SITE : BRAC CENTER
Bangladesh is home to a variety of bird species, ranging from the majestic eagle to the colorful cuckatoo. These birds include martin, pigeon, parrot, cuckatoo, dove, eagle, drongo, pelican and heron. Their presence adds beauty and diversity to the country’s natural landscape. With the help of conservation initiatives and awareness programs these birds can be protected for future generations.
HERON,CUCKOO,PARROT, SPARROW, PURPLE MARTIN,OWL,CUCKATOO,EAGLE,WOODPECKER,
PELICAN,CROW,BULBUL,DOVE,KINGFISHER,PIGEON, BLACK DRONGO
Herons, commonly known as “বক” in Bangladesh, are a type of wading bird that are known for their long legs, necks, and bills. They belong to the family Ardeidae and are found across the world, except in the polar regions and some isolated islands. In Bangladesh, herons can be seen near marshes and water bodies, where they reside and hunt for their food, which mainly consists of small fish and other aquatic creatures.
Herons come in various sizes, ranging from the Pond Heron at 45 cm to the large Goliath Heron, which can grow up to 150 cm in length. They have long, pointed bills and bare feet, which help them navigate through the water with ease. During courtship, male herons may display ornate plumes on their head, neck, and chest.
Herons live and nest in colonies known as heronries, and often share these spaces with other birds in the Ciconiiformes order, such as cormorants, spoonbills, and ibises. These birds roost in trees, and use them as both nesting and roosting sites. They are highly adapted to their wetland habitats and play a vital role in the local ecosystem.
The cuckoo is a group of birds that belongs to the order Cuculiformes. Bangladesh is home to 20 species of cuckoos, 14 of which are residents and 6 are migratory. These birds are recognizable by their slender bodies, slightly curved bills, long tails, and elongated pointed wings, with two toes pointing forwards and two backwards on each foot.
Male cuckoos are often glossy black with a yellowish-green bill and crimson eyes, while females are dark brown with white spots and bars. These birds feed on a variety of fruits and insects, including caterpillars.
Cuckoos typically live in trees and some species are brood parasites. They lay their eggs in the nests of other birds and when the host is away, they remove one of the host’s eggs and replace it with their own. The young cuckoo hatches quickly, usually in about 12 days, and it quickly eliminates its nest mates by pushing them out of the nest. As a result, the young cuckoo receives all the food and care from its foster parents.
Parrots, also known as psittacines, are birds of the order Psittaciformes that are found in mostly tropical and subtropical regions around the world. In Bangladesh, there are a number of parrot species that can be found, including several different types of true parrots, cockatoos, and even some species from New Zealand. These birds are highly prized for their bright colors, intelligent behavior, and unique abilities, but unfortunately, many species are facing threats from habitat loss and other environmental issues. In fact, one-third of all parrot species are considered threatened or endangered, making them one of the most at-risk bird groups in the world. Despite these challenges, parrots remain a fascinating and beloved group of birds, known for their ability to use their necks and beaks as limbs to climb and travel in a unique tripedal manner.
The sparrow (চড়ুই) is a widespread bird species with 25 known varieties, two of which can be found in Bangladesh: the House Sparrow and the Eurasian Tree Sparrow. While most sparrows shy away from human interaction, the House Sparrow is unique in its ability to live in close proximity to humans while still maintaining its wild nature. This bird has become widespread, being one of only four species to reach a population of over a billion. The House Sparrow is typically 6 inches in length, with a brown and black plumage. Males have a distinguishable black “bib” on their chin that sets them apart from the females.
The House Sparrow has adapted to human environments, with its diet relying heavily on human activity. It feeds on leftover food and crumbs, as well as scavenging in garbage containers. For hygiene, the House Sparrow engages in sand bathing instead of water bathing, and does so in a social manner, often taking turns with other birds. In terms of reproduction, the bird has adapted by building its nests in hollow areas of buildings, such as roof overhangs and crevices.
Purple martins are migratory birds and are commonly seen in Bangladesh during the winter months, where they come in search of warm weather and food. During their migration, they fly thousands of kilometers from their breeding grounds in North America to their wintering grounds in South America.
