List of birds of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Last updated

This article lists the species of bird found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 410 species of birds have been sighted on the islands, out of which 28 are endemic to the islands. The state bird of the Andaman and the Nicobar Islands is the Andaman wood pigeon. [1] This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the conventions of the IOC World Bird List, version 11.2. This list also uses British English throughout. Any bird names or other wording follows that convention. [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

Contents

There are two birdlife zones in the union territory, as defined by Birdlife International -

The following tags have been used to highlight several categories. The commonly occurring native species do not fit within any of these categories. [2] [7]

Undescribed species

In 2012, Rajeshkumar, Rasmussen and Ragunathan described a possibly new species of Rallina crake which they called the Great Nicobar crake. [8] The bird had an entire pale green bill, and orange-red legs, which differed from any known species of bird. However, in 2021, Slaty-legged crakes and Red-legged crakes were found in the Nicobar Islands. This made it possible that the bird was a hybrid. However, neither of the two crakes shared any of the unique features of the Great Nicobar crake.

Endemic species

Andaman drongo Andaman drongo, Andaman islands 3.jpg
Andaman drongo
Nicobar bulbul Ixos nicobariensis Nicobar Bulbul.png
Nicobar bulbul
White-headed starling White-headed starling (Sturnia erythropygia) May 2013 Neil Island Andaman.jpg
White-headed starling

The following is a list of species endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by region: [9]

Species endemic to the Andaman Islands

Species endemic to the Nicobar Islands

Species endemic to the two island groups

Ducks, geese and swans

Order: Anseriformes   Family: Anatidae

Ruddy shelduck Ruddy Shelduck Chandratal Spiti Himachal Jun18 D72 7911.jpg
Ruddy shelduck
Andaman teal Andaman teal, Andaman islands 1.jpg
Andaman teal

Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating. There are 15 species which have been recorded on the islands.

Common NameBinomialComments
Lesser whistling duck Dendrocygna javanica
Knob-billed duck Sarkidiornis melanotos(I)
Ruddy shelduck Tadorna ferruginea(A)
Mandarin duck Aix galericulata(A)
Cotton pygmy goose Nettapus coromandelianus
Garganey Spatula querquedula
Northern shoveler Spatula clypeata(A)
Eurasian wigeon Mareca penelope
Eastern spot-billed duck Anas zonorhyncha(A)
Northern pintail Anas acuta
Eurasian teal Anas crecca(A)
Andaman teal Anas albogularis(E) Near-threatened
Red-crested pochard Netta rufina(A)
Ferruginous duck Aythya nyroca(A) Near-threatened
Tufted duck Aythya fuligula(A)

Megapodes

Order: Galliformes   Family: Megapodiidae

The Megapodiidae are stocky, medium-large chicken-like birds with small heads and large feet. All but the malleefowl occupy jungle habitats and most have brown or black colouring. There is one species within India, which is endemic to the islands.

Common nameBinomialComments
Nicobar megapode Megapodius nicobariensis(E); vulnerable

Pheasants and allies

Order: Galliformes   Family: Phasianidae

King quail Excalfactoria chinensis (aka).jpg
King quail

The Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds which consists of quails, partridges, snowcocks, francolins, spurfowl, tragopans, monals, pheasants, peafowls and jungle fowls. In general, they are plump (although they vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings. Seven species have been recorded on the islands.

Common nameBinomialComments
Indian peafowl Pavo cristatus(I)
Grey francolin Ortygornis pondicerianus(A)
Chinese francolin Francolinus pintadeanusExtirpated
King quail Synoicus chinensis
Common quail Coturnix coturnixExtirpated
Jungle bush quail Perdicula asiaticaExtirpated
Painted bush quail Perdicula erythrorhynchaExtirpated

Nightjars

Order: Caprimulgiformes   Family: Caprimulgidae

Andaman nightjar Andaman Nightjar.jpg
Andaman nightjar

Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves. Five species have been recorded on the islands.

Common nameBinomialComments
Jungle nightjar Caprimulgus indicus(A)
Grey nightjar Caprimulgus jotaka
Large-tailed nightjar Caprimulgus macrurus
Andaman nightjar Caprimulgusandamanicus(E)
Savanna nightjar Caprimulgus affinis

Swifts

Order: Apodiformes   Family: Apodidae

Common swift Apus apus -Barcelona, Spain-8 (1).jpg
Common swift

Swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang. There are 11 species which have been recorded on the islands.

Common nameBinomialComments
Plume-toed swiftlet Collocalia affinis
Himalayan swiftlet Aerodramus brevirostris(A)
Edible-nest swiftlet Aerodramus fuciphagus
White-throated needletail Hirundapus caudacutus
Brown-backed needletail Hirundapus giganteus
Asian palm swift Cypsiurus balasiensis
Common swift Apus apus(A)
Pacific swift Apus pacificus ssp. kurodae(A)
Blyth's swift Apus leuconyx
Dark-rumped swift Apus acuticauda(A) Near-threatened
House swift Apus nipalensis

Cuckoos

Order: Cuculiformes   Family: Cuculidae

Andaman coucal Brown Coucal, Andaman Islands (43388080941).jpg
Andaman coucal

The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. Many are brood parasites. There are 19 species which have been recorded on the islands.

