Sunday, 6 April 2014

Accipiter trivirgatus (Crested Goshawk) - Sikkim Bird

Accipiter trivirgatus (Crested Goshawk)
Place : Shantinagar, Singtam,  East Sikkim
Date: April 6,  2014
Pic: Shital Pradhan

The Crested Goshawk (Accipiter trivirgatus) is a stunning bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. This medium-sized raptor is notable for its prominent crest, robust build, and broad wings, making it well-adapted for hunting in dense forest habitats. Its striking plumage features a mix of grey and brown, providing excellent camouflage among the foliage.

Primarily found in the lush forests of Southeast Asia, including Sikkim, Myanmar, and Thailand, the Crested Goshawk preys on birds and small mammals, showcasing remarkable agility and speed while hunting. With keen eyesight and powerful talons, it is a formidable predator.

Generally solitary or found in pairs, this bird communicates through sharp calls during the breeding season. Both parents participate in raising their young, highlighting a remarkable teamwork dynamic. The Crested Goshawk represents the delicate balance of nature, reminding us of the importance of preserving its habitat for future generations.

Rhyacornis fuliginosa (Plumbeous Water Redstart - Female) - Sikkim Bird

Rhyacornis fuliginosa (Plumbeous Water Redstart - Female)
Place : Rongli, East Sikkim
Date: March 8, 2015
Pic: Shital Pradhan
Rhyacornis fuliginosa (Plumbeous Water Redstart - Female)
Place : Shantinagar, East Sikkim
Date: April 9,  2010
Pic: Shital Pradhan

Friday, 4 April 2014

Musa laterita (Bronze Banana) - Sikkim Flora

Musa laterita (Bronze Banana)
Place : Dalapchand, East Sikkim
Date: November 23, 2011
Pic: Shital Pradhan

Musa laterita (Bronze Banana)
Place :Ranipool, East Sikkim
Date: May 24, 2011
Pic: Shital Pradhan
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
(unranked): Commelinids
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Musaceae
Genus: Musa
Species: M. laterita

Thursday, 3 April 2014

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)

Hirundo rustica (Barn Swallow) - Sikkim Bird

Hirundo rustica (Barn Swallow)
Place : Dentam, West Sikkim
Date: May 24, 2014
Pic: Shital Pradhan
Hirundo rustica (Barn Swallow)
Place : Rongli, East Sikkim
Date: April 10,  2010
Pic: Shital Pradhan


Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Hirundinidae
Genus: Hirundo
Species: H. rustica

Wednesday, 2 April 2014

Troides aeacus (Golden Birdwing) - Sikkim Butterfly

Troides aeacus (Golden Birdwing) 
Place : Rangpo, East Sikkim
Date: March 26,  2014
Pic: Santosh Sharma
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Papilionidae
Genus: Troides
Species: T. aeacus

Tuesday, 1 April 2014

Ficedula sapphira (Sapphire Flycatcher) - Sikkim Bird

  Ficedula sapphira (Sapphire Flycatcher)
Place : Singtam, East Sikkim
Date: January 23,  2014
Pic: Shital Pradhan
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Muscicapidae
Genus: Ficedula
Species: F. sapphira

Monday, 31 March 2014

5th instar caterpillar of Great Mormon (Papilio memnon agenor)

5th instar caterpillar of Great Mormon (Papilio memnon agenor)
Place : Chisopani, Singtam, East Sikkim 
Date: March 31, 2014
Pic: Shital Pradhan

Buceros bicornis (Great Pied Hornbill- Male and female) - Sikkim Bird

Buceros bicornis (Great Pied Hornbill - Female)

Other name: Great Hornbill, Great Indian Hornbill

Venue: Sawney, Singtam, East Sikkim

Date: March 31, 2014

Pic: Pritam Shilal





Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Coraciiformes
Family: Bucerotidae
Subfamily: Bucerotinae
Genus: Buceros
Species: B. bicornis

Thursday, 27 March 2014

Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus (Great Black-headed Gull) - Sikkim Bird

  Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus (Great Black-headed Gull)
Place : Singtam, East Sikkim 

Other name:
Fish Gull, Great Black-headed Gull, Pallas's Gull

Date: Marh 21, 2014
Pic: Santosh Sharma
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Laridae
Genus: Ichthyaetus
Species: I. ichthyaetus               Source : Wikipedia: