nagaland?
The state bird of Nagaland is the Blyth's tragopan, a beautiful and colorful bird known for its distinctive appearance and significance to the state's wildlife.
