Egyptian Vulture

Egyptian vulture

(Neophron percnopterus)

   Egyptian vultures are native residents in India and are found widely distributed particularly in the north-western regions. It has also been reported to be present in the southern peninsular India.  In the state of Tamilnadu, this bird has been reported to have been spotted in various districts over a period of time. Sightings recorded are from Chennai (1984, 1996 & 2016), Kanchipuram (1974, 1980, 1983, 1986,  & 1992), Vellore (1985), Villupuram(1997), Salem(2018), Cuddalore(1982), Karur(1978), Coimbatore(2016), Theni(1994), Virudhunagar(1981), Tuticorin(2014, 2015, & 2017) and Tirunelveli(2013, 2016 & 2017). In Chennai, this species has been sighted at Adayar, Pallikaranai marshland and Vandalur area).

   Two sub-species of this Egyptian vultures are present in India, namely, Neophron p. percnopterus and Neophron p. ginginianus which are morphologically distinguishable, The beak of  Neophron p. percnopterus is yellowish which terminates in a black base and suited for picking up food items rather than tearing flesh. In the case of the other, the yellowish beak ends with a pinkish tip. These features help us to easily distinguish to the sub-species level. The former is found   mainly in semi-arid zones, deserts and agricultural areas whereas the latter generally around  rubbish dumps   and   slaughter   houses near     towns,     villages  and outskirts of cities.

  Egyptian Vultures like other vulture species are scavengers and feed on dead and decaying flesh of animals or human beings (Carrions).  They are said to be opportunist feeders and prey on small mammals, birds or lizards and sometimes feed on the eggs of other birds. These vultures are the world’s only tool using vultures and are reported to use pebbles to break eggs for feeding and also uses twigs to roll up wisps of wool to take them to line its nest. These have been known to live for about 21 years in the wild.

   The above picture (Neophron p. ginginianus) was taken in Keoloadev National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan in  February 2019. 

Conservation status: Globally threatened

References:

http://www.birdlife.org 

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326588906_A_Review_on_Subspecies_of_Egyptian_Vulture [accessed Aug 26 2019].

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_vulture

https://ebird.org/species/egyvul1

Dalmatian Pelican

Dalmatian Pelican

(Pelecanus crispus)

Dalmatian Pelicans are considered to be the largest of aquatic birds inhabiting inland and freshwater habitats/wetlands and coastal lagoons, river deltas and estuaries.  These species are reported to be present  in the North and North-Western regions  of India, confined to certain areas in the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Northern Uttar Pradesh. One sighting at Chilka lake in the state of Odisha has also been reported (e-bird). This species has not been spotted in the Southern India including the state of Tamil Nadu. These birds are migratory in nature and generally migrate short distances seeking warmer conditions. They are  solitary feeders and prefer to feed on fishes. During breeding season,  the pouch or the lower mandible is bright orange-red in colour and during other times it is dull yellow. They build simple nests made of reeds  in small island formations in the aquatic habitats or on vegetation found therein. The picture above was taken in Keoloadev National Park,  Bharatpur, Rajasthan in the month of February 2019. 

Conservation status: Near threatened

Reference:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalmatian_pelican

http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/dalmatian-pelican-pelecanus-crispus

http://www.birdlife.org

https://ebird.org/india/species/dalpel1