I See Bird

Eurasian coot - Fulica atra

2023-05-06T08:46:00.000-07:00

Common Name :	Eurasian coot, Common coot.
Binomial Name :	Fulica atra
Family :	Rallidae
Photo Taken :	Ireland

This bird is commonly known as the Eurasian coot. It is a medium-sized waterbird found across Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. It possesses a distinctive black plumage, a white beak, and a striking red frontal shield. With its unique lobed toes, it is well-adapted to swimming and diving, often seen gliding gracefully across lakes and marshes. The Eurasian coot is an omnivorous species, feeding on aquatic plants, insects, and small fish. Its loud, raucous call echoes through its wetland habitats, where it constructs floating nests amidst reeds. This adaptable and social bird thrives in a variety of freshwater environments and remains a captivating sight for nature enthusiasts worldwide.

The appearance of male and female Eurasian coots (Fulica atra) is generally similar. Both have black plumage, a white bill, and a distinctive red frontal shield. However, during the breeding season, the frontal shield of the male may become larger and brighter in color compared to the female.

Juvenile coots have a more subdued appearance. They have a blackish-brown plumage with a duller frontal shield, which gradually turns into the adult coloration as they mature. Overall, while there may be subtle differences between the sexes and age groups, the Eurasian coot maintains its characteristic black plumage, white bill, and red frontal shield throughout its life.

Eurasian coots have a diverse and adaptable feeding habit. These omnivorous birds primarily feed on aquatic vegetation such as algae, pondweeds, and water lilies, while also consuming various other plant matter including seeds and grasses. They actively forage for small aquatic animals, such as insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish, diving underwater and using their lobed toes for propulsion. Grazing in groups or flocks, coots display coordinated swimming and diving behaviors, often near the water's edge. This opportunistic feeding strategy allows them to adapt to the available food sources in their wetland habitats, ensuring a varied diet for their sustenance.

During the breeding season, which typically occurs from spring to summer, Eurasian coots engage in courtship displays and nest building. They form monogamous pairs and construct nests made of vegetation, typically floating on water or built on emergent vegetation near the water's edge.

The female coot lays a clutch of 6 to 10 eggs, which are initially pale in color but gradually become darker and stained due to incubation. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs for about three weeks until they hatch. Once hatched, the chicks are covered in black down and are capable of swimming and finding food shortly after. The parents provide care and protection to the young, feeding them a diet of insects, small invertebrates, and plant matter.

Eurasian coots are known to be highly territorial during the breeding season, fiercely defending their nests and offspring from intruders, including other coots. The breeding season is a critical time for these birds, as successful reproduction ensures the continuation of their species.

Photos of these Eurasian coot (Fulica atra) were taken from Dublin, Ireland in November 2017.

Written by Lonely Traveler,
For blog icbird.blogspot.com

Little cormorant - Microcarbo niger

2020-03-21T15:46:00.001-07:00

Common Name :	Little cormorant.
Binomial Name :	Microcarbo niger
Family :	Phalacrocoracidae
Bangla Name :	Pankouri (পানকৌড়ি).
Photo Taken :	Bangladesh

Little cormorant is a water bird that is native to the Indian subcontinent, and also available in the Eastern part of the Asia. In Indonesia this is known as as Javanese cormorant. Binomial name of this black colored bird is Microcarbo niger. It belongs to the bird family Phalacrocoracidae.

Although the Little cormorants (Microcarbo niger) are ween as a solitary bird, but it is a gregarious bird (specially during breeding season). The color of the bird is black, and the back side (wings) of the bird is having grey colored scales. This bird is having a shorter neck, and feet are webbed, like a duck (or other seabirds). The beak of the bird is greyish. Both male and female birds are same. Male cormorants tend to be slightly larger than the female.

Being a water bird, the Little cormorants are seen around the river, pond, and wetlands. This bird is a very good fish hunter by diving into water and can stay under water for a minute. They can move under water using their webbed feet easily. They perch on the branch or mound near the wetland to dry their wings by spreading wide.

Breeding season for this Little cormorant bird is usually between May to October. Both male and female bird participate to build the nest. Although they patrol over the water for hunting, but make their nest on a tree by gathering small sticks and other similar stuffs. The color of the egg is whitish and a clutch can have two to six eggs. It takes two to three weeks to hatch after successful incubation.

A Little cormorant with a clutch of Sandpiper birds, as if chicks with their mama!

A Little cormorant bird is drying his wings.

A Little cormorant is waiting on a bamboo pole near the water.

Photos of Little cormorant (Microcarbo niger) were taken from several locations of Bangladesh in different times of the year. In Bangladesh this bird is known as Pankouri (পানকৌড়ি), Pankouti (পানকৌটি), etc.

This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog http://icbird.blogspot.com/

Pied avocet - Recurvirostra avosetta

2019-04-18T14:52:00.002-07:00

Common Name :	Pied avocet.
Binomial Name :	Recurvirostra avosetta
Family :	Recurvirostridae
Bangla Name :	Ulto thoti.
Photo Taken :	Bangladesh

Pied avocet is a black & white colored bird. It is seen in Bangladesh just before the winter as a visiting bird. Binomial name of the bird is Recurvirostra avosetta. This wader bird belongs to the bird family Recurvirostridae. In Bangladesh this bird is known as "Ulto thoti" for its distinctive outward curvy (or upcurved) beak. This bird is distributed around Europe, Siberia, some part of China, etc. During the breeding season they migrate to Asia, part of Africa, etc.

Primary color of Pied avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) is bright white. They have a touch of black at the upper portion of head, and upper portion of wing. They are gregarious bird found wading around the river shore, or wetlands. The beak of the bird is upturned. Both male and female are similar looking.

