Each state and union territory of India has a designated State Bird, representing the region's unique biodiversity. The State Birds of India range from colorful birds like the Peacock and Himalayan Monal to large birds like the Great Indian Bustard and Sarus Crane. The selection of State Birds is often based on the cultural significance and ecological importance in the region.The Indian Roller is the State Bird of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, and Odisha, making it the most commonly chosen State Bird in India.The Great Hornbill is the State Bird of Arunachal Pradesh, Kerala, and Meghalaya, highlighting the bird's significance in the culture and ecology of the region.

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State Birds of India: State-Wise List

India is home to a wide variety of birds, and each state has its own state bird. Here is a list of state birds of India along with the corresponding state:

The Union Territories of India also have their own state birds, which are as follows

India is home to a wide variety of birds, and each Union Territories has its own state bird. Here is a list of state birds of India along with the corresponding Union Terriotories

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Features of State Birds of India

There are some Indian birds, with important information given below.

Great Hornbill - Arunachal Pradesh

Great Hornbills are large birds with a distinct yellow and black curved beaks that can grow up to 30 cm in length.They are mainly found in the forests of Arunachal Pradesh and are known for their distinctive calls that can be heard from a distance.It is one the most important State bird of india.

• The Great Hornbill is an important bird in the folklore and culture of the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
• The bird is also known for its role in seed dispersal, contributing to the health and diversity of the forest ecosystem.
• Great Hornbills are a protected species in India due to their declining population.
• Their conservation status is 'Near Threatened,' and efforts are being made to protect their habitats and promote conservation.

House Sparrow - Bihar

House Sparrows are small, common birds that are found in urban and rural areas all over the world.They are known for their distinctive chirping and chattering calls..

• They build their nests in trees, buildings, and other structures, using twigs and grass.
• The House Sparrow is an important cultural and religious symbol in India, associated with the deity Goddess Gowri.
• House Sparrows are an important part of India's natural heritage and play an important role in pollination and seed dispersal.

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Hill Myna - Chhattisgarh

Hill Mynas are medium-sized birds with distinctive black bodies, bright yellow beaks, and yellow eye patches.They are mainly found in the forests and hills of Chhattisgarh and other parts of India.It is one the most important State bird of india.

• Hill Mynas are known for their ability to mimic human speech and sounds, making them popular as pets.
• The bird is an important cultural and religious symbol in India and is associated with the Hindu god Lord Vishnu.
• The Hill Myna is a protected species in India due to its declining population.
• The bird's ability to mimic human speech and sounds make it a favorite among bird lovers and pet owners.

Greater Flamingo – Gujarat

Scientific name: Phoenicopterus roseus. It has been the state bird of Gujarat since 1960.It is a migratory bird that can be found in large numbers in the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.

• It is a large bird with a wingspan of up to 5 feet and a height of up to 4 feet.
• It has a distinctive pink color due to the presence of a pigment called carotenoids in its diet.
• It is listed as a species of "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
• The Greater Flamingo has been designated as the national bird of the Bahamas.

Western Tragopan – Himachal Pradesh

Scientific name: Tragopan melanocephalus. It has been the state bird of Himachal Pradesh since 2007.It has a distinctive appearance, with a bright red head and white-spotted black feathers on the wings and tail.It is one the most important State bird of india.

• It is found in the western Himalayas, mainly in the dense forests of Himachal Pradesh.
• It feeds on a variety of plants, insects, and small animals.
• It is listed as a species of "Vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss and hunting.
• The Himachal Pradesh government has taken several conservation measures to protect the bird, including the establishment of a Tragopan sanctuary.

Indian Roller – Karnataka

Scientific name: Coracias benghalensis. It has been the state bird of Karnataka.It has a distinctive appearance, with a bright blue body, brown wings, and a forked tail.

• It is listed as a species of "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
• The bird is known for its acrobatic displays, which involve rolling in the air during courtship or territorial displays.

Paradise Flycatcher- Madhya Pradesh

The Paradise Flycatcher is also known as the "Palash" in Madhya Pradesh.It is a small bird with long tail feathers and a white body with black markings.The Paradise Flycatcher is known for its elaborate courtship displays, which include acrobatic flights and flapping of its long tail feathers.