Common nameBinomialComments
Lesser coucal Centropus bengalensis(A)
Andaman coucal Centropus andamanensis
Chestnut-winged cuckoo Clamator coromandus
Jacobin cuckoo Clamator jacobinus(A)
Asian koel Eudynamys scolopaceus
Asian emerald cuckoo Chrysococcyx maculatus(A)
Violet cuckoo Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus
Horsfield's bronze cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis(A)
Banded bay cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii(A)
Plaintive cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus
Grey-bellied cuckoo Cacomantis passerinus
Square-tailed drongo-cuckoo Surniculus lugubris
Large hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx sparverioides
Common hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx varius
Hodgson's hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx nisicolor
Lesser cuckoo Cuculus poliocephalus
Indian cuckoo Cuculus micropterus
Himalayan cuckoo Cuculus saturatus
Common cuckoo Cuculus canorus

Pigeons and doves

Order: Columbiformes   Family: Columbidae

Nicobar pigeon Nicobar Pigeon(Caloenas nicobarica).jpg
Nicobar pigeon
Andaman wood pigeon, the state bird Andaman wood pigeon, Andaman islands.jpg
Andaman wood pigeon, the state bird

Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. 14 species have been recorded on the islands.

Common nameBinomialComments
Rock dove Columba livia(I)
Andaman wood pigeon Columba palumboides(E) Near-threatened
Oriental turtle dove Streptopelia orientalis
Eurasian collared dove Streptopelia decaocto
Red collared dove Streptopelia tranquebarica
Spotted dove Spilopelia chinensis
Laughing dove Spilopelia senegalensisExtirpated
Andaman cuckoo-dove Macropygia rufipennis(E)
Common emerald dove Chalcophaps indica
Nicobar pigeon Caloenas nicobaricaNear-threatened
Andaman green pigeon Treron chloropterus(E) Near-threatened
Green imperial pigeon Ducula aeneaNear-threatened
Nicobar imperial pigeon Ducula nicobarica(E) Near-threatened
Pied imperial pigeon Ducula bicolor

Rails, crakes, and coots

Order: Gruiformes   Family: Rallidae

Andaman crake Andaman crake.jpg
Andaman crake
Band-bellied crake Mandarin vizicsibe.jpg
Band-bellied crake

Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots and gallinules. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers.

Common nameBinomialComments
Corn crake Crex crex(A)
Slaty-breasted rail Lewinia striata
Common moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Eurasian coot Fulica atra
Grey-headed swamphen Porphyrio poliocephalus
Ruddy-breasted crake Zapornia fusca
Band-bellied crake Zapornia paykullii(A) Near-threatened
Baillon's crake Zapornia pusilla
Slaty-legged crake Rallina eurizonoides(A)
Andaman crake Rallina canningi(E)
Red-legged crake Rallina fasciata(A)
White-browed crake Poliolimnas cinereus(A)
Watercock Gallicrex cinerea
White-breasted waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus

Grebes

Order: Podicipediformes   Family: Podicipedidae

Little grebe Grebe castagneux Lac de Tunis.jpg
Little grebe

Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. One species, the little grebe is found on the islands.

Common nameBinomialComments
Little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Buttonquails

Yellow-legged buttonquail Yellow-legged Buttonquail Turnix tanki DSCN4636 (7) 02.jpg
Yellow-legged buttonquail

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Turnicidae

The buttonquails are small, drab, running birds which resemble the true quails. The female is the brighter of the sexes and initiates courtship. The male incubates the eggs and tends the young. One species, the yellow-legged buttonquail, is found on the islands.

Common nameBinomialComments
Yellow-legged buttonquail Turnix tanki

Stone-curlews and thick-knees

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Burhinidae

Beach stone-curlew Beach Thick-knee Inskip Pt2.JPG
Beach stone-curlew

Stone-curlews are a group of largely tropical waders in the family Burhinidae. They are found worldwide within the tropical zone, with some species also breeding in temperate Europe and Australia. They are medium to large waders with strong black or yellow-black bills, large yellow eyes and cryptic plumage. Despite being classed as waders, most species have a preference for arid or semi-arid habitats. Two species are found on the islands.

Common nameBinomialComments
Great stone-curlew Esacus recurvirostrisNear-threatened
Beach stone-curlew Esacus magnirostrisNear-threatened

Stilts and avocets

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Recurvirostridae

Black-winged stilt Himantopus himantopus - Pak Thale.jpg
Black-winged stilt

Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. There is one species, the black-winged stilt, which has been recorded on the islands.

Common nameBinomialComments
Black-winged stilt Himantopus himantopus

Plovers

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Charadriidae

Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius - Little ringed plover 05.jpg
Little ringed plover
White-faced plover White-faced Plover - Thailand S4E6283 (15455836369).jpg
White-faced plover

The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water. There are 13 species which have been recorded on the islands.

Common nameBinomialComments
Northern lapwing Vanellus vanellusNear-threatened
Grey-headed lapwing Vanellus cinereus
European golden plover Pluvialis apricaria(A)
Pacific golden plover Pluvialis fulva
Grey plover Pluvialis squatarolaVulnerable
Common ringed plover Charadrius hiaticula(A)
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius
Kentish plover Charadrius alexandrinus
White-faced plover Charadrius dealbatus(A)
Siberian sand plover Charadrius mongolusEndangered
Tibetan sand plover Charadrius atrifrons
Greater sand plover Charadrius leschenaultii
Oriental plover Charadrius veredus(A)

Painted-snipes

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Rostratulidae

Painted-snipes are short-legged, long-billed birds similar in shape to the true snipes, but more brightly coloured. There is one species which occurs on the islands.

Common nameBinomialComments
Greater painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis

Jacanas

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Jacanidae

The jacanas are a group of tropical waders in the family Jacanidae. They are found throughout the tropics. They are identifiable by their huge feet and claws which enable them to walk on floating vegetation in the shallow lakes that are their preferred habitat. There is one species which has been recorded on the islands.

