Pseudibis papillosa

Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary, Tadoba Andhari National Park, Kabini Backwaters

Maharashtra is a picturesque state blessed with nature. Bordered by the Western Ghats and a rich coastline, the state is a biodiversity hotspot, rich in flora, fauna and avifauna. The destination is an absolute paradise for birdwatchers and the Amravati region alone accounts for more than 171 species of birds. To the south of Bhigwan, bereft of any hills, lie the wide Ujni backwater wetlands. A shallow waste water reserve formed by the discharge of water from the Pune region dams like Panshet, Pawna, Khadakwasla, Varasgaon, Temghar, etc. This semi waste water has created an excellent wetland based ecosystem supporting a large variety of water birds, both endemic and migratory, and also helped with the local agriculture. Nearly 300 species of endemic and migratory birds have been recorded here. The rainfall in the Pune region decides the water level in Ujni dam. Lesser the water, the shallower it is and therefore more birds make it their home in the winter. 

Surrounding this lush ecosystem are the rich grasslands and fertile farms home to an impressive list of birds, mammals and reptiles. The area around these backwaters are also unique with rich farmlands and dry deciduous scrub forest with interspersed grasslands. Home to an impressive list of birds, mammals and reptiles they protect many mammals like the Chinkara, Hyena, Wolf and Indian Fox and are also popular for grassland birds and the birds of prey, including the magnificent eagles & harriers I’ve talked about in earlier blogs.

Read about the eagles & harriers of Kumbhargaon:

1. The Endangered Steppe Eagle, the Vulnerable Greater Spotted Eagle & the rare and Vulnerable Eastern Imperial Eagle.

2. The beautiful Pallid Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier & Eurasian Marsh Harrier.

There are also other spectacular species like the Short-eared Owl, Spotted Owlets & the Indian Courser inhabiting the grasslands.

Read about my birds from Kumbhargaon & the Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary here and watch the videos on my Youtube channel - WildArtWorks.

But today we will spend time with the Red-naped Ibis - a medium-sized ibis with a dark body, often showing a bluish-green sheen similar to the Glossy Ibis. The crown and nape are covered in bright red warts and a white patch is usually visible near the shoulder of the wing. The bill is long and downcurved. This species can be confused with the similar-looking Glossy Ibis, but the Glossy Ibis is smaller and lacks the red warts and white shoulder patch. In flight, the legs of Red-naped Ibis don’t extend beyond the tail, unlike in the Glossy Ibis. Unlike most other ibis, the Red-naped favours drier habitats and are usually found singly or in loose groups.. 

During our time here we were hosted by and had the expert help of Sandip Nagare and his team of knowledgeable guides from the Agnipankha Bird Watcher group, especially Ganesh Bhoi, who went out of their way to ensure we had fantastic opportunities to explore, discover, observe & photograph over 82 species of birds and wildlife including some rare ones. We stayed at Sandip’s homestay of the same name and had the added pleasure of indulging in delectable home cooked food. 

Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary

The Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary is to the south of Bhigwan, where bereft of any hills, lie the wide Ujni backwater wetlands. A shallow waste water reserve formed by the discharge of water from the Pune region dams like Panshet, Pawna, Khadakwasla, Varasgaon, Temghar, etc. This semi waste water has created an excellent wetland based ecosystem supporting a large variety of water birds, both endemic and migratory, and also helped with the local agriculture. Nearly 300 species of endemic and migratory birds have been recorded here. The rainfall in the Pune region decides the water level in Ujni dam. Lesser the water, the shallower it is and therefore more birds make it their home in the winter. 

The Ujni or Ujjani Dam, also known as Bhima Dam or Bhima Irrigation Project, on the Bhima River, a tributary of the Krishna River, is an earth-fill cum Masonry gravity dam located near the Ujjani village of Madha Taluk in the Solapur district of the state of Maharashtra in India. The Bhima River, which originates in Bhimashankar of the Western Ghats, and forms the Bhima Valley with its tributary rivers and streams, has twenty-two dams built on it of which the Ujjani Dam is the terminal dam on the river and is the largest in the valley that intercepts a catchment area of 14,858 km² (which includes a free catchment of 9,766 km²). The construction of the dam project including the canal system on both banks was started in 1969 at an initial estimated cost of ₹400 million and when completed in June 1980 the cost incurred was of the order of ₹3295.85 million.

