Image by Mathew Schwartz, Unsplash
Madarihat is a beautiful place located at the foothills of the Eastern Himalaya in the Alipurduar District. It is known for its spectacular Jaldapara National Park, which is spread over an area of 217 km² along the Torsa River. The park was declared a sanctuary for the protection of different types of flora and fauna in 1941.
Jaldapara National Park in West Bengal is home to the largest population of endangered Indian one-horned rhinoceroses. It is also a Category IV habitat management area. There is an elephant corridor that runs through the adjacent Chilapata Forests between Jaldapara and the Buxa Tiger Reserve. The national park is also a famous birdwatching destination with 240 different species of birds of Jaldapara National Park that can be observed by visitors.
The expansive and varied vegetation throughout the park provides a welcoming habitat for a diverse array of bird species. Among these, the two predominant types are woodlanders and water birds. Additionally, Jaldapara National Park serves as a winter refuge for migratory birds escaping harsher climates. The park is also home to several endangered species, making it a critical hub for conservation efforts.
The lush, sprawling forests of Jaldapara provide a haven for abundant avian species. Among the treetops, you will find a dazzling array of woodland birds, including the majestic Great Hornbill. With their vibrant plumage and melodic songs, Green Pigeons, Barbets, Parakeets, Woodpeckers, Cuckoos, Orioles, Drongos, Babblers, and Thrushes make their homes among the diverse trees and lush shrubs. Jaldapara is home to countless species of Woodland birds, each one more fascinating than the last.
Woodland birds of Jaldapara National Park
Cuckoos
These birds are brood parasites, meaning they lay their eggs in the nests of other birds. The cuckoo chick then hatches and is raised by the foster parents. Some cuckoos in Jaldapara include the Common Hawk-Cuckoo, the Asian Koel, and the Pied Cuckoo. Grey-bellied Cuckoo, Large Hawk Cuckoo, Common Hawk Cuckoo, Indian Cuckoo.
Woodpeckers
These birds are known for their long, pointed bills that they use to drill holes in trees. Woodpeckers are insectivores, and they play an important role in forest ecosystems by helping to control insect populations. Some of the woodpeckers in Jaldapara include the Greater Yellownape Woodpecker, the Lesser Golden-backed Woodpecker, and the Rufous Woodpecker.
Green Pigeon
The plump green pigeons are arboreal frugivores, which means they eat fruit and spend much of their time in trees. India is home to multiple kinds of green pigeons, such as the Imperial Green Pigeon, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, and Orange-breasted Green Pigeon.
Hornbills
Did you know that hornbills are fascinating birds with large, casque-like bills? Unfortunately, the Great Hornbill, one of the largest hornbill species in the world, is currently endangered due to habitat loss and hunting. It's unfortunate to see such a magnificent creature suffer in this way.
Barbets
These brightly coloured birds are known for their long, wispy beards. They are insectivores, meaning they eat insects. Some barbets found in Jaldapara include the Coppersmith Barbet, the Crimson-breasted Barbet, and the Lineated Barbet.
Orioles
These brightly coloured birds are known for their beautiful songs. Orioles are frugivores and play an essential role in forest ecosystems by dispersing seeds. Some of the orioles found in Jaldapara include the Black-headed Oriole, the Maroon Oriole, and the Golden Oriole.
Drongos
These black birds are renowned for their skill in imitating other birds' cries and for their spectacular acrobatic performances. As insectivores, drongos contribute significantly to the ecosystems of forests by assisting in the management of insect populations. In Jaldapara, the Black Drongo is the most prevalent species of Drongo.
Babblers
Did you know that babblers are social birds that often move around in noisy flocks? These amazing creatures play a vital role in forest ecosystems by controlling insect populations. It's amazing how they help maintain a balance in nature. The Jungle Babbler is the most commonly found in Jaldapara.
Thrushes
These medium-sized birds are known for their beautiful songs. Thrushes are omnivores, and they eat a variety of fruits, insects, and worms. The Grey-winged Blackbird is a common thrush found in Jaldapara.
Water Birds of Jaldapara National Park
Water birds, as the name implies, have adapted to live in or near bodies of water. Although there is no strict scientific classification for "water bird," it is a general term encompassing birds with specific traits that help them thrive in aquatic environments. Some common examples of water birds include large and small cormorants, Indian shags, darters, egrets, lesser adjutant storks, pied wagtails, spur-winged lapwings, moorhens, and white-breasted waterhens. During the winter, Brahminy ducks, whistling teals, and goosanders are among the birds that migrate to these areas.
Endangered Birds of Jaldapara National Park
There is also a range of endangered birds in Jaldapara, birds such as the Bengal Florican, Great Hornbill, Black Partridge, Shaheen Falcon, Forest Eagle-Owl, Large Green-billed Malkoha, and White-rumped Vulture. Most of these birds are on the IUCN Red list, which means they are critically endangered. Too much deforestation and fragmentation is a primary cause of the loss of habitat for these birds. Some of these birds are being hunted for medicine making. The humanization of forests is making these species leave their natural habitat, which causes the mass death of these birds. Necessary steps for the conservation of these birds are being taken by the government by controlling deforestation, hunting poachers, and protecting old forest lands.
During winter, Jaldapara is a popular destination for migratory birds seeking refuge from the harsh northern cold. We've put together a list of some of the potential migratory visitors to Jaldapara based on available information and typical migration patterns in the region.
Regular winter visitors to Indian wetlands include ducks such as the Bar-headed Goose, regular Teal, and Eurasian Wigeon.
Raptors, Long-distance migrations between breeding and wintering areas are a characteristic of some prey birds, such as the Short-toed Snake Eagle.
It is important to recognize the significance of places like Jaldapara, which houses diverse birds, animals, flora, and fauna. The survival of our ecosystem is heavily reliant on the protection and conservation of such places. As responsible citizens, we must pledge to preserve these natural treasures so that we can continue to live in a breathtaking world surrounded by the beauty of nature.
