Despite carrying the name of Manipur, the species has historically been associated with a wider belt extending through parts of Manipur, Assam and the adjoining northeastern grassland landscape. Its extremely secretive habits, combined with massive losses of its original grassland habitat, have made it one of the most difficult Indian birds to study.
The Masked Finfoot has since undergone catastrophic decline across much of Asia. It was upgraded to Critically Endangered in 2022, and the eastern Sundarbans of Bangladesh are now considered its most important surviving stronghold.
Small, stocky and unusually active during daylight, the Forest Owlet was once feared to have disappeared forever. After going unrecorded for 113 years, it was dramatically rediscovered in northern Maharashtra in 1997. Subsequent surveys have established surviving populations in parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, but its distribution remains highly fragmented and restricted.
The gesture renews a little-known connection between India and the famous peacocks that have for decades roamed freely through Ariana Park, the sprawling green estate surrounding the UN’s European headquarters in Geneva.
The species was first noticed in Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary in January 1995, but its identity remained uncertain for more than a decade. It was formally described as a new species in 2006 by astronomer and naturalist Ramana Athreya, after detailed observations showed that its plumage, size and vocalisations differed from other known liocichlas.
In India, the species is now principally associated with eastern Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the river systems around Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Kamlang Tiger Reserve and the Lohit Valley. Its dependence on relatively undisturbed, free-flowing rivers makes the White-bellied Heron especially vulnerable to changes in river habitats.
Jerdon’s Courser belongs to the family Glareolidae, which includes coursers and pratincoles. It is the only member of the genus Rhinoptilus occurring in India; the other members of the genus are found in Africa.
The Lesser Florican is known by several regional names. In parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan, it is commonly called Kharmor, Khamor, Tanmor or the “grass peacock,” names inspired by the male’s extraordinary monsoon display. The bird belongs to the family Otididae, which also includes the Great Indian Bustard and Bengal Florican.
For much of the year, the Bengal Florican remains hidden among tall grasses. During the breeding season, however, the male transforms the quiet grassland into a dramatic stage. He rises above the vegetation in a sudden display flight, revealing bright white wings against a glossy black body before descending into his territory. This unforgettable performance has made the bird one of the most celebrated symbols of the Terai and Brahmaputra floodplain ecosystems.
