The Singer : White rumped Shama

White-rumped Shama (Copsychus malabaricus)

Take a walk in any of the forests of the state, you will come across this songster bird, often identified by its never ending melodious tunes. Often seen behind the bushes, this bird is one of the first to wake you up in the morning. Found virtually in all the forest patches, this specie is a serious contender for the award of the "best singing bird of the state".

 

Male has a long graduated tail with whitish edges. Female has a comparatively shorter and square shaped tail. Both of them derive their name from the characteristic white rump. Male has a orange breast with bluish black upper parts. Female has a duller underparts with greyish upper-parts. Juvenile bird has orangish spots with a breast having scaly appearance.

Can be seen frequently cocking the tail.

                                           Female       Location: Dhurduruchampa (Similipal)                                                    

                                          

                           

         Male           Location: Ranasa(Similipal)                                                                                                                    

 

                                             Male Bird                            Location: Balidhar (Similipal)

                                      Female Bird                            Location: Upper Barhakamuda (Similipal)

                                         Juvenile Bird                            Location: Chahala (Similipal)

A Profile of Crested Serpent Eagle

 

The commonest of the raptors in the wilderness of Odisha, the Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela) is locally name as Baza in Odia. Approximately sized between 70-75 cm,the Crested Serpent Eagle is the torchbearer of the raptor species found in the Sal forests of the state. It is so common that most of the bird watchers will invariably have one of the items as Serpent Eagle in their Bird Counts. It derives it's name from the habit of preying chiefly on Snakes apart from the regular items like lizard and other reptiles. Often starts calling with the characteristic kee-kee-kee.

It breeds between late winter and early summer. Builds its nest on the trees near streams and rivers. Nest is a platform of twigs & sticks covered with leaves. Often 1-2 eggs are seen in the nest.

One of the most friendly raptors for photographers and does not shy away from posing.

 

Following is a photographic profiling of the majestic eagle, shot in Similipal Tiger Reserve.