Pied avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) mainly prey on small insects, crustaceans, worm, etc from the mud or shallow water using their bill scything side to side. They make nest in open ground from scrapping vegetation as mound. A female lays around 3-5 eggs. In Bangladesh this bird is now endangered, but in other parts of the world they are not threatened yet.

Photos of Pied avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) were taken from the following location of Bangladesh.
01. December 2014: Kukri-mukri, Bhola.

This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog http://icbird.blogspot.com/

Black-headed ibis - Threskiornis melanocephalus

2018-05-16T14:41:00.001-07:00

Common Name :	Black-headed ibis, Oriental white ibis, Indian white ibis.
Binomial Name :	Threskiornis melanocephalus
Family :	Threskiornithidae
Bengali Name :	Kalo matha kastechora (কালোমাথা কাস্তেচরা).
Photo Taken :	Bangladesh

Black-headed ibis is a white colored bird that can be easily confused with the heron or egrets, but luckily their distinctive black head and the bill is easy enough to identify them. This bird is native in South Asia and East Asia (around the coastal line and wetlands). Binomial name of the bird is Threskiornis melanocephalus and it belongs to the bird family Threskiornithidae.

An Ibis is seen with Ruddy shelduck.

Black-headed ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) is a large sized bird (can grow around 75cm long) having most part is white in color, except the black head, neck, bill, and the feet. The head of the bird is bald. The bill and the neck forms a shape of sickle. Both male and female birds are same looking. Although the juvenile birds are having white feathers around neck.

Black-headed ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) is a bird from the wetlands, specially they are found around the coastal line. They are always seen wading around the muds and hunting the fishes, frogs, worm, snail, and other water creatures. Using their long bill and can easily poke it through the mud and fetch the prey from there. This bird is a gregarious bird and found with other wading birds during hunting.

An Ibis hunting with a Sandpiper.

Being a gregarious bid the Black-headed ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) makes their nest in a group. They prefer to change location depending upon the abundance of the food. The breeding season can vary depending upon the location. In South Asian the breeding season for this bird is June to October. They make nest in trees near the wetlands. A female lays 2-4 eggs in a clutch.

A group of Ibis birds beside paddy fields..

Photos of Black-headed ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) were taken from the following location of Bangladesh.
1. December 2014: Bhola.

This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog http://icbird.blogspot.com/

Striated babbler - Turdoides earlei

2018-04-28T14:24:00.002-07:00

Common Name :	Striated babbler.
Binomial Name :	Turdoides earlei
Family :	Leiothrichidae
Bengali Name :	Dagi chhatare (দাগি ছাতারে পাখি).
Photo Taken :	Bangladesh

Striated babbler is a shy (but gregarious) bird from the South Asia and Myanmar region. Binomial name of the bird is Turdoides earlei and it belongs to the bird family Leiothrichidae. In Bangladesh this bird is known as Dagi chhatare. The count of the bird is decreasing day by day due to their habit loss.

Striated babbler (Turdoides earlei) is a normal sized bird is having brownish color striated with black at top of head, back and tail. Bill of the bird is yellowish. This bird is having a long tail. Color of the eye of this babbler is yellow.

Striated babbler (Turdoides earlei) is a gregarious bird (found in a group of 7-10) mostly found around the reeds and other tall bushes near the wetlands, river, pond, etc. They mostly remain perched on branches or tall grasses and hardly comes to ground. They live on the insects and other invertebrates (i.e. snails).

Breeding season of Striated babbler is March to October. They prefer to make there nest in grasses which is slightly above the ground level. They make the nest from the grasses and straws. Female lays 3-4 four pale blue eggs. The group takes care of the chicks together.

Photos of Striated babbler (Turdoides earlei) were taken from the following locations of Bangladesh.
1. December 2014: Patuakhali.
2. January 2015: Munshiganj.

This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog http://icbird.blogspot.com/

Striated grassbird - Megalurus palustris

2018-04-04T13:52:00.003-07:00

Common Name :	Striated grassbird.
Binomial Name :	Megalurus palustris
Family :	Locustellidae
Bengali Name :	Dagi ghashpakhi (দাগি ঘাসপাখি).
Photo Taken :	Bangladesh

Striated grassbird is a noisy and conspicuous bird that is native to South Asia and East Asia. Binomial name of the Bird is Megalurus palustris. This vocal bird resides inside the bird family Locustellidae. Previously the bird was classified as a warbler, that's why it has few common names like Striated marsh warbler, Striated canegrass warbler, etc. In Bangladesh the bird is known as 'Dagi ghashpakhi'.

Although the Striated grassbird (Megalurus palustris) looks a bit larger for its tail, but indeed it is a normal sized bird (weight around 50 gram). Upper side of the bird is brow in color and striated with black. Under side of the bird is pale or pale-brown in color (but having slightly striated near upper breast or under the throat) . Male birds are slightly larger than the female. This passerine birds are having a black bill.

Striated grassbird (Megalurus palustris) perched on a Ipomoea carnea.

Striated grassbird (Megalurus palustris) mostly lives near the grasses, bushes (i.e. reeds) around wetlands. They often seen perched over the top of shrubby plants. During the dry season their color can give a camouflage with the grasses, but their noisy call reveals them easily. This bird mostly feed on the small insects (and larvae) from the ground (i.e. spiders). Striated grassbird prefers to make their nest inside the tall grasses and bushes.

Having a wide range of this bird across Asia, this bird is still not under a threat for extinction. But in some countries (i.e. Bangladesh) this bird is losing their habit for human population growth.

A Striated grassbird (Megalurus palustris) is preening.

Photos of Striated grassbird (Megalurus palustris) were taken from the following locations of Bangladesh.
1. December 2014: Sreemangal.
2. January 2015: Munshiganj.

