Koonthakulam Bird Sanctuary – Great Indian Birding Trip

Red-naped Ibis

Red-naped Ibis, Pseudibis papillosa, also known as Indian Black Ibis or Black Ibis is a species of birds which are normally found in the plains of the Indian Subcontinent. The Red-naped Ibis is similar to the Glossy Ibis but is much bigger in size and has a red nape. Also the coloration is entirely different from that of the Glossy Ibis. With a good view, this species can not be mistaken with similar species.

I have seen Red-naped Ibis only in India. The first time I saw this species in 2012 from Koonthakulam Bird Sanctuary where a good number of them were present.

Spot-billed Pelican

Spot-billed Pelican, , also known as Grey Pelican is a relatively small pelican that can be seen from Pakistan – India to Indonesia. The identification of this species of pelican is comparetively easy when seen from a close proximity. The upper mandible has lot of spots on it and hence the name Spot-billed Pelican.

The first time I have seen a Spot-billed Pelican is from Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in Karnataka, India. It was in the month of Dec, 2013. One famous place where the bird can be seen very easily is the Koonthakulam Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. I have seen this species from other states of India including Kerala, Gujarat, Maharashtra, etc.

These birds normally breed in colonies and can be easily seen at Koonthakulam Bird Sanctuary and Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary where they breed in hundreds along with other waterbirds like egrets, Eurasian Spoonbills and Painted Storks.