Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Magpie Robin

Photo by : Abhijit Joshi
Camera : Canon S3IS

Male, sleek black with white underparts and prominent white slash across black wings. Black portions in male are slate grey in female. Cocked tail is typical. Common woodland and garden bird। Occasional descending whistle note or when alarmed, a harsh "churrrrr", When courting, sings and whistels beautifully.

Magpie Robin (दयाल)
Location : Atkarwadi, Pune

Monday, March 3, 2008

Whitebreasted Blue Kingfisher


Whitethroated Kingfisher, Khandya
Striking turquoise blue with deep chocolate head, neck and underparts, offset by sparkling white "shirts" front. Long, heavy, pointed red bill.
Harsh, cackling call "kek-kek-kek-kek", usally uttred in flight. Often found away from water. Feeds on lizards, snakes as well as aquatic prey
[Ref : Birds of Pune]