This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog http://icbird.blogspot.com/

Common wood pigeon - Columba palumbus

2018-03-03T15:23:00.001-08:00

Common Name :	Common wood pigeon.
Binomial Name :	Columba palumbus
Family :	Columbidae
Photo Taken :	Ireland

Common wood pigeon is a resident bird from the Europe (but can found as a migrant in Asia). This bird is widely seen around the gardens and parks of Ireland and United kingdom. In Ireland this bird is one of the top 20 widespread garden birds. Binomial name of the bird is Columba palumbus and it belongs to the bird family Columbidae (dove and pigeon family).

Common wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) is a slightly larger sized pigeon bird. The upper part of the bird is bluish ash and the underside is brownish ash in color. The bird has a white patch at wings and black patch at tails. It also has a noticeable white patch at the back side of neck. The bird also has glaze of purple and green around the neck. Color of beak is yellow but pinkish at base. Color of feet are also pinkish.

Common wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) mostly seen around the gardens, hillside, etc place (but mainly in woodland). They live near the water as they often need to drink water and take bathe. They have a variety of diet depending upon the season. For example during summer they live on grains where as during winter or spring they prefer to have fruits and seeds. This bird also take some larvae and small worms as a meal. Being feeding on agricultural crops this bird sometimes considered as an agricultural pest.

During breeding season a female Common wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) lays two eggs in nest. The nest is a simple one made by gathering sticks. Both male and female take care of the incubation. The bird's nest is in a threat as the tree doesn't have any leaf on that. Eggs take more than two weeks to hatch and then another month before flying.

This bird is seen foraging as a group or alone. It is a very common scene around a garden or lawn where a group of Wood pigeons are foraging over the grasses by walking. During idle time they found perching on branch of a tree.

Photos of Common wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) were taken from Ireland during March 2016.

This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog http://icbird.blogspot.com/

Mistle thrush - Turdus viscivorus

2018-02-16T12:38:00.003-08:00

Common Name :	Mistle thrush.
Binomial Name :	Turdus viscivorus
Family :	Turdidae
Photo Taken :	Ireland

Mistle thrush is a common bird from Europe that occurs in Asia and Northern part of Africa as well. Binomial name of this thrush bird is Turdus viscivorus. It belongs to the bird family Turdidae. This is a resident bird in Ireland and seen throughout the year.

A Mistle thrush is having grains.

Mistle thrush (Turdus viscivorus) is a slightly larger passerine thrush bird. Upper bird of the bird is brownish in color where as the front side is pale white or creamy in color. Front and under side of the bird is having black spots which look like fish scales. Eyes of the bird is dark brown or black. Bill of the bird is blackish with yellow at base. Both male and female birds look similar (juvenile bird are duller). Bird is having a slightly larger tail compare to similar thrush birds.

This Mistle thrush is devouring an earthworm.

Mistle thrush (Turdus viscivorus) is a partially migratory bird that is found near the gardens, forest, lawns, and hedges. In heavily winter countries they move to less colder countries during peak of winter. Breeding season of the bird is mid March or late February and raise 3 broods of chick. They live mostly on the invertebrates like earthworms, and the berries, grains, etc.

This bird has plenty of predators like Golden eagles, Owls, and falcons. But they are fearless to defend their nest from those preys. When they are aggressive they make a rattling sound.

Front side of the bird is heavily spotted.

Back side of a Mistle thrush bird with no spots or scales.

Photos of this Mistle thrush (Turdus viscivorus) were taken from Ireland during March 2016. It was inside the Glasnevin cemetary.

This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog http://icbird.blogspot.com/

Grey heron - Ardea cinerea

2018-02-10T10:30:00.002-08:00

Common Name :	Grey heron.
Binomial Name :	Ardea cinerea
Family :	Ardeidae
Photo Taken :	Ireland

Grey heron is a large heron bird that occurs in many countries as it is native to Europe, Asia, and part of Africa. Binomial name of the bird is Ardea cinerea. It belongs to the bird family Ardeidae. I don't know any other name of the bird, but in Bangladesh this is known as Dhushor bok (ধূসর বক).

A Grey heron is seen with Little egret.

From the name it is very easy to guess that the predominant color of Grey heron (Ardea cinerea) is grey (but near head and neck it is more white). Part of the wing and the head is colored with black. Front side of the throat and elongated neck is striated with black. An adult is having crest at head and elongated feathers at front and upper side. Similar to other hero or egret this bird has a powerful long beak (yellowish in color). This large bird can be 100 cm tall with a body weight up to 2 kilogram. The bird is slow in flight and during flight the neck is positioned as a shape of 'S'.

Grey heron (Ardea cinerea) is mainly an aquatic bird which is often seen around the shallow wetlands, river bank, bay area, etc. They are very patient during hunting. They are often seen standing in one place for a long period of time waiting for a prey. They mostly feed on fishes, frogs, and other aquatic insects. They mainly prefer to hunt during dawn and dusk.

Grey heron can be a solitary bird or living in a colony. During the breeding season they prefer to make a flat nest on tree by collecting small sticks. A female lays 4-5 which both parents incubate and takes around 25 days to hatch. Being a large bird this bird doesn't have any predators. But the eggs and small babies are vulnerable when unattended by parent.

A Grey heron is seeking for food.

Elongated feathers of an adult Grey heron is seen.

Striated black at front side is visible.

This is how a Grey heron waits for a prey near water.

This is probably a juvenile Grey heron which lacks of black at head, wings and also missing elongated feathers.

Photos of Grey heron (Ardea cinerea) were taken from several locations of Ireland during different times.

This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog http://icbird.blogspot.com/

Eurasian oystercatcher - Haematopus ostralegus

2018-01-23T13:15:00.000-08:00

Common Name :	Eurasian oystercatcher.
Binomial Name :	Haematopus ostralegus
Family :	Haematopodidae
Photo Taken :	Ireland, Northern Ireland.

Eurasian oystercatcher is a common bird that is found in Europe, Asia. This wader bird is known as different other names such as Common oystercatcher, Common pied oystercatcher, or simply Oystercatcher. Binomial name of the bird is Haematopus ostralegus and belongs to the oystercatcher family Haematopodidae. This is the national bird of the Faroe Islands.