Common nameBinomialComments
Pheasant-tailed jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus

Sandpipers and snipes

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Scolopacidae

Grey-tailed tattler Tringa brevipes.jpg
Grey-tailed tattler
Eurasian curlew Curlew (Numenius arquata) (12).jpg
Eurasian curlew
Ruff Ruff (Calidris pugnax) (43971025011).jpg
Ruff

Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enables multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food.

Common nameBinomialComments
Eurasian whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Eurasian curlew Numenius arquataNear-threatened
Bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponicaNear-threatened
Black-tailed godwit Limosa limosaNear-threatened
Ruddy turnstone Arenaria interpresNear-threatened
Great knot Calidris tenuirostrisEndangered
Red knot Calidris canutus(A); Near-threatened
Ruff Calidris pugnax
Broad-billed sandpiper Calidris falcinellusVulnerable
Curlew sandpiper Calidris ferrugineaVulnerable
Temminck's stint Calidris temminckii
Long-toed stint Calidris subminuta
Red-necked stint Calidris ruficollisNear-threatened
Sanderling Calidris alba
Little stint Calidris minuta
Pectoral sandpiper Calidris melanotos(A)
Asian dowitcher Limnodromus semipalmatusNear-threatened
Eurasian woodcock Scolopax rusticola
Jack snipe Lymnocryptes minimus
Wood snipe Gallinago nemoricolaVulnerable
Pin-tailed snipe Gallinago stenura
Swinhoe's snipe Gallinago megala
Great snipe Gallinago mediaNear-threatened
Common snipe Gallinago gallinago
Terek sandpiper Xenus cinereus
Common sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Green sandpiper Tringa ochropus
Grey-tailed tattler Tringa brevipes(A)
Common redshank Tringa totanus
Marsh sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis
Wood sandpiper Tringa glareola
Spotted redshank Tringa erythropus
Common greenshank Tringa nebularia

Crab-plover

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Dromadidae

Crab-plover Crab Plover AMSM7466.jpg
Crab-plover

The crab-plover is related to the waders. It resembles a plover but with very long grey legs and a strong heavy black bill similar to a tern. It has black-and-white plumage, a long neck, partially webbed feet and a bill designed for eating crabs.

Common nameBinomialComments
Crab-plover Dromas ardeola(A)

Coursers and pratincoles

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Glareolidae

Small pratincole Small pratincole (Glareola lactea).jpg
Small pratincole

Glareolidae is a family of wading birds comprising the pratincoles, which have short legs, long pointed wings and long forked tails, and the coursers, which have long legs, short wings and long, pointed bills which curve downwards. There are three species which have been recorded on the islands.

Common nameBinomialComments
Collared pratincole Glareola pratincola(A)
Oriental pratincole Glareola maldivarum
Small pratincole Glareola lactea

Gulls, terns, and skimmers

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Laridae

Black noddy Black Noddy (Anous minutus) (42450468011).jpg
Black noddy
Gull-billed tern Gull-billed Tern by Tisha Mukherjee 02.jpg
Gull-billed tern
Lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus - Bremerhaven 01.jpg
Lesser black-backed gull

Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds, the gulls, terns, and skimmers. Gulls are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. Terns are a group of generally medium to large seabirds typically with grey or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species known to live in excess of 30 years. Skimmers are a small family of tropical tern-like birds. They have an elongated lower mandible which they use to feed by flying low over the water surface and skimming the water for small fish.

Common nameBinomialComments
Brown noddy Anous stolidus
Lesser noddy Anous tenuirostris(A)
Black noddy Anous minutus
White tern Gygis alba(A)
Brown-headed gull Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus
Black-headed gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus
Lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus
Gull-billed tern Gelochelidon nilotica
Greater crested tern Thalasseus bergii
Lesser crested tern Thalasseus bengalensis
Little tern Sternula albifrons
Bridled tern Onychoprion anaethetus(A)
Sooty tern Onychoprion fuscatus(A)
Roseate tern Sterna dougallii
Black-naped tern Sterna sumatrana
Common tern Sterna hirundo
Whiskered tern Chlidonias hybrida
White-winged tern Chlidonias leucopterus

Skuas

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Stercorariidae

Parasitic jaeger Arctic skua (Stercorarius parasiticus) on an ice floe, Svalbard.jpg
Parasitic jaeger

The family Stercorariidae are, in general, medium to large birds, typically with grey or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They nest on the ground in temperate and arctic regions and are long-distance migrants. There are two species which have been recorded on the islands.

Common nameBinomialComments
Pomarine jaeger Stercorarius pomarinus
Parasitic jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus

Tropicbirds

Order: Phaethontiformes   Family: Phaethontidae

Red-tailed tropicbird Red-tailed Tropicbird - Nosy Ve - Madagascar MG 1985 (15108469068).jpg
Red-tailed tropicbird

Tropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans, with exceptionally long central tail feathers. Their heads and long wings have black markings.

Common nameBinomialComments
Red-billed tropicbird Phaethon aethereus
Red-tailed tropicbird Phaethon rubricauda(A)
White-tailed tropicbird Phaethon lepturus(A)

Austral storm petrels

Order: Procellariiformes   Family: Oceanitidae

Black-bellied storm petrel Black-bellied Storm-Petrel 0A2A5833.jpg
Black-bellied storm petrel

The storm petrels are relatives of the petrels and are the smallest seabirds. They feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like.

Common nameBinomialComments
Wilson's storm petrel Oceanites oceanicus(A)
White-faced storm petrel Pelagodroma marina(A)
White-bellied storm petrel Fregetta grallaria(A)
Black-bellied storm petrel Fregetta tropica(A)

Northern storm petrels

Order: Procellariiformes   Family: Hydrobatidae

The northern storm petrels are relatives of the petrels and are the smallest seabirds. They feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like.