In Bangladesh, they can be found near rivers, lakes, and other water bodies, where they feed on flying insects, including mosquitoes, flies, and other pests. They are also known for their aerial displays and synchronized flight patterns, which make them a delight to watch for bird watchers.
Purple martins play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance by controlling the population of insect pests and providing a source of food for other predators such as birds of prey. They are also considered as good luck symbols by many in Bangladesh, and many people welcome them by putting up nesting boxes in their gardens and farms to encourage their arrival.
In Bangladesh, owls can be found in different habitats, ranging from forests to grasslands and even in urban areas. They play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem balance by controlling populations of small mammals and insects. These nocturnal birds of prey are valued for their unique appearance and are often considered symbols of wisdom and mystery. The diverse species of owls in Bangladesh make for a fascinating study of avian diversity and adaptation. With their silent flight and sharp hunting skills, they continue to captivate the hearts of bird-watchers and naturalists alike.
Cockatoos are a distinctive group of parrots, known for their prominent crests and curved beaks. Out of the 21 species of cockatoos found globally, there are no known species found in Bangladesh. Cockatoos have distinctive feather patterns, with colors that range from white, grey, or black, and often with brightly colored accents in their crests, cheeks, or tails. On average, they are larger in size compared to other parrot species, however, the smallest cockatoo species, the cockatiel, is relatively small. The relationships among cockatoo species is still being studied, but some species belong to the genus Cacatua and are characterized by their white plumage. Other species, such as the Major Mitchell’s cockatoo, galah, gang-gang cockatoo, and palm cockatoo, belong to monotypic genera and feature unique coloring patterns of pink, grey, and black.
Eagles, commonly known as birds of prey in the family Accipitridae, are found across the world in Eurasia and Africa where most of its 68 species are found. Outside these regions, only a few species can be found in North America, Central and South America, and Australia. These majestic birds are known for their large size, strong builds, and powerful features such as heavy heads and beaks, long and broad wings, and sharp talons. The smallest species of eagle, the South Nicobar serpent eagle, is only 40 cm in length and weighs 1 lb, while the largest species can reach much greater sizes. In Bangladesh, a few species of eagles can be found, including the Steppe Eagle, the Greater Spotted Eagle, and the Lesser Spotted Eagle, which can be spotted in different regions of the country during migration seasons. These birds play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling the population of small animals and maintaining the balance of nature.
The Woodpeckers are a group of birds that are known for their distinctive features such as slender bodies, strong beaks, and long, flexible tongues. In Bangladesh, there are 21 species of Woodpeckers that are residents of the country and one migratory species.
These birds are known for their ability to cling to trees using their sharp claws and maintain balance with their stiff tails while searching for insects or digging out a nest. Woodpeckers come in various sizes and display bold color patterns including black and white, olive, or red on their head. Their flight is heavy and undulating and many have loud voices, particularly when drumming their bills during mating season or when they have found a resonant surface.
During courtship, woodpeckers perform displays and flights and nest in tree trunks by chiselling out a hole for their eggs. The eggs are usually two in number and unadorned by any nest material, with some species laying up to 8 or 10 eggs. Both parents participate in caring for the nest and young. The presence of Woodpeckers in Bangladesh contributes to the country’s rich biodiversity and serves as an indicator of the health of its forests and wetlands.
Pelicans were once commonly found in the wetlands of Bangladesh, including the Padma-Jamuna estuary and other areas in the floodplain. These birds, characterized by their white feathers and large throat pouch used to catch fish, were a common sight fishing in groups and nesting in colonies on large trees. However, with the decline of fish populations and the degradation of their habitats, the number of pelicans in Bangladesh has decreased.
Despite being among the largest birds in the world, pelicans are not skilled hunters and instead rely on their large pouch to scoop up water and fish. Of the eight species of pelicans found globally, three species were once found in Bengal, including the Great White Pelican, Spot-billed Pelican, and the Dalmatian Pelican.
Pelicans have been around for over 20 million years and are a remarkable species that has adapted to their environment over time. While their population has declined in Bangladesh, they still exist in neighboring countries where their habitats remain relatively untouched.
