Birds of Backyard: A Colour Handbook is a richly illustrated reference guide that presents a detailed and accessible overview of bird species found in the region of Backyard, a fictional or lesser-known locale characterized by its unique avifauna. The book is crafted for both amateur birdwatchers and seasoned ornithologists, combining scientific accuracy with vibrant, full-color illustrations to aid in bird identification and appreciation. Each entry in the handbook features a clear photograph or colour plate of the bird, accompanied by concise descriptions covering key characteristics, such as size, plumage, calls, habitat, diet, and behavioral traits. The handbook is provide identification tips, the book also offers notes on seasonal movements, nesting habits, and conservation status, making it an informative tool for understanding the ecological context of each species. What sets Birds of Backyard apart is its regional specificity and attention to environmental change. It highlights not only endemic and migratory species but also discusses how urban development, agriculture, and climate change have influenced bird populations in the area. This environmental awareness adds depth to the book, encouraging readers to consider their role in preserving bird habitats. Overall, Birds of Backyard: A Colour Handbook is more than just a f ield guide-it is a celebration of the natural beauty and diversity of birds in a distinct geographical region. With its blend of scientific detail, user-friendly format, and striking imagery, it serves as both an educational resource and an inspiration for nature enthusiasts.
Dr. Manas Ranjan Nayak graduated in Forestry from College of Forestry under Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar in 2010, obtained his M.Sc. (Forestry) in Silviculture & Agroforestry from the same institute in 2012 and Ph.D. from ASPEE College of Horticulture & Forestry, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat in 2015. Dr. Nayak has published more than 40 research papers, 45 popular scientific articles and bulletins, ten books and twelve book chapters. He has nine years of experience in research, extension and teaching on Forestry, Silviculture & Agroforestry. Presently he is working as an Assistant Professor of College of Forestry, OUAT, Bhubaneswar-751003.
Mr. Debi Prasanna Das is a Master's student in Silviculture and Agroforestry at the College of Forestry, OUAT, where he completed his undergraduate program in 2024. With a deep-rooted appreciation for nature from childhood, his journey into birding began in 2022, captivating him with the fascinating world of avian fauna. He has actively participated in various bird censuses, including, Satkosia Bird Survey (2023), Similipal Bird Survey (2024), Mangrove Pitta Census (2024), Mahanadi Bird Survey (2024), Anshupa Bird Survey (2024). Aiming for higher studies in forestry and conservation. He continues to nurture his passion for ornithology and environmental sustainability.
1 BASICS OF BIRD WATCHING ..........................................................1
1. Why Bird? ...........................................................................................1
2. Basic Equipment .................................................................................2
3. Identifying Birds .................................................................................2
4. Birding Ethics and Conservation ........................................................2
5. How to Bird .........................................................................................3
2 BIRD MORPHOLOGY ........................................................................5
A. Beak Morphology ...............................................................................5
B. Wing Morphology ..............................................................................7
C. Leg Morphology .................................................................................8
D. Nesting .............................................................................................10
E. Plumage ............................................................................................11
F. Migration ...........................................................................................13
3 IMPORTANCE OF BIRDS ................................................................15
4 BIRDS OF OUAT: A RICH AVIAN DIVERSITY............................21
ASIAN OPENBILL STORK ................................................................23
ALEXANDRINE PARAKEET ............................................................24
ASHY-CROWNED SPARROW LARK ...............................................25
ASIAN PALM SWIFT ..........................................................................26
ASIAN GREEN BEE-EATER ..............................................................27
ASIAN KOEL .......................................................................................28
BARN OWL ..........................................................................................29
BARN SWALLOW ...............................................................................30
BLUE THROAT ....................................................................................31
BAYA WEAVER ...................................................................................32
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON ................................................33
BLACK-WINGED STILT ....................................................................34
BLYTH’S REED WARBLER ...............................................................35
BLACK DRONGO ...............................................................................36
BLACK KITE .......................................................................................37
BLACK-HOODED ORIOLE ...............................................................38
BLACK-WINGED KITE ......................................................................39
BLUE-TAILED BEE-EATER ...............................................................40
BLACK-NAPED ORIOLE ...................................................................41
BLACK-RUMPED FLAMEBACK ......................................................42
BRAMHINY STARLING .....................................................................43
BRONZE-WINGED JACANA .............................................................44
BROWN SHRIKE ................................................................................45
BROWN-HEADED BARBET .............................................................46
CATTLE EGRET ..................................................................................47
CHESTNUT-TAILED STARLING ......................................................48
