Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve !

Most beautiful Indian Bird: Indian Pitta

The Indian Pitta (Pitta brachyuran) is a summer visitor and very common at Ranthambhore. I got first sighting of Indian pitta at water hole near hand pump in zone no. 5 in this session on 31/05/2016 pm while nature guide, Shakir Ali reported the first sighting of Indian pitta at Kundi in zone no.6 in the morning safari on 30/05/2016 .

A resident species, this Pitta breeds in the north and winters down south and can occur almost anywhere on migration. The name Pitta is derived from the Telegu word 'pitta' which means a small bird.

The Stork-billed-kingfisher (Halcyon capensis)

The Stork-billed-kingfisher (Halcyon capensis) is very rare bird at Ranthambhore. It is reported only a few spots such a Gular Kui, Parani near Nal-ghati and Phuta-kot also. I also noted at Ade-Balaji Dam first time on date 21/05/2016 in the morning safari.

It is a tree kingfisher which is widely but sparsely distributed in the tropical Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia from India to Indonesia. This kingfisher is resident throughout its range.

The common hawk-cuckoo (Hierococcyx varius)

The common hawk-cuckoo (Hierococcyx varius) is a summer visitor and common bird at Ranthambhore. It is reported at Kachida vellay first time in this session by nature guide, Shakir Ali on 2/05/2016 pm.

It is popularly known as the Brain-Fever bird, is a medium-sized cuckoo resident in the Indian subcontinent.

The Asian Paradise Flycatchers (Terpsiphone paradisi)

The Asian Paradise Flycatchers (Terpsiphone paradisi) - also known as the Common Paradise Flycatchers was reported at Phuta-Kot area in the evening game drive on April 29, 2016. It is the first sighting of Asian Paradise Flycatchers in this session. After few days later, we will see more because it is common and summer visitor for Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. This bird mostly breed from May to July. These birds are monogamous and both share the duties of constructing the nest, incubating the eggs, and feeding and protecting the young.

The Eurasian Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus)

My first Eurasian Golden Oriole or simply golden oriole of this year was spotted in the evening safari at Anantpura area near the water point on April 16, 2016.

The Mottled Wood Owl

My first sighting and photograph of the Mottled Wood Owl (Strix ocellata) at Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. This was photographed at Lahpur area during the morning safari on April 11, 2016. Even though, Mottled wood owl already reported in our park.

I was thrilled to see the Mottled Wood Owl because I have never seen the Mottled wood owl in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve before it. A Great day ….Thanks God !

The White-bellied Minivet (Pericrocotus erythropygius)

A very rare bird, White-bellied Minivet was reported at zone no.8 in the morning safari on April 12, 2016 by nature guide, Saleem Ali. Read more

The Great Machhali was sighted at Ranthambhore Rd.

The world famous tigress, Machhali or T-16 was spotted once again at Ranthambhore Rd. while she was walking slowly-slowly in the evening time on April 13, 2016. It was really wonderful sighting of Great Machhali after long time.I saw Machhali last time on June 25, 2016.Read more..

The Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus)

My first Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) of this year, yellow face adult male was spotted at Raj-Bag Lake in the afternoon safari on April 7, 2016. Last year I saw this rare prey bird at zone no. 8. It is very rare in Ranthambhore.

The Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus), also called the white scavenger vulture or pharaoh's chicken. Egyptian vulture was worshiped by pharaohs in Egypt due to its ability to remove garbage and remaining of dead animals. That’s why, Egyptian vulture is also known as "Pharaoh's Chicken".

Egyptian vultures are the smallest of all vultures. They can reach 23 to 28 inches in length and 3.25 to 4.5 pounds of weight. They have a wingspan of 5.6 feet.

Number of Egyptian vultures decreased drastically because of intoxication (they feed on carcasses that can be full of poisons and lead), electrocution (after landing on the electric fences) and avian pox disease. Egyptian vultures are endangered species.

The Bengal fox pair spotted at zone no.6!

For me a Bengal fox- one of the rarest mammals in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve – but I was so lucky when I saw a pair of Indin fox recently at zone no.6 in Kundal area in the morning of Monday, March 28, 2016. Read More...

The brahminy kite (Haliastur indus)

My first sighting and photograph of the brahminy kite (Haliastur indus) at Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. During the winter 2015, I was really very lucky when I saw brahminy kite at branch at Malik Lake. It is rare prey bird for Ranthambhore. I really enjoyed the sighting of brahminy kite almost whole winter.

A medium-sized bird of prey, the Brahminy Kite is easily distinguishable from other raptors. It will measure between 45cm and 51cm. The plumage of the kite is predominantly chestnut in colour, hence the name, Red-backed Sea eagle, although this plumage is contrasted by a white head, breast and tail feather tips. The Brahminy Kite also has a yellowish bill.

As with most birds of prey, the Brahminy Kite is an impressive site to behold. The bird is currently under no significant threat, it is really big achievement, so hopefully it has been saved from the fate of possible extinction as suffered by many others.

The Large-Tail Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus)

My first sighting and photograph of the Large-Tail Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus) at Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary. This was photographed at bird Sanctuary ( Bharatpur) during the morning safari on January 27, 2011.