Common nameBinomialComments
Swinhoe's storm petrel Hydrobates monorhisNear-threatened

Petrels, shearwaters, and diving petrels

Order: Procellariiformes   Family: Procellariidae

Short-tailed shearwater Short-tailed Shearwater 0A2A9865.jpg
Short-tailed shearwater

The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized "true petrels", characterized by united nostrils with medium septum and a long outer functional primary. There are 4 species which have been recorded on the islands.

Common nameBinomialComments
Streaked shearwater Calonectris leucomelasNear-threatened
Wedge-tailed shearwater Ardenna pacifica(A)
Short-tailed shearwater Ardenna tenuirostris(A)
Flesh-footed shearwater Ardenna carneipesNear-threatened

Storks

Order: Ciconiiformes   Family: Ciconiidae

Asian openbill Asian openbill stork (Anastomus oscitans).jpg
Asian openbill

Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute, but bill-clattering is an important mode of communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory.

Common nameBinomialComments
Asian openbill Anastomus oscitansExtirpated

Frigatebirds

Order: Suliformes   Family: Fregatidae

Christmas frigatebird Christmas Island Frigatebird male - Jakarta Bay, Indonesia.jpg
Christmas frigatebird

Frigatebirds are large seabirds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black-and-white or completely black, with long wings and deeply forked tails. The males have coloured inflatable throat pouches. They do not swim or walk and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week.

Common nameBinomialComments
Christmas frigatebird Fregata andrewsi(A) Vulnerable
Great frigatebird Fregata minor(A)
Lesser frigatebird Fregata ariel

Gannets and boobies

Order: Suliformes   Family: Sulidae

Red-footed booby Sula sula by Gregg Yan 01.jpg
Red-footed booby

The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups are medium to large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish.

Common nameBinomialComments
Masked booby Sula dactylatra(A)
Red-footed booby Sula sula(A)

Anhingas and darters

Order: Suliformes   Family: Anhingidae

Oriental darter Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster) 21-Mar-2007 6-10-09 AM.JPG
Oriental darter

Darters are often called "snake-birds" because of their long thin neck, which gives a snake-like appearance when they swim with their bodies submerged. The males have black and dark-brown plumage, an erectile crest on the nape and a larger bill than the female. The females have much paler plumage especially on the neck and underparts. The darters have completely webbed feet and their legs are short and set far back on the body. Their plumage is somewhat permeable, like that of cormorants, and they spread their wings to dry after diving.

Common nameBinomialComments
Oriental darter Anhinga melanogaster

Cormorants and shags

Order: Suliformes   Family: Phalacrocoracidae

Indian cormorant Indian Cormorant (Br.) I IMG 8092.jpg
Indian cormorant

Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium to large coastal, fish-eating seabirds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage colouration varies, with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black-and-white and a few being colourful.

Common nameBinomialComments
Little cormorant Microcarbo niger
Indian cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis

Ibises and spoonbills

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Threskiornithidae

Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strong fliers and despite their size and weight, very capable soarers.

Common nameBinomialComments
Glossy ibis Plegadis falcinellus(A)

Herons and bitterns

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Ardeidae

Great-billed heron Ardea sumatrana -Palawan, Philippines-8.jpg
Great-billed heron

The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills.

Common nameBinomialComments
Yellow bittern Ixobrychus sinensis
Cinnamon bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
Black bittern Ixobrychus flavicollis
Malayan night heron Gorsachius melanolophus
Black-crowned night heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Striated heron Butorides striata
Indian pond heron Ardeola grayii
Chinese pond heron Ardeola bacchus
Javan pond heron Ardeola speciosa(A)
Eastern cattle egret Bubulcus coromandus
Grey heron Ardea cinerea
Purple heron Ardea purpurea
Great-billed heron Ardea sumatrana(A)
Great egret Ardea alba
Medium egret Ardea intermedia
Little egret Egretta garzetta
Pacific reef heron Egretta sacra
Chinese egret Egretta eulophotes(A) Vulnerable

Pelicans

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Pelecanidae

Pelicans are large water birds with a distinctive pouch under their beak. As with other members of the order Pelecaniformes, they have webbed feet with four toes. There is one species which is found on the islands.

Common nameBinomialComments
Spot-billed pelican Pelecanus philippensisNear threatened

Osprey

Order: Accipitriformes   Family: Pandionidae

Osprey Pandion haliaetus (Osprey).jpg
Osprey

The family Pandionidae contains usually only one species, the osprey. The osprey is a medium-large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with most taxonomic authorities consider a worldwide distribution.

Common nameBinomialComments
Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Kites, hawks, and eagles

Order: Accipitriformes   Family: Accipitridae

Great Nicobar serpent eagle Great Nicobar Serpent Eagle (Spilornis klossi) by Shreeram MV 2.jpg
Great Nicobar serpent eagle
Booted eagle Booted Eagle by Tisha Mukherjee 03.jpg
Booted eagle

Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey, which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons and keen eyesight.