Eurasian oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) is a normal sized bird with prominent black and white color. The upper part of the bird is white where as the under part is white. But at first glance it may look like a black colored bird. Color of the head and neck of the bird is black as well. Being a wader bird they have long legs and long bill. The color of bill is bright orange (and which makes the bird really beautiful). Color of the eye is reddish.

Eurasian oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) is a migratory bird in some countries during winter. But in Ireland and United Kingdom they are seen all around the year. They prefer to live near the coastal line. They make their nest in ground by scraping the grasses and straws. A female lays 2-3 eggs in a clutch. Both parents incubates the eggs.

If the Oystercatcher lives near the coastal area then they mostly prey on cockles, mussels, etc. But if they are living inland then eat worms and other invertebrates. The strong bill helps the bird to prise the mussels and other similar species (which other wader birds can not).

Photos of Eurasian oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) were taken from the following locations.
1. March 2016: Bull Island, Ireland.
2. August 2016: Malahide, Ireland.
3. October 2017: White park bay, Northern Ireland.

This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog http://icbird.blogspot.com/

Common starling - Sturnus vulgaris

2018-01-15T15:23:00.004-08:00

Common Name :	Common starling.
Binomial Name :	Sturnus vulgaris
Family :	Sturnidae
Photo Taken :	Ireland

The name of the bird is Common starling. But it may not be common in many countries. But it is seen in a large number where it is available. This is native to Europe and Western Asia. Later it was introduced all over the world. It has other names such as European starling, or simply Starling. In Bangladesh this is a very rare bird and known as Chitra shalik. Binomial name of the bird is Sturnus vulgaris and belongs to the bird family Sturnidae.

Common starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is a normal sized passerine bird. Predominant color of the bird is black with numerous yellowish-brown spots. The bird also has a glossy green and purple touch in wings and few other part of body. Color of the beak is yellow in color, and the feet are rosy in color. Both male are female birds are almost similar, except the feathers at throat are slightly longer for the males.

Common starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is a gregarious bird and often seen in a small to large group. Their quick move in air in a group creates lovely display of patterns in sky. They don't mind to live near human area, open field, or near coastal area. They prefer to make their nest in the hole of the tree, rooftop, building, other bird's nest, etc. They almost eat every thing starting from berries and grains to small insects. During the breeding season the female lays bluish eggs, sometimes 5 in a clutch.

As the Common starling found in a large group very often, and that can be a problem for the farmers. Although they remove lot of other pests from the field, but then there are no more pests then they become the pest themselves for the field. Also having aggressive feeding behaviour forces other birds to decrease in number.

Photos of Common starling (Sturnus vulgaris) were taken from the following location of Ireland:
1. April 2016: Dublin.

This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog http://icbird.blogspot.com/

Tufted duck - Aythya fuligula

2018-01-06T15:08:00.001-08:00

Common Name :	Tufted duck.
Binomial Name :	Aythya fuligula
Family :	Anatidae
Photo Taken :	Ireland

Tufted duck, is a a duck bird that is very expert in diving. It belongs to the bird family Anatidae with a binomial name Aythya fuligula. This bird's range is very wide and can be found in many parts of Eurpoe, Africa, Asia, and America. In Ireland this is a resident bird as well as a winter visitor.

Tufted duck (Aythya fuligula) is a small duck with large head. Male and female birds are having different outlook. Adult male birds are having predominant black color (some part are dark, some are light) with a white flank. Bill is gray-blue in color and the eyes are bronze-yellow. Males are having tuft at the head for which it is known as Tufted duck. Females are brown in color (with upper part is darker, and flank is lighter). Head of the female is blackish brown.

A Female Tufted duck (Aythya fuligula).

Tufted ducks (Aythya fuligula) are found around the shallow lakes having depth no more than 5 meter. They prefer the area with plenty of tall vegetation for perching and preening. These birds mostly feed on larvae, pond weeds, aquatic invertebrates, etc. They prefer to find the food after diving under the water. That's why they do not prefer to live around deep water region.

A Female Tufted duck (Aythya fuligula) after a dive in water.

A female Tufted duck lays 6-12 eggs. As the bird lives in a loosely group, the females sometime share the eggs in common place. Only female does the incubation. A duckling can fly after two months of hatching.

A Male Tufted duck (Aythya fuligula).

Photos of Tufted duck (Aythya fuligula) were taken from the following location of Ireland:
1. November 2017: Phoenix park, Dublin.

This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog http://icbird.blogspot.com/

Greater yellownape - Chrysophlegma flavinucha

2017-12-28T08:22:00.001-08:00

Common Name :	Greater yellownape.
Binomial Name :	Chrysophlegma flavinucha
Synonym :	Picus flavinucha
Family :	Picidae
Bengali Name :	Boro Holdekurali (বড় হলদেকুড়ালি).
Photo Taken :	Bangladesh

It's time for another woodpecker bird and this is Greater yellownape. This bird is native to East Asia and that's why it can be seen from the Eastern part of Bangladesh. In Bangladesh this is known as Holdekurali (হলদেকুড়ালি). Binomial name of the bird is Chrysophlegma flavinucha. It belongs to the woodpecker bird family Picidae.

Greater yellownape (Chrysophlegma flavinucha) is a beautiful woodpecker having olive-green at back side and at head. The nape of the bird is yellow or bright orange in color. Underside of the bird is dull white in color. Males are having yellow feathers at throat whereas the females are having only small portion streaked with white. Tail is black in color. Few portion of the wing (remains hidden during non-flight) is having combination of rufous and black.

A closer look to the Greater yellownape bird.

