About Andamans Archives -

Owls & Nightjar: Noctural endemics of Andaman islands

admin — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 20:59:34 +0000

Owls & Nightjar: Nocturnal Endemics of Andaman Islands

In continuation of the previous post mentioning the 16 avian species that are Endemic to Andaman Islands

Below is the list of another 5 nocturnal endemic birds of Andaman, bringing the total to 21 species which are endemic to Andaman of which 20 species can easily be sighted on our carefully curated Andaman Endemic Birding Tour. Trip Itinerary

Andaman Scops Owl (Otus balli)

A small, nocturnal raptor endemic to the Andaman Islands. Typically 18-19cm in length, it exhibits brown or grey plumage, with subtle ear tufts, bright yellow eyes and bill. Its calls, often the primary means of detection, are distinctive.

This owl favours forested habitats and edges. They nest in tree hollows, breeding between February and April. This species is known to be difficult to spot, due to their reclusive nature and often heard more than seen.

Andaman Masked Owl (Tyto deroepstorffi)

A medium-sized barn owl, measuring 30-36 cm in length. It has a distinctive heart-shaped, reddish brown facial disc with a prominent orange-brown rim. Its upper-parts are dark brown with orange-buff spots, while the underparts are golden-rufous with blackish spots, fading to whitish on the belly.

Its call is a rather high-pitched, short, rasping “sshreeet” that ends abruptly. This nocturnal owl likely feeds on small mammals like rats and mice, similar to other Tyto owls. Endemic to the Andaman Islands, it inhabits semi-open landscapes with trees, often near human settlements.

Hume’s Boobook (Ninox obscura)

A captivating owl species, exclusively inhabits the Great Andaman Islands. This medium- sized owl, ranging from 25 to 30 cm in length, exhibits a predominantly dark chocolate- brown plumage with blackish-grey head, punctuated by striking yellow irises. A subtle white frontal spot distinguishes it from other Ninox owls.

Its vocalisations, characterised by a melodious, double-noted “whoo-up” similar to the Brown Boobook serve as a crucial means of territorial communication and mate attraction within its dense forest habitats.

These habitats primarily comprise subtropical or tropical moist lowland, mangrove forests and paddy fields, reflecting the species’ adaptation to the island’s diverse ecosystems. Ecologically, Hume’s boobook functions as a significant predator, relying on a diet encompassing large insects, amphibians, lizards, small birds, and mammals.

Andaman Boobook (Ninox affinis)

A small to medium-sized owl, around 25-28 cm long. It has a brownish face and upper-parts with bold, rust-coloured streaks on its whitish underparts. Its call is a distinctive low and resonant guttural “kroooo”

This nocturnal owl primarily feeds on insects, often hawking moths and beetles in flight.

Found scarcely in most Islands of Andaman Archipelago sharing its habitat with Hume’s Boobook, it inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and mangrove forests. These owls are relatively shy and are typically found in well- wooded areas, active outside daylight hours.

Andaman Nightjar (Caprimulgus andamanicus)

The only nightjar species in the Andamans, is a medium-sized nightjar formerly a sub-species of Large-tailed Nightjar, measuring
about 23-27 cm. Its plumage is a cryptic mix of blackish-brown and pale grey, providing
excellent camouflage against tree bark or leaf litter. The call is a continuous and four
notes short “tyuk tyuk” sound, repeated rapidly.

This nocturnal bird feeds primarily on large insects like moths, beetles, and grasshoppers, which it catches in flight. Endemic to the Andaman Islands, it inhabits tropical moist lowland and open forests, including coastal and teak forests. These nightjars perch along branches, relying on their camouflage for daytime concealment.

Share the article

Recent Posts

The post Owls & Nightjar: Noctural endemics of Andaman islands appeared first on .

Endemic birds of Andaman

admin — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 21:41:39 +0000

Endemic Birds of Andaman Islands

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands, in the Bay of Bengal, represent the highest peaks of an underwater mountain range. Rising from the sea floor 38 million years ago, it is an extension of Myanmar’s Arakan range and the Sumatran Barisan range. Its geographical isolation for over 10,000 years allowed evolution to take its course. Now these islands play host to an absolute treasure trove of endemic wildlife.