The reservoir created by the 185 feet high earth cum concrete gravity dam on the Bhima River has a gross storage capacity of 3.320 km³. The annual utilisation is 2.410 km³. The project provides multipurpose benefits of irrigation, hydroelectric power, drinking, and industrial water supply and fisheries development. The irrigation supplies benefit 500 km² of agricultural land, particularly in the Solapur district. Water supplied from the reservoir to irrigate agricultural areas primarily aims to reduce the incidence of famines and scarcity during drought conditions. The reservoir operation also lessens the threat due to floods to cities such as Pandharpur (an important religious pilgrimage centre for the Hindus). As a result of irrigation facilities, some of the important crops grown under irrigated conditions are sugarcane, wheat, millet and cotton.

This huge reservoir, almost seeming like a sea, is home to hundreds of birds - flamingos with their slender necks, egrets, painted storks, grey herons and many more. A man-made wetland, these backwaters are a winter sojourn of many migratory birds and is a mesmerising spectacle. This reservoir is one of the largest backwaters in India created by the Ujni dam. This life giving and sustaining reservoir fulfils multiple purposes - irrigation for agriculture, particularly in the Solapur district, being the primary one - but it also has rural, urban and industrial activities that are equally consuming.

Presently India has 26 sites designated as wetlands of International Importance according to Ramsar Convention. As far as Maharashtra goes, of its multiple natural and man-made reservoirs, none are designated as a Ramsar site. But according to Ramsar’s important identification criteria of population of migratory birds, the Ujni backwaters are amongst the six important wetlands of Maharashtra hosting around 250 species of migratory and resident birds ranging from the pied kingfisher, northern shoveler, bar-headed geese, great egret, painted stork, Indian cormorant, Eurasian coot, common moorhen, black-headed ibis, Asian open-bill, the list is pretty long.

With such a blessed habitat harbouring many species of flora and fauna, this wetland has tremendous benefits to the villages around it. Sufficient water for agriculture, livelihoods to many through fishing and tourism, flood control and shoreline stability are some of the aspects this wetland caters to. Though created strategically for economic development, today, the value of these wetlands function far beyond the scope of any instrument of economic growth.

But the modern day demands on this resource are tremendous. Cash crops requiring huge irrigation, unmonitored use of pesticides, untreated and excessive sewage and industrial waste disposals, uncontrolled urban growth and the changing mindsets of people for newer lifestyles are slowly and steadily affecting this huge wetland.  Decline in the fish density in the major tributaries of River Krishna, increase in exotic weed species in water are some of the indicators of quality degradation of the wetland recorded by researchers. This isn’t the only threat to this spectacular habitat and its wildlife but it also has long term adverse effects on the present and future human population who are consumers of this wetland in the various ways they utilise it.

The conservation of such a large reservoir isn’t a simple task. It requires judicious water usage for local, agricultural and industrial purposes, advocating advanced irrigation technologies to avoid and minimise wastage and banning diversions of water for non-priority purposes can be some of the large-scale measures possible with equal participation of the Government and people alike. Conservation awareness among the local communities for wetlands and its flora-fauna can help in a long run.

On a smaller scale the villagers of Bhigwan are doing their bit by consciously avoiding plastic litter, controlled fishing and adopting rowing instead of engines for tourist boats wherever possible. These are some of their simple but effective ways to stop draining these life giving wetlands.

Read more about the diverse wild and birdlife of Bhigwan.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve

The enchanted land of Taru (so named for the legendary Gond chieftain who valiantly fought with a tiger), a familiarly romantic setting in the Central Deccan Plateau. With lustrous light in the open spaces seemingly undistllled from heaven to earth appearing to be a laser show at times as gem clear beams filter through the canopy. The warmth of it settles over our faces like a silken mask and life is a golden joy. That is the thing about the seraph-light of this jungle; it can sweep down like the handloom of the gods one moment, pure and clear and long of line. The jungle greets you with a fairy charm in winter with fog rolling over its hills and the sun playing hide and seek. 