During my observation I've found the bird mostly living in forest area. It was dense with green leafs and having lack of adequate lights (hence my photos were blurry). They were foraging on the trunk of the tree to pick insects (such as ants). During my observation they were in pair. Greater yellownape (Chrysophlegma flavinucha) woodpecker has a very strong bill that helps them to dig hole in trunk easily.

A pair of Greater yellownape (Chrysophlegma flavinucha). Although the picture is hazy due to bad light.

Photos of Greater yellownape (Chrysophlegma flavinucha) were taken from the following location of Bangladesh:
1. December 2014: Lawachara, MaulviBazar.

This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog http://icbird.blogspot.com/

Lesser goldenback woodpecker - Dinopium benghalense

2017-12-26T07:35:00.000-08:00

Common Name :	Lesser goldenback, Black-rumped flameback.
Binomial Name :	Dinopium benghalense
Family :	Picidae
Bengali Name :	Bangla Kaththokra (বাংলা কাঠঠোকরা).
Photo Taken :	Bangladesh

There are several species of woodpecker available in Bangladesh. Lesser goldenback woodpecker is one of them. This is also known as Black-rumped flameback. Binomial name of the bird is Dinopium benghalense and belongs to the bird family Picidae. This is a very common bird in Bangladesh along with India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. In Bangla the bird is known as Bangla Kaththokra (বাংলা কাঠঠোকরা).

Similar to other woodpeckers a Lesser goldenback woodpecker (Dinopium benghalense) is a very colorful bird. Upper side of the bird is having a golden color with the black rump. Underside of the bird is white in color (streaked with black). Both male and female birds are similar except the males are having red crown crest and female are having black crown (white spotted) with red crest at rear. Birds are having white and black stripe at throat, and a black nape. Woodpeckers use to perch on the trunk of the plant (often seen horizontally perched), that's why the golden color is always visible.

A pair of Lesser goldenback woodpecker (Dinopium benghalense).

Goldenback woodpeckers (Dinopium benghalense) are having a very hard black beak. Using this they can easily make a whole in a wood by continuously pecking. Often the pecking sound can be heard when the pecking is going on. They feed on the insects and larva from the bark of the plant. They have a long tongue which helps them to catch insects as well.

A pair of Lesser goldenback woodpecker (Dinopium benghalense).

This woodpecker is mostly seen in a pair during finding food. This shy bird is mostly seen in trees and they are continuously hopping from one spot of trunk to another. They make their nest by making whole in the wood. A female bird lays around 3 white colored eggs.

A Lesser goldenback woodpecker (Dinopium benghalense) found its meal.

Photos of Lesser goldenback woodpecker (Dinopium benghalense) were taken from the following locations of Bangladesh:
1. October 2014: Banani, Dhaka.
2. November 2014: Nagorpur, Tangail.
3. February 2015: Botanic Garden, Dhaka.

This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog http://icbird.blogspot.com/

Light-bellied brent goose - Branta bernicla hrota

2017-12-24T08:05:00.002-08:00

Common Name :	Light-bellied brent goose, Pale-bellied Brent goose.
Binomial Name :	Branta bernicla hrota
Family :	Anatidae
Photo Taken :	Ireland

This particular Brent goose is known as Light-bellied Brent goose, Pale-bellied Brent goose, etc. This is a long distance migratory bird in Ireland during winter (October - April). It is native to high-arctic Canada. During the migration they stop at Iceland and Greenland. It is amazing to know that such a large bird flies that long distance! Binomial name of the bird is Branta bernicla hrota and belongs to the bird family Anatidae.

Light-bellied brent goose (Branta bernicla hrota) is a small sized goose with predominant color black and white. Back of the bird is light brown with black at the tip of the wings. Underside of the bird is white, pale-white in color. From neck (or breast) to top the bird is having dark black in color (including bill). Bird is having a white patch at both side of neck (under head).

Light-bellied brent goose (Branta bernicla hrota) is a gregarious bird (or at least during my observation I've seen them in a group). It is a coastal bird during the winter. These are vegetarian birds which mostly feed on the eelgrass along with sea weed, sea lettuce, etc. They breed during winter in Ireland and stay with the chicks until the migration. A female goose lays around 3-5 eggs.

Light-bellied brent goose (Branta bernicla hrota) in flight.

Photos of Light-bellied brent goose (Branta bernicla hrota) were taken from Ireland as follows:
1. March 2016: North bull island, Dublin.

This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog http://icbird.blogspot.com/

Pond heron - Ardeola grayii

2017-12-16T09:45:00.000-08:00

Common Name :	Pond heron, Indian pond heron, paddybird.
Binomial Name :	Ardeola grayii
Family :	Ardeidae
Bengali Name :	Kani bok (কানি বক).
Photo Taken :	Bangladesh, India.

Pond heron, also known as Indian pond heron, paddybird that is native to South Asia. Binomial name of the bird is Ardeola grayii. It belongs to the bird family Ardeidae. In Bangladesh this bird is known as Kani bok (কানি বক) or Kani boga (কানি বগা). This bird is very common and widespread in our country Bangladesh along with South Asia.

An Indian pond heron in a field.

Pond heron (Ardeola grayii) is a small sized heron with short neck. The back and upper portion of wing color is brownish but the underside and front side is white in color. The neck and part of front side of the bird is streaked. The bill of the bird is blackish with a touch of yellow. Iris of the bird is also yellow in color. Male and female birds are similar. During the flight the bird looks white due to prominent white color (which remains hidden other time).

A Pond heron is perched on a bamboo beside a lake.

Pond heron (Ardeola grayii) prefers to live near the wetland, paddy field, etc area as they heavily depends upon hunting fishes, frogs, and other insects. They like to stand in one place for a long time until the catch the prey. They also take their position over the floating hyacinths while waiting for the prey. When the wetland dries they forage on land to catch insects.

A Pond heron on a tree.

