The Brahminy Kite

   The brahminy kite (Haliastur indus) is one of the most familiar birds of prey, readily distinguished by its bright rusty brown upper plumage and white head, neck and breast. It is found throughout India, frequenting open country in the vicinity of towns and villages, especially along the seacoast and near large rivers, marshes and tanks. It is invariably found in large numbers around harbours, seaports and fishing villages, picking up scraps and garbage, and thus acts as a good scavenger. It feeds mainly on fishes, crabs, frogs, etc., but small snakes and even winged termites merging from their nests are sometimes eaten. The breeding season is from December to February in the South, but somewhat later in North India. Two eggs, occasionally three, are laid in a nest placed on a tree.

Great Horned Owl

   The Indian great horned owl (Bubo bubo bengalensis) is found practically throughout India, but not in Sri Lanka. It is said to be very common in North and Central India, and is distinguished from the fish owl by its legs being fully feathered. It is mainly nocturnal and frequents fairly well wooded, but open, cultivated country, its favourite haunts being ravines, rocky cliffs, hills and banks of hill streams. It feeds on small mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs and large insects, and occasionally also on fishes and crabs. The breeding season lasts from November to April.

    The bittern is a rare winter visitor to India, breeding in summer. It has shorter and stouter bill. It is nocturnal in habits and frequents marshy ground overgrown with long grass and reeds and bushes on the bank of tanks and rivers. It feeds on fishes, frogs, small reptiles and aquatic insects.