Considering that the campus is home to several varieties of birds and the of the campus residents, Feeds (The

monthly magazine of NITT) decided to compile a list of some of these bird species and other relevant information on them. Have a look. Species Black Drongo Picture Description 30 cm. An aggressive and active bird of open country or forest often swoops down on insects with great flying skill On campus habitat Found everywhere but prefers the lightly wooded regions

Blue-tailed bee eater

30 cm. These are fast and agile birds which catch insects such as dragonflies in flight. It nests in holes in sandy banks

Marshes behind the Garnet hostels.

Brahminy Kite

48 cm. Not a very manoeuvrable flier like the pariah kite but agile enough to snatch fish from the water

Can be seen soaring over all open areas but hunt mainly in the marshes behind garnet

Red whiskered bulbul

20cm familiar and abundant species frequenting woodland and scrubs. Has an abundant and pleasing vocabulary and likes to sing in full view

Found throughout but more in the wooded regions near SC, Opal, Temple and Civil Dept

Cattle Egret

50 cm. Always attendant on cows and buffaloes even perching on them often. Breeding v=colonies are often large and in a single tree. They are found away from water as well 30cm Very common and familiar with a sleepy cooing sound. It flies with strong noisy wing beats.

Wherever cows go these are sure to follow.

Collared Dove

Found on wires near the CEESAT grounds and behind Pearl.

Common kingfisher

18cm. Often seen Perched on a stick or branch overlooking a ditch or a pool watching for fish. Nests in holes by the waterside

Sighted only in the garnet marshes

Common Mynah

21 cm. It is an adaptable, intelligent opportunistic bird with large white patches on its wings which are visible during flight. Its untidy nest maybe placed in any hole or masonry or hollow.

Found everywhere on campus and is especially noisy in the mornings

Coucal

47 cm. Also known as the crow pheasant this heavily built ungraceful bird frequents tangled undergrowth or scrub. It has a distinctive hollow booming note and feeds on small animals, snakes and raids the nests of other birds. Unlike its relatives it builds its own nest. 23 cm. One of the smaller water birds it often disappears by diving neatly into the water when alarmed or feeding. It has a well water-proofed and silky plumage. It has the curious habit of swallowing its own feathers to aid in digestion. The nest is a floating pad of water weed. 25 cm. This common bird has a loud two note call that echoes across the countryside and like the other barbets uses

Found in the tall grasses in the compound and the shrubbery near Power Room near Central Workshop.

Dabchick

Found in the marshes behind Garnet.

Green Barbet

Quite often heard but hard to spot as it merges with trees. Found in all heavily wooded areas especially Old library and Lapis, Pearl, Topaz.

Hoopoe

30 cm. This tame familiar bird has a long curved bill used for probing the turf or dungheaps for insects. The crest is erected only when alarmed or alighting. Like its name it has a distinctive hollow hooting call.

Found throughout the campus but frequents open grassy places. Large population fund near Diamond

House crow

45 cm. Highly gregarious and abundant this is the most familiar bird in India

Since it depends on human presence it is less frequent in this campus but can be seen near garbage bins.

Indian roller

Indian tree-pie

30 cm. Also known as the Blue-jay because of its magnificently coloured wings which are visible in flight. Feeds on insects on the ground and is otherwise perched on a tree or post looking dull. This bird is not easily frightened 45 cm. Often in parties in the treetops. It is a noisy bird with a wide range of calls harsh as well as mellow. They are inquisitive omnivorous and vary

Found throughout, usually sitting on a wire or post but avoids wooded and crowded areas like SC.

Found in all wooded regions of the campus but a flock nests in the patch of trees around B mess near Gurunath

Jungle crow

50 cm. It is less of a town bird than the House crow and is usually found singly or in pairs.

Found throughout the campus

Koel

42 cm. Usually heard rather than seen it features dense foliage and shrubberies. It has a fluty double call and is parasitic on jungle and house crows

Found in all wooded areas though maybe hard to spot as it is active only near dusk.

Little cormorant

50 cm. A very abundant and sociable bird nests in communal trees. Always found near ponds or jheels it flies with its neck outstretched flapping and gliding alternately.

Found in the marshes behind Garnet.

Night Heron

58 cm. Inactive during daytime. Flaps slowly out of their nests and feed in marshes and ponds.

Found in the marshes behind Garnet

Pariah kite

65 cm. One of the most noticeable birds in the campus this successful scavenger swoops down boldly to snatch food and then flies gracefully away.

Can be seen soaring throughout

Pied Kingfisher

30 cm. A specialist at fishing from the air it can be seen hovering over ponds tail depressed and bill pointing straight down

Found near the Lapis Pearl, Ruby hostels

Pied wagtail

21 cm. It is partial to the pond sides and continuously wags its tail while walking. Nests in crevices or holes in the ground.

Found throughout the campus but closer to Diamond and Emerald

Pied crested cuckoo

33 cm. It occurs in most types of wooded country and is very shy. It has a loud double syllabic call and is parasitic

Seen in the Shrubs between Agate and Diamond

Red Rumped Swallow

15cm. Rather stocky and slow looking hawking deliberately across the grass in search of insects in large parties.

The flocks are present in any open space but frequent the Garnets

Red wattled Lapwing

33 cm. Favours marshes and has a loud 4-note call. Flaps heavily on its rounded wings and flies rather slowly. Nests on the ground.

Marshes behind Garnet

Rock pigeon

32 cm. Commonly seen around hostel roofs with a rich coo and neck swelling displays

Near all hostels

Rose ringed Parakeet

40 cm. It flies around in noisy flocks nesting in enlarged holes in trees. It is adapted for climbing with two toes pointing forward and 2 backward

Found in all wooded areas of the campus can be seen early morning or late afternoon

Shikra

33 cm. A common small hawk. It frequents wooded regions. Flies with quick flaps followed by a short glide.

Found in the wooded areas near the swimming pool.

Sparrow

15 cm. This endangered species nests in crevices in buildings and is fast disappearing. Roosts in noisy chattering flocks in thick bushes or trees.

Can be spotted randomly.

Spotted owlet

20 cm. often seen around buildings or perched on wires at dusk or night. it glares at anyone who disturbs it comically ducking and bobbing its head before flying away on rounded wings 27 cm. This bird feeds on frogs, lizards and insects. Its loud cackling scream is often heard from tree tops

Is seen frequently near Nescafe and Barn

White breasted King fisher

Found throughout.

Golden Backed Woodpecker

27 cm. It can easily be spotted hitching up a tree trunk tapping for grubs or calling a loud cackle.

Found in all wooded areas of the campus especially Temple, B mess and old library

We hope you enjoyed reading about the attractive birds on campus as we prepare to bring you more. For more information, Contact: Ambarish Vaidyanathan ambivaidy@gmail.com To continue to receive updates from us, drop in a like here: www.facebook.com/feeds.nitt For any feedback, drop us an email at feedsnitt@gmail.com