Pond heron's color gives them a nice camouflage while waiting for the prey. It sometimes get very difficult to notice them while they are not moving. That's why they do not fly until anything gets really close to them. That makes village people in Bangladesh believed that the bird is short sighted, and thus people call them Kani Bok (কানি বক) which means blind heron.

A group of Pond herons are patrolling in paddy field.

Breeding season for Pond heron (Ardeola grayii) is the monsoon. They prefer to make the nest by collecting the small sticks and piling them together. These birds are semi colonial, and make their nest with other wading birds. If there is no threat to the nest then they tends to reuse the nest year after year.

A Pond heron in a hunting mood near a swamp.

A Pond heron beside paddy field. The color gives them a nice camouflage.

A Pond heron on a banana leaf.

Photos of these Indian pond heron (Ardeola grayii) were taken from several locations of India and Bangladesh during late autumn and winter.

This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog http://icbird.blogspot.com/

Cattle egret - Bubulcus ibis

2017-12-09T10:11:00.001-08:00

Common Name :	Cattle egret.
Binomial Name :	Bubulcus ibis
Family :	Ardeidae
Bengali Name :	Gobok (গোবক), Go bok (গোবক).
Photo Taken :	Bangladesh

A Cattle egret is waiting for prey beside paddy field.

Cattle egret is a very common bird from heron family that is native to Asia, Europe, and Africa. Later it was dispersed into everywhere. Binomial name of the bird is Bubulcus ibis (They are the only species from the genus). It belongs to the bird family Ardeidae. In Bangladesh this bird is known as Gobok (গোবক).

Cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) are a normal sized heron bird. They are bright white in color with yellow (or orange) colored bill. Feet of the birds are long and black in color. Both sexes are similar but males are slightly larger. During the breeding season they gets golden colored plumage in head, neck, breast, and back. Also the bill, foot, and eyes turns into red during that period. For the juvenile Cattle egret, the bill is black in color. Cattle egrets are having short neck.

Cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) prefer to live in dry land. During the paddy plantation period the farmers use to plow the land which uncovers lot of earth worms and other insects from the soil. That is a good time to see plenty of cattle egrets in one place. They prefer to live in a group instead of living alone. During my traveling I've seen thousands of Cattle egrets were standing beside the river bank in a line.

A large group of Cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) near a paddy field beside the river.

They prefer to make their nests in woodlands near river banks, lakes, coastal line, etc. In South Asia the breeding season is the monsoon. They are often seen perching on the back of the cattle. They use to pick the ticks or flies from the cattle.

A large group of Cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) near a paddy field beside the river.

Cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) are foraging on a paddy seedbeds.

Plowing in paddy field uncovered the earth insects. Opportunistic Cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) are looking for their food.

A large number of Cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) are in early morning beside river bank.

Probably this Cattle egret is patrolling around in grass.

Photos of Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) were taken from the following locations of Bangladesh:
1. November 2014 Nagorpur, Tangail.
2. December 2014: Baikka beel, Srimongol.
3. December 2014: Kukri-mukri, Bhola.
4. January 2015: Lohagor, Chandpur.
5. January 2015: Lakhutia, Barisal.

This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog http://icbird.blogspot.com/

Little egret - Egretta garzetta

2017-12-02T16:03:00.002-08:00

Common Name :	Little egret.
Binomial Name :	Egretta garzetta
Family :	Ardeidae
Bengali Name :	Chhoto bok (ছোট বক).
Photo Taken :	Ireland, Bangladesh

The name is Little egret. But it doesn't mean that this is the most little from all the other Egrets. This bird can be found in Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia. Binomial name of the bird is Egretta garzetta. It belongs to the bird family Ardeidae. In Bangladesh this bird is known as Chhoto bok (ছোট বক) or Chhoto boga (ছোট বগা).

Little egret (Egretta garzetta) is a snow white bird with black beak and feet. Their beak is large similar to other egrets. This helps them to catch their prey from the water. Neck of the bird is long and can pose like a snake. Color of the iris is yellow. They can have elongated feathers near the breast, and two near the nape. Both male and female birds are similar.

Little egret (Egretta garzetta) is an aquatic bird. It always seen around the wet lands, ponds, paddy fields, river bank, seashore, lakes, etc. They mostly live on the aquatic insects, small fishes, snails, frogs, etc. They are very patient while they hunt. They can stand on a single foot for a long period before making final strike.

A female egret lays 3-5 eggs in nest. They prefer to make the nest as a colony with other wading birds. They make nest on trees or shrubs. Both male and female incubates the eggs.

Photos of Little egret (Egretta garzetta) were taken from the following locations:
1. December 2014: Rema-Kalenga, Habiganj, Bangladesh.
2. February 2015: Rupganj, Narayanganj, Bangladesh.
3. August 2016: Malahide, Ireland.

This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog http://icbird.blogspot.com/

Jungle myna - Acridotheres fuscus

2017-11-30T15:51:00.001-08:00

Common Name :	Jungle myna.
Binomial Name :	Acridotheres fuscus
Family :	Sturnidae
Bengali Name :	Jhuti Shalik (ঝুটি শালিক).
Photo Taken :	Bangladesh

Jungle myna is a bird native to South Asia and Southeast Asia but later spread in many countries. Its binomial name is Acridotheres fuscus and belongs to the bird family Sturnidae. In Bangladesh this bird is known as Jhuti Shalik (ঝুটি শালিক).

This is a normal sized bird having very bright orange bill with a crest above it. The body of the bird is greyish but the head and wings are darker. The wing has a white patch. Color of the eyes are yellow. Both male and female birds are similar. This bird is an omnivorous (lives on grain, fruits, insects, etc).

Jungle myna (Acridotheres fuscus) is a bird from the starling family. This bird prefers to live near the cultivation land, forest, and human as well. Usually found near to the water and paddy field. The prefer to make their nest in tree hole. Each year they lay eggs twice (which means two broods per year).

