BUCEROS

ENVIS Newsletter: Avian Ecology & Inland Wetlands

VoL 10, No, 1 (2005)
QL

698,95

Annotated avifauna of the Upper Nilgiris,

Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India

Ashfaq Ahmed Zarri and Asad R. Rahmaei

ENVIS

ENVIS (Environmental Information System) is a network of subject specific nodes located
in various institutions throughout the country. The Focal Point of the present 25 ENVIS
centres in India is at the Ministry of Environment and Forests, New Delhi, which further
serves as the Regional Service Centre (RCS) for INFOTERRA, the global information
network of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to cater to environment
information needs in the South Asian sub-region. The primary objective of all ENVIS
centres is to collect, collate, store and disseminate environment related information to
various user groups, including researchers, policy planners and decision makers.

The ENVIS Centre at the Bombay Natural Flistory Society was set up in June 1996 to
serve as a source of information on Avian Ecology and Inland Wetlands.

ENVIS TEAM AT THE BNHS

Centre-in-Charge

Mr. J.C. Daniel

Project Coordinator

: Dr. Asad R. Rahmani

Scientist-in-Charge

: Mr. Girish Jathar

Information Officer

: Mr. Sujit Narwade

Editorial Adviser

: Dr. Gayatri Ugra

Citation:Zarri, A.A. &A. R. Rahmani (2005).

Annotated avifauna of the Upper Niigiris, Western Ghats, Tamil Nuda, India.

Suceros 10 (1): 1-46.

CoverNilgiri Wood-Pigeon Columba elphinstonIHroro Gould, John, 1850 - 1883
The Birds of Asia. London: Published by The author.

Cover design and page layout: Mr. Gopi Naidu, BNHS.

© 2005: All rights reserved. This publication shall not be reproduced either in full or

in part in any form, either in print or electronic or any other medium, without the prior written

permission of the Bombay Natural History Society.

Bombay Natural History Society, Hornbill House, S B. Singh Road, Mumbai 400 023, Maharashtra, India.
Tel.: (91-22) 2282 1811, Fax: (91-22) 2283 7615
E-mail: envisbnhs@vsnl.net Website: vww.envisbnhs.org

BUCEROS

ENVIS Newsletter: Avian Ecology & Inland Wetlands

Vol. 10, No.l (2005)

Annotated avifauna of the Upper Nilgiris,
Western Ghats, India

A§hfaq Ahmed Zarri and Asad R. Rahmani

2005

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Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

CONTENTS

Foreword i

Acknowledgement i

Summary iii

Introduction 1-2

Study Area

The Nilgiri Hills 2-5

Mukurti National Park 6

Vegetation Types 6-7

Methods 7-8

Avifaunal Composition 9-37

References 38-42

APPENDIX 43

INDEX 44-46

-(eoos) f oM .or

■■ ■

j .

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1X1 aninub ?floi36vi3arfo bnceltJn b* no bogfl<} fti »1 .:i.»ii»tO (nsJ^oW off» ni

■ .«iiBiid<4{ Ifloln’ao bne aaiost}.' bdjtolfiwiJ bitd I o >(golo jd -jdl no esjbma bsh^moo

3onttirXjqci»ib rjdJ tfigilriaid oJ »tulmyjH gni»t%j s. ij f (^woidr yvpri ft i- >4.Hj6 s*rft nbfiitbi. ril

Lnb w-girt a-m rtaiff// y.^stiio ‘Xnoa anftoooo; alidw .saiyoqe biid nonifnoa '(haintoT vatiinlo

'/(nifi<ti fToilKagav 5»(il' yj&»da'dxt> taqnU arfF

mot?ttW >n»n o<>qqu.' n lirlw .4oflp boiafr-?! laqiniiffii

f»i e'iiljibtf vjinjinunob bn/:' ^yovw? biif! wtbaqe biicf bonotjeamU acnog Btb aifiJwtabna IfiifD
,11 .a;6lq 'jafjql. ! a/’’ r lo-n ?,bnooa5l .sitobfivola i^wol o* »>ifnt|ioo aiaw » /iq odt

balintab aioM >atjgob'//n’ ni bo/fiulcjijii ;idfto >w^l (bvfjfiicqttioo aii** .rn OOtl /'s avodft
^j?.!aolo/l}jmoi3;0'omt .s'l^itarstib liiw »nafin/obb ?ii(iT .tKiosqaifdi/'vitu^nbia/iiSSntjj^nr^oq'Sf/
.c :3ri.3ifia29i >.fi Ibw ,s2»'jf, /tfriJ f»i' ^virialBW (jitd b/tti

noiisbcigab bn^eaono adt asJcwjilH aiwbqu ?Jffi .avijaaq-riaq m>i)Avis«ft^o a niotl
if Jl ,2ai33qfe fjemmoo nova b/ta ,sJeHj5f Jixjis J/aidsn' .asmq?. oi/naUta loi ViaJidprf {eoilnqlto
hKqaBW Ji itdJ oommoo o? Svtjo fI'aiff\v,saiu>fi/VT>9bBart-bsM vrt/ JBdJ bnH oi giifiiDOfia
t; ?,B 3vi®a llfW aifiLqiii /ildd’ .won aabftaisb leiavi;?. idt nosg na'itH ion ?xH ,inut-A>i'>li (.hoTlo
aiobsJBd loiam oHjIo o/uoa am/oqrifq bns ni 3!W1'48 tnidlo wr/amf'-ia^isB idl ottibzad

Jasq adJ of bar-tupoo JirdJ Rsan/sda i<j“^ aldienocf?®!

>'J

Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This update on the birds of the Upper Nilgiris is based on the research carried out under the
Ecology of Shola and Alpine Grasslands Project from 2001 to 2004. We gratefully acknowledge
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for financial support and the Ministry of Environment
and Forests (MoEF), Government of India for sponsorship. We are particularly thankful to Mr.
David Ferguson, SFS Coordinator and Prof. Mark Behan, technical advisor of the project for their
support and encouragement. We also wish to thanks our colleagues at the BNHS for their
cooperation and discussions. Ms. Priya Ghosh at the U.S. Embassy, New Delhi helped the project
on various occasions.

Tamil Nadu Forest Department was very kind in giving us research permission. Wildlife
Warden of Mukurti National Park and District Forest Officer of the Nilgiris North and South
Forest Division and their staff are sincerely acknowledged for their help during our field work. We
acknowledge the support of the Nilgiri Wildlife and Environment Association (NWLEA). Mrs.
Geetha Srinivasan, Messers Sounderrajan, Vasu, Gannapathy, Mohanraj, Francis, Peter, Ravi and
their families made us feel at home in the Nilgiris. Messers Anil Dharmapalan, Radhakrishnan and
Vinod at the Thiashola Tea Estate are thanked for their hospitality during our visits to Thiashola
for field work.

We are indebted to Ms. Vibhuti Dedhia for making editorial comments on the first draft. Dr.
Gayatri Ugra's editorial comments greatly improved this reports, we are grateful to them for their
time and patience. Thanks to Mr. Gopi Naidu for layout and formatting of this document. Dr. S.
Balachandran is thanked for help during bird banding in the Nilgiris. We warmly acknowledge
K.J. Peeyus Kutty, Geetha Nayak, S. Thejaswi for discussions, comments and literature support.
Special thanks to our field assistant Velumani and drivers Noor Mohamed and Veluswami for their
team spirit, discipline and working far beyond the call of duty.

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Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

SUMMARY

Although excellent bird collections have been amassed from the Nilgiris in South India, and
several bird surveys have been conducted since the late nineteenth century, they were either
focused on the lower elevations, or were species specific. Bird surveys and community investigations
in the higher elevations of the Nilgiris are few, with results generally unpublished or described in
travelogues. A review of most of the accessible literature on the avifauna of the Upper Nilgiris
suggested a gap in the knowledge on the status of different birds. Apparently many of the Indian
birds underwent status change due to direct or indirect impacts of the increasing human population.
The Nilgiris being no exception bore the brunt of developmental activities, and is one of most
exploited hill stations. Several threats including habitat loss, fragmentation, and excessive use of
inorganic fertilizers and pesticides necessitated the documentation of the current composition and
status of birds for future monitoring and conservation action.

Realising this, the Bombay Natural History Society commissioned a research project, with
generous funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to research a range of issues such as
the ecology of grasslands, bird community ecology, autecology of some threatened bird species
and impacts of invasive species on the grassland ecosystem. One of the objectives of the project
was to document the composition and status of common and rare birds. During the course of this
four years project, observations on common as well as rare birds were recorded during field work
for any of the other research objectives, extensive bird surveys, line transects monitoring, daily
travelling, treks and bird watching trips. This report is the compilation of bird records maintained
in our field diaries between 2001 and 2004.

In the course of this study, several rare and uncommon birds were recorded and their status
evaluated. We present here an annotated checklist of 192 bird species for the upper Nilgiris
Plateau (above 1,700 msl), of which 145 were recorded by us between December 2000 and
February 2004 and 47 were recorded by other authors. The species list also includes 1 0 threatened
birds, five recorded during this study and five recorded by other authors in the past. Seven Near
Threatened species were recorded, including four during this study and three by other authors. A
few species historically known to be very common have either declined or disappeared, while
some that were uncommon at one time have become very common or even acquired pest status.
Comparison of the current bird status with existing literature indicates a drastic decline in the
populations of wintering snipes, Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola, and some raptors, and
disappearance of four vulture species. Threatened species and Western Ghats endemic birds
such as the Nilgiri Laughingthrush Garrulax cachinnans. White-bellied Shortwing Brachypteryx
major and the winter visitor Kashmir Flycatcher Ficedula subrubra, were identified to be at risk
on account of habitat loss and anthropogenic pressures.

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V'na\t\v(t\yiiaa gni yTtodB boillod -^IriW d^JiTrftSd^ i’nigliKo/i/ sfi riouz

Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

Annotated avifauna of the Upper Nilgiris, Western Ghats, India

INTRODUCTION

Background

This issue of Buceros is based on the research
carried out under the Ecology of Shola and Alpine
Grasslands Project from 2001 to 2004. This project
was the last phase of a series of ecological
investigations carried out by the Bombay Natural
History Society (BNHS) on different grassland
ecosystems of India. The first phase of the project
funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service started
in 1 990 and included studies on six different grassland
sites. The intensively studied grasslands include the
wet grasslands ofTerai, the dry grasslands of Banni
in Kutch, semi-arid grasslands in Solapur and
Rollapadu, and tropical grasslands in Velavadar and
Dahod in Gujarat. The project was the first of its
kind in India and highlighted the need for habitat
management for several flagship species of these
grasslands including the Great Indian Bustard
{Ardeotis nigriceps). Lesser Florican (Sypheotides
indica), Swamp Francolin (Francolinus gularis) and
the Wolf (Cams lupus).

The project contributed infonnation ranging from
biodiversity inventories to intensive ecological
processes such as bird community ecology and
autecology of threatened mammal and bird species
dependent on grasslands. The project advocated the
need for protecting these neglected grassland
ecosystems and outlined practical management
priorities for their long-term conservation. This was
achieved by publishing the research findings in
journals, and articles and reports in national and
international magazines and newsletters.

Towards the end of the first phase of the study,
BNHS realized the need to carry out similar
investigations on the alpine grasslands of the Sikkim
Himalaya and Shola grasslands of the Western
Ghats. One of the objectives of the Shola grasslands

component of this project was to document the status
and composition of the avifauna of the Upper Nilgiris
Plateau. This document is one of the various
publications that aim to disseminate the findings of
our project.

Ornithological explorations in the
Upper Nilgiris

Since the nineteenth century, many bird
collections and surveys listed the birds of the Nilgiri
hills. Most of these surveys were either focused on
lower elevations or were not intensive, and their
records generally remained unpublished or were
described in travelogues on exploratory visits. Bird
community investigations in the higher elevations of
the Nilgiris were scarce. Davison (1883) provided
perhaps the earliest and the most comprehensive
account of the birds of the Nilgiris, mainly based on
his personal observations and bird collections. Cardew
(1885) provided observations on some species
unrecorded or left doubtful by Davison ( 1 883). Baker
and Inglis ( 1 930) provided natural history observations
on several Nilgiri birds. Betts (1931) recorded the
behaviour and status of bulbuls of the Nilgiris and
other birds. Ali ( 1 977) highlighted the affinities of the
Nilgiri and Himalayan fauna, including the
laughingthrushes.

Ornithological exploration in the recent decades
focused either on a single species or bird group. For
example, Khan (1979) worked on the ecology of the
Black-and-Orange Flycatcher (Ficedula nigrorufa).
Islam (1985) investigated the ecology and behaviour
of the Nilgiri Laughingthrush {Garrulax
cachinnans). Gokula (1998) studied the bird
communities of the thorn and dry deciduous forests
of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in the lower
elevations of the Nilgiris. Thirumurthi and Bal^i

1

Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

(1999) surveyed raptors in Nilgiris while Vijayan et
al. (2000) conducted a preliminary status survey of
theNilgiri Laughingthrush. Zarri etal. (2005) conducted
the first intensive ecological investigation on the avifauna
of the Nilgiris and reported the patterns of bird
community, guild structure and their habitat utilization.
Autecology works on Nilgiri Pipit {Anthus nilghiriemis)
is underway since 2002 (Uma Maheshwari pers.
comm.) and the ecological study of the Nilgiri
Laughingthrush has been completed by Zarri (in prep.).

Game hunting in the Nilgiris

In 1 879, theNilgiri Game and Fish Preservation
Act, the first game law in India, was passed. The
Act provided for closed seasons, protection of females
and immature animals on government lands only, and
vested in the Collector of the district, considerable
powers regarding the conditions under which a licence
to shoot might be issued.

A shooting licence had a fee of to 50 rupees
and entitled the holder to shoot several heads of
Sambar Cervus imicolor. Spotted Deer Axis axis,
Nilgiri Tahr Hemitragus hylocrius, Gaur Bos
frontalis and Four-horned antelope Tetracerus
quadricornis. Small game included wintering snipes
(Gallinago nemoricola, G. stenura, G. gallinago,
Lymnocryptes minimus) Eurasian Woodcock, Nilgiri
Wood-pigeon Columba elphinstonii. Grey
Junglefowl Gallus sonneratii. Red Spurfowl
Galloperdix spadicea, Painted Spurfowl
Galloperdix lunulata, Indian Peafowl Pavo
cristatus. Painted Sandgrouse Pterocles indicus,
Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus and
several other quail varieties (Phythian-Adams 1 927).

The Nilgiri Game Association (presently the
Nilgiri Wildlife and Environment Association) offered
rewards for the slaying of several of the more
destructive of the falcon family and also of the Greater
Coucal (Centropus sinensis), and a fair number
of these were killed annually. In 1926 the Nilgiri"
Game Association decided to reintroduce rewards

for the destruction of vermin, being eight rupees
for each Hawk, Greater Coucal, Harrier and Eagle-
owl (Phythian-Adams 1927). Raptors thought
destructive included Peregrine Falcon Falco
peregrinus, Pale Harrier Circus macrourus, Marsh
Harrier C. aeruginosus and Common Buzzard
Buteo buteo.

The British game hunters of that time employed
local tribals to beat the cover to flush out Woodcock,
Junglefowl and other small game. Baker (1922a),
describing his sporting days in the Nilgiris, gave the
following count for his bag during the season 1920-
21 : Woodcock Scolopax rusticola (37), Junglefowl
Gallus sonneratii (38), Snipes (145), Spurfowl
Galloperdix spadicea (50), Pigeon (species not
mentioned) (39), Hare Lepus nigricollis (13). All
this amounted to 271 heads from 33 outings or an
average of around eight to nine per trip. Detailed
account of such records is provided in Baker ( 1 923).

There were several attempts to introduce game
birds in the Upper Nilgiris plateau, but sooner or later
most of them met with failure. Species that were
introduced include 32 Chukor in 1892 and 90 in 1916,
6 Guineafowl in 1893, 12 Pheasants (English name
not mentioned) in 1 892, 1 0 Peafowl in 1 90 1 , 74 Red
Junglefowl between 1 903 and 1 907, 5 Ceylon Junglefowl
in 1906, 8 See See Partridge in 1911 and 1 1 in 1916.

STUDY AREA: THE NILGIRI HILLS

From the biogeographical point of view, the
Nilgiri hills are one of the most fascinating features
of the Indian subcontinent. Altitude, climate and
rainfall combine to make them particularly rich habitat
for plants and animals. The main features of the
Nilgiris are described below.

Upper Nilgiris plateau

The Nilgiris can be divided into two natural
regions: a) Upper Nilgiris plateau, extending 56 km
from east to west, 20 km from north to south, deeply

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Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

Fig.l: Location of the Nilgiris in India

^ v — , The Nilgiris is located at the north-

t western end of the Tamil Nadu, and is

76''15‘ 76^30' 76°45' 77 O'

Note the small area of Mukurti National Park at the southwest of the
Nilgiris, is the last protected grassland habitat in the Nilgiris

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Buceros Vol. 10. No. 1 (2005)

indented, with an average elevation of 1980 m; b)
southeast Wynaad c. 900 m above msl, covered with
bamboo forests, and paddy flats (Hockings 1989).
The area covered during the current study is part of
the Nilgiri Hills from 1 ,700 m to the Dodabetta (2636
m) and will be called Upper Nilgiris Plateau (Figure
1 ). The entire plateau has a range of undulating hills
running in different directions. The eastern half of
the plateau corresponds roughly to the Coonoortaluka,
whereas the western half, together with Sigur plateau,
constitutes the Udhagamandalam taluka.

