Fishes - Home

The Redrumped or Striated Swallow (Hirundo daurica) is a resident
species and, though common in most areas of the State, seem to prefer
hilly districts.
The House Martin (Delichon urbica) is a rare winter visitor. The tarsus
and toes are feathered. The upper parts are black glossed with deep blue,
while the rump and lower parts are white.
Family Oriolidae: Orioles are brightly coloured myna size birds and
of the four species occurring in India three are found in Maharashtra. They
are arboreal birds found in gardens and forests and in most species the
females are considerably duller in colour than the males. Young birds are
heavily streaked below. They make a hammock type nest of vegetable
fibres, rags etc. and both sexes participate in domestic duties. They feed on
insects and berries.
The Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus) is a handsome gold-coloured bird
with black wings and a red bill. It has a pleasant mellow whistlingcall.
The Blacknaped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis) is larger than the previous
species and has been recorded from Ratnagiri and Savantwadi.
The Black-headed Oriole (Oriolus xanihornus) has a jet black head,
throat and upper breast, and is found in more wooded areas than the
Golden Oriole.
Family Lanidae: There are 70 species of birds belonging to this
family in the world; nine are found in India and out of these five occur in
Maharashtra. All of them belonging to one genus. Shrikes are carnivorous
and their staple food consists of insects. They have powerful hooked beaks
and strong claws.
The Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor) is the largest of the family found
in India and frequents dry open country.
FAUNA 575