Common nameBinomialComments
Black-winged kite Elanus caeruleus
Crested honey buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus(A)
Jerdon's baza Aviceda jerdoni(A)
Black baza Aviceda leuphotes
Crested serpent eagle Spilornis cheela
Great Nicobar serpent eagle Spilornis klossi(E) Endangered
Andaman serpent eagle Spilornis elgini(E) Vulnerable
Changeable hawk-eagle Nisaetus cirrhatus
Black eagle Ictinaetus malaiensis(A)
Booted eagle Hieraaetus pennatus(A)
Shikra Tachyspiza badia(A)
Nicobar sparrowhawk Tachyspiza butleri(E) Vulnerable
Chinese sparrowhawk Tachyspizasoloensis
Besra Tachyspizavirgata
Eurasian sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus(A)
Western marsh harrier Circus aeruginosus
Eastern marsh harrier Circus spilonotus(A)
Pallid harrier Circus macrourusNear-threatened
Pied harrier Circus melanoleucos(A)
Montagu's harrier Circus pygargus(A)
Black kite Milvus migrans
Brahminy kite Haliastur indus
White-bellied sea eagle Icthyophaga leucogaster
Grey-faced buzzard Butastur indicus
Long-legged buzzard Buteo rufinus(A)
Common buzzard Buteo buteo

Barn owls

Order: Strigiformes   Family: Tytonidae

Andaman masked owl Andaman Masked Owl SS.jpg
Andaman masked owl

Barn owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons.

Common nameBinomialComments
Eastern barn owl Tyto javanica
Andaman masked owl Tyto deroepstorffi(E)

Owls

Order: Strigiformes   Family: Strigidae

Oriental scops owl Oriental Scops-Owl (Walden's) Otus sunia modestus, Andamans 3.jpg
Oriental scops owl

The typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk.

Common nameBinomialComments
Brown boobook Ninox scutulata
Hume's boobook Ninox obscura(E)
Andaman boobook Ninox affinis(E)
Andaman scops owl Otus balli(E)
Oriental scops owl Otus sunia
Nicobar scops owl Otus alius(E) Near-threatened

Hoopoes

Order: Bucerotiformes   Family: Upupidae

Eurasian hoopoe Upupa epops, Sand Bath.jpg
Eurasian hoopoe

Hoopoes have black, white and orangey-pink colouring with a large erectile crest on their head. There is one species which occurs on the islands.

Common nameBinomialComments
Eurasian hoopoe Upupa epops

Hornbills

Order: Bucerotiformes   Family: Bucerotidae

Hornbills are a group of birds whose bill is shaped like a cow's horn, but without a twist, sometimes with a casque on the upper mandible. Frequently, the bill is brightly colored.

Common nameBinomialComments
Narcondam hornbill Rhyticeros narcondami(E); Vulnerable

Rollers

Order: Coraciiformes   Family: Coraciidae

Oriental dollarbird Oriental Dollarbird takhaabdng.jpg
Oriental dollarbird

Rollers resemble crows in size and build, but are more closely related to the kingfishers and bee-eaters. They share the colourful appearance of those groups with blues and browns predominating. The two inner front toes are connected at the base, but the outer toe is not. There are three species (depending on taxonomy followed) which have been recorded on the islands.

Common nameBinomialComments
Indochinese roller Coracias affinis
European roller Coracias garrulus
Oriental dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis

Kingfishers

Order: Coraciiformes   Family: Alcedinidae

Black-backed dwarf kingfisher 008 Black-backed dwarf kingfisher.jpg
Black-backed dwarf kingfisher

Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs and stubby tails. There are 9 species which have been recorded on the islands.

Common nameBinomialComments
Stork-billed kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis
Ruddy kingfisher Halcyon coromanda
White-throated kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis
Black-capped kingfisher Halcyon pileataVulnerable
Collared kingfisher Todiramphus chloris
Blue-eared kingfisher Alcedo meninting
Common kingfisher Alcedo atthis
Black-backed dwarf kingfisher Ceyx erithacaNear-threatened
Pied kingfisher Ceryle rudis

Bee-eaters

Order: Coraciiformes   Family: Meropidae

Chestnut-headed bee-eater Chestnut-headed Bee-eater (Merops leschenaulti), Munnar, Kerala, India.jpg
Chestnut-headed bee-eater

The bee-eaters are a group of near passerine birds in the family Meropidae. Most species are found in Africa but others occur in southern Europe, Madagascar, Australia and New Guinea. They are characterised by richly coloured plumage, slender bodies and usually elongated central tail feathers. All are colourful and have long downturned bills and pointed wings, which give them a swallow-like appearance when seen from afar. There are 4 species which have been recorded on the islands.

Common nameBinomialComments
Asian green bee-eater Merops orientalis
Blue-cheeked bee-eater Merops persicus
Blue-tailed bee-eater Merops philippinus
Chestnut-headed bee-eater Merops leschenaulti

Woodpeckers

Order: Piciformes   Family: Picidae

Andaman woodpecker Andaman woodpecker, Andaman islands 2.jpg
Andaman woodpecker

Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks.

Common nameBinomialComments
Eurasian wryneck Jynx torquilla
Fulvous-breasted woodpecker Dendrocopos macei
Freckle-breasted woodpecker Dendrocopos analis
Andaman woodpecker Dryocopus hodgei(E) Vulnerable
Common flameback Dinopium javanense

Caracaras and falcons

Order: Falconiformes   Family: Falconidae

Saker falcon Falco cherrug (Marek Szczepanek).jpg
Saker falcon

Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons. There are five species which have been recorded on the islands.

Common nameBinomialComments
Lesser kestrel Falco naumanni
Common kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Amur falcon Falco amurensis
Saker falcon Falco cherrugEndangered
Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus

Old World parrots

Order: Psittaciformes   Family: Psittaculidae

Vernal hanging parrot Vernal Hanging-Parrot by Tisha Mukherjee 04.jpg
Vernal hanging parrot

Characteristic features of parrots include a strong curved bill, an upright stance, strong legs, and clawed zygodactyl feet. Many parrots are vividly coloured, and some are multi-coloured. In size they range from 8 cm (3.1 in) to 1 m (3.3 ft) in length. Old World parrots are found from Africa east across south and southeast Asia and Oceania to Australia and New Zealand.