The Kundha range rises steeply from the Silent
Valley and the Nilambur Valley of Kerala, and the
Ouchterlony Valley of the Nilgiri-Wynaad. This forms
an unbroken wall, except for the Sispara Pass, and
has several high peaks, such as Pichal Betta 2,561
m, Mukurti Peak 2,556 m and Nilgiri Peak 2,477 m.
An inner range of hills runs parallel to the Kundha
range, starting south of Devar Betta 2,5 1 5 m, near
Avalanche and including the high peaks of Naraidu
Betta and Kolari Betta 2,630 m. The inner set of
peaks not only protects the Ootacamund basin from
the rigors of the west wind, but also produces a
marked difference in the climate of the territories
east and west of Avalanche. The Upper Nilgiris also
form the main watersheds for Bhavani and Moyar
rivers, two important tributaries to the Cauvery River.
Eight Important Bird Areas (IB As), namely Mukurti
National Park, Avalanche Reserve Forest, Taishola,
Longwood Shola, Coonoor, Bison Swamp and
Governor Shola have been identified recently from
the Upper Nilgiris (Islam and Rahmani 2004).

Location and topography

The Nilgiris is located between 1 1° 10' and 10°
30' N latitude and between 76° 25' and 77° 00' E at
the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats, the
two mountain ranges that run parallel to the coastline
of peninsular India. The word Nilgiris (Sanskrit M/a
blue, and Giri hills), was presumably suggested by
those living on the neighbouring plains, for the blue

haze that envelopes the range, as is common with
most large distant hills.

The Nilgiris district in the State of Tamil Nadu
has an area of 2,525 sq. km. Bounded on the west by
Kerala, on the north by Karnataka and on the
southeast by Coimbatore district; the Nilgiris occupies
the highest and western most part of Tamil Nadu
(Figure 2). It falls under Biogeographic Zone 5 as
per biogeographic classification of Rodgers and
Panwar ( 1 988). The approximate distance to Malabar
Coast (Arabian Sea) is 1 00 km (Hockings 1 989). The
district headquarters is Udhagamandalam
(=Ootacamund), popularly known as Ooty, located
about 550 km from the state capital Chennai, and 85
km from Coimbatore.

The Nilgiris is slightly tilted towards the east,
like the entire Deccan Plateau and almost 40% rises
above 1,800 m in the Central Nilgiris Plateau. The
highest peak in the Nilgiris, “Dodabetta” or Big
Mountain is 2,636 m above msl and is also the second
highest peak in peninsular India after Anaimudi (2,695
m). The Nilgiris plateau rises sharply from the
surrounding country and is divided by a range of peaks
running in a general north-south direction. The
western end of the plateau is sheer rock, while the
interior of the plateau consists mainly of undulating
grassy hills, divided by narrow valleys, each containing
a stream or swamp surrounded by shola forest.

Climate

The Nilgiris lie in the tropical zone, but have a
sub-tropical to temperate climate. Legris (1969) and
Lengerue ( 1 977) gave a great deal of information on
the weather and climate of the Nilgiris. From the
meteorological point of view, considering upper-air
dynamics, surface winds and weather patterns
including rainfall, four seasons or periods can be
distinguished in South India, including the Nilgiris.
(a) The northeast monsoon period (December-

March), mainly a rainless period for the Nilgiris

Plateau

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Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

(b) The first inter monsoon period (Apri 1-May)

(c) The southwest monsoon period (June-September)
a windy, overcast and extremely wet period.

(d) The second inter-monsoon period (October-
November), about 1 5-20 rainy days registered
in the study area during this period.

Temperature and Rainfall

The area receives both the southwest and
northeast monsoons during which the western Upper
Nilgiris, around Mukurti National Park, and its
environs receives up to 5,600 mm rainfall annually.
The Nilgiris receive an average annual rainfall of 2, 000
mm while locally in the Mukurti National Park ridge
top, it is around 5,000 mm. There is considerable local
variation in the average annual rainfall, with three
peaks in May, July and October, corresponding to
well defined pre-monsoon, southwest monsoon and
post-monsoon periods. There are 3-4 dry months
from December-March (Blasco 1970).

The mean temperature during the coldest
months is less than 15 °C, while frost prevails from
November-December till mid-March. Average
diurnal temperature during northeast monsoon ranges
between 12-17 °C, with the lowest being in
December and January. Seasonal rainfall (mm) and
number of rainy days for the Upper Nilgiris are
presented in (Table 1 )

Fig. 2; Ombrothermic diagram of the Upper Nilgiris
for 40 years (1961-2000)

# - • Mtftteinp
— * — Ms3x!e«aj>

Siiiin e: Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute.
Udhagamandalam

Table 1 Seasonal rainfall (mm) and number of rainy days for
the Upper Nilgiris, Western Ghats

Season

Rainfall (mm)

Rainy days

1961-2000

2001-2003

1983-2000

2001-2003

Rain

806.4

512.95

59.3

59

(Jun-Oct)

Winter

180.9

56.60

12.2

5

(Nov-Jan)

Summer

(Feb-May)

210.2

322.50

16.5

17

Total

1197.5

892.05

88

81

Source: Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and
Training Institute, Udhagamandalam

Wind and Frost

High wind velocity is generally a feature of high
elevations and Nilgiris is no exception. Due to the
influence of topographical features, the wind velocity
in sheltered areas such as Coonoor (6.4 km/hr) is
much lower than exposed areas (Dodabetta 1 8.4 km/
hr). A high average wind velocity and high frequency
of peak values are associated with southwest
monsoon. The pattern is seen in the stunted montane
shola vegetation on exposed slopes and also the
stunted growth of isolated Rhododendron trees,
where only the branches on the extreme leeward side
have leaves, and trees are markedly bent in the
direction opposite to that of wind.

Occurrence of frost in the tropical areas is
characteristic of montane regions. Frost in Nilgiris
generally lasts from December to mid-March. It is
usually confined to small pockets in narrow valleys,
though continuous tracts of grass-covered valleys and
gentle slopes also accumulate frost. Frost is also
believed to be one of the factors controlling Shola-
grassland formation. And only species with temperate
origin regenerate on exposed frost prone areas
(Meher-Homji 1965).

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Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

Soil and Water bodies

According to Champion and Seth (1968) the
underlying rock in the Nilgiris is ciystalline throughout,
mostly gneisses. In general, the entire undisturbed
plateau soil can be classified under ‘humic ferralitic
mountain soil’ on account of uniformity of topsoil, as
well as soil profile characteristics (Gaussen etal 1962).

Of the numerous stream and rivulets in the study
area, most drain into the two principal rivers of the
Nilgiris: the Bhavani and the Moyar. The Bhavani
originates from the southern upper plateau, and flows
eastward through a deep valley on the southern border
of the district. However, Moyar flows eastwards,
through a deep valley on the northern border of the
district. Both of these eventually join the Cauvery
River. With the construction of a series of dams,
including Pykara and Upper Bhavani Dams, there
are numerous reservoirs that hold water most of the
year.

Human impact a historical perspective

The oldest inhabitants of the Upper Nilgiris are
the 'Toda" tribals, who were buffalo herders and
burned grasslands each year in earlier times. Little is
known about when and from where Todas arrived.
Ancestors of another community 'Badaga' were
farmers and probably lived on the upper plateau for
centuries before the fall of the Vijayanagar Empire
in 1565 AD (Noble 2004). It is not known when
'Kota ’ farmers settled on the plateau.

The first of the European expeditions to the
Upper Nilgiris started in 1602 or early part of 1603
(Price 2002) by a priest named Fininicio. Nearly two
centuries later, Dr. Buchanan on 24 October 1800
reached Devanaikenkota, a fort situated a few miles
to the east of the Hills, on the northern bank of
Bhavani River. Twelve years later in 1812, Keys, a
surveyor, accompanied by MacMahon, an apprentice,
was sent up to the hills by Garrow, the Collector of
Coimbatore. Most of these early surveyors faced
difficulties and could barely reach the UpperNilgiris.

Finally in 1818, Whishand Kindersley, Assistants to
the Collector of Coimbatore, made their way to the
hills.

Sullivan, in a communication dated July 3T'
1819, wrote “The inclemency and reputed insalubrity
of the climate of this country (Nilgiris), above all its
almost inaccessible situation, has prevented any
attempt being made to explore it until 1818, when the
attempt was successfully executed by the Assistant
Collectors, Messrs Whish and Kindersley” (Price
2002).

TheNilgiri hills came into the possession of the
East India Company in 1799, by the treaty of
Serangapatnam. The first phase of European
settlement may have taken place during 1 820 to 1 830
(Kala 1977), Towards, the beginning of the 19*''
Century, the British started settling in the Nilgiris, and
in 1863 they introduced tea and coffee, which
subsequently attracted scores of labourers. The
planters converted several thousand hectares of
pristine shola patches and grasslands into tea
plantations, and the remaining fragments were
degraded by cutting and lopping to meet the growing
fuel wood and timber demand. Unimaginative
settlement policy on the part of the government
resulted in leasing out of vast tracts of these grasslands
for settlements and conversion into cultivation to cater
to human needs.

With the impetus provided by the National
Forest Policy of 1 952, attempts were made to convert
the pristine grasslands of the Nilgiris Upper Plateau
into plantations of exotic species. Introduction of
Eucalyptus and Acacia spp. to supply firewood,
puipwood, rayon and tannins to the viscose industry
has done serious damage to the ecology of this region.
About 1 0 species of Eucalyptus, five of Acacia,
Pinus and some other non-natives were planted in
all available terrains. Several evergreen forest patches
were clear felled for these commercial plantations.
Jha et al. (2000) estimated the loss of dense forest in
the Nilgiris from 1 973-1 995 to be around 294 sq. km

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Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

(from 783 down to 489 sq. km) (37.5%). They also
reported an increase in the open forest from 798 to 92 1
sq. km (15.4%X degraded forest increase 284 to 447
sq. km (57%), and waterbodies 1 1 to 84 sq. km (66%).

Till the first half of the twentieth century, the
Nilgiris remained thinly populated. By 1 950s, influx
of immigrant labourers for several development
projects took place. The establishment of several new
settlements of labourers including immigrant
Sri Lankan repatriates mounted pressure on the
natural resources of the region. Ecologically the
Nilgiris faced another setback from the development
of hydroelectric power projects. Under the stress of
anthropogenic pressures and rapid changes, several
alien invasives got established in the Nilgiris, becoming
a threat to the native ecosystem, mainly the scarce
grasslands. Cytisus scoparius, Ulex europaeus
and Lantana camara are the major invaders
which have caused serious damage to native
vegetation.

MUKURTI NATIONAL PARK

Mukurti National Park (Figure 1) is the only
protected area falling under our intensive study area.
^ lies from 1 1 ° 1 O' to 1 1° 22’ N and 76° 26’ to 76° 34'
E. It forms a key protected area for conservation of
high altitude grassland flora and fauna. MNP
encompasses an area of 78.46 sq. km. The entire
terrain is undulating grassland with patches of
montane evergreen forest (shola) confined to the
folds of hills and depressions. The average altitude is
around 2,400 m above msl. There are several peaks,
the highest being Kolari Betta 2,630 m, while Mukurti
Peak 2,556 m and Nilgiri Peak 2,477 m also deserve
mention. Mukurti was declared a wildlife sanctuary
in 1980 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972
and a national park in 1 990, mainly for the protection
of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr Hemitragus
hylocrius. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve,
the first one to be notified in 1986 among the 18
biosphere reserves of India. Being home to several

endangered and endemic species, it is one of the
important protected areas in the Western Ghats.
There are several streams, most of which are
tributaries of the Bhavani River.

VEGETATION TYPES OF THE
UPPER NILGIRIS

The floristic properties of the Nilgiris have
attracted several scientists since the second half of
the 19"' Century. All these studies have been revised
and compiled by Gamble (1935) and Fyson (1915-
20). The Nilgiris is thought to be a centre of speciation
and has several endemic species. The western end
of Sispara leading to the Silent Valley National Park
is considered a place of high biological diversity.
Sharma et al. (1977) recorded 2760 species of
vascular plants from the Nilgiris, of which 261 1 are
angiosperms belonging to 942 genera and 163 families.
Blasco ( 1 970) recorded 82 endemics exclusive to the
Nilgiris at high elevations. There are around 120
orchids, including 9 endemics from the UpperNilgiris.
Apart from the vast diversity of natural vegetation,
400 or more species have been introduced into this
area mainly for economic interests (Hockings 1 989).
The vegetation of the study area (Upper Nilgiris) can
be classified into three broad categories:

a) Southern Montane Wet Temperate Forest

Nilgiri vegetation consists mainly of undulating
grasslands interspersed with numerous isolated forests
with sharply defined borders, popularly known as
‘s/?o/a’. The shola type is classified as sub-group 1 1
A (Type Cl) Southern Montane Wet Temperate
Forests by Champion and Seth (1 968). These forests
usually occur at the head of streams in the folds of
converging slopes above 1700 m.

Shola forests are regarded as a climatic
complex by most workers. Alternatively, they are
thought to be relics of a glacial epoch, when the
temperature in the Subcontinent was appreciably
lower than it is now (Flora 1949; Meher-Homji 1965,

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Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

1972). Fire during the drier months and frost during
the winter are also suggested as limiting factors for
the spread of shola. The species in shola are all
evergreen, and include elements of both tropical and
temperate origin. Myrtaceae, Lauraceae,
Ternstroemiaceae, Elaeocarpaceae, Rutaceae,
Rubiaceae, Symplocaceae, Acanthaceae, Piperaceae,
Loranthaceae, Ericaceae and Eleagnaceae are some
of the families found in these forests. Occurrence of
a number of genera of distinctly Himalayan types such
as Rhododendron, Hypericum, Rubus, Lonicera,
Gaultheria, Artimisia, and Pittosporum is very
interesting in this region. Turpinia, Symplocose,
Eugenia and Rhododendron are found in nearly all
the shola patches.

b) Montane Grasslands of the Plateau

Grasslands are found at high altitudes in the
Western Ghats in South India. Champion and Seth
( 1 968) classified these grasslands as sub-group 1 1 A
(Type C1/DS2) Southern Montane Wet Grassland.
The shola grasslands are primarily short and uniform,
mainly found in a few areas in the Annamalai - Palni
- Elamalai hills complex to the south and the Nilgiri
hills to the north of Palghat Gap. Mukurti National
Park, Eravikulam, Rajamalai and Grass Hills of
Annamalai are some important areas harbouring these
grasslands. The ecological status of the shola grasslands
formation has been a subject of controversy over the
years and many contributions have been made, the
Nilgiris in particular getting more attention. These
grasslands were considered by many as a sub-climax
(Raghavan 1 957, Gupta 1 960) and as edaphic or climatic
climaxes by Champion and Seth ( 1 968).

Grasses have long been recognized as a
significant part of the vegetation in the Nilgiris above
1 ,200 m, and over 1 0% of the total grass species are
endemic (Noble 2004). Palynological evidence
provided by Vishnu-Mittre and Gupta (1972)
tentatively suggests the presence of grasslands over
a long period in the past. Temperate grasses such as

Poa and Agrostis can be seen at elevations above
2000 m. These grasslands are comprised ofTripogon,
Andropogon, Chrysopogon, Ischaemum,
Eragrostris and Panicum species. These grasslands
also contain several species of orchids and balsams,
besides being home to grassland dependent species
such as the Nilgiri Tahr and the Nilgiri Pipit.

In the 20“’ Century, these grasslands were
considered as ‘gaps’ or ‘blanks’ and were converted
into monoculture plantations and cultivation,
threatening their specialist flora and fauna such as
the Nilgiri Tahr. Presently, grasslands in the
Nilgiris are mainly confined to the Mukurti National
Park, and a few patches are seen in other parts
of Upper Plateau i.e. Upper Bhavani, Wenlock
Downs, Lakkedi and Bison Swamp area. Grassland
patches can be seen at several other places near
villages, towns and around Wattle and Blue Gum
plantations.

c) Exotic plantations

Plantation in the Nilgiris started in the 19“’
Century by clear felling of natural forests and burning
of grasslands. Plantations constitute mainly Black
Wattle, Blue Gum, Mexican Pine, Alder, Cinchona,
Coffee, and Tea. About five species of Acacia, ten
of Eucalyptus and four of pines were introduced for
feeding the timber and pulp wood industry in the
plains. By 1987, Eucalyptus alone covered about
12,000 ha (Meher-Homji 1989). Mexican Pine has
typically been planted in frost pockets where Wattle
and Blue Gum had failed. Wattle, one of the most
successful and extensively planted species, also
regenerates through seed, forming impenetrable
thickets of thin poles, blocking the passage of larger
mammals. Today, plantations form the dominant cover
across the length and breadth of the Nilgiris.

METHODS

The paper is based on the notes from our field
diaries maintained during fieldwork for bird

Buceros Vol. 10. No. 1 (2005)

community investigations as well as observations
made during extensive surveys in the Upper Nilgiris
(> 1,700 m above msl) during December 2000 to
February 2004. Elevations in feet for the localities
described in the historical records were converted to
meters for uniformity in presentation. Nomenclature
for the localities followed the Survey of India 1 : 50,000
toposheets and coordinates were recorded using a
GARMIN 12XL GPS. Survey sites and their
geographical locations are listed in Appendix- 1 .

