Established in 1936, Jim Corbett National Park was created to safeguard Uttarakhand’s forests and their diverse wildlife. Over the years, the park has become a sanctuary for numerous wild animals including leopards, elephants, various deer species, and a wide array of reptiles. Among its most renowned residents are the Bengal tigers, which thrive abundantly within the park’s boundaries.
Apart from its impressive mammalian inhabitants, Jim Corbett National Park boasts a rich avian diversity, hosting approximately 664 species of birds. These include both native species and migratory birds such as ducks, pheasants, doves, pigeons, eagles, owls, woodpeckers, crows, partridges, bulbuls, and many others. The park thus stands as a haven not only for iconic big cats but also for a plethora of birdlife, making it a cherished destination for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike.
Jim Corbett National Park is not only renowned for its majestic tigers but also serves as a haven for a diverse array of bird species. The park’s dense, moist deciduous forests, interspersed with lakes, rivers, and valleys, provide an ideal habitat for numerous bird species. In fact, Jim Corbett is recognized as one of India’s significant bird conservation areas.
Among the avian treasures found here are endangered species such as the White-rumped Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, and Black-bellied Tern. Birdwatching in the park requires patience and a good pair of binoculars to spot birds perched high on branches or in their natural habitats.
Key birdwatching locations within Jim Corbett National Park include the grasslands of Dhikala and Bijrani zones, the hilly terrains of Durgadevi zone, and the banks of the Ramganga River and Kalagarh reservoir. These areas offer excellent opportunities to observe and appreciate the rich birdlife that thrives within the park’s pristine natural environment.
Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis):
The Great Hornbill is easily identifiable by its yellow casque and large, curved beak. It is the largest species of Hornbill found in India and is considered significant in various cultures. Found in India, Nepal, Southeast Asia, and Sumatra, this bird prefers nesting in tall trees in hilly regions.
Himalayan Woodpecker (Dendrocopos Himalayensis):
The Himalayan Woodpecker is medium-sized with a black back and white patches on its shoulders. Males have a distinctive red crown, while females have a black crown. It is found in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, often in wooded habitats.
Blue-throated Barbet (Psilopogon Asiaticus):
Named for its blue throat, the Blue-throated Barbet has a bright green body with a red crown. It is found in the foothills of the Himalayas and Southeast Asia, often seen in fruit-bearing trees or nesting in tree cavities.
Brown Fish Owl (Ketupa Zeylonensis):
The Brown Fish Owl is larger with horizontally spread ear tufts, reddish-brown back, and dark streaks on its body. It prefers dense forest areas near water bodies due to its diet of fish, frogs, shrimps, and lizards.
Common Kingfisher (Alcedo Atthis):
The Common Kingfisher is small with blue and orange plumage. It is widespread across Europe, Asia, and Africa, often found near rivers, lakes, and streams where it hunts small fish with its long, sharp bill.
These birds add to the rich diversity of avian life in Jim Corbett National Park, offering birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts unique opportunities to observe them in their natural habitats.
Birds of Prey:
Game Birds:
Pigeons and Doves:
Parakeets:
Kingfishers:
Bee Eaters:
Rollers:
Hornbills:
Woodpeckers:
Other Species:
These birds contribute to the rich biodiversity of Jim Corbett National Park, offering birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts diverse opportunities for observation and enjoyment.
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