Iconic bird of Rajasthan India Keoladeo

Common Birds of Rajasthan India Keoladeo

Keoladeo Ghana National Park — once a royal duck-shooting preserve — is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site hosting Asia's most spectacular congregation of wintering waterbirds.

370+
Total species
0
Endemics
15
Threatened
Oct–Feb
Best months
🐦
1. Sarus CraneVulnerable
Antigone antigone

The world's tallest flying bird at 1.8 m — pairs mate for life and are considered sacred in India; Keoladeo's wetlands support a significant resident population.

📍 Keoladeo, agricultural fields around Bharatpur🗓 Oct–Feb
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2. Painted StorkNear Threatened
Mycteria leucocephala

Breeds in massive colonies in Keoladeo's trees — pink-tinged secondary feathers and yellow face make the nesting birds among India's most photogenic wildlife subjects.

📍 Keoladeo nesting trees, October–February🗓 Oct–Feb
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3. Bar-headed GooseLeast Concern
Anser indicus

Crosses the Himalayas at altitudes over 7,000 m during migration — thousands winter at Keoladeo, and the two black bars on the white head make them instantly identifiable.

📍 Keoladeo, wetlands throughout Rajasthan🗓 Oct–Feb
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4. Greater Spotted EagleVulnerable
Clanga clanga

One of Europe and Asia's most threatened raptors — small numbers winter at Keoladeo; the heavy, dark eagle with spotted upperwing coverts is unmistakable.

📍 Keoladeo, large trees around water🗓 Oct–Feb
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5. Black-necked StorkNear Threatened
Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus

One of Asia's largest and most dramatic storks — iridescent black neck and head contrast with pure white body; a pair has held territory at Keoladeo for decades.

📍 Keoladeo wetlands🗓 Oct–Mar
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6. Oriental DarterNear Threatened
Anhinga melanogaster

India's cormorant equivalent that swims with its body submerged and only the S-curved neck visible — spreads wings to dry in characteristic spread-eagle pose after diving.

📍 Keoladeo waterways🗓 Oct–Mar
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7. Demoiselle CraneLeast Concern
Grus virgo

Hundreds of thousands winter in Rajasthan — the white ear plumes on a blue-gray head and black breast feathers make Demoiselle the most elegant of the world's cranes.

📍 Fields around Keoladeo, Thar Desert🗓 Oct–Feb
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8. Ruddy ShelduckLeast Concern
Tadorna ferruginea

Large orange-tan ducks with black wingtips and white wing coverts — striking in flight as large flocks commute between Keoladeo's wetlands and agricultural fields.

📍 Keoladeo, Sambhar Lake🗓 Oct–Feb

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Common Birds of Rajasthan, India (Keoladeo) | AvianScope