Birds of Delhi

Contents: Preface. I. The flight of the Shikra: 1. A bird’s-eye view of Delhi. 2. Some popular birding areas. 3. Open skies, open seasons. 4. Fields notes from three typical birding trips. II. The Rogues’ gallery: 1. The birds. Index of birds featured in the Rogues’ gallery.

"Few capitals in the world are blessed with such rich and varied bird-life as Delhi. While these avian visitors and residents have always fascinated the people of this city, it is during the past few years that birdwatching has become a popular hobby among the young and old alike.

"In this delightful book, the author profiles over 150 species of birds, inviting readers from all walks of life to join him in uncovering some of the city’s most precious avian wonders—be it birds that visit your garden, or those you see in the city’s parks and woodlands; the huge rafts of wildfowl and other water-birds on the Jamuna and nearby water-bodies, or the mysterious flocks that arrive and depart during the year. Also of use to those interested, is information on what each of these birds looks like, where and when they can be found, what they eat, whether or when they breed or visit Delhi, and more.

"The book also introduces readers to various birding areas in and around Delhi, and highlights the bird-life found there. Familiar areas include the Yamuna, Okhla, Tughlaqabad, the Ridge, the Asola Sactuary, Sultanpur National Park, Badhkal lake, as well as some of Delhi’s parks and green areas: Lodhi Gardens, Buddha Jayanti Park, Deer Park, Qudsia Gardens, and the National Zoological Park to name a few.

"The 50 colour plates in the text comprise photographs of birds encountered by the author in the course of his many birdwatching expeditions. While some photographs capture rare species, others of birds more familiar to us, are no less fascinating." (jacket)