Birds of Karwar - The Common and the rare

Though Karwar region has a variety of flora and fauna, it's rich in rare
species of birds. t's these feathered ones that caught my eye when arrived in
Karwar for the first time. Coming from Mumbai, where sparrows and crows rule
the roost, the sheer variety and the frequency of exotic birds evoked my interest
in them. Though am not an avid bird watcher, did make some observations
on the commonly sighted birds in the Naval Base and here they are.
The first exotic bird that
sighted was the Peacock. One of the
most beautiful birds, they have fixed
nesting areas and are commonly seen
near the Lowlands, Captains' houses,
in the vicinity of Redecon office, CT
Pool and Patanjali. They can be
located by their early morning
birdcalls. Post Monsoon, they are seen with three to four chicks in tow. Good
fliers, they thrive on small reptiles and rodents.
The most commonly sighted bird is the Brahminy
Kite, easily identified by their white head and chest,
commonly perched on street lights near the beaches.
This bird along with the common Pariah Kite makes up for
the most frequently sighted birds near the Kamat beach.
They are strong fliers and prey on small
animals and rodents for food.
The White Throated or White Breasted Kingfisher is
another common bird, so called because of the white patch on
its throat /chest. A small bird with bright colours and a longish
beak, it has a short flight and is easily identified because of its
colours. Can be seen all over the base.
The Drongo or King Crow is easily identified by its long forked
tail and a glossy black colour nesting in the bushes. Has a short quick
flight and is a feisty little bird known to aggressively safeguard its
territory from bigger birds like crows and kites.
The Green Bee Eater, though a common bird, is
not spotted easily because of its tendency to stay in
vegetation away from habitation. Frequently seen near
the Lowlands and Baithkul area.
The Sandpiper is seen in near the
beaches singly or in groups. Makes a sharp
teet-teet noise mostly during dusk because of
which it is called titavari. Has a sharp long
beak with spotted brown wings and back.
The Egret is very commonly seen in the company of the
ubiquitous cows of the naval base, looking for a good meal of
insects and worms. t's also seen in marshy arrears between the
NOM and CT Pool. Easily identified by the S-shaped neck when
extended, the white plume and orange yellow beak.
The Heron is also seen in the marshy areas
and in the company of cattle. t is the same size as the egret
but with a stouter beak and earthy brown colour. Feeds on
frogs, fish and insects.
The hoopoe is seen in the open grassy areas (my lawn
at times!) occasionally in pairs and is named so because of
its call which sounds . Fawn coloured with black and
white zebra markings on its back and tail, a prominent crest
on the head and a long pointed beak.
The Wagtail, a slender colourful bird, so called
because of their near constant tail wagging. Seen mostly
feeding on insects they are seen on the ground rather than
flying or on trees.
The red-vented bulbul is seen near the houses, lawns and
trees around the houses with nests in the gardens. The name
obviously comes from the red colour near the root of the tail
which along with the short crest is the identifying feature.
The white bellied Sea Eagle can
be seen mostly on thewing i.e. in flight
and have rarely observed it on the ground or perch. t
is a large bird (larger than a Brahminy kite) with white
belly and legs. n flight the under surface of the wing
too is white.
The other birds of Karwar region are Magpie Robin, Hornbill, Sunbird,
Spotted Dove, Minivet etc. though have not seen any of them in the Base.
Happy bird watching.