Monticola solitarius (Blue Rock Thrush) - Sikkim Bird

Monticola solitarius (Blue Rock Thrush - female)

Place : Sirwani, East Sikkim
Date: February 16,  2010
Pic: Krishna Dahal

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Muscicapidae
Genus:	Monticola
Species:	M. solitarius

Binomial name: Monticola solitaries (Linnaeus, 1758)

Other Names: 

Special feature:  The blue rock thrush is Malta's national bird and is shown on the Lm 1 coin that was part of the previous currency of the country.(Wikipedia)

Pycnonotus leucogenys (Himalayan Bulbul) - Sikim Brd

Pycnonotus leucogenys (Himalayan Bulbul)

Venue: Sungdung, Rongli,  East Sikkim

Date: January 6, 2014

Pic: Swarup Rai

 

The Himalayan Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucogenys), also called the White-cheeked Bulbul or Himalayan Bulbul, is a small bird from the Pycnonotidae family. It belongs to the Passeriformes order (perching birds) and is part of the Pycnonotus genus.

Found in the Himalayan mountains across India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan, and Afghanistan, this bird enjoys forests, gardens, and hillsides, where its chirping adds a musical note to the mountain air.

This bird is around 18 cm long and is known for its striking appearance. It features a black face and throat with a white cheek spot and a yellow vent. Its most distinctive feature is a mohawk-like crest on its head, setting it apart from other birds.

Its white-tipped tail fans out beautifully as it flies. Often found in small groups, these active birds hop around, chirping cheerfully to one another.

Besides its beauty, the Himalayan Bulbul is helpful to the environment. It eats insects and fruits and helps to keep nature in balance. This little bird truly brightens its mountain home!