Common nameBinomialComments
Red-breasted parakeet Psittacula alexandriNear-threatened
Long-tailed parakeet Psittacula longicaudaVulnerable
Alexandrine parakeet Psittacula eupatriaNear-threatened
Rose-ringed parakeet Psittacula krameri
Nicobar parakeet Psittacula caniceps(E) Near-threatened
Vernal hanging parrot Loriculus vernalis

Pittas

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Pittidae

Blue-winged pitta Pitta moluccensis - Kaeng Krachan.jpg
Blue-winged pitta

Pittas are medium-sized by passerine standards and are stocky, with fairly long, strong legs, short tails and stout bills. Many are brightly coloured. They spend the majority of their time on wet forest floors, eating snails, insects and similar invertebrates.

Common nameBinomialComments
Blue pitta Hydrornis cyanea(A)
Blue-winged pitta Pitta moluccensis(A)
Western hooded pitta Pitta sordida
Nicobar hooded pitta Pitta abbotti(E)

Woodswallows, butcherbirds, and peltops

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Artamidae

The woodswallows are soft-plumaged, somber-coloured passerine birds. They are smooth, agile flyers with moderately large, semi-triangular wings.

Common nameBinomialComments
White-breasted woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus

Cuckooshrikes

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Campephagidae

Orange minivet Pericrocotus flammeus -Sri Lanka -female-8a.jpg
Orange minivet

The cuckooshrikes are small to medium-sized passerine birds. They are predominantly greyish with white and black, although some species are brightly colored.

Common nameBinomialComments
Small minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus
Orange minivet Pericrocotus flammeus
Scarlet minivet Pericrocotus speciosus
Ashy minivet Pericrocotus divaricatus(A)
Swinhoe's minivet Pericrocotus cantonensis(A)
Indian cuckooshrike Coracina macei
Oriental cuckooshrike Coracina javensis
Andaman cuckooshrike Coracina dobsoni(E) Near-threatened
Pied triller Lalage nigra
Black-winged cuckooshrike Lalage melaschistos

Whistlers and allies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Pachycephalidae

The family Pachycephalidae includes the whistlers, shrikethrushes, and some of the pitohuis. There is one species which occurs on the islands.

Common nameBinomialComments
Mangrove whistler Pachycephala cinerea

Figbirds, orioles, and turnagra

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Oriolidae

Black-naped oriole Black-naped Oriole eyeing on Lannea coromandelica fruits W IMG 7449.jpg
Black-naped oriole

The Old World orioles are colourful passerine birds. They are not related to the New World orioles. There are four species which have been recorded on the islands.

Common nameBinomialComments
Black-hooded oriole Oriolus xanthornus
Indian golden oriole Oriolus kundoo
Black-naped oriole Oriolus chinensis
Slender-billed oriole Oriolus tenuirostris

Drongos

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Dicruridae

Andaman drongo Andaman Drongo (Dicrurus andamanensis) in tree (cropped).jpg
Andaman drongo

The drongos are mostly black or dark grey in color, sometimes with metallic tints. They have long forked tails, and some Asian species have elaborate tail decorations. They have short legs and sit very upright when perched, like a shrike. They flycatch or take prey from the ground.

Common nameBinomialComments
Crow-billed drongo Dicrurus annectens(A)
Greater racket-tailed drongo Dicrurus paradiseus
Andaman drongo Dicrurus andamanensis
Ashy drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus(A)
Black drongo Dicrurus macrocercus

Monarchs

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Monarchidae

Amur paradise flycatcher Amur Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone incei) - Lip Kee (3).jpg
Amur paradise flycatcher

The monarch flycatchers are small to medium-sized insectivorous passerines which hunt by flycatching. There are four species which have been recorded on the islands.

Common nameBinomialComments
Black-naped monarch Hypothymis azurea
Indian paradise flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi
Blyth's paradise flycatcher Terpsiphone affinis
Amur paradise flycatcher Terpsiphone incei(A)

Shrikes

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Laniidae

Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A typical shrike's beak is hooked, like a bird of prey.

Common nameBinomialComments
Brown shrike Lanius cristatus

Crows and jays

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Corvidae

Grey treepie Grey treepies (Dendrocitta formosae himalayana) Pokhara.jpg
Grey treepie

The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence.

Common nameBinomialComments
Grey treepie Dendrocitta formosae
Andaman treepie Dendrocitta bayleii(E); vulnerable
House crow Corvus splendens(I)
Large-billed crow Corvus macrorhynchos
Eastern jungle crow Corvus levaillantii
Indian jungle crow Corvus culminatus

Fairy flycatchers

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Stenostiridae

Most of the species of this small family are found in Africa, though a few inhabit tropical Asia. They are not closely related to other birds called "flycatchers".

Common nameBinomialComments
Grey-headed canary-flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis

Tits and chickadees

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Paridae

The Paridae are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects.

Common nameBinomialComments
Cinereous tit Parus cinereus

Larks

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Alaudidae

Oriental skylark Oriental Skylark by Tisha Mukherjee 02.jpg
Oriental skylark

Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds.

Common nameBinomialComments
Oriental skylark Alauda gulgula
Mongolian short-toed lark Calandrella dukhunensis
Greater short-toed lark Calandrella brachydactyla

Bulbuls

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Pycnonotidae

Red-vented bulbul Red-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer humayuni).jpg
Red-vented bulbul

Bulbuls are medium-sized songbirds. Some are colourful with yellow, red or orange vents, cheeks, throats or supercilia, but most are drab, with uniform olive-brown to black plumage. Some species have distinct crests.

