Common Birds of Rajasthan India Keoladeo

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.