Below is the list of endemic birds of Andaman:

Andaman Wood Pigeon (Columba palumboides), a large pigeon endemic to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Reaches 35-40 cm. Its silvery-gray small head fades to pale gray underparts, with darker wings and back. reddish skin and yellow eyes with distinct pink feet add to its unique look.

It inhabits dense, broadleaved forests, feeding on fruits and seeds. Its deep, hooting calls resonate through the canopy. Threatened by habitat loss, this pigeon’s presence is vital to the island & ecosystem.

Andaman Bulbul (Pycnonotus fuscoflavens) is a passerine endemic to the Andaman archipelago.

Characterized by its olive-yellow plumage, darker head, light blue eyes, and subtle vocalizations, it is about 14 to 17 cm in size. Its calls, often described as metallic five notes, resonate through its preferred habitats: evergreen and deciduous forests, and
secondary growth.Dietary habits center on frugivory, supplemented by insect consumption.

Andaman Serpent Eagle (Spilornis elgini), Endemic to the Andaman Islands, captivates with its striking appearance.

Measuring around 55-74 cm, it sports dark brown plumage with white spots till the neck, sex alike

These eagles prefer forested habitats, where they hunt reptiles, small mammals, and birds. Diet primarily consists of snakes, hence its name. They are often seen soaring above the canopy or perched on tall trees.

Andaman Woodpecker (Dryocopus hodgei), a large woodpecker, approximately 40-45 cm in length. Its plumage is characterized by a predominantly black coloration, punctuated by a prominent red crest.

This species occupies dense forested habitats, where it functions as an arboreal insectivore. Foraging primarily on beetle larvae and other insects. It exhibits a preference for old-growth forests with an abundance of dead or decaying wood, reflecting its ecological reliance on such habitats where its loud, resonant drumming patterns and sharp calls can be heard.

White-headed Starling (Sturnia erythropygia), a species endemic to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands,

A passerine, measuring approximately 20-22 cm in length. Its distinctive plumage features a striking white head and body contrasting markedly with its dark grey to black wing. Additionally, it exhibits a reddish-orange bill and legs with blue eyes and a shade of blue in lower mandible. This species occupies a diverse range of habitats, including forested areas, woodlands, and cultivated landscapes. It demonstrates an omnivorous diet, foraging on fruits, insects, and nectar.

Andaman Cuckooshrike (Coracina dobsoni), endemic to the Andaman Islands and is extremely range-restricted to certain forest patches of the main islands only.

A medium-sized bird, about 25-27 cm long. It displays predominantly dark grey to black plumage, with a crucial identifying feature: barred underparts and red eyes. Its calls consist of harsh, grating notes and occasional soft whistles.

This species inhabits dense forests and woodlands, foraging for mostly insects and berries primarily within the canopy. Its movements are often slow and deliberate.

Andaman Shama (Copsychus albiventris), a captivating songbird found exclusively in the Andaman Islands, measures roughly 20-22 cm. Its plumage is a striking contrast of glossy black on the upperparts and a clean white on the underparts, accentuated by a distinctive reddish- orange vent.

This bird inhabits dense forests and woodlands, preferring areas with thick undergrowth. It feeds on insects, fruits, and berries. Its complex, melodious song, a blend of whistles and trills, resonates through the forest.

Andaman Coucal (Centropus andamanensis), with its warm brown plumage and chestnut wings, is a striking island resident. Reaching 60-70 cm, it inhabits forests and gardens. Sexes are visually similar, with the female being pale in color.
This terrestrial bird forages for insects, reptiles, and fruits. Distinctively, it produces deep, resonant “hoop” notes, along with chuckling and grating calls, echoing through its secluded habitat.

These unique vocalizations are a signature sound of the Andaman
wilderness, adding to the island’s rich biodiversity.

Andaman Teal (Anas albogularis), a vulnerable species endemic to the Andaman Islands, is a small duck, 40-45cm, with a distinctive white throat and face against dark brown plumage.

It inhabits freshwater wetlands, mangroves, and coastal lagoons,
feeding on aquatic plants and invertebrates. Habitat loss from human encroachment of wetlands significantly threatens its population. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect its remaining habitat and ensure the survival of this species.

