Birds
Malabar Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus)
A bold, fruit-loving bird with a giant bill and louder presence.
Seen flying across the canopy or perched high in fig trees, this striking black-and-white hornbill is a vital seed disperser in Radhanagri. Its heavy casque and echoing calls make it hard to miss. Often spotted in pairs or small groups, it’s one of the Western Ghats' most charismatic forest dwellers.
Malabar Lark (Galerida malabarica)
A ground-dwelling songbird with a spiky crest and sweet call.
Often seen in open grasslands and scrubby patches around Radhanagri, this small brown lark is known for its melodious tunes and upright crest. It blends with the earth tones of its habitat and sings cheerfully during early mornings, adding music to the wild silence.
White-bellied Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis pallipes)
A shy blue songbird hidden in the dense undergrowth.
Endemic to the Western Ghats, this tiny flycatcher brings a splash of blue to the shadows of Radhanagri’s evergreen forests. The male’s rich blue upperparts and clear calls make it a delight for birdwatchers. It flits swiftly through low branches, hunting insects mid-air.
Forest Wagtail (Dendronanthus indicus)
A graceful migrant that walks with a rhythmic wag.
This slender wagtail visits Radhanagri’s forests during winter, where it forages quietly on the forest floor. Unlike other wagtails, it wags its tail side to side, not up and down — a unique move that makes it stand out. Calm, alert, and always on the move.
White-cheeked Barbet (Megalaima viridis)
A green-framed fruit lover with a rhythmic “kutroo-kutroo” call.
Blending perfectly with the canopy of Radhanagri’s forests, this green barbet is often heard before it’s seen. Its loud, repetitive call echoes through the trees, especially during early mornings. It feeds mainly on fruits and helps in seed dispersal, playing a vital role in the forest’s health.
Nilgiri Wood Pigeon (Columba elphinstonii)
A shy forest giant with a royal purple shimmer.
Endemic to the Western Ghats and found deep in the forests of Radhanagri, this large pigeon is often seen feeding on fruits high in the canopy. With its soft cooing call and purplish-grey plumage, it adds a sense of calm and elegance to the forest. A vulnerable species, it reflects the need to protect our evergreen homes.
Grey Junglefowl (Gallus sonneratii)
A wild ancestor with a flashy look and louder crow.
Found scratching through the undergrowth of Radhanagri, this bold bird is the ancestor of the domestic chicken. Males flaunt glossy feathers with fiery yellow and orange highlights, while their crowing echoes through the forest at dawn. Ground-dwelling but alert, they bring rustic rhythm to the wild.
Malabar Whistling-Thrush (Myiophonus horsfieldii)
A forest musician known for its human-like whistle.
Often called the “Whistling Schoolboy,” this shiny blue-black thrush fills Radhanagri’s misty mornings with flute-like tunes. Found near streams and shady forest paths, it mimics notes that sound almost human. Its glowing plumage and voice make it one of the most loved birds of the Western Ghats.