This tropical and subtropical dry-broadleaf and dry-deciduous forest of Tadoba is a realm of savage yet legendary tigers. With its rich prey density and perennial and abundant water supply Tadoba has been a war-torn landscape. Elsewhere, like Bandhavgarh & Pench, a dominant tiger could rule for multiple years, sometimes even a decade, but here in Tadoba the reign of a tiger has been relatively short; thanks to the strength of the dominant males, each in a league of its own. But more often than any other forest across the Indian landscape, there is an unusual influx of dominant tigers, year after year, each proclaiming their prowess like gladiators in the arena; but the ousted kings do not just give up, not before launching a volley of conquests in a ferocious do-or-die struggle for supremacy. 

But Tadoba is not just about its tigers because it also harbours a tremendous variety of bird and other wildlife species. There are two lakes and one river in the park, which gets filled every monsoon, the Tadoba Lake, Kolsa Lake and Tadoba River. These lakes and rivers provide vital ingredients needed to sustain the park's life. As one approaches these lakes, the landscape undergoes a subtle transformation. The rustling leaves and distant calls of birds blend with the rhythmic lapping of water against the shore. Emerging from the dense jungles these lakes appear like a mirage—a tranquil oasis amidst the vibrant wilderness. These lakes, fed by seasonal streams and surrounded by emerald foliage, reflect the vibrant hues of the sky and the dense canopy overhead. Its shores become a stage for an array of wildlife activity, making it a prime destination for both avid photographers and nature enthusiasts. These are not just scenic spectacles; they are a haven for diverse wildlife. The still waters attract a myriad of species, from majestic tigers quenching their thirst to playful langurs swinging through the treetops. Crocodiles bask in the sun along the banks, their presence adding a touch of primal allure to the serene surroundings. For birdwatchers, this is paradise. The melodious calls of kingfishers, the graceful flight of eagles, and the vibrant plumage of waterfowl create a symphony in the skies. The lake becomes a canvas for nature's artistry, with each resident species contributing to the rich biodiversity of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.

These lakes are not only a sanctuary for wildlife but also a testament to the conservation efforts in the region. Initiatives to protect the lake ecosystem, control pollution, and promote sustainable tourism ensure that this natural wonder remains pristine for generations to come. Local communities, forest departments, and conservation organizations collaborate to strike a balance between human presence and the preservation of the ecological integrity. Responsible tourism practices contribute to the overall well-being of this aquatic haven.

Read about the beautiful wild and birdlife of Tadoba.

Red-naped Ibis

The Red-naped Ibis (Pseudibis papillosa) also known as the Indian Black Ibis or Black Ibis is a species of Ibis found in the plains of the Indian Subcontinent. Unlike other ibises in the region it is not very dependent on water and is often found in dry fields a good distance away from water. It is usually seen in loose groups and can be told by the nearly all dark body with a white patch on the shoulder and a bare dark head with a patch of crimson red warty skin on the crown and nape. It has a loud call and is noisy when breeding. It builds its nest most often on the top of a large tree or palm.

The Red-naped Ibis is a large black bird with long legs and a long down curved bill. The wing feathers and tail are black with blue-green gloss while the neck and body are brown and without gloss. A white patch on the shoulders stands out and the top of the featherless head is a patch of bright red warty skin. The warty patch, technically a caruncle, is a triangular patch with the apex at the crown and the base of the triangle behind the nape that develops in adult birds. The iris is orange red. Both sexes are identical and young birds are browner and initially lack the bare head and crown. The bills and legs are grey but turn reddish during the breeding season. The toes have a fringing membrane and are slightly webbed at the base.

They are usually silent but call at dawn and dusk and more often when nesting. The calls are a series of loud braying, squealing screams that descend in loudness.

This species can be confused with the glossy ibis when seen at a distance but the glossy ibis is smaller, more gregarious, associated with wetlands and lacks the white on the wing and has a fully feathered head.

