Goa’s state bird: the flame-throated bulbul
One bird, many names
The Flame-throated Bulbul has a bit of an identity crisis, going by a couple of different names. It’s also referred to as the Black-crested Bulbul (or Black-headed Bulbul)l or the Ruby-throated Bulbul. Regardless of what you choose to call it though, the Flame-throated Bulbul is fairly easy to identify. The back of the Bulbul has a beautiful olive green and yellow shade, while the underside is completely yellow. The distinguishing factor and reason for the name is the triangular shaped patch of orange-red on its throat and the contrasting black head with white iris. Their call is similar to that of the red-whiskered bulbul – two to three tinkling notes. They usually hang out in groups, foraging in the forest canopy for berries and small insects.
The Flame-throated Bulbul’s natural habitat is around the Western Ghats from southern Maharashtra and Goa southwards. Being a predominantly forest bird, you will rarely see it in any other habitat, except for maybe areas of dense foliage, and coffee plantations. The Flame-throated Bulbul is omnivorous. They sometimes hang out in flocks of other species as well, looking for insects, or foraging for berries or other fruits.
The makings of a State bird
During the Portuguese occupancy, very little was known about the bird life of Goa, unlike the rest of India. So, the then Conservator of Forests- Goa, Daman & Diu, S. S Bhattee invited renowned ornithologist, Dr Salim Ali to conduct an ornithological survey of Goa. During his survey, Dr Ali and his team reported 154 species from Goa and at the same time were influential in nominating the Ruby-throated yellow bulbul (Pycnonotus gularis) as the State bird of Goa. Since then, the title has not changed, though the bird itself went through its own name changes.
Distinctive Identification
Flame-throated Bulbul is a Schedule – IV bird, according to wildlife (Protection) act, 1972. The Flame-throated Bulbul is a beautiful bird, with short and slender neck. Size between 17 cm to 20 cm. The weight of adult is between 25 g to 35 g. Both Sexes alike. The tail is long and the wings short and rounded and the mouth is yellowish pink in color. Color of Flame-throated Bulbul is olive-yellow and bright yellow. They have ruby-red throat and conspicuous white eye with creamy white Iris. The color of breast and belly is olive-yellow and bright yellow. The bill of Flame-throated Bulbul is short, strong and grayish black or blue in color.
KINGDOM > Animalia
PHYLUM >>Chordata
CLASS >> Aves
ORDER >> Passeriformes
FAMILY >>Pycnonotidae
GENUS >> Rubigula
SPECIES >>Rubigula gularis