• In Madhya Pradesh, the Paradise Flycatcher is considered a symbol of beauty and grace.
• The Paradise Flycatcher is known for its melodious and distinctive whistling song.
• In Hindu mythology, the Paradise Flycatcher is associated with Lord Vishnu and is believed to symbolize purity, beauty, and grace.

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Hill Myna Meghalaya

Hill Myna is also known as "Mayna" or "Indian Hill Myna" and is a member of the starling family. It is a medium-sized bird with black feathers and bright yellow or orange patches on its head and neck.It is one the most important State bird of india.

• The Hill Myna is an excellent mimic, capable of imitating a wide range of sounds, including human speech, other bird calls, and even the sounds of machinery.
• The bird is facing threats from habitat loss and illegal trade, and efforts are being made to conserve and protect its population.

Peacock – Orissa

The Peacock is also known as the Indian Peafowl and is one of the most recognizable birds in the world.It is a large and colorful bird with metallic blue-green feathers and a long, fan-shaped tail with colorful eye spots.

• Peacocks are found throughout India, and Orissa is home to a large population of these birds.
• In Orissa, the Peacock is associated with Lord Jagannath and is considered a sacred bird.

Indian Bustard – Rajasthan

It is also known as Great Indian Bustard.One of the heaviest flying birds in the world, weighing up to 15 kg.Males have a distinctive black cap and brownish-grey plumage, while females are smaller and have a more uniform brownish-grey color.It is one the most important State bird of india.

• Endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.
• Found in the Thar desert and grasslands of Rajasthan.
• Listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of India.
• Considered a flagship species for grassland conservation.

Emerald Dove – Tamil Nadu

It is also known as Green Dove or Green-winged Pigeon.Medium-sized bird with distinctive greenish-bronze plumage and a bluish-grey head and neck.

• Found in forests, woodlands, and plantations across South and Southeast Asia.
• Known for its distinctive, slow, and repetitive 'hoo-hoo' call.
• Considered a symbol of peace and love in some cultures.

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Green Imperial Pigeon – Tripura

It is also known as Malay Green Pigeon.Large pigeon with a distinctive bright green plumage and a white-tipped tail.

• Found in tropical and subtropical forests across South and Southeast Asia.
• Considered a species of least concern by the IUCN.

Sarus Crane – Uttar Pradesh

One of the tallest flying birds in the world, standing up to 6 feet tall. It has a distinctive red head and neck, a grey body, and long legs.Found in wetlands, marshes, and agricultural fields across the Indian subcontinent.

• They are considered vulnerable species due to habitat loss and hunting.
• Considered a symbol of fidelity and longevity in some cultures.

Indian Roller – Andhra Pradesh

It is also known as Blue Jay or Neelkanth.Medium-sized bird with distinctive blue and green plumage and a hooked beak.It is one the most important State bird of india.

• Found in grasslands, scrublands, and agricultural fields across the Indian subcontinent.
• Considered a species of least concern by the IUCN.

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White-Winged Wood Duck – Assam

It is Also known as Deohanh or Siali.Large duck with distinctive white wing patches and a greyish-brown plumage.

• Found in wetlands, rivers, and tropical forests of Northeast India and Southeast Asia.
• Feeds on aquatic plants, insects, and small animals.
• They are considered vulnerable species due to habitat loss and hunting.

Flame-Throated Bulbul – Goa

It is one the most important State bird of india.Small, colorful bird with a bright red-orange throat and a black crest.

• Found in the Western Ghats region of India.
• Considered a near-threatened species due to habitat loss and degradation.

Black Francolin – Haryana

It is also known as Kaala Teetar.Medium-sized bird with distinctive black and brown plumage and a white cheek patch.

• Found in grasslands, agricultural fields, and scrublands across the Indian subcontinent.
• Protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of India.
• Considered a species of least concern by the IUCN.

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Koel – Jharkhand

It is also known as the Indian Cuckoo or Eudynamys scolopacea.Medium-sized bird with distinctive black and grey plumage and a red eye.