Mukurti National Park (MNP hereafter), and
Avalanche, Lakkedi, Devar Betta, Upper Bhavani and
TaisholaofNilgiris South Division formed the intensive
study area. Other areas surveyed during this study
include Governor’s Shola, Cairn Hill Forest, Snowdon,
Porthimund, Dodabetta, Taishola, Kora Kundha,
Coonoor, Bikkatti, Bembatti, Longwood Shola at
Kotagiri, Kodanadu and Emerald Valley (Figure 1 and
Appendix 1 ).

Species recorded by us more than ten times are
described as common here, the ones seen between
3-10 times as uncommon and those seen only once
or twice as rare forthe Upper Nilgiris plateau. Species
accounts are supplemented with information on their
numbers ringed at Avalanche during January-
February 2003. Sequence and nomenclature follow
Manakadan and Pittie (2000). Conservation status
of the threatened birds follow BirdLife International
(2001). Status of the species noted during this study
is recorded as present status, while brief notes are
provided for the species recorded by other authors.

AVIFAUNAL COMPOSITION OF THE
UPPER NILGIRIS

The Upper Nilgiris supports an interesting bird
community, with nine Western Ghats endemic and
several threatened species. In general, the bird
composition of the Upper Nilgiris appears to be
depauperate compared to the lower elevations. For
instance, Gokula (1998) recorded 265 species in the
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in the lower elevations

of the Nilgiri hills, while we could record only 192
species in the Upper Nilgiris. This includes breeding
residents, winter visitors, local summer migrants,
vagrant and passage migrants.

Of the sixteen Western Ghats endemic species,
nine were recorded during this study, namely the
Nilgiri Wood Pigeon Columba elphinstonii, Nilgiri
Pipit, Grey-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus
priocephalus, Black-and-Orange Flycatcher, Small
Sunbird Nectarinia minima, Nilgiri Flycatcher
Eumyias albicaudata, Nilgiri Laughingthrush
Garrulax cachinnans, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher
Cyornis pallipes and White-bellied Shortwing
Brachypteryx major.

The threatened species (BirdLife International
2001) recorded by us from the study area include:
Nilgiri Laughingthrush (Endangered) and Kashmir
Flycatcher, Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni. White-
bellied Shortwing, and Nilgiri Wood Pigeon
(Vulnerable). The Near Threatened species recorded
during this study include Nilgiri Pipit, Black-and-
Orange Flycatcher and Nilgiri Flycatcher.

The threatened species recorded from the
Upper Nilgiris Plateau by other authors and not seen
during this study include the White-backed Vulture
Gyps bengalensis and the Long-billed Vulture Gyps
indicus (Critically Endangered), the Lesser Florican
Sypheotides indica (Endangered), the Imperial Eagle
Aquila heliaca and the Wood Snipe Gallinago
nemoricola (Vulnerable). The Near Threatened
species recorded by other authors include the Red-
headed Vulture Sarcogyps calvus, the Pallid Harrier
Circus macrourus, Black-necked Stork
Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus and the Ferruginous
Pochard Aythya nyroca.

Compared to the records of Davison (1 883), it
appears that some species such as the Brahminy Kite
Haliastur indus, House Crow Corvus splendens,
Besra Accipiter virgatus, Crested Serpent Eagle
Spilornis cheela, Emerald Dove Chalcophaps
indica, Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba, and

9

Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis are
more common presently than during the nineteenth
century. The species that have recorded a noticeable
decline in the upper Nilgiris include the Pallid Harrier
Circus macrourus, White-rumped Vulture and Long-
billed Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, Egyptian Vulture
Neophron percnopteriis, Eurasian Woodcock
Scolopax rusticola, Wood Snipe Gallinago
nemoricola. Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura, Pied
Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus, Large Hawk Cuckoo
Hierococcyx sparverioides and Common Hawk
Cuckoo Hierococcyx varius.

Species seen only once during this study include
the Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pileata,
Pompadour Green Pigeon Treron pompadora.
Lesser Kestrel, Osprey Pandion haliaetiis, Plum-
headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala. Grey-
headed Bulbul, Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus
flammeus, Yellow-browed Bulbul lole indica, Red-
rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica, Rosy Starling
Stiirnus roseus, Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus
flammeus, Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus,
Malayan Night-heron Gorsachius melanolophus,
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycti corax,
Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura and Indian Peafowl
Pavo cristatus. See notes in Appendix 1 for details
of locations.

Rare and significant records are discussed in
detail and confirmed historical records are included
to provide an insight on the species that have either
declined or disappeared from the Upper Nilgiris.

SPECIES ACCOUNT

LITTLE GREBE
Tachybaptus ruficollis

One female with three chicks was seen along
the banks of Manjoor Reservoir on 16 May 2003.
Common resident, few birds generally seen at Ooty
Lake but never seen in the other reservoirs such as
Avalanche, Emerald and Upper Bhavani during

dozens of visits. Other records from Ooty Lake
include Kumar ( 1 996) on 1 0 August 1 996, and Nair
(1995) who reported 30 odd birds in mid-September
1994.

GREAT CORMORANT
Phalacrocorax carbo

Common resident, usually seen in small numbers
around most of the water reservoirs. Up to 25 birds
observed frequently during monsoon at Avalanche
reservoir, with twelve nests recorded at the crown
of a Eucalyptus plantation during July 2002. The
nesting birds often observed mobbing and chasing
away Jungle Crows Corvus macrorhynchos from
close to its nest before sunset. Between February to
April 2002, when the reservoir was dry, no bird was
seen at Avalanche.

Nair ( 1 996) observed 42 nests and 130 birds in
breeding plumage on partially submerged trees in the
reservoir at Glenmorgan ( 1 ,970 m) and twenty birds
breeding in Kamarajasagar Reservoir near
Ootacamund town at 2 1 00 m. Kumar ( 1 996) reported
a solitary bird in breeding plumage on 9 December
from Ooty Lake. All these records are significant in
the absence of any other report of breeding of this
species from anywhere in the peninsular Indian hills.
They are normally found in the lowland rivers, jheels,
reservoirs, tidal lagoons and are also known to ascend
up to considerable elevations in the lakes of Nepal,
Ladakh and Kashmir (AH and Ripley 1987, Grimmett
etal. 1998).

DARTER

Anhinga melanogaster

We did not come across this species in the
Nilgiris. Davison (1883) obtained it from Pykara
River, about 15 km from Ootacamund. In recent
decades there has been no other record of Darter
from anywhere in the Upper Nilgiris. Hence
Davison’s record should perhaps be considered as
vagrant.

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LITTLE EGRET
Egretta garzetta

Rare in Upper Nilgiris, one bird observed on
the shore of Avalanche reservoir on 1 1 January 2004,
one bird (probably the earlier one) again sighted in
the same reservoir on another location on 1 6 January
2004. Thejaswi, S. (pers. comm.) sighted one bird at
T. R. Bazar near Naduvattam on 15 January 2004.

CATTLE EGRET
Bubulcus ibis

Common resident, some birds could always be
seen around marshy grazing areas near habitations.
Never seen in the MNP and surrounding reserve forests.

INDIAN POND HERON
Ardeola grayii

Common resident and widespread, mostly
solitary but occasionally up to four birds sighted near
reservoirs or perched on trees along streams and also
in dry habitats near plantations. Appears to be
extremely wary of humans, unlike at the lower
elevations. Unlike in the past, the Nilgiris today do
not have the shallow water habitats required by these
birds. Davison (1883) reported it as a winter visitor
to the Nilgiris, disappearing on the approach of its
breeding season. However, we recorded it in the
Upper Nilgiris throughout the year.

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON
Nycticorax nycticorax

It seems to be rare in the Upper Nilgiris. A
single bird sighted on 8 March 2002 at Bangitappal,
perched on a short tree near the stream bisecting the
valley. It is likely to occur at Pykara and Glenmorgan
reservoirs.

MALAYAN NIGHT-HERON
Gorsachius melanolophus

Only one sub-adult observed on a roadside
wattle tree near Parson’s Valley c. 2,200 m on 21

May 2003. Perhaps a vagrant to the Upper Nilgiris.
The bird displayed the prominent crest and
vermiculations on the wings; the white spots on the
crest and the nape were also distinctly seen. Ali and
Ripley ( 1 987) recorded it as discontinuously distributed
species of evergreen biotope generally up to 800 m
elevation.

EUROPEAN WHITE STORK
Ciconia ciconia

Not seen in the Nilgiris during our three year
study. Davison ( 1 883) noted, “Mr. G. A. R. Dawson,
of Coonoor, obtained two specimens of this bird on
the Nilgiris, one of which is, 1 believe, still in his
possession. He also sighted a flock of 1 8 birds feeding
on the open grassland near Sandy Nullah between
Ootacamund and Pykara”. Davison himself had never
seen it in the Nilgiris.

COMMON TEAL
Anas crecca

Davison ( 1 883) reported having seen it on many
occasions in small parties on the lake at Ootacamund,
but they did not remain for long after their arrival,
being either killed or frightened away. No other record
known to us.

ORIENTAL HONEY-BUZZARD
Pernis ptilorhynchus

Common winter visitor, several observed singly
or in pairs, soaring over the grassy downs or forested
hills of MNP and surroundings. Davison ( 1 883) noted
“1 have never noticed it on the Nilgiri plateau or on
the more elevated portion of the slopes”. Primrose
(1904) collected two specimens from Nilgiris.
Thirumurthi and Balaji (1999) recorded five birds
during their survey of the raptors. N. Netli Kuttan a
Toda tribal found a bird removing stones fixed at
the opening of a shola tree cavity containing a
honeycomb. The Todas block the entrance of
the tree cavity containing a comb (an indigenous

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Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

method of harvesting honey from tree cavities).
Having successfully removed the stones, the bird
was feeding on the honey and the bees {Apis
dor sat a).

BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE
Elanus caeruleus

Common in the Nilgiris, more often seen in the
altered habitats near cultivation and tea estates than
in grasslands. Davison (1883) mentioned it as rare
on the Nilgiris. Pittie(1987) included it as an altitudinal
record at 1 ,860 m. However, it is not unusual to record
it near Dodabetta (2634 m).

BLACK KITE
Milvus migrans

The sub-species Milvus migrans govinda is
a very common resident raptor near human
habitations in the Upper Nilgiris and is joined by M
m. lineatus during winter, when both could be seen
soaring over the municipal garbage dumps on the
outskirts of Ooty. Davison (1883) recorded, “very
few indeed breed on the Nilgiris and few seen during
the southwest monsoon, but is common between
December till June”. They migrate Ifom heavy-rainfall
areas to drier areas, before the commencement of
monsoon, but precise data is lacking (Ali and Ripley
1987).

BRAHMINY KITE
Haliastur indus

Common resident, often seen soaring at Ooty
Lake or circling over the water reservoirs near
Lawrence, Avalanche and Emerald, human habitation
and cultivated areas. Davison (1883) recorded it as
not numerous on the Nilgiris, with a few pairs seen
about the swampy shores of the Ooty Lake. He also
observed that if its nest or eggs are touched, the birds
will as a rule, forsake the nest, breaking any eggs
that there are in it. Primrose (1904) described it as
far from common in the Nilgiri hills. Thirumurthi and

Balaji (1999) record 107 birds at different locations
during their survey in the Nilgiris and reported it as
the most common raptor after Milvus migrans.
Presumably, they have become commoner with
the opening of the Upper Nilgiris for human
habitation.

EGYPTIAN VULTURE
Neophron percnopterus

We did not see even a single individual between
December 2000 and February 2004. Davison ( 1 883)
recorded it as abundant on the Nilgiris, especially at
Ooty and Badaga villages in its vicinity, on
slopes, and breeding on numerous cliffs and slopes.
Primrose (1904) also observed it as very common
around the Badaga and other villages of the
Nilgiris, and a large colony round the filthy
‘Kota’ village (Kotagiri) where they breed.
Thirumurthi and Balaji (1999) record it at Coonoor
(1,800 m).

INDIAN WHITE-BACKED VULTURE
Gyps bengalensis

Not even a single bird seen by us during this study.
However, Davison (1883) recorded it as abundant in
the Nilgiris. Primrose (1904) recorded that, “this is I
think the most common vulture, though these birds prefer
to patronize the plains, rather than hills, and are nowhere
plentiful at the higher elevations.” It has declined
massively all over South Asia (Prakash 1 999, BirdLife
International 200 1 ), possibly due to food poisoning in
Pakistan (Oaks et al. 2004) and also in India (Shultz
et al 2004).

LONG-BILLED VULTURE
Gyps indicus

We did not see a single bird between December
2000 and February 2004. Like the previous species it
has also declined massively all over South Asia
(Prakash 1 999, BirdLife International 2001), possibly
due to food poisoning (Oaks et al 2004; Shultz et al

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Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

2004). Davison (1883) recorded its occurrence in the
Nilgiris and its slopes as uncommon, while Primrose
(1904) was not certain about its presence, as he did
not observe any.

RED-HEADED VULTURE
Sarcogyps calvus

Once common on the Nilgiris, it is now perhaps
locally extinct. It was a part of the local Toda tribal
folklore. Davison (1 883) writes, “This species is not
abundant on the Nilgiris, for perhaps as many as forty
or fifty other vultures may be congregated near a
body, only two or three seldom indeed as many as
half a dozen of them, will be found with the mob, all
other times they are met with singly or in pairs”.
Primrose ( 1 904) reported it as common and observed
a nest near Craigmore Toll Gate, Ooty. In view of
these earlier observations, it appears to have severely
declined during the twentieth century. Thirumurthi and
Balaji (1999) claim to have recorded it at Ooty and
Kotagiri. However, we did not see even a single bird
during this entire study, and local birdwatchers deny
seeing this species in the last two to three decades.

SHORT-TOED SNAKE EAGLE
Circaetus gallicus

Uncommon winter visitor, one sighted at Taishola
on 22 June 2002, perched on a tall tree, perhaps
surveying its surroundings for prey. Another bird
sighted soaring and circling high over the same forest
on 4 July 2002. Ali and Ripley (1987) recorded its
habitat as open cultivated plains, stony deciduous
scrub and foothills country and semi-desert quite
unlike the area where it was recorded in the Upper
Nilgiris.

CRESTED SERPENT EAGLE
Spilornis cheela

Common resident, seen circling and soaring
over the grasslands around Upper Bhavani and MNP.
Davison (1883) collected a single bird at the foot of

Coonoor Ghat on 1 February 1881 and also reported
it as absent over the higher plateau of the Nilgiris.
Stairmand ( 1 972) reported it to be common over the
forested areas in the Nilgiris.

EURASIAN (WESTERN) MARSH-HARRIER
Circus aeruginosus

None recorded during this study; however,
Davison ( 1 883) recorded it as common on the Nilgiris
and its slopes. He recorded, “usually seen about
marshy ground, but not infrequently it may be seen
hunting over the grassy sides of a hill or dry cultivated
ground”. He recorded it as bold and fearless, and
saw it on many occasions strike at wounded snipe
and quail.

PALLID HARRIER
Circus macrourus

Not seen by us during our study. Davison ( 1 883)
remarks “abundant, frequents by preference the
cultivated lands about Badaga villages, grassy hills
and swamps, cold weather visitant to the Nilgiris,
coming in about the end of October, and I have seen
it as late as the last week of April”. Thirumurthi and
Balaji (1999) claim to have seen six birds at
Dodabetta.

PIED HARRIER
Circus melanoleucos

Not seen by us but Davison (1883) recorded
its occurrence as sparingly on the Nilgiris and their
slopes.

CRESTED GOSHAWK
Accipiter trivirgatus

We did not see even a single individual between
December 2000 and February 2004. Also, there were
no eai lier records of this species from the Upper
Nilgiris. However, Thirumurthi and Balaji ( 1 999) claim
to have seen seven birds at Avalanche, Mukurti,
Mamaram and Pykara.

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Buceros Vol. 10. No. 1 (2005)

SHIKRA
Accipiter badius

Resident, uncommon in the Nilgiris, except in
the undisturbed regions towards MNP, sighted near
cultivated areas near Ooty and other habitations.
Davison (1883) recorded it as uncommon on the
plateau and more common on the slopes of the hills.
Primrose (1904) recorded it as “very common” in
the Nilgiris. Ali and Ripley (1987) recorded the vertical
distribution limit of Shikra to be approximately
1,400 m. Kumar (1992) described a record from
Sholur valley (around 10 km north ofOoty) as unusual.
Thus its occurrence in the Nilgiris (up to 2,600 m) is
a record of vertical distribution in peninsular India.

BESRA SPARROWHAWK
Accipiter virgatus

Resident, common over the study area, frequent
at Avalanche (2,200 m) and similar elevation in the
Upper Nilgiris plateau. Davison (1 883) described it
as rare (no nest found) in the Nilgiris, and recorded
it as a silent, forest loving bird rarely coming out into
the open. However, contrary to Davison’s
observation, we found the bird making squealing
calls tschew tschew tschew ...irom December till
March or April. Davison (1883) further notes,
“It is a permanent resident, but never found a nest”

EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK
Accipiter nisus

We did not record any during this study. Davison
(1883) remarks, “Occur sparingly on the hills, a
female shot at Ooty on 7 February 1881 is
undistinguishable from many European specimens,
showing no approach to melaschistos ". Thirumurthi
and Balaji ( 1 999) report 1 6 birds from Kotagiri and Kil
Kotagiri during their survey of raptors in the Nilgiris.