Common nameBinomialComments
Nicobar bulbul Ixos nicobariensis(E); Near-threatened
Andaman bulbul Brachypodius fuscoflavescens(E)
Red-whiskered bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus
Red-vented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer

Swallows and martins

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Hirundinidae

Pacific swallow Hirundo tahitica (Brunei) 08.jpg
Pacific swallow

The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base.

Common nameBinomialComments
Sand martin Riparia riparia
Pale martin Riparia diluta
Barn swallow Hirundo rustica
Pacific swallow Hirundo tahitica
Asian house martin Delichon dasypus
Eastern red-rumped swallow Cecropis daurica

Cettia bush warblers and allies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Cettiidae

Cettiidae is a family of small insectivorous songbirds. It contains the typical bush warblers (Cettia) and their relatives. Its members occur mainly in Asia and Africa, ranging into Oceania and Europe.

Common nameBinomialComments
Pale-footed bush warbler Hemitesia pallidipes

Leaf warblers and allies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Phylloscopidae

Sakhalin leaf warbler Sakhalin Leaf-warbler.jpg
Sakhalin leaf warbler

Leaf warblers are a family of small insectivorous birds found mostly in Eurasia and ranging into Wallacea and Africa. The species are of various sizes, often green-plumaged above and yellow below, or more subdued with grayish-green to grayish-brown colors.

Common nameBinomialComments
Hume's leaf warbler Phylloscopus humei
Yellow-browed warbler Phylloscopus inornatus
Tickell's leaf warbler Phylloscopus affinis(A)
Dusky warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus
Willow warbler Phylloscopus trochilus(A)
Green warbler Phylloscopus nitidus
Two-barred warbler Phylloscopus plumbeitarsus(A)
Greenish warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides
Large-billed leaf warbler Phylloscopus magnirostris
Pale-legged leaf warbler Phylloscopus tenellipes(A)
Sakhalin leaf warbler Phylloscopus borealoides(A)
Arctic warbler Phylloscopus borealis(A)

Reed warblers, Grauer's warbler, and allies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Acrocephalidae

Thick-billed warbler Thick-billed Warbler by Tisha Mukherjee 02.jpg
Thick-billed warbler

The members of this family are usually rather large for "warblers". Most are rather plain olivaceous brown above with much yellow to beige below. They are usually found in open woodland, reedbeds, or tall grass. The family occurs mostly in southern to western Eurasia and surroundings, but it also ranges far into the Pacific, with some species in Africa.

Common nameBinomialComments
Oriental reed warbler Acrocephalus orientalis
Clamorous reed warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus
Black-browed reed warbler Acrocephalus bistrigiceps
Blyth's reed warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum
Thick-billed warbler Arundinax aedon
Booted warbler Iduna caligata

Grassbirds and allies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Locustellidae

Pallas's grasshopper warbler Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler by Tisha Mukherjee 09.jpg
Pallas's grasshopper warbler

Locustellidae are a family of small insectivorous songbirds found mainly in Eurasia, Africa, and the Australian region. They are smallish birds with tails that are usually long and pointed, and tend to be drab brownish or buffy all over.

Common nameBinomialComments
Pallas's grasshopper warbler Helopsaltes certhiola
Lanceolated warbler Locustella lanceolata

Cisticolas and allies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Cisticolidae

The cisticolas are warblers found mainly in warmer southern regions of the Old World. They are generally very small birds of drab brown or grey appearance found in open country such as grassland or scrub.

Common nameBinomialComments
Zitting cisticola Cisticola juncidis

White-eyes

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Zosteropidae

The white-eyes are small and mostly undistinguished, their plumage above being generally some dull colour like greenish-olive, but some species have a white or bright yellow throat, breast or lower parts, and several have buff flanks. As their name suggests, many species have a white ring around each eye.

Common nameBinomialComments
Indian white-eye Zosterops palpebrosus

Fairy-bluebirds

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Irenidae

Asian fairy-bluebird Asian fairy-bluebird Kotagiri 4.jpg
Asian fairy-bluebird

The fairy-bluebirds are bulbul-like birds of open forest or thorn scrub. The males are dark-blue and the females a duller green. There is one species which occurs on the islands.

Common nameBinomialComments
Asian fairy-bluebird Irena puella

Starlings and rhabdornis

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Sturnidae

White-headed starling White-headed starling (Sturnia erythropygia) May 2013 Neil Island Andaman.jpg
White-headed starling

Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. Their flight is strong and direct and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country. They eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen.

Common nameBinomialComments
Asian glossy starling Aplonis panayensis
Common hill myna Gracula religiosa
Jungle myna Acridotheres fuscus(I)
Common myna Acridotheres tristis(I)
Daurian starling Agropsar sturninus
Chestnut-cheeked starling Agropsar philippensis(A)
White-headed starling Sturnia erythropygia(E)
Rosy starling Pastor roseus
Common starling Sturnus vulgaris

Thrushes

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Turdidae

Chinese blackbird Chinese Blackbird, Zhengzhou, Henan, China 09.jpg
Chinese blackbird

The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs.

Common nameBinomialComments
Orange-headed thrush Geokichla citrina
Siberian thrush Geokichla sibirica
Scaly thrush Zoothera dauma
Chinese blackbird Turdus mandarinus(A)
Eyebrowed thrush Turdus obscurus

Chats and Old World flycatchers

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Muscicapidae

Zappey's flycatcher Zappey's Flycatcher, Cyanoptila cumatilis,Xiaolongmen National Forest Park, Beijing, China.jpg
Zappey's flycatcher
Mugimaki flycatcher Ficedula mugimaki 2 - Khao Yai.jpg
Mugimaki flycatcher

Old World flycatchers are a large group of small passerine birds native to the Old World. They are mainly small arboreal insectivores. The appearance of these birds is highly varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls.

