Know Your Birds
Birds of Chennai Neighborhoods
Explore further by clicking provided hyperlinks 'Learn More...' below. This database of avian friends that are seen in the Periyar Nagar and its surroundings in the northern region of the city.
Coovam Lizards introduces you to most commonly seen/heard birds in the city of Chennai and its neighborhoods and water bodies.
Asian Koel Learn More...
Koels, unlike crows, have slender body, pale beaks and bright reddish eyes as distinguishing features, apart from their songs. Female Asian Koels are brownish-black with white spots.
Red-vented Bulbul Learn More...
House sparrow-sized red-vented bulbuls are easy to spot with their black raised crest. They make chirpy noises.
Coppersmith Barbet Learn More...
This short tailed small bird makes a distinct metal-striking noise. Its beak is short and strong that helps make cavities on trees for nesting.
White-breasted Waterhen Learn More... &
Common Moorhen Learn More...
These birds are seen in water bodies. White-breasted Waterhen is a shy bird and lives and nests around reeds. Common Moorhen is chicken-sized and has distinct red colored nose.
Cattle Egret Learn More... & Great Egret Learn More...
These majestic birds can be usually seen in groups near water bodies. Cattle Egret feed on insects and sometimes even fruits, while Great Egret feeds on frogs and fish.
Indian Pond Heron Learn More...
Commonly seen near lakes, ponds and rivers, looks brownish with greenish-yellow legs and beaks. Its wings are are white when spread.
Purple Swamphen (Moorhen) Learn More...
This chicken-sized purplish bird has distinct red beaks and has front shield similar to Common Moorhen.
Balck Drongo Learn More...
With its forked tail, this easy to spot small bird is often seen on the fence and electric wires. They take short jerky sorties as they feed on flying insects.
White-throated Kingfisher Learn More...
Commonly seen motionless near water bodies this kingfisher suddenly swoops down to pick a fish,
Rock Pigeon Learn More...
Also known as rock dove, this is often seen in residential area. With shiny neck, a pair of opercula at the base of the beak is its distinct feature.
Common Myna Learn More...