WHITE-EYED BUZZARD
Biitastur teesa

Uncommon winter visitor to the Upper Nilgiris,

seen occasionally in open scrub and grasslands with
scattered Rhododendron.

COMMON BUZZARD
Buteo buteo

Common winter visitor at all elevations in the
Nilgiris. Usually sighted solitarily, rarely in pairs.
Occasionally seen perched on dead trees in open
grasslands. Soars silently but occasionally heard
making mewing calls.

LONG-LEGGED BUZZARD
Buteo rufinus

Common winter visitor, sighted at different
locations in the study area generally near grasslands.

BLACK EAGLE
Ictinaetus malayensis

Common resident, widely distributed and
recorded at different locations over the landscape in
small groups of two to four. For example, four birds
seen soaring at Naduvattam (1,800 m) on 13 June
2001, one sighted on a shola tree at Avalanche on
1 6 March 2002. Davison ( 1 883) and Primrose ( 1 904)
reported it as common on the Nilgiris and its slopes.
Primrose (1904) recorded breeding at the Gunjara
precipices, near Kil Kotagiri, in company with many
other hawks (species not mentioned). Burgess ( 1 937)
saw it either singly or in pairs all over these hills
especially “where the plateau falls away to the low
country.” Unnikrishnan and Rajasekhar (1993)
reported the bird from Taishola.

EASTERN IMPERIAL EAGLE
Aquila heliaca

We did not record any Imperial Eagle during
December 2000 to February 2004. However, 60 years
ago, Burgess (1937) recorded it as an occasional
visitor, having seen a bird at the top of the Sigur Ghat.
He further said that “the bird was feeding on what
looked like a hare. 1 approached the bird to fifteen

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Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

yards, when it flew away from me, but it went only a
short distance and then came at me with talons
extended, and it was all I could do to keep it away
with a walking stick. Next day two birds were seen
at the same spot, circling with a dozen or more
vultures (species not mentioned). Soon they separated
from the vultures and flew above us at no great
height. Since then I have seen the bird three or four
times”.

BONELLl’S EAGLE
Hieraaetus fasciatus

Uncommon resident, three birds seen at Taishola
on 12 September 2003, first a single adult was
sighted, which was joined later by two others. All
three kept soaring over the Taishola Tea Estate area
for quite some time. According to Davison (1883),
they were not very rare on the Nilgiris and its slopes,
and commit havoc among domestic pigeons. Burgess
(1937) records, “they are common on the Nilgiris,
though they are never seen more than two at a time,
but not also a single, hunt in pairs and put in some
wonderful teamwork”. He also records “It can be
seen in Nilgiris at all seasons and probably it
must nest on the rocky crags of Mukurti or Nilgiri
Peak”.

BOOTED EAGLE
Hieraaetus pennatus

We did not record any between December 2000
and February 2004, but Primrose (1904) reported it
as common in the Nilgiris.

RUFOUS-BELLIED EAGLE
Hieraaetus kienerii

Rare resident, a single adult bird sighted flying
overhead near our base camp at Avalanche. The bird
(probably the same individual) was seen soaring in
the same locality on three consecutive days (28 to
30 August 2003). Thirumurthi and Balaji ( 1 999) claim
to have sighted four birds in Mukurti. We did not see

any bird in Mukurti National Park, although it was
our main study area.

CHANGEABLE HAWK EAGLE
Spizaetus cirrhatus

We did not record any during our three years
study. Davison (1883) was certain about its
occurrence over the Nilgiris and Stairmand (1972)
recorded one bird in the Upper Nilgiris.

MOUNTAIN HAWK EAGLE
Spizaetus nipalensis

We did not record it during this study, however,
Davison (1883) recorded “1 know of but one
specimen of this species obtained on the Nilgiris, and
that was given to me in June 1 872 for Mr. Hume by
Mr. F. L. Chapman of Ootacamund”. They are
distinguished at once from other Indian Hawk-Eagles
by the feathering of the tarsi running down beyond
the first joint of the mid toe.

OSPREY Pandion haliaetus

Rare winter visitor, one recorded near Upper
Bhavani dam on 1 9 December 2003. No other record
known from the Upper Nilgiris.

LESSER KESTREL
Falco uaumanni

Rare passage migrant, classified as Vulnerable
because of population decline in most of
its distribution range (BirdLife International 2001).
A single female was seen perched on a wattle
tree on the roadside near Upper Bhavani on 16
November 2001 . Stayed on the perch for sufficient
time for us to clearly see its whitish claws and less
distinct moustachial stripes. Davison (1883)
commenting on Jerdon’s having found a Lesser
Kestrel breeding on cliffs on the Nilgiris said
“he probably mistook it for the resident race of
the Common Kestrel, which does breed on the
cliffs”.

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COMMON KESTREL
Falco tinnunculus

Very common resident, usually seen perched
on elevated positions such as transmission lines,
poles or isolated tall trees scattered in the grasslands
from where it dives or pounces at the prey on
the ground and returns to the same or other perch.
Davison (1883) obtained specimens of both the
migratory and resident races and observed a
bird pouncing down and carrying off a Painted
Bush Quail Perdicula erythrorhyncha. Primrose
(1904) collected a nest with four eggs in March
1903.

PEREGRINE FALCON
Falco peregrinus

We have no record of this species from
anywhere in the Upper Nilgiris during this study.
However, Davison (1883) sighted a pair near
Ooty and one pair between Naduvattam and
Gudalur on 26 March (year not recorded). One
bird recorded in Mukurti by Thirumurthi and Balaji
(1999).

PAINTED BUSH QUAIL
Perdicula erythrorhyncha

Common resident, seen round the year at
several locations, in small parties of two to ten
birds, along roads near tea plantations, such as at
Red Hill Tea Estate, Ittalar, Taishola and Bikkatti.
Three adult birds observed with five chicks along a
tea plantation near Taishola on 25 April 2002.
According to Davison (1883) it occurs in larger or
smaller coveys, and with dogs afford some pretty
shooting.

RED SPURFOWL
Galloperdix spadicea

Common resident, has a retreating nature and
is seen s,hola, mainly in Mukurti National Park and
adjoining forests.

GREY JUNGLEFOWL
Gallus sonneratii

Common resident, occurs in all habitats, both
natural forest and plantations. In grasslands it
generally remains close to the cover. Several birds
could be seen along roads while driving through
forests. Males generally observed accompanying the
brood unlike reported in the literature. For instance a
male seen with female and four chicks along road in
Taishola on 25 April 2002 and another male sighted
with three adult females and five chicks near a Rubus
thicket besides a shola near Mullimunth village. We
found a nest with five eggs unusually placed in a
small depression along the earthen road bank near
Lawrence on 26 April 2003. Of the five, only two
eggs hatched successfully and the female deserted
the rest. Two cocks observed fighting on 5 February
2003. Many females sighted with fledglings from April
to June, at various locations.

INDIAN PEAFOWL
Pavo cristatus

Rare resident with some seasonal altitudinal
movement. One adult male was sighted on 10 May
2001 at the edge of Avalanche shola c. 2,200 m.
Another male sighted near Avalanche Shola
(undated) in 2002 (Solomon Frederick, pers. comm.).
Its occurrence at c. 2200 is thus an altitudinal record
for this region.

WHITE-BREASTED WATERHEN
Amaurornis phoenicurus

Common resident seen mainly around Ooty Lake,
rare in other localities. A single bird seen near Lawrence
Tea Estate on 22 June 2002. The bird crossed the road
to reach a waterhole created by a leak from a water
pipe. It is rare, perhaps because of the scarce wetland
habitat. Davison (1883) killed one in the Botanical
Gardens at Ooty. Kumar ( 1 996) recorded many from
Ooty Lake on 9 August. Nair (1995) reported seeing
around 1 5 birds feeding actively in Ooty Lake.

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Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

COMMON MOORHEN
Gallinula chloropus

Common resident at Ooty Lake, and breeds
among the sedges growing on the margins. Not seen
along the other reservoirs in the Upper Nilgiris. At
Ooty Lake, Kumar (1996) observed it in breeding
plumage on 9 August, and Nair ( 1 995) sighted about
35 birds during September.

LESSER FLORICAN
Sypheotides indica

No recent known record of this species from
the Nilgiris. Davison (1883) quoted Hume “a specimen
was killed on the slopes to the Nilgiris some years
ago between Naduvattam and Pykara, going down
to the Wynaad”. The above record should thus be
considered as of historical importance.

RED-WATTLED LAPWING
Vanellus indicus

Common resident, often one or two birds seen
near all the big and small reservoirs as well as open
grazing lands.

EURASIAN WOODCOCK
Scolopax rusticola

Once common winter visitor and a favourite
game bird in the Nilgiris, its population has declined
and it is uncommon today. A single bird observed on
28 December 2002 in a small moist and shaded grass
patch beside a wattle stand at Avalanche.
Subsequently we sighted (probably) the same bird
on the same site on 30 & 3 1 December 2002 and 22
& 23 January 2003. A bird sighted near Kolari Betta
near a waterhole along the road on 23 January 2003,
two birds sighted in January 2003, and one bird each in
December 2003 and January 2004 at different locations.

Davison (1883) notes, “Woodcock is not
uncommon from about October to the end of the
February in the Nilgiris and their shooting is an
amusement”. Home and Logan (1923) reported a

woodcock shot on 28 April in Krurnand near Mukurti
Peak as an exceptionally late date for the woodcock
in the Nilgiris. Inglis ( 1 923) quotes Baker (who wrote
to him in 1 92 1 ), “now a single gun is lucky, as I have
been, if he gets 30 to 40 cocks in a season and 6 in a
day. In 1920-21,1 got 35 and in 1921-22, 1 got 29 and
in both seasons my best bag was six in a day out of
seven seen”. Further notes on woodcock shooting in
Nilgiris can be seen in Fletcher (1911), Home and
Logan (1923) and Lambton (1911).

The woodcock is believed to be the only non-
stop long distance flier in India, from the Himalaya to
the Nilgiri hills (a distance of 2,500 km) (Sengupta
1990a). Sengupta (1990b) proposed its migratory
route from Himalaya to the Nilgiris via Bangladesh,
West Bengal (where several specimens were netted
in Sait Lake, Calcutta between 1963 and 1969) and
Eastern Ghats, with or without a stopover.

WOOD SNIPE
Gallinago nemoricola

This winter visitor was not recorded during this
study. It has been described as a rare visitor to the
Nilgiris (Jerdon 1 839-1 840). Davison ( 1 883) noted
“it was never common and seems to be getting still
rarer, year by year”. The fact that 13 birds were
shot in the Nilgiris between 1 922 and 1 935, however,
suggested that no decline had taken place and that a
small wintering population survived (Whistler and
Kinnear 1 936). Also from his game records between
1923 and 1948 Phythian-Adams (1948) listed only 8
birds of this species shot in Nilgiris unlike Pintail and
Fantail snipes that figured in thousands. Hence, we
assume that this is the rarest of all snipes wintering
in the UpperNilgiris. It is listed Vulnerable by BirdLife
International (2001).

PINTAIL SNIPE
Gallinago stenura

Rare winter visitor, only one bird sighted at
Avalanche, near the Guest House on 20 February

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2004. It was once common and a favourite game
bird in the Nilgiris. Davison ( 1 883) observed it coming
earlier and returning later than the Jack and Wood
snipes. He notes having seen it as early as the last
week of August and leaving as late as the last week
of May. Details of numbers shot are cited in Phythian-
Adams ( 1 948) and Whistler and Kinnear ( 1 936).

COMMON SNIPE
Gallinago gallinago

None recorded during this study. Davison (1883)
reported its occurrence throughout the Nilgiris but
described it as rare. Details of the numbers shot are
cited in Phythian-Adams (1948) and Whistler and
Kinnear (1936)

JACK SNIPE
Lymnocryptes minimus

None recorded during this study. Davison ( 1 883)
reported it as occasional visitor to the Nilgiris. Details
of numbers shot are cited in Whistler and Kinnear
1936 and Phythian-Adams (1948).

GREEN SANDPIPER
Tringa ochropus

Common winter visitor, seen along Ooty Lake.
Ten birds sighted on two different dates in December
2003, near the rail track, where Ooty sewage enters
the lake. Davison (1883) recorded it as only very rare
visitor, having seen one specimen shot at Ooty Lake.

WOOD SANDPIPER
Tringa glareola

We never came across this sandpiper during
our study. Davison (1883) observed that it remains
very late, having found it in the Botanical Garden at
Ootacamund as late as July.

COMMON SANDPIPER
Actitis hypoleucos

Common winter visitor, generally solitary birds

seen at Avalanche, Upper Bhavani, Pykara and other
reservoirs and lakes. However, up to ten seen feeding
in one site, where Ooty sewage enters Ooty Lake. It
is reported from the Upper Nilgiris as early as 4
August (Betts 1930), at Ooty Lake on 9 August
(Kumar 1996), and Avalanche on 28 August 2002
during this study. Around 20 birds seen at Ooty Lake
by Nair ( 1 995) is perhaps the largest number recorded
together anywhere in the Upper Nilgiris plateau.

BLUE ROCK PIGEON
Columba livia

Common resident, seen near almost all human
habitations. We presume that it has extended its range
over most parts of the Upper Nilgiris, with the
expansion of the human settlement across the plateau.

NILGIRI WOOD-PIGEON
Columba elphinstonii

Common resident, shy and restricted to shola
habitat. It is classified as Vulnerable owing to its small,
declining population, as a result of widespread destruction
of its habitat (BirdLife International 2001 ). More often
heard than seen, it remains in the thick canopy shola
calling “//o Hu Hu Hu”. Up to four birds seen in a 1
km intact shola transect. Often they feed on insects
and fallen fruits on the road passing through shola, and
quickly take cover on the approach of a vehicle.

LITTLE BROWN DOVE
Streptopelia senegalensis

None recorded during this study. Davison ( 1 883)
reported that they occur sparingly on the tableland
(upper plateau) of the Nilgiris and a few can always
be obtained around the Badaga cultivation.

SPOTTED DOVE
Streptopelia chinensis

Common resident, well spread in the Nilgiris
(Jameson 1969), more often near habitations.
Uncommon in the Mukurti National Park.

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EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE
Streptopelia decaocto

Davison (1883) notes, “I shot one at a village
(not named) about seven miles from Ootacamund
and on the plateau of the Nilgiris, but it is the only
one I ever heard of being killed at this elevation”.
None recorded during our study.

EMERALD DOVE

Chalcophaps indica

Common, subject to local movement, generally
solitary as seen in the Upper Nilgiris from February
till the onset of southwest monsoon. Many recorded
singly in different localities on different dates.
However, Davison (1883) could not find it as high as
Ootacamund (2000 m).

POMPADOUR GREEN PIGEON
Treron pompadora

Vagrant to the Upper Nilgiris; a single bird
observed perched atop a Cypress hedge in front of the
Avalanche Forest Guest House on 1 4 September 2002.
The bird kept to the same perch for about 1 0 minutes.
It has been described as “common” below Coonoor
(1800 m) by Jameson (1969), thus its record at
Avalanche c. 2,200 m is significant.

PLUM-HEADED PARAKEET
Psittacula cyanocephala

Perhaps vagrant to western upper plateau; a single
bird observed perched atop a dead wattle tree for about
an hour at Avalanche on 6 August 2002. Common
around lower elevations about Coonoor (Jameson 1 969).
No other record known from the Upper Nilgiris plateau.

BLUE-WINGED PARAKEET
Psittacula columboides

Uncommon resident, two birds observed on 5
October 2003 near Solur ( 1 ,800 m), and a flock of 1 1
birds in flight near Taishola (2 1 00 m) on 23 November
2003. Quite common on the Nilgiri slopes and plains.

Davison (1883) shot it on more than one occasion
near Ooty. Previously described as distributed at 500-
1,500 m (Ali and Ripley 1987). Thus our record at
2 1 00 m is quite significant.

PIED CRESTED CUCKOO
Clamator jacobinus

We could not find any during this study. Davison
(1883) reported it as common on the Nilgiris, also
reported its habitat as thickly wooded country, and
cultivated land interspersed with scrub and bushes.
He also reported it as most numerous near
Ootacamund, Coonoor, Kotagiri and other villages.

LARGE HAWK-CUCKOO
Hierococcyx sparverioides

Not recorded during this study. Davison ( 1 883)
recorded it as numerous on the Nilgiris in shola and
occasional in well-wooded gardens.

BRAINFEVER CUCKOO
Hierococcyx varius

Not seen during this study. Described as plentiful
on the plateau and the slopes of the Nilgiris by
Davison (1883). Davison also recorded that there is
hardly a garden or grove that does not contain one or
more birds. He observed a young of this species being
fed by the Nilgiri Laughingthrush {Garrulax
cachinnans).

ASIAN KOEL
Eudynamys scolopacea

Not recorded during this study. Davison (1 883)
once shot a bird in the Gardens at Ootacamund, but
its occurrence at that elevation is quite unusual, unlike
on the slopes of Nilgiris.

GREATER COUCAL
Centropus sinensis

Common resident, sparsely distributed but is less
numerous on the Nilgiris plateau than the slopes.

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Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

Usually single, but occasionally seen in pairs near
partially disturbed habitat near habitations. Parochial
and generally stays close to cover.

COMMON CUCKOO
Cuculus canorus

Rare, perhaps vagrant. One adult female
photographed near our base camp at Avalanche on 30
September 2002 and another male near Upper Bhavani
on the same day. The bird foraged in a clearing besides
the stream, pounced frequently at insects and returned
to the same perch every time, and spent considerable
time on the ground during foraging.