The species was first given its scientific name by Temminck in 1824. He placed it in the genus Ibis but it was separated into the genus Inocotis created by Reichenbach and this was followed by several major works including the Fauna of British India although the genus Pseudibis in which Hodgson had placed the species had precedence based on the principle of priority. The red-naped ibis (P. papillosa) included the white-shouldered ibis as P. papillosa davisoni, a subspecies, from 1970 but these are now treated as distinct species, although closely related. The main morphological difference between the two species is seen in the crown and the upper neck. While P. papillosa has a patch of red tubercles on the back of the crown, P. davisoni lacks it. Also, adult P. papillosa have a narrow, bright red mid-crown that becomes broader on the hind crown, whereas, adult P. davisoni has a bare pale blue middle hind crown that extends to the upper hindneck and forms a complete collar around the upper neck.

The red-naped ibis is widely distributed in the plains of the Indian Subcontinent and its preferred habitats are lakes, marshes, riverbeds and on irrigated farmlands. It is gregarious and generally forages on margins of wetlands in small numbers. It is a common breeding resident in Haryana and Punjab and the Gangetic plain. It extends into southern India but is not found in the forested regions or the arid zone of the extreme southeast of the peninsula or Sri Lanka. It is diurnal in its foraging and other activities, at night roosting communally on trees or on islands.

The red-naped ibis is omnivorous, feeding on carrion, insects, frogs, and other small vertebrates as well as grain. They forage mainly in dry open land and stubbly fields, sometimes joining egrets and other birds on land being tilled to feed on disturbed insects and exposed beetle grub. They walk and like other tactile-feeding ibises, probe in the soft ground. They rarely wade in water but have been observed seeking out frogs hiding in crab holes. They sometimes feed at garbage dumps. During droughts they are known to feed on carrion and insect larvae feeding on meat. They also feed on groundnut and other crops. In British India, indigo planters considered them useful as they appeared to consume a large number of crickets in the fields.

Ibises roost in groups and fly to and from the regularly used roost site in a "V" formation. They usually nest individually and not in mixed species heronries. They very rarely form small colonies consisting of 3-5 pairs in the same tree. The breeding season is variable but most often between March and October and tending to precede the monsoons. When pair-bonding, females beg for food from the males at foraging grounds. Males also trumpet from the nest site. The nests are mainly large stick platforms that are 35-60 centimetres in diameter and about 10-15 centimetres deep. Old nests are reused as are those of kites and vultures. The nests are loosely lined with straw and fresh material to the nest is added even when the eggs are being incubated. The nests are usually at a height of 6–12 metres above ground, on banyan (Ficus benghalensis) or peepal (Ficus religiosa) trees, often close to human habitation. Pairs copulate mainly when perched on trees and the eggs are 2–4 in number and pale bluish green in colour. They are sparsely flecked and have pale reddish blotches. Both male and female red-naped ibis incubate the eggs which hatch after 33 days.

The Tamil Sangam literature mentions a bird called the "anril" which was described as having a curved bill and calling from atop palmyra palms (Borassus flabellifer). Madhaviah Krishnan identified the bird positively as the black ibis and ruled out contemporary suggestions that this was a sarus crane. He based his identification on a line that mentions the arrival of anrils at dusk and calling from atop palmyra palms. He also pointed out ibises to locals and asked them for the name and noted that a few did refer to it as anrils. Sangam poetry also mentions that the birds mated for life and always walked about in pairs, one of the leading reasons for others to assume that this was the sarus crane, a species that is not found in southern India. A number of names in Sanskrit literature including "kālakaṇṭak" have been identified as referring to this species. Jerdon noted the local names of "karankal" and "nella kankanam" in Telugu and "buza" or "kālā buza" in Hindi. The species has declined greatly in Pakistan due to hunting and habitat loss. The species has been largely unaffected in India and they are traditionally tolerated by farmers. The species is considered to be secure in the wild but a few zoos including the ones at Frankfurt, Singapore (at the erstwhile Jurong Park) have successfully bred the species in captivity.

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