CINNAMON BITTERN .......................................................................49
CITRINE WAGTAIL ............................................................................50
CLAMOROUS REED WARBLER ......................................................51
COMMON MYNA ...............................................................................52
COMMON SANDPIPER ......................................................................53
COMMON HAWK CUCKOO .............................................................54
COMMON TAILORBIRD....................................................................55
COPPERSMITH BARBET ...................................................................56
EASTERN RED-RUMPED SWALLOW ............................................57
EURASIAN HOOPOE .........................................................................58
GREY FRANCOLIN ............................................................................59
GREY HERON .....................................................................................60
GREY WAGTAIL .................................................................................61
GREY-HEADED LAPWING ...............................................................62
GREAT EGRET ....................................................................................63
GREATER COUCAL............................................................................64
GREATER PAINTED-SNIPE ...............................................................65
GREEN SANDPIPER ...........................................................................66
HOUSE CROW .....................................................................................67
INDIAN GOLDEN ORIOLE ...............................................................68
INDIAN POND HERON ......................................................................69
INDIAN ROLLER ................................................................................70
INDIAN PIED STARLING ..................................................................71
INDIAN PITTA .....................................................................................72
INDIAN ROBIN ...................................................................................73
INDIAN SCOPS OWL .........................................................................74
INDIAN THICK-KNEE .......................................................................75
JERDON’S BUSHLARK .....................................................................76
JUNGLE BABBLER ............................................................................77
JUNGLE MYNA ...................................................................................78
LARGE-BILLED CROW .....................................................................79
LESSER WHISTLING DUCK .............................................................80
LITTLE CORMORANT .......................................................................81
LITTLE EGRET ...................................................................................82
LITTLE GREBE ...................................................................................83
LITTLE SWIFT ....................................................................................84
LONG-TAILED SHRIKE .....................................................................85
LOTEN’S SUNBIRD ............................................................................86
MEDIUM EGRET ................................................................................87
ORIENTAL MAGPIE-ROBIN .............................................................88
PADDYFIELD PIPIT ............................................................................89
PIED BUSHCHAT ................................................................................90
PIED KINGFISHER ............................................................................91
PIED CUCKOO ....................................................................................92
PLAIN PRINIA .....................................................................................93
PLAINTIVE CUCKOO ........................................................................94
PURPLE HERON .................................................................................95
PURPLE-RUMPED SUNBIRD ...........................................................96
PURPLE SUNBIRD .............................................................................97
RED-WATTLED LAPWING ................................................................98
RED AVADAVAT ..................................................................................99
RED-VENTED BULBUL ...................................................................100
RED-WHISKERED BULBUL ...........................................................101
ROCK PIGEON ..................................................................................102
ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET .............................................................103
ROSY STARLING ..............................................................................104
RUFOUS- TREE PIE ..........................................................................105
RUFOUS WOOD-PECKER ...............................................................106
RUDDY SHELDUCK ........................................................................107
SCALY-BREASTED MUNIA ............................................................108
SHIKRA ..............................................................................................109
SPOTTED DOVE ...............................................................................110
SPOTTED OWLET ............................................................................111
TAIGA FLYCATCHER.......................................................................112
TRICOLOURED MUNIA ..................................................................113
VERDITER FLYCATCHER ...............................................................114
WHITE-BREASTED WATERHEN ...................................................115
WHITE-BROWED BULBUL ............................................................116
WIRE-TAILED SWALLOW ..............................................................117
WOOD SANDPIPER ..........................................................................118
WHITE-THROATED KINGFISHER .................................................119
YELLOW BITTERN ..........................................................................120
YELLOW-WATTLED LAPWING .....................................................121
ZITTING CISTICOLA .......................................................................122