COLLARED SCOPS-OWL
Otus bakkamoena

We did not come across this species. Primrose
(1904) recorded it in the Nilgiris, though he never
collected any skin.

FOREST EAGLE-OWL
Bubo nipalensis

We did not come across this species during this
study. Davison (1883) recorded it as permanent
resident but occurring sparingly on the Nilgiris, seen
singly, but occasionally in pairs also. He also recorded
that the native shikaris (hunters) say it regularly kills
hares, young jackal (Canis aureus) and young Indian
Muntjac {Muntiacus muntjak) (Davison 1883).

BROWN FISH-OWL
Ketupa zeyloneasis

Common resident, often heard from evening till
late night, near our base camp at Avalanche and
similar well-wooded areas. Seen in different localities,
usually dashes out from its perch in front of a vehicle.
Often seen perched atop tall Pinus or Eucalyptus
trees along power transmission lines, making
characteristic reverberating boom-boom calls. Feeds
on crabs, which abound in all swamps and marshes.
It is usually seen in pairs (Davison 1883). Based on

his skin collection. Primrose (1904) describes it as
very common in the Nilgiris. Ali and Ripley (1987)
reported its distribution up to c. 1 ,400 m in peninsular
India; however, we have seen it commonly at 2,200
m and even higher in the Upper Nilgiris.

MOTTLED WOOD-OWL
Strix ocellata

Rare resident, little information available on its
seasonal or vertical movements (if any). One bird
sighted perched at about 5 m on a wattle tree near
the Trout Hatchery at Avalanche on 5 August 2002.
No other record from anywhere in the UpperNilgiris
plateau.

BROWN WOOD OWL
Strix leptogrammica

Common resident, sighted in June 2001
followed by other records of a single bird on 1 5 March
and on 20 November 2002 at Avalanche. The bird
generally perches on tall Pinus trees near street
lamps. Once seen near Lakkedi during daytime in
December 2001. Several others recorded from
different locations in the UpperNilgiris. It seems from
Baker and Inglis ( 1 930) that it was more common in
these hills than at present.

JUNGLE OWLET
Glaucidium radiatum

Not seen during this study. Primrose (1904)
sighted it in a shola near the Terrace Tea Estate
as high as 1940 m, but found it as uncommon
overall.

BARN OWL
Tyto alba

Rare in the Upper Nilgiris, never seen during
this study. A dead bird was sent to us by S.
Sounderrajan who narrated “This bird was killed by
three Bonnet Macaques (Macaca radiata) while it
perched on a tree near the Canteen of the Hindustan

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Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

Photo Films campus near the Ooty-Gudalur road.
Ravi, T. sighted one of the macaque squeezing the
neck of the owl. When Ravi chased the macaque, it
dropped the bird and fled. The bird had died before it
was dropped. The specimen was sent to BNHS
collection.”

SHORT-EARED OWL
Asio flammeus

Rare winter visitor in the Upper Nilgiris, a single
bird sighted at Bangitappal on 3 March 2001 . Again
sighted at Bangitappal Valley in June 2002 perched
on a short Rhododendron tree at 1800 hrs. Flew
swiftly and perched over an exposed rock in the
grassland beside a shola patch.

INDIAN JUNGLE NIGHTJAR
Caprimulgus indicus

Common resident, seen all over the Upper
Nilgiris. Often heard near Avalanche reservoir
in the evenings. Commonly seen while driving
through well- wooded roads in the evening. Calls
could be heard near Avalanche reservoir in the
evening.

COMMON INDIAN NIGHTJAR
Caprimulgus asiaticus

Common in the study area. Seen on several
occasions along the wattle bordered road in several
localities in the evenings.

INDIAN EDIBLE-NEST SWIFTLET
Collocalia unicolor

Common resident, seen more often near Ooty.
Confirmed records are from the Tiger Caves near
Ooty-Coonoor road. Betham (1902) recorded, “I
believe there are several colonies of this little Swiftlet
in the neighbourhood of Ooty”. He collected two nests
from a cave, and sighted eight nests, of which 7
contained 2 eggs each. Walkey (1 978) reported many
half-saucer shaped nests containing about three white

eggs, fixed securely to the walls and roofs of a cave
with thick gum of solidified saliva.

WHITE-RUMPED NEEDLETAIL-SWIFT
Zoonavena sylvatica

Common resident, seen throughout the study
area, more over the grassy downs, flocks of up to 30
birds seen occasionally, in the southwestern Nilgiris
such as at Bangitappal and Western Catchment 11
and 111. Often flocks with the House Swallow
Hirundo tahitica.

ALPINE SWIFT
Tachymarptis melba

Resident and common around the western slopes of
MNP. Usually remains in small flocks of up to 10,
being most common over the grasslands around
Western Catchments II and III. Davison ( 1 883) found
it as uncommon on the Nilgiris.

MALABAR TROGON
Harpactes fasciatus

Rare and perhaps moves attitudinaliy, a single
pair seen at Taishola on 25 April 2002 at 10 hrs.
Detected first by call, male and female were seen
perched about 40 m apart. Presumably, it ventures
into the shola habitat around south and southwestern
Nilgiris from the slopes adjoining Palghat, Silent Valley
National Park and the Nilambur Forest Division,
perhaps during the peak summer when it is generally
dry in plains (Zarri and Rahmani, in press),

SMALL BLUE KINGFISHER
Alcedo atthis

Rare in the study area, perhaps with some local
movements; one adult bird sighted perched on the
dead stump of a submerged tree in the Avalanche
reservoir on 11 January 2003. Another sighted at
Avalanche on 20 May 2003 near the stream. Kumar
(1996) sighted a bird around Pykara Lake on 10
August 1996.

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Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

STORK-BILLED KINGFISHER
Halcyon capensis

Common resident, subject to vertical
movements. Usually solitary, its raucous chattering
laugh heard near streams. First recorded on 20
January 2003 along the stream at Avalanche at c.
2,200 m, and subsequently the bird was
sighted near the same stream several times in winter.
One bird heard in Longwood Shola on 25 April 2003.
Never recorded in MNP. Jameson (1978) described
it at Coonoor ( 1 ,935 m) as an altitudinal record.

WHITE-BREASTED KINGFISHER
Halcyon smyrnensis

Common resident in the study area, generally
a solitary bird seen perched on transmission wires or
on stands of wattle near the streams or cultivated
lands. One bird ringed on 21 January 2003. Davison
(1883) described the bird as a straggler to the upper
plateau, and common at Coonoor, Naduvattam and
Pykara. He had shot it near Ooty two or three times.

BLACK-CAPPED KINGFISHER
Halcyon pileata

A vagrant bird sighted on 8 March 2002 at
Avalanche near the reservoir. Known as distributed
up to 1000 m (Ali and Ripley 1987), its record at
Avalanche c. 2150 m is quite significant. We know
of no other record of this species from anywhere in
the Upper Nilgiris plateau.

SMALL BEE-EATER
Merops orientalis

Rare to the Upper Nilgiris plateau unlike lower
elevations. One bird was seen in flight on 29 June 2002
from very close in Mullimunth village ( 1 1° 30' 095” N
76°. 61' 181'’ E) between Lawrence and Avalanche.

CHESTNUT-HEADED BEE-EATER
Merops leschenaulti

Resident, uncommon, perhaps subject to vertical

movements, two birds observed perched on a
telephone wire at Kundha Bridge village (1900 m)
on 1 6 May 2003. Common on the Nilgiri slopes below
1,600 m and plains near Mudumalai Wildlife
Sanctuary. According to Davison (1883) they do
not ascend the plateau but are common on the
slopes.

INDIAN ROLLER
Coracias benghalensis

Rare resident in the study area, one bird sighted
perched on a transmission wire over an agriculture
field at Lawrence at c. 2100 m, on 16 March 2002.
Another bird seen flying over a tea plantation near
Ellakandi village (2 1 00 m) along Emerald to Ooty road
on 1 6 February 2004. According to Davison ( 1 883) it
does not ascend the hills and is not common even on
the base of hills. This is apparently not true anymore.

COMMON HOOPOE
Upupa epops

Common resident and perhaps subject to local
movements. It is seen from the first week of
November till May. Seen more at Kundha, Taishola,
Bikkatti, Ooty, Coonoor, Kotagiri and other localities
near cultivated areas or tea plantations. None
sighted in the western Upper Nilgiris mainly in the
MNP and the surroundings. Sighted twice at
Avalanche; once foraging in a transmission line
opening beside a wattle plantation on 1 8 November
2002 and another foraging in front of our base camp
at Avalanche on 3 April 2003 from where it was
chased away by a pair of Jungle y[yx\2L,Acridotheres
tristis.

Stairmand ( 1 972) described it as “uncommon”
in Ooty. However, Davison (1883) claims to have
shot great numbers on the Nilgiris. Jameson (1969)
described the plumage and call characteristics in the
Nilgiris, and Pittie (1987) reported sighting of a
single bird at Wellington ( 1 ,832 m) as an altitudinal
record.

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WHITE-CHEEKED BARBET
Megalaima viridis

Common resident, restricted to shola habitat
throughout the study area. More often heard than
seen. Observed duetting with Scimitar Babbler
Pomatorhinus horsfieldii. In the Nilgiris, great
damage is done by it in orchards, especially to apples
and pears (Davison 1883).

CRIMSON-THROATED BARBET
Megalaima rubricapilla

Rare resident, one bird observed at Kodanadu
1 800 m on 25 April 2003. Overall rare in the rest of
the Upper Nilgiris plateau, mainly around the western
Upper Nilgiris. Quite common on the slopes at lower
elevations.

RUFOUS WOODPECKER
Celeus brachyurus

Not recorded by us during this study, but
common around the Nilgiri plains such as the
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Davison (1883)
obtained one specimen of this species a few miles
from Ootacamund. Perhaps Davison’s record should
be treated as vagrant.

GREAT BLACK WOODPECKER

Dryocopus javensis

Rare in the study area, only a single bird
recorded in a Eucalyptus plantation interspersed
with shola trees at Snowdon (near Wood House c.
2,200 m), near Ootacamund on 1 April 2002.
However, it is common around the Nilgiri plains. It
is typically a bird of heavy evergreen forests of the
Western Ghats, where it is fairly common up to 1,290
m (Betts 1934). Santharam (2003) recorded its
preference for moist deciduous forests, near
evergreen/semi-evergreen forests or riverine forest
patches. Shy and wary, it keeps to the interior of the
forests and occasionally ventures into cultivation on
the jungle edge.

LITTLE SCALY-BELLIED GREEN

WOODPECKER

Picus xanthopygaeus

Common resident, recorded a few times, mainly
near Ooty. A male sighted in Taishola Tea Estate on
25 April 2002, one female on 15 March 2003 and
one female on 22 April 2003 foraging among Silver
Oak Grevillia robusta trees planted between the
tea shrubs for checking soil erosion. Seen a few more
times near plantations along the road from Lawrence
to Taishola but never in the MNP. Presumably, it
does not go higher than 2,200 m and generally
remains closer to the eastern and southeastern slopes
of the Nilgiris. Betts (1934) reported that, “few
pairs are resident in the shola around Ooty, and I
have seen two on the border of copses on the
downs of the Nilgiri Plateau”. The bird seems to
feed mainly on ground dwelling ants like its
English congener Picus viridis and is conse-
quently partial to park land and open country (Betts
1934).

LESSER GOLDEN-BACKED WOODPECKER
Dinopium benghalense

Common resident throughout the Nilgiris at all
elevations. Four to five birds, usually seen foraging
among the trees near orchidarium and shola edge at
Avalanche. These birds follow the same route
between their roosting and foraging sites in a follow
my leader way, making loud “drr. . .rr..rr.rr..rr.” calls.
Loose flocks of up to six birds are commonly seen in
partially disturbed as well as undisturbed shola
patches.

GREATER GOLDEN-BACKED
WOODPECKER Chrysocolaptes lucidus

Common resident in the forests near Ooty,
Coonoor, Wellington, Kundha, Kotagiri and other
villages. Rare around the western Upper
Nilgiris around Mukurti National Park and
surroundings.

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Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

INDIAN PITTA
Pitta hrachyura

An uncommon winter visitor in the Upper
Nilgiris. Davison (1883) shot the bird near
Ootacamund and on the slopes. Stairmand (1971a)
sighted many (number not mentioned) at Ooty
Botanical Garden. A single bird sighted at Avalanche
perched at a low branch of a shady bush beside a
stagnant pool of water on 25 November 2003. This
bird was observed on several other visits near the
same site between December 2003 and January
2004.

MALABAR CRESTED LARK
Galerida malabarica

Rare in the Upper Nilgiris, one bird was
sighted feeding along the road coming from
Kotagiri to Ooty at 1900m. No other record
from anywhere else in the study area during this
study.

DUSKY CRAG-MARTIN
Hirundo concolor

Common resident, generally seen near cliffs
at Mukurti Peak, Nilgiri Peak, Kolari Betta, Pechakal
Bettu and Pichal Bettu {Bettu means peak). Not
uncommon in the Nilgiris during the winter (Davison
1883). Forms mixed flocks with Alpine Swift and
House Swallow Hirundo tahitica. Previously
recorded up to 1,800 m in south India (Ali and
Ripley 1987, Kazmierczak 2000), but in the Nilgiris
we recorded it up to the 2,550 m.

COMMON SWALLOW
Hirundo rustica

Common winter visitor, more near Kotagiri,
Coonoor and Ooty town. Davison (1 883) recorded it
as common in the Nilgiris. Betts (1930) records its
arrival in the Nilgiris as early as October. Pittie ( 1 987)
includes it as an altitudinal record at 1,832 m near
Coonoor.

HOUSE SWALLOW
Hirundo tahitica

Common resident, widespread, seen practically
throughout the Upper Nilgiris. Several nests recorded
at different locations in March and April. Two nests
seen in April 2002 in our garage were reoccupied in
2003 with little modification.

RED-RUMPED SWALLOW
Hirundo daurica

Rare passage migrant to the study area, a flock
of nearly 1 00 individuals seen on 2 November 2003, in
the Bangitappal Valley. The flock remained circling over
the guesthouse for more than an hour, making a nasal
''queenk” every now and then. Due to lack of any
other record, the observation should be treated as a
passage record.

FOREST WAGTAIL
Dendronanthus indicus

Uncommon winter visitor, sighted in moderately
disturbed open plantation patches. Occurs all over the
Nilgiris, but is rare (Davison 1 883). Two birds sighted
on 11 March 2001, followed by a single bird on 2
February 2002. While it is common during winter at
lower elevations, it is uncommon in the Upper Nilgiris.
Thought to be a return passage migrant in the Nilgiris
based on first two sightings initially, but sightings of two
birds at two different locations on 2 December 2002 at
Avalanche clearly suggests that it is an uncommon
winter visitor and not a passage migrant. We ringed
one bird on 27 January 2003 at Avalanche.

LARGE-PIED WAGTAIL
Motacilla maderaspatensis

Common resident, more frequent in areas at
lower elevations. Frequents marshy and open
grazing areas during post monsoon. Usually sighted
solitarily or in pairs throughout the study area
around reservoirs, except in the MNP and its
immediate surroundings. Common at Ooty Lake, close

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Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

to the spot where town’s sewage nullah joins the
Lake.

YELLOW WAGTAIL
Motacilla flava

Rare winter visitor, a single bird sighted on
17 March 2001, perched on a wattle tree along a
transmission line at Avalanche. Another solitary
bird sighted on 17 April 2001 near Kolari Betta,
followed by a sighting on 17 April 2001 near the
stream that bisects the Bangitappal valley.

GREY WAGTAIL
Motacilla cinerea

Common winter visitor, generally seen singly all
over the study area, between August and April, near
marshes, along the roads, open grazing lands and human
habitations. Its population is thought to have declined in
the study area for unknown reasons. Murray (1944)
sighted it at Lovedale near Ooty on 2 September. Betts
(1930) reported its arrival in the Nilgiris on 23 August.
We ringed a bird on 21 January 2003 at Avalanche.

RICHARD’S PIPIT
Anthus richardi

Uncommon winter visitor, a solitary bird sighted
at Lakkedi on 7 March 2001 , perched on a short dead
wattle tree; clearly displayed pale lores, and well
streaked upper parts and breast. Another bird sighted
feeding in the same locality the same day, followed by
one seen in Bangitappal valley on 1 1 April 200 1 .

PADDYFIELD PIPIT
Anthus rufulus

Common resident, often seen singly or in pairs,
frequents fallow land, with scarce scrub and grazed
areas.

BROWN ROCK PIPIT
Anthus similis

Uncommon resident, usually three to four birds

seen foraging near open grazed areas and cultivation.
Apparently rare in the MNP.

ORIENTAL TREE PIPIT
Anthus hodgsoni

Common winter visitor, flocks of up to 20
individuals observed in the wattle and pinus plantations
all over the Upper Nilgiris. It generally remains on
the ground and on approach takes off abruptly to the
horizontal boughs, the wing beat making loud ‘■'burr
burr" sounds. They perch in full view and cock the
tail slowly up and down, making low whistles. One
adult bird netted at Avalanche on 24 January 2003
and photographed (wings 85, bill 1 3, Tarsus 21 .5, Tail
66 and Weighed 24.5 gm). This was followed by
sightings of six birds on 3 1 January 2003 and 10 birds
on 1 February 2003. Stairmand (1971b) reported
having seen it in small parties in the Ootacamund
Botanical Garden on 16 January 1971.