Jungle myna (Acridotheres fuscus) are seen perched on the back of grazing domestic animals (i.e. cow, goat, etc) in field. In South Africa this bird is considered as an invasive bird. They were introduced there as a part of pet trading.

Photos of Jungle myna (Acridotheres fuscus) were taken during February 2015. It was from Rupganj, Narayanganj, Bangladesh.

This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog http://icbird.blogspot.com/

Siberian rubythroat - Calliope calliope

2017-11-28T13:03:00.002-08:00

Common Name :	Siberian rubythroat.
Binomial Name :	Calliope calliope
Synonym :	Luscinia calliope
Family :	Muscicapidae
Bengali Name :	Saiberio Chunikonthi.
Photo Taken :	Bangladesh

Siberian rubythroat is a small bird that looks like a robin. From the name it is easily understandable that the bird is from Siberia. But this small bird is a migratory bird. During winter they are found in Bangladesh, India and few part of East Asia. Binomial name of the bird is Calliope calliope and it belongs to the bird family Muscicapidae.

This Siberian rubythroat (Calliope calliope) has a similarity with the European robin bird. But This bird is slightly larger than that Robin. Male and female bird are different in look. Both sexes are having olive-brown at upper side from head to tail, and front side of the bird is grayish.

For the Male Siberian rubythroat (Calliope calliope) they have a black patch at the eyes (towards bill). They also have a white patch near forehead (known as supercilium) and beside the throats. Males are having an attractive red patch at the throat (that's why it got the name Rubythroat).

Rubythroat is a small passerine bird (means three fingers from foot at front and one at back while perching on a branch). It is an insectivore bird that mostly forage at ground and lives on insects and berries. They prefer to make their nest near the ground.

Photos of Siberian rubythroat (Calliope calliope) were taken from Baikka Beel of Bangladesh. It was during December 2014. During that winter I've gone there to watch the migratory birds.

This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog http://icbird.blogspot.com/

Indian golden oriole - Oriolus kundoo

2017-11-27T13:33:00.002-08:00

Common Name :	Indian golden oriole.
Binomial Name :	Oriolus kundoo
Family :	Oriolidae
Bengali Name :	Holde Pakhi (হলদে পাখি), Holud pakhi (হলুদ পাখি).
Photo Taken :	Bangladesh

Indian golden oriole is an attractive bird having predominant color yellow. Binomial name of the bird is Oriolus kundoo. It belongs to the bird family Oriolidae. This bird is native to South Asia and Central Asia. Which means it is available in our country Bangladesh. I don't know what we call this in our language. But as the bird is yellow in color, hopefully village people know this as Holde Pakhi (হলদে পাখি) or Holud pakhi (হলুদ পাখি).

I've seen this Indian golden oriole (Oriolus kundoo) during my Kukri-mukri island tour at Southern part of Bangladesh. I saw the bird was perched on a leafless tree. But the tree was surrounded by plenty of dense bushes and small trees. That's why these are the only and most possible closest shoot of the bird I have.

As I've already mentioned, the Indian golden oriole (Oriolus kundoo) is having a predominant yellow color. Wings of the bird is having black at upper side (also the black at upper side of tail). Male and female birds are almost similar, except the female is having streak at underside. For the male they have a black stripe at the eyes. Bill of the bird is rosy in color.

This bird prefers to live near the deciduous, semi-evergreen forest. They rely on the fruits, insects, and nectars. They like the berries, lantana fruits (they are capable to spread the invasive species Lantana camara). Their breeding season is between April to August. They prefer to make their nest near the nest of Black drongo (as a purpose of protection I think.).

Photos of this Indian golden oriole (Oriolus kundoo) bird were taken from Kukri-mukri island of Bangladesh during December 2014. During my observation I've only seen the male bird.

This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog http://icbird.blogspot.com/

Mandarin duck - Aix galericulata

2017-11-25T07:56:00.002-08:00

Common Name :	Mandarin duck.
Binomial Name :	Aix galericulata
Family :	Anatidae
Photo Taken :	Ireland

Mandarin duck is a duck bird native to East China, Japan, Eastern Asia and surrounding region. During the middle of 18th century this bird was introduced in UK and Ireland. But that was in captivity. During last century they have been introduced in wild and that's why they are not a rare bird in to the isle of Ireland anymore. In fact you can find this beautiful duck in other European countries as well (i.e. Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, etc).

I didn't know that I could see this bird in Ireland. That's why surprised when I've seen quite a few Mandarin ducks were wandering around a small pond at Phoenix park, Dublin. Mandarin duck's binomial name is Aix galericulata. It belongs to the bird family Anatidae. Unlike the other ducks the Mandarin ducks can be arboreal, which means they can perch on a tree.

Male and female of Mandarin ducks (Aix galericulata) are different in look. Male duck is very colorful and one of the most colorful ducks in the world. Bill of the male duck is lipstick red in color with a white tip at tip. The prominent color of the duck is chestnut or brown with several line of white in different places. The crest of male looks like back-brushed hair with prominent white at both sides around eyes. Throat, front of head and some part of wings are glossy dark blue in color.

The darker one is the female Mandarin duck.

Female Mandarin duck is spotted with blackish brown in color. The head is ashy in color with a white circle around eyes. Female is also having a crest but not that much prominent compare to male. During the breeding season the male changes its color similar to the female but easily distinguished by the bright red bill.

A male Mandarin duck swimming.

Mandarin ducks (Aix galericulata) live near the pond, river, shallow water. During breeding season they make nest in dense wood which is near to the pond or waterbody. The diet of these ducks varies from season to season. They feed on small nuts, seeds, frogs, tadpoles, small fishes, grains, snails, aquatic plants, etc.

Only head of the female Mandarin duck is visible in this photo.

Two males and one female Mandarin duck.

These ducks got lazy. They rely on the feeding from the visitors of the park. Few of them are Mandarin ducks.