Andaman Cuckoo-Dove (Macropygia rufipennis), characterized by its medium body size with longer tail, ranging from 38-41 cm.

This pigeon displays a warm, rufous-brown plumage,
complemented by darker and a distinct barred pattern on its body starting from the neck to the underparts. Its primary habitat consists of dense, broadleaf evergreen environments.

Primarily a frugivore, it sustains itself on a diet of fruits and berries, foraging primarily within the upper canopy. Its vocalizations, characterized by soft two notes—first a short upper note accompanied by a long downward note cooing—contribute to the sonic
landscape of its habitat.

Andaman Drongo (Dicrurus andamanensis), is a medium-sized passerine, approximately 28-30 cm in length. Its glossy black plumage and deeply forked tail with a slight outward curve are readily identifiable morphological features. This species primarily occupies forested and woodland habitats, where it functions as an aerial insectivore, exhibiting remarkable agility in capturing insects during flight.

Perched on prominent branches, it maintains vigilance over its territory.
Its vocalizations are characterized by a diverse repertoire of loud
often metallic calls and a variety of short, harsh notes. These calls serve territorial and communicative functions within its habitat.

Andaman Green-Pigeon (Treron chloropterus) A large, dull-green pigeon with a thick pale bill and a gray forehead. The dark olive-green and maroon wings have contrasting yellow lines below the shoulders, and the undertail is dull yellow with green patches, blending perfectly with its forest habitat.

These pigeons are primarily frugivores. often seen in large numbers feeding on fruits and berries found in the dense tropical forests. They inhabit both.
primary and secondary forests, often seen in the canopy. Their soft, cooing calls resonate through the trees.

Habitat loss and hunting pose a threat to this beautiful and unique pigeon, making its conservation crucial.

Andaman Crake (Rallina canningi), a small, elusive bird endemic to the Andaman Islands, measures around 20-23 cm. Its plumage is primarily dark reddish-brown, white, and black bands.
underparts with apple-green beak and leg, blending seamlessly into its preferred habitat of
dense forests and bushy shrub areas.

This secretive crake forages on the forest floor, consuming insects, seeds, and small invertebrates. Often heard but rarely seen, its calls, a series of soft, clicking notes, echo through the undergrowth.

This shy bird remains a
rare and precious sight.

Andaman Treepie (Dendrocitta bayleyi) is a distinct corvid species exclusively found in the Andaman Islands. This medium-sized bird is characterized by its slender build and relatively long tail. Its plumage features a combination of dark grey to black on the face, wings, and tail, with reddish-brown underparts and back. Notably, it has a small white patch on its wings.

It inhabits well-wooded lowland forests often in mixed hunting flocks. This omnivorous species feeds on insects, fruits, seeds, and occasionally small vertebrates. Its calls encompass a variety of metallic sounds, harsh screeches, dry trills, and soft whistles.

Andaman Flowerpecker (Dicaeum virescens) is the only flowerpecker of the Andaman Islands.
Measuring roughly 8-9 cm, its olive-green upperparts and paler underparts have a small hint of yellow patch separating it from the Plain Flowerpecker. Its slender, curved bill is perfect for extracting nectar. Sex alike.

These birds are primarily nectarivorous, supplementing their diet with insects, spiders, and small fruits, particularly figs. They thrive in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, navigating the canopy with agility, and are also seen in gardens and parks.

Narcondam Hornbill (Rhyticeros narcondami), the smallest Rhyticeros hornbill, and it has the smallest global range among hornbills. endemic to the tiny (6.82 km²) island of Narcondam, in the Andaman Archipelago. Resides in the fairly open mixed forest, which covers most of the island, from sea level to the peak.

It uses mature, undisturbed forests with large trees for nesting and roosting. The species nests in holes on the trunk or broken branches of large trees, and the female is sealed into a nest cavity for the duration of egg-laying and chick-rearing.

With a population of only 300-600 mature individuals currently occupying the restricted Narcondam Island, visiting the island is off-limits for Indian & foreign tourists and is not part of our birding tours.

The Andaman Islands are also home to five endemic nocturnal birds of andaman, click on the below button to learn more about the endemic owls & nightjars of the islands.

Share the article

Recent Posts

The post Endemic birds of Andaman appeared first on .