NILGIRI PIPIT
Anthus nilghiriensis

Common resident, restricted to the
undisturbed grasslands at higher elevations such as
Bangitappal, Western Catchment, Lakkedi and others.
It has been classified as Near Threatened owing to
the gradual conversion of its grassland habitat into
plantations (BirdLife International 2001). Found in
good numbers at Avalanche and Mukurti National
Park and sparingly in others (Islam and Rahmani
2004). When disturbed, it takes to the isolated
Rhododendron or neighbouring shola trees, making
"'chik chik" calls. Nests usually well sheltered in the
grassy slopes, with a clutch of up to two eggs, which
are deep grey and splotched. Betham (1902)
described a nest with ferns arranged at the entrance,
which kept the nest shaded from sunlight. Uma
Maheswari (pers. comm. 2003) observed nesting
preference for larger tussock-forming grasses in the
valleys. However, we recorded three nests in short
tussocks, with little cover, over the ridges.

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BLACK-HEADED CUCKOOSHRIKE
Coracina melanoptera

We did not come across this species during our
study. Davison ( 1 883) shot one bird in the Government
Gardens at Ooty. Jameson (1971) reported it from
Coonoor (1,800 m). There is no other record known
to us.

SCARLET MINI VET
Pericrocotus flammeus

None recorded during this study. Common at
lower elevations and slopes of Nilgiris, but only one
vagrant male observed perched near the crown of a
shola tree on 29 March 2003 near Avalanche Guest
House (2100 m).

PIED FLYCATCHER-SHRIKE
Hemipus picatus

Common resident, seen both in shola and wattle
plantations. Often observed frequenting isolated trees
in the wattle plantation openings. Usually solitary, but
small parties of three to four birds could also be seen
in mixed hunting parties with White-eye Zosterops
palpebrosus, Nilgiri Flycatcher (Eumyias
albicaudata, Grey-headed Flycatcher (Culicicapa
ceylonensis) and others.

GREY-HEADED BULBUL
Pycnonotus priocephalus

Rare in the Upper Nilgiris, one bird sighted at
Taishola on 25 April 2002. Davison ( 1 883) found one
specimen around one mile from Coonoor. Jameson
(1976a) also recorded it at Coonoor. Apparently
common at lower elevations and the slopes of Nilgiris,
our record from western Upper Nilgiris plateau should
be thus treated as vagrant.

RED-WHISKERED BULBUL
Pycnonotus jocosiis

Common resident, most conspicuous and noisy
bulbul in the Nilgiris at all elevations. It nests from

February to June and again in September after the
southwest monsoon. Tame and confiding to a degree,
in gardens and cultivated country, but equally common
in open scrubby jungle, though it avoids heavy forest
and the bare, treeless, grass downs of the plateau. Betts
(1931) mentions its ‘flycatching’ duringthe evening. Four
nests recorded near plantations and human habitations
during April 2003. A pair was observed with two
fledglings on 2 April 2003 in a wattle stand. Eleven birds
ringed at Avalanche in January 2003.

RED-VENTED BULBUL
Pycnonotus cafer

Common resident except in the southwestern
plateau near MNP and adjoining forests. Rarely
gregarious, keeps to the disturbed, inhabited and open
scrub with thickets of Lantana and others shrubs.
Unlike P. jocosus, it is not widely distributed or
common in the Upper Nilgiris except around the
eastern and northern slopes. Betts (1931) described
Davison’s collection of a bird at Ooty (2250 m) as a
straggler. He added that they are never seen along
the western slope above 1 ,290 m.

YELLOW-BROWED BULBUL
lole indica

Rare and perhaps subject to vertical movements,
sighted only once at Taishola (2 1 00 m) on 25 April 2002.
Reported from places such as Kodanadu, Kotagiri and
Naduvattam at lower elevations. This bird does not occur
on the plateau of the Nilgiris, but is common below c.
2000 m (Davison 1 883). Jameson ( 1 976a) records it at
Coonoor. It was thought to be restricted to evergreen
forests, but in recent times, it has extended into
deciduous forests due to loss of its evergreen forest
habitat throughout the Western Ghats.

BLACK BULBUL
Hypsipetes leucocephalus

Common resident, seen throughout the Upper
Nilgiris both in shola as well as plantations. Arboreal,

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Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

keeps to treetops, and seldom descends to
undergrowth. Shola edges form its favourite haunt,
where big flocks of up to- 30 individuals were seen.
Certain shola trees such as Michelia nilgirica,
Microtropis ramiflora, Pithecellobium
subcoriaceum, Pittosporum tetraspermum,
Symplocos pendula, Syzgium arnottianum, Eurya
nitida, Ternstroemia japonica, and Turpina
cochinchinensis attract it in large numbers during
fruiting. These bulbuls are very fond of visiting the
flowers of Coral Tree Erythrina sp. (Betts 1931).

They form large flocks during the non-breeding
season and though not migratory, leave the western
plateau during the southwest monsoon (June to
August). Purely a hill bird, rarely seen below 1,450
m except as a scarce wanderer in the cold weather
(Betts 1931). Two birds ringed on 24 January 2003
at Avalanche.

COMMON lORA
Aegithina tiphia

Common at Kotagiri and Kodanadu, one bird
seen on 25 April 2003 at the edge of Longwood Shola
and another heard on 26 April 2003 at Kodanadu
Reserve Forest. Never seen in Mukurti National Park
and its immediate surroundings during this study.

BROWN SHRIKE
Lanius cristatus

Common winter visitor between November to early
March; one bird observed on 3 February 2002 on a
fruiting Withania somnifera tree, near Orchidarium
at Avalanche (2,200 m). This bird was heard as well
as sighted on several occasions in the same locality,
but never seen in or near MNP. One bird ringed on
21 January 2003 at Avalanche. Jameson (1967)
recorded it as late as mid April, but we have observed
it even up to mid May at Avalanche, where it keeps
to the edge vegetation and openings. Affects forest
edges and clearings, secondary scrub jungle and
grass-covered hillsides with scattered bushes and small

trees in the dry deciduous and semi-evergreen biotope
(Aliand Ripley 1987).

RUFOUS-BACKED SHRIKE
Lanius schach

Common resident all over the Upper Nilgiris,
affects less forested, open and cultivated areas (often
near tea and other plantations) and is less numerous
around the lower elevations and plains. Breeding
recorded between February to June (Betham 1902),
nests in low thorny bushes in open and accessible
areas. Devadhas ( 1 964) recorded it mimicking Grey
Junglefowl.

BLUE-HEADED ROCK-THRUSH
Monticola cinclorhynchus

Uncommon winter visitor, a single male sighted
in a wattle plantation at Avalanche Reserve Forest
on 3 1 December 2002. Another bird sighted foraging
in wattle on 15 March 2003, followed by a sighting
on 30 March 2003. Stairmand (1971b) sighted a
female on 16 January at Ooty Botanical Garden
followed by a male on 1 7 January 1971. Betts (1930)
recorded its arrival in the Nilgiris in the last week of
November, while Khan (1977) reported its
occurrence in the Nilgiris from the first week of
November to April end.

MALABAR WHISTLING-THRUSH
Myiophonus horsfieldii

Rare resident and probably subject to altitudinal
movements, ventures into the upper Nilgiri plateau
from neighbouring slopes. One individual heard near
a small stream at Taishola on 25 April 2002. Another
bird sighted near a waterfall near Taishola Tea Estate
(2,000 m). According to Davison (1883) they do not
occur on the plateau of the Nilgiris, while Jameson
( 1 969) noted never having heard or seen it at Coonoor
and thought that it was perhaps too high for them.
Nair (1995) recorded it near Governor Shola (2000
m) about 7 km from Ooty town.

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Buceros Vol. 10. No. 1 (2005)

PIED THRUSH
Zoothera wardii

Not recorded during this study. Winter visitor,
mainly at the lower elevations. Khan ( 1 980a) found
that they spend a long period in the Nilgiris, are highly
territorial and always seen in pairs.

ORANGE-HEADED THRUSH
Zoothera citrina

Uncommon, perhaps subject to altitudinal
movements, recorded in Upper Nilgiris only during
winter. One bird Z c. cyanotus seen in a Pinus patch
at Avalanche on 22 January 2003. Very shy, it flew
high up over a tall tree and soon disappeared. This
was followed by sighting of a single bird at Avalanche
on 29 January 2003, and another one on 3 1 January
2003, again at Avalanche.

SCALY THRUSH
Zoothera dauma

Common resident, usually solitary but
sometimes seen in pairs. Usually dashes out in front
of vehicles passing through the shola or plantation.
A shy and retiring bird, rarely gives a satisfactory
view, except when flushed from shola undergrowth.
It is found only on the higher ranges of the Nilgiris
(Davison 1883). Betham (1902) described a nest
located up at 20 m from the ground, in a shola with
little undergrowth. The nest is a beautiful, compact
structure composed of moss and lined with blackish
rootlets. Two birds were ringed at Avalanche, one
each on 21 and 27 January 2003.

EURASIAN BLACKBIRD
Turdus merula

Common breeding resident in the Upper Nilgiris,
less abundant at lower elevations. Generally inhabits
shola as well as plantations with shaded moist
undergrowth. Ripley (1950) collected both T. m.
nigropileus and T m. simillimus from the Nilgiris,

the former distributed in the lower parts from north
of Ooty, and the latter in the higher slopes to the south
of the town. He restricted the locality of nigropileus
to ‘Kalahatti (northern Nilgiris plateau)’ and of
simillimus to Avalanche (higher southern Nilgiris
plateau).

Seven nests with an average clutch of three
recorded at different locations during this study.
Prefers open country, especially small trees along the
banks of nullahs for nesting. One of the seven nests
was found in the fork of a roadside tree at 7 m from
the ground on 22 May 2003 at Taishola. A pair seen
feeding their two fledglings in aPinus plantation near
Devar Betta, on 4 July 2002. Twelve simillimus
ringed between 14 January 2003 and 14 February
2003 at Avalanche.

WHITE-BELLIED SHORTWING
Brachypteryx major

Common resident, classified as Vulnerable due
to its small, severely fragmented declining range,
owing to destruction and degradation of its evergreen
and semi-evergreen forest habitat (BirdLife
International 2001). B. m. major recorded in the
Nilgiri hills and other localities north of the Palghat
Gap, affects dense wooded undergrowth, and keeps
singly or in pairs. Up to 8 birds (usually single) could
be seen in a 200-300 m vehicular drive immediately
after sunset at Avalanche.

Strongly territorial, has several calls with slight
variation in number of notes/pattems, loud chattering
and faint whistles often heard in the evening. We
ringed thirteen birds between 1 4 January 2003 and
14 February 2003 at Avalanche. Some of the colour
ringed birds were often seen very close to the netting
sites till January 2004, indicating its parochial habits.
Breeds between April and August through southwest
monsoon and has a clutch of two. Betham (1902)
recorded three nests in May, two containing two
chicks and a third two eggs. Of the eight nests (cup
shaped) recorded by us at Avalanche, seven were

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Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

placed in the road banks and only one in shola.
Senthilmurugan et al. (2005) recorded nest reuse in
the Shortwing in the Upper Nilgiris plateau.

INDIAN BLUE ROBIN
Luscinia brunnea

Common winter visitor between the first week
of October and the second week of May. Usually
seen foraging around shaded nullahs and
undergrowth of shola and plantations, tea plantations
and partially disturbed forests. Betts (1930) reported
its arrival in the Nilgiris on 23 October. Eight
birds ringed between 14 January and 14 February
2003 at Avalanche. A dead bird found on the road in
a wattle plantation on 23 December 2002, had
a tick (approx. 3 mm) on the lateral side of the
neck.

Apparently their sex ratio is highly biased
towards males in the winter grounds in the Nilgiris.
Khan (1980b) estimated one female to every 25
males seen in the Nilgiris, netted seven birds (all
males) at Coonoor and reports sighting over a hundred
males against two females in the Nilgiris and 70 males
against one female at Kottoor, 60 km from Trivandrum
in southern Kerala. Of the 15 birds ringed during this
study at Avalanche, 14 were males. However, it is not
clear if it is a case of biased sex ratio, or of males and
females wintering at different locations or altitudes (as
in Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva).

ORIENTAL MAGPIE-ROBIN
Copsychus saularis

Common resident, sighted along roads, forest
edges, openings, degraded forest, tea gardens and
cultivation. Usually seen singly, but occasionally in
pairs almost all over the Upper Nilgiris.

PIED BUSHCHAT
Saxicola caprata

Common breeding resident, affects a variety
of habitats generally near open country and in the

neighbourhood of houses. Strongly territorial, usually
seen in pairs, and breeds from March to July. Five
nests recorded in 2001 and several during 2002 and
2003 in different localities. Nest is usually well
sheltered and placed in earthen banks close to the
ground, lined with feathers, roots, down or other soft
material. Has usually a clutch of four greenish-
white eggs, speckled with brown. On 16 May 2003,
a pair was seen feeding insects to its two fledglings
perched on a Lantana thicket along the road at
Taishola.

NILGIRI LAUGHINGTHRUSH
Garrulax cachinnans

Common resident, it is the only bird primarily
endemic to the Nilgiri hills, usually seen above
1,600 m. It is also the only Western Ghats bird
classified as Endangered owing to its small range,
and loss of habitat, primarily through conversion to
plantation, agriculture and settlement (BirdLife
International 2001). It is found in all the eight
IBAs of Upper Nilgiris (Islam and Rahmani 2004).
It has a distinct preference for shola edges and feeds
on a variety of insects, fruits, and flowers. Betham
(1902) described the bird as “a merry joker
always on the laugh”. "'Pee ko ko ko'' calls and
the ko ko ko ko” calls of the Nilgiri
Laughingthrush are quite unmistakable and
are among the most characteristic sounds of the
Nilgiris (Wynter-Blyth 1949). Islam (1994)
has described the breeding habits of this
Laughingthrush.

Nests recorded between February and July
with an average clutch of two bluish, spotted eggs.
The Nilgiri Laughingthrush is fond of thick jungle,
but nests in more or less open forests near the
edges, in short trees with thick foliage. Fifty eight
nests were recorded in an ecological study by the
first author. Sixteen birds were ringed between 14
January and 14 February 2003 at Avalanche during
this study.

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Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

SPOTTED BABBLER
Pellorneum ruficeps

Rare resident, absent around much of the upper
Plateau, two birds seen foraging on the forest floor
in Kodanadu ( 1 ,800 m) on 25 April 2003. Apparently
they are common around the northern slopes and
lower areas of the Nilgiris. Previously known up to
C.1350 m throughout its distribution range (Ali and
Ripley 1987). Stairmand (1946) reported it as seen
around Glenburn, which is relatively lower and has
warmer climate than upper Nilgiris. Pittie (1989)
reported it from Wellington (1,850 m).

INDIAN SCIMITAR-BABBLER
Pomatorhinus horsfieldii

Common resident, seen in plantations and 5/20/a,
usually singly or in small parties of two to four birds
and occasionally in mixed hunting parties with the
Nilgiri Laughingthrush or the Brown-cheeked
Fulvetta. Nest recorded with two eggs in a grass
tussock {Chrysopogon zeylanicus) on 26 April 2002
at Avalanche, and another nest recorded containing
three eggs, placed in a grass tussock, at a roadside
on 4 April 2003 at Avalanche. Invariably follow the
same route every day to its foraging grounds and is
heard duetting with the White-cheeked Barbet. Baker
(1922b) reported a partial albino individual in the
Nilgiris.

TAWNY-BELLIED BABBLER
Dumetia hyperythra albogularis

Davison (1883) shot it at Naduvattam at 1 800
m. We are not aware of any other record from the
Upper Nilgiris. We did not come across this species
during this study.

LARGE GREY BABBLER
Turdoides malcolmi

Not seen in the study area. Davison (1883)
notes “in 1 869 or 1 870 (not certain), a flock of about
twenty individuals suddenly made an appearance at

Ootacamund, taking their abode in the Government
Public Garden, from whence they strolled among
the well wooded gardens in the vicinity for about a
radius of a mile and a half’. Davison left
Ootacamund in 1872, and till then they seemed
to be just the same number; when he returned 10
years afterwards the flock was still there and
frequented the same place, but had been reduced to
five individuals, of which he shot one. They never
seemed to have bred and gradually diminished in
number.

JUNGLE BABBLER
Turdoides striatus

Common breeding resident, avoids thick jungle
and remains near scrubby uncultivated patches or
tea plantations in flocks of up to 10, near or away
from human habitation. Never seen at Avalanche,
Upper Bhavani and MNP but seen with chicks at
Taishola in May 2003.

QUAKER TIT-BABBLER
Alcippe poioicephala

Common breeding resident, often sighted in
small parties of up to ten birds along the shola edge,
with a preference for fruiting Rubus thickets. It
ascends the hills to around 1 900 m and is exceedingly
common (Davison 1 883). We found it common even
close to the Dodabetta peak (2600 m). Forms mixed
hunting flocks with Pied Flycatcher Shrike, Velvet-
fronted Nuthatch, White-eye and other forest birds.
One bird sighted seated in a newly constructed nest
containing no egg on 3 April 2003 at Avalanche. Nine
birds ringed between 14 January and 14 February
2003 at Avalanche.

FRANKLIN’S PRINIA
Prinia hodgsonii

Unlike P. socialis and P. inornata it is recorded
as vagrant to the Upper Nilgiris; only two birds sighted
near Kolari Betta on 9 June 2002.