Crows, members of the Corvus genus, are known for their distinctive black feathers. In Bangladesh, they are a common bird species found throughout the country. They belong to the same family as the jackdaw and carrion crow, and are usually slimmer in build, with glossy black plumage on the forehead, crown, throat, and upper breast. The neck and breast are lighter grey-brown in color, while the wings, tail, and legs are black. The thickness of the bill and the depth of color can vary among regional populations.
The bulbul is a bird found in the family Pycnonotidae and is part of the order Passeriformes. They are known for their moderate size, gregarious behavior, and soft, fluffy plumage that is mostly dull in color. These birds have short to medium length, slightly curved bills, short and weak legs, and short and rounded wings, with a comparatively long tail. In Bangladesh, there are 11 species of bulbul under six genera, including the White-throated, Ashy, Black, Mountain, Olive, Black-headed, Red-vented, Flavescent, Red-whiskered, Black-crested, and Crested Finch-bill bulbul. These birds feed on fruits, nectar, berries, and insects, and they have both harsh call notes and musical calls.
The Dove, known as Ghughu in Bangladesh, is a common bird that holds a special place in the hearts of many Bangladeshis. Despite facing danger in recent times, the Dove continues to be considered a symbol of the country. The phrase “Ghughu dekheso, Ghughur faad dekhoni” highlights the elusive nature of the bird and its ability to evade danger.
The Dove is a graceful bird, with a long and slender body, measuring between 28 to 32 cm in length. It has a light chocolate and fawn colored back, wings and tail. During flight, it displays black flight feathers with a light grey edge, and a white tail quill. Both males and females look similar, with juveniles being slightly duller in color. The head and under parts are pinkish, blending into light grey on the face and lower belly. The legs of the Dove are a pale pink color.
Doves primarily feed on grass seeds, grains and other plant-based foods, with some reports of them eating insects as well. They are known for their cooing calls, which are low and gentle, and have a two or three syllable rhythm. The Dove is commonly referred to as the “Bird of Peace” due to its peaceful demeanor and serene presence.
In Bangladesh, kingfishers are a common sight in many of the country’s diverse habitats, including wetlands, rivers, and forests. These birds play an important role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem by feeding on fish, insects, and other small aquatic creatures. In addition, their bright and distinctive plumage makes them a popular sighting for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.
However, due to habitat destruction, degradation, and pollution, the population of kingfishers in Bangladesh has been declining in recent years. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their habitats and conserve these magnificent birds for future generations to enjoy.
Kingfishers can be found throughout the year in Bangladesh and their presence is considered an indicator of a healthy and thriving ecosystem. These birds are also considered valuable for their cultural significance, as they have been mentioned in various local folklore and legends. Overall, kingfishers are an important part of Bangladesh’s rich biodiversity and contribute to the country’s unique and diverse natural heritage.
The domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica), also known as the rock pigeon, is a subspecies that is native to the world. It is widely considered to be the first bird ever to be domesticated, with evidence of its domestication dating back to over 5000 years ago. In Bangladesh, these pigeons can be seen in many parts of the country, and they are often used in racing competitions due to their remarkable homing ability. These birds are capable of returning to their home loft even if they are released in a location they have never been to before, which could be up to 1000 km away. This incredible ability is the result of a unique combination of two distinct senses - a “map sense” that helps them understand their geographic location and a “compass sense” that guides them back to their home loft.
The black drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) is a small Asian passerine bird of the drongo family Dicruridae. It is a common resident breeder in much of tropical southern Asia from southwest Iran through India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka east to southern China and Indonesia and accidental visitor of Japan. It is an all black bird with a distinctive forked tail and measures 28 cm (11 in) in length. It feeds on insects, and is common in open agricultural areas and light forest throughout its range, perching conspicuously on a bare perch or along power or telephone lines.
The black drongo is listed as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) on the IUCN Red List, due to its large range and relative commonness. It has been introduced to some Pacific islands, where it has thrived and become abundant to the point of threatening and causing the extinction of native and endemic bird species there.
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