Common nameBinomialComments
Oriental magpie-robin Copsychus saularis
White-rumped shama Copsychus malabaricus
Andaman shama Copsychus albiventris(E)
Dark-sided flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica
Asian brown flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica
Grey-streaked flycatcher Muscicapa griseisticta(A)
Ferruginous flycatcher Muscicapa ferruginea
Tickell's blue flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae
Blue-throated blue flycatcher Cyornis rubeculoides
Nicobar jungle flycatcher Cyornis nicobaricus(E); near threatened
Blue-and-white flycatcher Cyanoptila cyanomelana(A)
Zappey's flycatcher Cyanoptila cumatilis(A) Near-threatened
Verditer flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus
Siberian blue robin Larvivora cyane(A)
Bluethroat Luscinia svecica
Siberian rubythroat Calliope calliope
Blue-fronted robin Cinclidium frontale
Yellow-rumped flycatcher Ficedula zanthopygia(A)
Mugimaki flycatcher Ficedula mugimaki
Taiga flycatcher Ficedula albicilla
Red-breasted flycatcher Ficedula parva
Blue-fronted redstart Phoenicurus frontalis
Blue rock thrush Monticola solitarius
Siberian stonechat Saxicola maurus
Amur stonechat Saxicola stejnegeri

Flowerpeckers

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Dicaeidae

Andaman flowerpecker Andaman Flowerpecer.png
Andaman flowerpecker

The flowerpeckers are very small, stout, often brightly coloured birds, with short tails, short thick curved bills and tubular tongues.

Common nameBinomialComments
Pale-billed flowerpecker Dicaeum erythrorhynchos
Plain flowerpecker Dicaeum minullum
Andaman flowerpecker Dicaeum virescens(E)

Sunbirds

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Nectariniidae

Ornate sunbird Ornate Sunbird (Olive-backed Sunbird), Andamans 3.jpg
Ornate sunbird

The sunbirds and spiderhunters are very small passerine birds which feed largely on nectar, although they will also take insects, especially when feeding young. Flight is fast and direct on their short wings. Most species can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, but usually perch to feed.

Common nameBinomialComments
Ornate sunbird Cinnyris ornatus
Crimson sunbird Aethopyga siparaja

Old World sparrows and snowfinches

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Passeridae

Sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or grey birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed eaters, but they also consume small insects.

Common nameBinomialComments
House sparrow Passer domesticus(I)
Eurasian tree sparrow Passer montanusExtirpated

Waxbills, munias, and allies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Estrildidae

Red avadavat Red avadavat (Amandava amandava) 9720.jpg
Red avadavat

The estrildid finches are small passerine birds of the Old World tropics and Australasia. They are gregarious and often colonial seed eaters with short thick but pointed bills. They are all similar in structure and habits, but have wide variation in plumage colours and patterns.

Common nameBinomialComments
Scaly-breasted munia Lonchura punctulata
White-rumped munia Lonchura striata
Red avadavat Amandava amandavaExtirpated

Wagtails and pipits

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Motacillidae

Richard's pipit Anthus richardi - Laem Pak Bia.jpg
Richard's pipit

Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country.

Common nameBinomialComments
Forest wagtail Dendronanthus indicus
Western yellow wagtail Motacilla flava
Eastern yellow wagtail Motacilla tschutschensis
Citrine wagtail Motacilla citreola
Grey wagtail Motacilla cinerea
White wagtail Motacilla alba
Richard's pipit Anthus richardi
Paddyfield pipit Anthus rufulus
Blyth's pipit Anthus godlewskii
Red-throated pipit Anthus cervinus

Finches and euphonias

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Fringillidae

Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well.

Common nameBinomialComments
Common rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus(A)

Buntings

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Emberizidae

Yellow-breasted bunting Yellow-breasted bunting in Nepal 02 -Cropped.jpg
Yellow-breasted bunting

The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with distinctively shaped bills. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns.

Common nameBinomialComments
Ortolan bunting Emberiza hortulana(A)
Chestnut-eared bunting Emberiza fucata
Little bunting Emberiza pusilla
Yellow-browed bunting Emberiza chrysophrys(A)
Yellow-breasted bunting Emberiza aureola(A) Critically endangered
Chestnut bunting Emberiza rutila
Black-headed bunting Emberiza melanocephala
Black-faced bunting Emberiza spodocephala

References

  1. "State Symbols of India". wiienvis.nic.in. Archived from the original on 2025-03-04. Retrieved 2025-04-12.
  2. 1 2 "Andaman and Nicobar bird checklist - Avibase - Bird Checklists of the World". avibase.bsc-eoc.org. Retrieved 2025-04-12.
  3. "Bird List - Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India - eBird". ebird.org. 2025-04-10. Retrieved 2025-04-12.
  4. "IOC World Bird List – Version 14.2". www.worldbirdnames.org. Retrieved 2025-04-12.
  5. Prince, Mike (2020-05-30). "Checklist of the Birds of Andaman and Nicobar Islands". Bubo Birding. Retrieved 2025-04-12.
  6. "Observations". iNaturalist. Retrieved 2025-04-14.
  7. Grimmett, Richard; Inskipp, Carol; Inskipp, Tim (1998). Birds of the Indian subcontinent. Helm identification guides. London: C. Helm, A & C Black. ISBN   978-0-7136-4004-5.
  8. Kumar, S. Rajesh. "An apparently new species of Rallina crake from Great Nicobar Island, India, BirdingASIA 17: 44-46". Birding Asia.
  9. "Avifauna of Andaman and Nicobar Islands: A review". ResearchGate. Archived from the original on 2024-11-10. Retrieved 2025-04-13.