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ASHY PRINIA
Prinia socialis

Common resident, affects scrub, cultivation and
degraded forests near roads or close to habitations.
Seen up to Dodabetta Peak (2667 m), common
around Red Hill Tea Estate around openings with
scattered young wattle trees but never seen in MNP.
Usually single, making loud characteristic calls, but
loose parties of up to four are also seen.

PLAIN PRINIA
Prinia inornata

Common resident, one or two birds generally
seen in every visit in degraded vegetation, weed
thickets, grasslands dotted with shrub or stunted trees
and fallow lands close to or away from human
habitations.

BLYTH’S REED-WARBLER
Acrocephalus dumetorum

Common winter visitor recorded throughout the
study area, from October to April. Affects weed
infested areas, shrubs, thickets bordering shola and
plantations, gardens, urban compounds and tea
estates. A low "‘chuck’’’ uttered intermittently helps
to detect it, otherwise it seldom affords a glimpse of
itself. Khan (1977) reports it as common between
the first week of October and end of May. Five birds
ringed between 14 January and 14 February 2003 at
Avalanche. One bird ringed on 20 January 2003,
returned in November 2003 exactly to the same spot
(Orchidarium at Avalanche), where it was netted and
could be seen nearly the whole day. Thus it shows
high site fidelity to its wintering quarters in theNilgiris.

COMMON TAILORBIRD
Orthotomus sutorius

Never seen by us in the Upper Nilgiris plateau
from December 2000 to January 2004. This bird does
not ascend to the Upper Nilgiris plateau, but occurs
from about the level of Coonoor downward (Davison

1883), known up to 1,800 m (Kazmierczak 2000).
Pittie ( 1 989) recorded it in June near Coonoor. Dewar
(1904) sighted several in breeding plumage at
Coonoor (1,800 m).

TICKELL’S WARBLER
Phylloscopus affmis

Common winter visitor, seen from September
till mid May, throughout the Upper Nilgiris. Affects
both shola as well as plantations with a preference
for short and marginal forest vegetation. Seen in loose
parties of up to 1 5 birds, forming mixed hunting parties
with other wintering warblers and resident species
such as Great Tit, White-eye and Quaker Tit-Babbler.
Three birds were ringed, one each on 27, 28 January
and 1 3 February 2003 at Avalanche during this study.

GREENISH LEAF- WARBLER
Phylloscopus trochiloides

Common winter visitor, seen throughout the
Nilgiris at all elevations, between October and April.
Less seen than heard, affects partially disturbed, open
habitats and shola edges. Recorded up to Dodabetta
(2634 m) in the Nilgiris. Arrives as early as 18
September (specimen by Davison, 1883) and stays
as late as April. Jameson (1969) recorded it up to 5
April. Three birds ringed at Avalanche, two on 24
January and one on 30 January 2003.

LARGE-BILLED LEAF-WARBLER
Phylloscopus magnirostris

Common winter visitor but not as common as
P. afftnis and P. trochiloides, affects shola openings
as well as plantations. Six birds ringed between 14
January and 14 February 2003 at Avalanche.

TYTLER’S LEAF-WARBLER
Phylloscopus tytleri

We did not come across this bird during
our study. However, Davison (1883) obtained

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Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

two specimens, including one (male) at Ooty on
10 March 1881, and another at Ooty on 22 January
1882.

ORPHEAN WARBLER
Sylvia hortensis

Common about Coonoor, never seen above 1 800m.

ASIAN BROWN FLYCATCHER
Muscicapa dauurica

Rare winter visitor to the study area, once
sighted perched on a wattle tree in front of our base
camp at Avalanche on 2 October 2002. The bird kept
sallying for nearly an hour between 1 230 hrs to 1 330
hrs in the same area. Reported common at lower
elevations, where it is usually seen between the first
week of November and the last week of April (Khan
1977).

RUSTY»TAILED FLYCATCHER
Muscicapa ruficauda

Not seen during this study. However, Davison
(1883) recorded it as sparingly distributed on the
Nilgiris plateau and slopes during winter.

BROWN-BREASTED FLYCATCHER
Muscicapa muttui

Rare winter visitor to the study area. One bird
sighted near a wattle patch near Avalanche reservoir
on 5 October 2002. Another one perched on a low
bush at the edge of an unmetalled road on 23
November 2002 in Bangitappal valley.

KASHMIR FLYCATCHER
Ficedula subrubra

Winter visitor, sparsely distributed in the Upper
Nilgiris and classified as Vulnerable owing to its small,
declining population and breeding range, which is also
severely fragmented, due to destruction of temperate
and mixed deciduous forest habitat (BirdLife
Internationa! 2001). Three birds sighted between 9

and 27 March 2001 at Avalanche and 16 birds
recorded during intensive survey between 8 October
2001 and 4 April 2002.

Keeps in pairs during winter, but individuals
feed separately during the day. Prefers wattle
openings along transmission lines and roosts in pairs
on the same wattle tree throughout the winter. Pairs
maintain winter territories, where they are seen
together throughout winter. Apparently it shows
site fidelity, as three pairs were recorded coming to
the exact same small plantation patches (winter
territory) during 2001 to 2003 winter (see Zarri and
Rahmani 2004 for details). A male ringed on 24
January and a female on 30 January 2003 at
Avalanche.

BLACK-AND-ORANGE FLYCATCHER
Ficedula nigrorufa

Common resident typical of the shola, classified
as Near Threatened because of habitat loss (BirdLife
International 200 1 ). Generally seen busy sallying. The
bird is anything but silent, and its peculiar call
"chiK.chir. rrr’ is often heard near shola
undergrowth as well as plantations. Repeatedly visits
small water pools, rivulet or a dripping rock for bathing
and drinking. Khan (1979) studied its ecology in the
Nilgiris. We ringed 14 birds between 14 January and
14 February 2003 at Avalanche.

Ten nests with an average clutch of two
were recorded in shola at different locations in
the study area between February and May 2002
and 2003. Nesting recorded from April to July, the
nest is globular, untidy, lined with the blades of a
sedge Carex baccans, with an entrance more or
less at the top. Nests are generally placed on a dead
stump about one meter from the ground with little
cover. Betham (1902) described the nest as quite
unorthodox, made from a lot of old leaves used as a
foundation on which the nest proper is built. Pittie
( 1 989) sighted a fledgling in mid-June at Sim’s Park
near Coonoor.

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VERDITER FLYCATCHER
Eumyias thalassina

Uncommon winter visitor to the study area,
unlike the lower elevation and the Nilgiri slopes, where
it is very common. Two birds sighted on 26 January
2001, three on 28 January 2001 on a Rhododendron
tree and again one bird on 18 September 2001 at
Avalanche. None recorded during 2002 and 2003.
Davison (1 883) noted “Jerdon gives it Nilgiris, but 1
myself have never met with it in southern India; it
must be, 1 think, of extremely rare occurrence”.

NILGIRI FLYCATCHER
Eumyias albicaudata

Common resident, affects shola and
plantations, and is classified as Near Threatened
(BirdLife International 2001). Highly territorial and
vocal during the nesting season (March through
June). Sixteen cup-shaped nests, generally placed in
earthen road banks, walls and holes in trees, with
clutches of two or three pinkish-white eggs, were
recorded during this study at different locations.
One male ringed on 21 January 2003 at Avalanche.
Dewar ( 1 904) recorded it feeding on fruits on several
occasions.

WHITE-BELLIED BLUE-FLYCATCHER
Cyornis pallipes

Rare resident to the Upper Nilgiris plateau,
except around Kotagiri, Kodanadu and eastern slopes.
Never seen around the western Upper Plateau. We
sighted a pair foraging at Kodanadu Reserve Forest
(1900 m) on 26 April 2003.

TICKELL’S BLUE-FLYCATCHER
Cyornis tickelliae

Not seen during this study. Seldom ascends to
the Upper Nilgiris plateau but is very common around
slopes and plains of the Nilgiris. Davison (1883) obtained
one specimen (male) near Ooty on 10 Feb. 1881.

Jameson (1976) reported sighting this flycatcher at
Coonoor. Kumar ( 1 996) sighted two males at two diffe-
rent locations in Ooty. We suspect they have seasonal
altitudinal movements but need to confirm in future.

GREY-HEADED FLYCATCHER
Culicicapa ceylonensis

Common resident, more closely associated with
shola than with plantations. They are common about
the woods around Coonoor (Dewar 1 904). Often form
mixed hunting parties with Brown-cheeked Fulvetta,
Velvet-fronted Nuthatch and Tickell’s Leaf Warbler.
Five birds ringed between 14 January and 14 February
2003 at Avalanche during this study. Several nests
recorded placed between one to two meters from
ground level, mainly in road banks or tree trunks. Two
active nests recorded within one meter from the Nilgiri
Flycatcher and Black-and-Orange Flycatcher nests.
Betham (1902) described an unusual nest located on
a tree trunk at 10 m from the ground. Inglis (1949)
reported a nest unusually fastened to the trunk of a
large rubber tree Ficus elastica at 6.5 m.

ASIAN PARADISE-FLYCATCHER
Terpsiphone paradisi

Common in the Upper Nilgiris, affects less
wooded, open and marginal forests. Subject to
altitudinal movements, ascends to the Upper Nilgiris
during October to March. Never seen during the
monsoon. An adult male sighted pouncing on
butterflies on ground at Avalanche on 7 January 2003.
Solitary birds could often be seen in wattle or Pinus
plantations. Jameson ( 1 969) reported it as uncommon
at Coonoor.

WHITE-THROATED FANTAIL-FLYCATCHER
Rhipidura albicollis

Resident and common on the Nilgiris, affects
shrub thickets and degraded plantations, near Ooty,
Kotagiri, Coonoor, Bembatti, Bikkatti and similar
areas. The birds observed in the Upper Nilgiris have

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Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

black breast with whitish spots unlike the grey breast
described in AH and Ripley (1987) and Grimmett et
a/. (1998).

WHITE-BROWED FANTAIL-FLYCATCHER
Rhipidura aureola

Common resident, more abundant at lower
elevation and slopes, absent in western Upper Nilgiris
in uninhabited places such as MNP and surroundings.
Dewar (1904) reported it as fairly common about
Coonoor.

GREAT TIT Par us major

Common resident throughout the UpperNilgiris,
frequents a variety of habitats forming mixed hunting
parties with Oriental White-eye, Tickell’s Leaf
Warbler and Brown-faced Fulvetta. Fairly adapted
to the presence of man, several nests were recorded
in different localities between March and June.

BLACK-LORED YELLOW TIT
Parus xanthogenys

Uncommon around the western UpperNilgiris,
and perhaps subject to vertical movements. At
Taishola one bird sighted foraging at 2100 m on 22
June 2002, followed by four birds sighted on 15
September 2002 and three on 16 May 2003. Five
birds sighted foraging atop a tall tree on 5 September
2002, at Avalanche. The birds chased one another,
calling noisily, and soon disappeared in the thick cover.
Jameson (1969) sighted it in the Nilgiris during July.
Stairmand (1972) described it as common near
Glenburn, which is at much lower elevation and
warmer than the study area.

VELVET-FRONTED NUTHATCH
Sitta frontalis

Common resident, abundant in shola patches
all over the UpperNilgiris. Generally recognized by
its noisy metallic calls. Probes and gleans its prey
from moss laden trees. Very restless, remains in small

parties occasionally with Brown-cheeked Fulvetta,
Great Tit and other species.

THICK-BILLED FLOWERPECKER
Dicaeum agile

Common resident and the only flowerpecker
recorded during this study. Utters a loud, noisy call
during flight, and feeds on nectar and berries in shola
close to the tree crown, rarely seen in plantations.
Occasionally forms mixed hunting parties with Small
Sunbird and other insectivorus species. Found up to
the highest peak in the Nilgiris.

SMALL SUNBIRD
Nectarinia minima

Common resident, subject to altitudinal
movement, apparently very common during
southwest monsoon (April to mid November).
Abundant and generally seen in small mixed hunting
parties with other forest species.

PURPLE SUNBIRD
Nectarinia asiatica

Rare in the Upper Nilgiris, never recorded in
MNP and the immediate surroundings. Two sightings
include a bird seen c. 6 km from Emerald towards
Ooty in February 2002 and another bird near Kundha
Bridge on February 2004. Davison (1883) records
its occurrence on the Nilgiris and slopes, while
Jameson (1969) recorded one bird in May at
Coonoor. It seems to be a local migrant to the Upper
Nilgiris during the winter.

ORIENTAL WHITE-EYE
Zosterops palpebrosus

Common resident in the Upper Nilgiris but
diminishes around the slopes. Often forms small
mixed hunting parties, seldom quiet, gives away its
presence by frequently uttered ''chee chee”. Nests
between March and May, its nest is usually a small
cup comprising soft moss, lichens and spider webs.

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Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)-

generally in shola undergrowth. Flocks of up to 20
birds are seen during the non-breeding season. Twelve
nests with an average clutch of two recorded during
2002 and 2003 and thirteen birds ringed between 20
January 2003 and 14 February 2003 at Avalanche.
Hatchwell (1904) mistook Z. palpebrosus for Z
ceylonensis, noting “I sighted several birds and shot
one Ceylon White-eye Zosterops ceylonensis at
Coonoor in the Nilgiris”

COMMON ROSEFINCH
Carpodacus erythrinus

Common winter visitor between November and
April, affects open areas solitarily or in small flocks
of 10-12. Perhaps has a sex ratio biased toward
males, generally one or two males seen in a flock of
7-8 females in plantations, shola and cultivation.
Three birds ringed; two on 28 January 2003 and one
on 30 January 2003 at Avalanche.

RED MUNIA
Amandava amandava

Uncommon resident, seen on a few occasions
near Kundha Bridge at c. 2000 m. Sightings include
four birds in flight at Kundha Bridge 2,000 m near
Lantana thickets on 27 November 2003, one male
and a female on 12 September 2003, followed by
two birds on 25 September. Davison ( 1 883) described
it as common on the Nilgiris and the slopes near the
cultivation, while Stairmand (1972) sighted a few
parties between 1,935-2,420 m in the Nilgiris near
Ootacamund. It could be present in Ootacamund, and
perhaps Coonoor and Kotagiri too, though we did not
see them in these localities.

SPOTTED MUNIA
Lonchura punctulata

Common breeding resident, subject to local
movements, becomes more common during monsoon
and nests between June and November, when the
majority of other resident birds have completed

nesting. Two nests sighted in July 2002, first placed
in an ornamental Rose Rosa sp. bush in front of
Avalanche Guest House at 2.5 m and another in a
gorse Ulex europaeus bush. It disappears from the
UpperNilgiris after the nesting is over. Ganguli ( 1 964)
sighted three bfeeding pairs in June. Kumar (1996)
recorded a bird carrying nest material on 1 0 August.
Pittie (1989) sighted the birds carrying nesting
material at Ooty Botanical Garden in June 1 989. Nair
(1995) sighted a pair builcfmg its nest in a shrub in
September.

HOUSE SPARROW
Passer domesticus

Common resident, still plentiful near human
habitations, but localj have reported decline in many
areas. Its decline has been witnessed widely, and the
Nilgiris are no exception. Two birds ringed on 25
January 2003.

COMMON MYNA
Acridotheres tristis

Not seen in the western Upper Nilgiris. Does
not ascend the hills in the Nilgiris (Davison 1883).
Common about Coonoor (Dewar 1904). Davidar
(1991) described the bird fishing in Sigur Nullah (lower
elevation), a jungle stream that courses through the
Sigur Reserve Forest.

ROSY STARLING
Sturnus roseus

Rare winter visitor to the UpperNilgiris, a single
sub-adult sighted perched on a low wattle branch at
Avalanche near bridge on two consecutive days in
January 2003. Common around lower elevation and
theNilgiri plains.

JUNGLE MYNA
Acridotheres fuscus

Common resident, seen all over the Upper
Nilgiris, usually in small flocks. Nests usually in gaps

35

Buceros Voi. 10. No. 1 (2005)

between roof tiles, under the tin ceiling in houses, a
hole in a tree, under a bridge, in fact almost
everywhere. Once four birds were seen in a fierce
pair-wise fight (for unknown reasons) on the lawn of
our field station at Avalanche. Both pairs were beak
in beak and talons in talons, as several dozen other
mynas and other birds watched them in curiosity from
the fence posts, till a domestic cat dashed in and ran
away with one bird. It becomes uncommon during
peak southwest monsoon, when it perhaps moves
eastward to avoid the harsh cold and strong winds.
Two birds ringed on 7 February 2003 at Avalanche.

EURASIAN GOLDEN ORIOLE
Oriolus oriolus

Uncommon winter visitor in the Upper Nilgiris,
its slopes and plains. Four records during our three
years study: one male in a tea plantation near Bikkatti
village at 2000 m (9 January 2002); another male
bird at Bangitappal at 2200 m (12 December 2002);
one bird in flight at Bangitappal (23 December 2002);
one male in a wattle plantation in Avalanche at 2 1 00
m (5 February 2003). Jameson (1967) recorded that
they barely reach Coonoor ( 1 ,800 m), thus our records
are quite significant.

BLACK-HEADED ORIOLE
Oriolus xanthornus

None recorded during the present study.
Davison (1883) described it as O. melanocephalus,
and said, “This oriole ascends the hills somewhat
higher and I have on more than one occasion seen
and shot it near Ooty”.