Photos of Mandarin duck (Aix galericulata) were taken from a pond near the Phoenix park during November 2017. FYI, the phoenix park is located in Dublin, Ireland.

This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog http://icbird.blogspot.com/

Plumbeous water redstart - Phoenicurus fuliginosus

2017-11-18T15:52:00.000-08:00

Common Name :	Plumbeous water redstart.
Binomial Name :	Phoenicurus fuliginosus
Synonym :	Rhyacornis fuliginosus
Family :	Muscicapidae
Photo Taken :	Nepal

Plumbeous water redstart is also known as Plumbeous redstart. This is a flycatcher bird. I've seen this bird during a trekking at Nepal. Binomial name of the bird is Phoenicurus fuliginosus and it belongs to the bird family Muscicapidae. This bird is native to South Asia, Southeast Asia, and China. I've only seen the male bird during my observation.

Plumbeous water redstart (Phoenicurus fuliginosus) is a small passerine bird. Both male and female are different in looks. Male bird is having a dull blue or grayish blue color with a chestnut or rufous colored tail. Near at upper wing the male bird has a touch of faded black. Female bird is pale grey in color with white spot at the ramp. Both male and female are having black beak.

This bird is an insectivore and very expert to catch the small flying insects. They prefer to live near the water stream, river, etc with plenty of flying insects (specially the mayflies). I've seen this bird beside a water stream coming down from the hill near Sundarijal, Nepal. It had plenty of very large boulders beside the fast flowing stream with plenty of shades.

Photos of Plumbeous water redstart (Phoenicurus fuliginosus) were taken from Nepal during July 2015. It was during the holy month of Ramadan. We were doing a mini trekking at the Sundarijal.

This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog http://icbird.blogspot.com/

Himalayan bulbul - Pycnonotus leucogenys

2017-06-05T07:43:00.000-07:00

Common Name :	Himalayan bulbul, White-cheeked bulbul.
Binomial Name :	Pycnonotus leucogenys
Family :	Pycnonotidae
Photo Taken :	Nepal

Himalayan bulbul is a small bird similar to Bangladeshi Bulbuli that is found mostly near the Himalayan region (Nepal and few part of India beneath Himalaya). This bird is also known as White-cheeked bulbul. I didn't see this bird in our Bangladesh. Binomial name of the bird is Pycnonotus leucogenys and belongs to the bird family Pycnonotidae.

Himalayan bulbul (Pycnonotus leucogenys) is a small sized bird having brownish upper side and dull white at front side (with a touch of brown at top). The bird has a crest at the head. A small touch of white is seen behind the ear. And the a prominent yellow color at the vent of the bird. Tip of the tail at underside is white in color as well. The color of beak, feet, and eyes of the bird is black.

Both sexes of the bird are similar in plumage. The bird is known as a song bird and has a nice call (but I did not get a chance to hear it during my observation). They mostly feed on the small insects and small berries. They live in forest and doesn't mind to come near the suburb area. Breeding season of the bird is April to August.

A Himalayan bulbul is seeking for something.

Himalayan bulbul is perching on an electric wire.

Bird carrying a small fruit in between its beak.

Photos of Himalayan bulbul (Pycnonotus leucogenys) were taken from Dhulikhel, Nepal. It was the month of July 2015.

This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog http://icbird.blogspot.com/

Asian openbill - Anastomus oscitans

2016-12-15T13:11:00.000-08:00

Common Name :	Asian openbill, Asian openbill stork.
Binomial Name :	Anastomus oscitans
Family :	Ciconiidae
Bengali Name :	Shamukkhol (শামুকখোল পাখি), Shamukbhanga (শামুকভাঙ্গা পাখি).
Photo Taken :	Bangladesh

Asian openbill stork is not a very common bird from Bangladesh. Once upon a time we had plenty of this bids, but now a days counts are decreasing. Commonly this bird is known as Asian openbill. In Bangladesh we call this bird as Shamukbhanga, Shamukkhol, Shamukkhola, etc. Binomial name of the bird is Anastomus oscitans and it belongs to the bird family Ciconiidae. This bird is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Asian openbill (Anastomus oscitans) is a large sized bird having a very heavy bill (or beak). The length is around 80cm and the wings are around 40cm. Shape of the bird is similar to the egrets (or herons). Birds are having long feet those help them to wade. Primary color of the bird is greyish-white and black. The black color is only at the back side and few portion of upper-side wings and major portion of under-side wings.

The bill of the bird is interesting. It has a gap between, for the adults only by the way. That's why the bird is actually named Openbill bird. This bird mainly diet on frogs, large aquatic insects, and of course the large snails. It is believed that the bird got such bills to adopt the food habit (the snails).

Asian openbill stork (Anastomus oscitans) is a gregarious bird. They use to live as a colony. During the evening they use to return back as a group and use to roost on the tree. They prefer to live near the wetlands and the places where the source of food is available. They don't bother to travel long distance when habit condition is not in favor.

This bird is preening

The breeding season for the bird is probably after rainy season in Bangladesh (not confirmed). They use to make nest with the sticks. The nest is not that much attractive. They prefer to make nests in a close proximity within the colony. Even the other birds like egrets, cormorants use to make nest on their colony. Female lays 2-4 eggs and both parents take part during incubation.

The gap between the bill is visible.

Having a large and heavy bill this Asian openbill (Anastomus oscitans) bird doesn't have any predator. Their only threat is the expansion of human beings that consumes their wetlands. Also some people hunt this bird for their meat.

This photo was taken after the sunset.

Photos Asian openbill stork (Anastomus oscitans) bird were taken from Rema-kalenga reserve forest during December 2014. It was an unexpectedly cold and foggy winter in Bangladesh. I went there to watch the birds that time.

This article has written by Lonely Traveler,
for the blog http://icbird.blogspot.com/