• Found in forests, woodlands, and gardens across the Indian subcontinent.
• They are considered a pest bird in some areas due to their habit of laying eggs in other birds' nests.

Great Hornbill – Kerala

The great Hornbill is a large bird with a distinctive curved bill.It is predominantly black with white markings on the wings and tail.These birds are found in the dense forests of the Western Ghats and other hilly areas of Kerala.

• Great Hornbills are omnivorous and feed on fruits, small animals, insects, and reptiles.
• These birds are vulnerable to habitat loss and hunting and are listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.
• Great Hornbills have a loud and distinctive call, which is often heard in the forest.

Green Imperial Pigeon – Maharashtra

Green Imperial Pigeon is a large, colorful bird found in the forested areas of Maharashtra.

They have bright green plumage with a distinctive white patch on the neck.It is one the most important State bird of india.

• These birds are primarily fruit-eaters and play an important role in seed dispersal.
• These birds are not considered endangered but are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation.
• They are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

 Blyth's Tragopan – Nagaland

Blyth's Tragopan is a brightly colored pheasant found in the forests of Nagaland.They have distinctive red and black plumage with white spots and a blue face.These birds are found in the dense undergrowth of the forest and are difficult to spot.

• These birds are considered endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.
• They are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

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Northern Goshawk – Punjab

The Northern Goshawk is a medium-sized bird of prey found in Punjab.These birds have a broad wingspan and short, robust legs with sharp talons that help them catch prey.It is one the most important State bird of india.

• The population of Northern Goshawks in Punjab is threatened due to habitat loss and hunting.
• These birds are highly valued for their feathers and are also hunted for sport in some areas.
• Northern Goshawks are a symbol of strength and power in Punjabi culture.

Blood Pheasant Sikkim:

The Blood Pheasant is a bird species found in the mountainous regions of Sikkim.These birds are characterized by their red blood-like plumage, which helps them blend in with their surroundings.

• Blood Pheasants are considered a symbol of good fortune and are often depicted in Tibetan art and folklore.
• Due to habitat loss and hunting, the population of Blood Pheasants in Sikkim is declining.
• The Sikkim government has taken measures to protect these birds, including creating conservation areas and implementing hunting restrictions.

 Indian Roller – Telangana

The Indian Roller is a bird species found in the grasslands and agricultural areas of Telangana.These birds are known for their distinctive blue and green plumage, which gives them a unique appearance.It is one the most important State bird of india.

• Indian Rollers are a symbol of good luck and are often associated with the monsoon season in Telangana.
• Due to habitat loss and hunting, the population of Indian Rollers in Telangana is declining.
• The Telangana government has taken steps to protect these birds, including creating protected areas and implementing conservation measures.
• The Indian Roller is the state bird of Telangana.

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Himalayan Monal – Uttarakhand

The Himalayan Monal, also known as the Impeyan Monal, is the state bird of Uttarakhand.It is a colorful bird with iridescent plumage and a distinctive crest on its head.

• It is a protected species in India and listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• The Himalayan Monal is also featured on the back of the Indian 100-rupee note.
• The population of the Himalayan Monal is declining due to habitat loss and hunting.

The White-Throated Kingfisher – West Bengal

The White-Throated Kingfisher is the state bird of West Bengal.It is a colorful bird with a blue back, wings, and tail, and a white throat and belly.It is one the most important State bird of india.

• It is widespread in India and Southeast Asia.
• The White-Throated Kingfisher is not considered threatened, as it is adaptable to different habitats and can even be found in urban areas.
• In Indian mythology, the White-Throated Kingfisher is associated with the god of love, Kamadeva.
• The White-Throated Kingfisher is often depicted in Indian art and is a popular subject for birdwatchers and photographers.

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Conclusion

India is a country rich in biodiversity, with a variety of species of birds that are found in different parts of the country. Each state in India has its own state bird, which is chosen based on its cultural, historical, and ecological significance. Some state birds are also endangered, making it important to protect their habitats and conserve their populations. Understanding the significance of these state birds can also help in creating awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation and the need for sustainable development practices. Therefore, it is important to appreciate and protect the diversity of birds in India and work towards conserving their habitats for future generations.

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