ASHY DRONGO
Dicrurus leucophaeus

Common winter visitor and widespread in the
Upper Nilgiris. Records from Avalanche include: two
individuals sighted on separate dates in March 2002,
two in December 2002, one in February 2003 and
two in December 2003. One bird observed mimicking

Black Bulbul at Ooty Botanical Garden on 12
December 2003. There are more records from other
sites in the western Upper Nilgiris. Davison (1883)
recorded “I have not infrequently procured it in the
neighbourhood of Nilgiris”. However, Stairmand
(1971b) reported it as well spread and common in
Ooty Botanical Garden.

BRONZED DRONGO
Dicrurus aeneus

We did not come across this species anywhere
in our study area. Davison (1883) writes that it
ascends to the hills to a much greater height and he
frequently saw and shot it in the vicinity of Ooty.

GREATER RACKET-TAILED DRONGO
Dicrurus paradiseus

None recorded during this study. The only single
record of from Upper Nilgiris was by Davison ( 1 883),
who shot a specimen on the Kotagiri road near Ooty.
No other record known to us.

ASHY WOODSWALLOW
Artamus fuscus

Rare resident, with only a single record in four
years of study. We saw a bird on 13 January 2002
on a short tree near Kotogiri (1,900 m). Stonor(1946)
also recorded a pair, perched on a dead Eucalyptus
tree at Kotagiri 2,032 m and presumed that they may
have been breeding, since they were very pugnacious
and chased away all the crows and kites that came
near. Stonor (1946) as well as our records from
Kotagiri are significant, as it has not been recorded
above 1,600 m.

HOUSE CROW Corvus splendens

Fairly common resident, indefatigable
commensal of man, uncommon to the west of
Avalanche except near habitations. Almost a pest
around Kotagiri Longwood Shola. Davison (1883)
reported “it does not ascend the hills, and even in

36

Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

some pans of the low countiy at the foot of the hills
it does not occur, or is rare, for instance from Gudalur
to Nellacotta, though on reaching Nellacotta it
suddenly appeared, and it swarms the low country
wherever there are human habitations.” This
indicated tremendous population growth in House
Cross with the opening up of these hills.

JUNGLE CROW Corvus macrorhynchos

Very common resident throughout the study area,
two nests recorded on 22 April 2002 atop a 1 5 m Piinis
tree at Avalanche and another in a wattle stand at
Emerald. Flocks of up to 50 birds could be observed

near roosts. Observed mobbing a Bmhminy Kite during
nesting, a flock of four chased away a Common
Buzzard on 16 April 2002. Also observed probing
dung of feral buffalo to dig out insects sometimes
seen in laige flocks of up to 50 birds during the winter.

Other records

S. Sounderrajan (pers. comm. 2003) stated
having photographed a Black-necked Stork
Ephippiorhynduis asiaticiis near Cairnhill in 1990.
Fen'uginous Pochard Ayihya nyroca at Ooty Lake m
1 995 and Black-winged Stilt Himantopiis himantopusai
at Ooty lake in 1995.

37

Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

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— Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

APPENDIX 1

Gazetteer of localities mentioned in the text

Locality

Coordinates

Altitude (m)

Avalanche

11°.29’884N76°.59’163E

2,100

Bangitappal

ll°.25’880N76°.5r765E

2,200

Bembatti

11°.33’358N76°.65’445 E

2,000

Bikkatti

I1°.26’948N76°.62’239E

2,050

Bison Swamp

ll°.2r360N76°.53’020E

2,300

Caim Hill

11°.38’717N76°.67’808E

2,100

Coonoor

11°.33’715N76°.79’918E

1,800

Devar Betta

11°.25’912N76°.57’343 E

2,300

Dodabetta

11°.40’156N76°.73’738E

2,634

Emerald

11°.3!’483N76°.62’595 E

1,950

Governor Shola

11°.39’221 N76°.64’279E

2,100

Kolari Betta

11°.28’354N76°.56’518E

2,550

Ittalar

11°.34’102N76°.63’707E

2,130

Kotagiri

11°.43’287N76°.87’476E

1,850

Kodanadu

ll°.5r222N76°.40’221 E

1,700

Kundha

Not available

1,900

Lakkedi

1I°.26’789N76°.55’497E

2,150

Mukurti Peak

ll°.37’005N76°.5r893 E

2,500

Naduvattam

11°.48’641 N76°.54’308E

1,750

Nadukani

11°.22’579N76°.46’710E

2,150

Parson’s Valley

Not available

2,100

Sispara

11°.20’059N76°.44’018E

2,000

Snowdon

11°.43’115N76°.72’084E

2,200

Taishola Tea Estate

ir.2r223N76°.6r246E

2,000

Udhagamandalam (Ooty)

11°.40*344N76°.69’734 E

2,000

Upper Bhavani

11°.22’256N76°.53’086E

2,200

Western Catchment II

11°.31’833N76°.54’483 E

2,200

Western Catchment III

11°.33’407N76°.55’381 E

2,300

Localities nomenclature follows Survey of India Toposheets, except for Ooty (replacing
Udhagamandalam and Ootacamund).

43

Buceros Vol. 10, No. 1 (2005)

INDEX

A

Accipiter badius 14
Accipiternisus 14
Accipiter trivirgatus 13
Accipiter virgatus 14
Acridotheres fuscus 35
Acridotheres tristis 35
Acrocephalus dumetorum 3 1
Actitis hypoleucos 18
Aegithina tiphia 27
Alcedo atthis 2\

Alcippe poioicephala 30
Alpine Swift 21
Amandava amar]dava25
Amaurornis phoenicurus 16
Anas crecca 1 1
Anhmga melanogaster 10
Anthus hodgsoni 25
Anthus nilghiriensis 25
Anthus richardi 25
Anthus rufulus 25
Anthus similis 25
Aquila heliaca 14
Ardeola grayii 1 1
Artamus fuscus 36
Ashy Drongo 36
Ashy Prinia 31
Ashy Woodswallow 36
Asian Brown Flycatcher 32
Asian Koel 19

Asian Paradise-Flycatcher 33
Asia JIammeus 2 1
Aythya nyroca 37

B

Bam Owl 20
Besra Sparrowhawk 1 4
Black Bulbul 26
Black Eagle 14
Black Kite 12

B!ack-and-Orange Flycatcher 32
Black-Capped Kingfisher 22
Black-crowned Night-Heron 1 1
Black-headed Cuckooshrike 26
Black-headed Oriole 36
Black-lored Yellow Tit 34
Black-necked Stork 37
Black-Shouldered Kite 12
Black-winged Stilt 37

Blue Rock Pigeon 18
Blue-headed Rock-Thrush 27
Blue- Winged Parakeet 19
Blyth’s Reed- Warbler 3 1
Bonelli’s Eagle 15
Booted Eagle 1 5
Brachypteryx major 28
Brahminy Kite 12
Brainfever Cuckoo 1 9
Bronzed Drongo 36
Brown Fish-Owl 20
Brown Shrike 27
Brown Wood Owl 20
Brown-breasted Flycatcher 32
Brwon Rock Pipit 25
Bubo nipalensis 20
Bubutcus ibis 1 1
Butastur teesa 1 4
Buteo buteo 1 4
Buteo rufinus 1 4

c

Caprimulgus asiaticus 2 1
Caprimulgus indicus 2 1
Carpodacus erythrinus35
Cattle Egret 1 1
Celeus brachyurus 23
Centropus sinensis 1 9
Chalcophaps indica 1 9
Changeable Hawk Eagle 1 5
Chestnut-Headed Bee-eater 22
Chrysocolaptes lucidus 23
Ciconia ciconia 1 1
Circaetus gallicus 1 3
Circus aeruginosus 1 3
Circus macrourus 1 3
Circus melanoleucos 1 3
Clamator jacobinus 1 9
Collared Scops-Owl 20
Collocalia unicolor 2 1
Columba elphinstonii 1 8
Columba livia 1 8
Common Buzzard 14
Common Cuckoo 20
Common Hoopoe 22
Common Indian Nightjar 2 1
Common lora 27
Common Kestrel 1 6
Common Moorhen 17

Common Myna 35
Common Rosefinch 35
Common Sandpiper 1 8
Common Snipe 18
Common Swallow 24
Common Tailorbird 3 1
Common Teal 1 1
Copsychus saularis 29
Coracias benghalensis 22
Coracina melanoptera 26
Corvus macrorhynchos 37
Corvus splendens 36
Crested Goshawk 1 3
Crested Serpent Eagle 1 3
Crimson-throated Barbet 23
Cuculus canorus 20
Culicicapa ceylonensis33
Cyornis pallipes 33
Cyornis tickelliae 33

D

Darter 10
Dendronanthus
indicus 24
Dicaeum agile 34
Dicrurus aeneus 36
Dicrurus leucophaeus 36
Dicrurus paradiseus 36
Dinopium benghalense 23
Dryocopus javensis 23
Dumetia hyperythra 30
Dusky Crag-Martin 24

E

Eastern Imperial Eagle 1 4
Egretta garzetta 1 1
Egyptian Vulture 12
Elanus caeruleus 12
Emerald Dove 1 9
Ephippiorhynchus
asiaticus 37

Eudynamys scolopacea 1 9
Eumyias albicaudata 33
Eumyias thalassina 33
Eurasian Blackbird 28
Eurasian Collared-Dove 19
Eurasian Golden Oriole 36
Eurasian Sparrowhawk 14
Eurasian Woodcock 1 7

44

Buceros Vol. 10. No. 1 (2005)

European White Stork 1 1

F

Falco naumanni 1 5
Falco peregnnm 16
Falco timunculus 16
Ferruginous Pochard 37
Ficedula nigrorufa 32
Ficedula subrubra 32
Forest Eagle-Owl 20
Forest Wagtail 24
Franklin’s Prinia30

G

Galerida malabarica 24
Gallinago gallinago 1 8
Gallinago nemoricola 1 7
Gallinago stenura 1 7
Gallinula chloropus 1 7
Galloperdix spadicea 16
Gallus sonneratii 16
Garrulax cachinnam 29
Glaucidium radiatum 20
Gorsachius melanolophus 1 1
Great Black Woodpecker 23
Great Cormorant 10
Great Tit 34
Greater Coucal 19

Greater Golden-backed Woodpecker 23

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo 36

Green Sandpiper 1 8

Greenish Leaf- Warbler 3 1

Grey Junglefowl 16

Grey Wagtail 25

Grey-headed Bulbul 26

Grey-headed Flycatcher 33

Gyps bengalensis 1 2

Gyps indicus 1 2

H

Halcyon capensis 22
Halcyon pileata 22
Halcyon smyrnensis 22
Haliastur indus 1 2
Harpactes fasciatus 2 1
Hemipus picatus 26
Hieraaetus fasciatus 1 5
Hieraaetus kienerii 1 5
Hieraaetus pennatus 15
Hierococcyx sparverioides 1 9
Hierococcyx varius 1 9
Himantopus himantopus 37

Hirundo concolor 24
Hirundo daurica 24
Hirundo rustica 24
Hirundo tahitica 24
House Crow 36
House Sparrow 35
House Swallow 24
Hypsipetes leucocephalus 26

I

Ictinaetus malayensis 1 4
Indian Blue Robin 29
Indian Edible-nest Swiftlet 21
Indian Jungle Nightjar 2 1
Indian Peafowl 16
Indian Pitta 24
Indian Pond Heron 1 1
Indian Roller 22
Indian Scimitar-Babbler 30
Indian White-backed Vulture 12
lole indica 26

J

Lymnociyples minimus 1 8

M

Malabar Crested Lark 24
Malabar Trogon 21
Malabar Whistling-Thrush 27
Malayan Night-Heron 1 1
Megalaima rubricapilla 23
Megalanna viridis 23
Merops leschenaulti 22
Merops orientalis 22
Milvus migrans 1 2
Monticola cinclorhynchus 21
Motacilla cinerea 25
Motacilla flava 25
Motacilla maderaspatensis 24
Mottled Wood-Owl 20
Mountain Hawk Eagle 15
Muscicapa dauurica 32
Miiscicapa mulltii 32
Muscicapa ruficauda 32
Myiophonus horsfieldii 27

N

Jungle Crow 37
Jungle Babbler 30
Jungle Myna 35
Jungle Owlet 20

Lanius crislatus 27
Lanius schach 27
Large Grey Babbler 30
Large Hawk-Cuckoo 1 9
Large-Billed Leaf- Warbler 3 1
Large-pied Wagtail 24
Lesser Florican 17

Lesser Golden-backed Woodpecker 23

Lesser Kestrel 15

Little Brown Dove 18

Little Egret 1 1

Little Grebe 10

Little Scaly-bellied Green Woodpecker 23
Lonchura punctulata 35
Long-billed Vulture 12
Long-legged Buzzard 14
Luscinia brunnea 29

Nectarinia asiatica 34
Neclarinia minima 34
Neophron percnopterus 1 2
Nilgiri Flycatcher 33
Nilgiri Laughingthrush 29
Nilgiri Pipit 25
Nilgiri Wood-Pigeon 18
Nycticorax nycticorax 1 1

o

Orange-headed Thrush 28
Oriental Honey-buzzard 1 1
Oriental Magpie-Robin 29
Oriental Tree Pipit 25
Oriental White-Eye 34
Oriolus oriolus 36
Oriolus xanlhornus 36
Orphean Warbler 32
Orlhotomus sutorius 3 1
Osprey 1 5
Otus hakkamoena 20

Paddyfield Pipit 25
Painted Bush Quail 16
Pallid Harrier 13
Pandion haliaetus 1 5
Parus major 34

K

Kashmir Flycatcher 32
Ketupa zeylonensis 20

45

Buceros VoL 10, No. 1 (2005)

Parus xanthogenys 34
Passer domesticus 35
Pavo cr is talus 16
Peltorneum ruficeps 30
Perdicula erythrorhyncha 1 6
Peregrine Falcon 16
Pericrocotus flammeus 26
Pernis ptilorhynchus 1 1
Phalacrocorax car bo 1 0
Phylloscopus affinis 3 1
Phylloscopus magnirostris 3 1
Phylloscopus trochiloides 3 1
Phylloscopus ty fieri 3 1
Picus xanthopygaeus 23
Pied Bushchat 29
Pied Crested Cuckoo 19
Pied Flycatcher-Shrike 26
Pied Harrier 13
Pied Thrush 28
Pintail Snipe 17
Pitta brachyuralA
Plain Prinia 31
Plum-Headed Parakeet 19
Pomatorhinus horsfieldii 30
Pompadour Green Pigeon 19
Prinia hodgsonii 30
Prinia inornata 3 1
Prinia socialis 3 1
Psittacula columboides 1 9
Psittacula cyanocephala 19
Purple Sunbird 34
Pycnonotus cafer 26
Pycnonotus jocosus 26
Pycnonotus priocephalus 26

Q

Quaker Tit-Babbler 30

R

Red Munia 35
Red Spurfovvl 1 6
Red-headed Vulture 1 3
Red-rumped Swallow 24
Red-vented Bulbul 26

Red-wattled Lapwing 1 7
Red-whiskered Bulbul 26
Rhipidura albicollis 33
Rhipidura aureola 34
Richard’s Pipit 25
Rosy Starling 35
Rufous Woodpecker 23
Rufous-backed Shrike 27
Rufous-bellied Eagle 15
Rusty-tailed Flycatcher 32

s

Sarcogyps calvus 1 3
Saxicola caprata 29
Scaly Thrush 28
Scarlet Minivet 26
Scolopax rusticola 1 7
Shikra 14

Short-Eared Owl 21
Short-toed Snake Eagle 13
Sitta frontalis 34
Small Bee-eater 22
Small Blue Kingfisher 2 1
Small Sunbird 34
Spilornis cheela\3
Sptaetus cirrhatus 1 5
Spizaetus nipalensis 1 5
Spotted Babbler 30
Spotted Dove 18
Spotted Munia 35
Stork-Billed Kingfisher 22
Streplopelia chinensis 1 8
Streptopelia decaocto 1 9
Streplopelia senegalensis 1 8
Strix leptogrammica 20
Strix ocellata 20
Sturnus roseus 35
Sylvia hortensis 32
Sypheotides indica 1 7

T

Tachybaptus ruficollis 1 0
Tachymarptis melba 2 1
Tawny-bellied Babbler 30

Terpsiphone paradisi 33
Thick-billed Flowerpecker 34
Tickell’s Blue-Flycatcher 33
TickelFs Warbler 31
Treron pompadora 1 9
Tringa glareola 18
Tringa ochropus 1 8
Turdoides malcolmi 30
Turdoides striatus 30
Turdus merula 28
Ty tier's Leaf- Warbler 3 1
Tyto alba 20

u

Upupa epops 22

V

Vanelliis indicus 1 7
Velvet-fronted Nuthatch 34
Verditer Flycatcher 33

w

Western Marsh-Harrier 1 3
White-bellied Blue-Flycatcher 33
White-bellied Shortwing 28
White-Breasted Kingfisher 22
White-breasted Waterhen 16
White-browed Fantail-Flycatcher 34
White-cheeked Barbet 23
White-eyed Buzzard 14
White-Rumped Needletail-Swift 2 1
White-throated Fantail-Flycatcher 33
Wood Sandpiper 18
Wood Snipe 1 7

Y

Yellow Wagtail 25
Yellow-browed Bulbul 26

z

Zoonavena sylvatica 2 1
Zoo the ra citrina 28
Zoothera dauma 28
Zoo t her a wardii 28
Zosterops palpebrosus 34

46

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