Things to Pack for Birding in Andamans

admin — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 05:03:51 +0000

Things to pack for Birding in Andaman

Because of the hot, muggy weather and scarcity of nearby supplies, birdwatching in the Andamans requires significant preparation. By offering a broad checklist of what to expect and pack before joining us for this incredible tropical experience, we hope to reduce the stress associated with packing for a comfortable, hassle-free birdwatching and bird-photography tour. So, guys, get going and pack up! But, Do pack light.

Jokes aside, the list to think about is as follows:

Binoculars, preferably 8 x 42, with a wider FOV. Birding in the Andamans is predominately in the forest habitats, where an 8X magnification is ideal for scanning the canopy.
Camera, If you are into photography, then a camera with a minimum 500mm focal length telephoto lens. You can also carry a 1.4x teleconverter if you are not stringent about image sharpness or loss in autofocus speed.
Tripod or monopod: based on your personal shooting preference. The Andaman birds are not very cooperative, so you will miss some images or species while you are busy setting up your gear each time.
Rain Gear: The weather in the islands can be quite unpredictable, so if you are traveling between June and December. Do carry rain gear. Andaman experiences heavy rainfall during monsoons (June-mid-September) and some light showers from October-December.
Travel Documents: Aadhar or Voter ID for Indians & Passport & Visa copy for Foriengn nationals.
Cap/hat for sun protection.
Full-sleeve (cotton or linen) shirts or t-shirts, preferably in muted colors, to camouflage oneself while birding.
Full-length pants. Avoid wearing shorts unless you don’t mind the mosquito and sandfly bites.
Electrical power plug adapters-—especially for foreign nationals
Leech guard (required in rainy season): Some of the birding hotspots will have leeches post-rains, but it’s definitely not as bad as the Northeast or Western Ghats.
Sunglass and Sun protection
Insect repellent
Comfortable shoes with some level of grip—we will be mostly walking along paved roads and gravel trails. Carry shoes you prefer for comfortable walking long distances for South Andaman Birding. On a side note, carry your hiking boots with mud grip for Little Andaman birding, especially post-rains.
A croc/sandal for wetland birding in case you wish to get muddy for the perfect eye-level shot. Strictly no flip-flops while birding.
A little first aid kit or personal medications
A light blanket for a comfortable voyage via sea during Little Andaman’s birding.

There will be opportunities for laundry at the hotel; just ask.

Of course, all the above-mentioned are not necessities and are applicable per your circumstances only.

Hope to see you with us soon. Happy birding!

Share the article

Recent Posts

The post Things to Pack for Birding in Andamans appeared first on .

Tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

admin — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 11:07:10 +0000

Tribes of Andaman & Nicobar Islands

The inhabitants of Andaman Islands originated 60,000 years ago in Asia. During a time, when the earth was covered in ice, the woolly mammoth roamed free and modern humans shared land with Neanderthals and Densivons. These modern humans started expanding south reaching India and the Andaman Islands probably on foot when it was still connected to Myanmar . As the sea level rose, they were isolated and lived in complete isolation until the European colonist arrived in the 18^th century.

The Andaman Group of Islands had 5 negrito tribes namely the Great Andamanese; Onge; Jangil; Sentinelese and Jarawa. The negrito tribes had short stature, dark skin and scant body hair in common while the Nicobar group of Islands has 2 mongoloid tribes, Nicobarese and Shompen

Great Andamanese

The oldest inhabitants of the Andaman, the Great Andamanese comprised of 10 distinct tribes namely aka-cari; aka-bo; aka-kora; aka-jeru; aka-kede; oko juwai; aka-kol; a-pucikwar; aka-bale and aka-bea.

The Great Andamanese used to occupy the entire Great Andaman Islands and spoke various dialects of the language. The population was believed to be over 6000 in 1858 but has subsequently dropped due to diseases brought by colonists and prisoners, such as syphilis, influenza, and measles.

Now extinct in their pure form; only 43 admixed individuals, largely from the Aka-jeru tribe, survive today. After losing their hunter-gatherer roots, they now rely on government-provided supplies and clothing in their Strait Island camp, as well as fishing and gardening for survival.

Onge

The natives of Little Andaman referred to themselves as Onge (men) and are a different race that differed from the Great Andamanese in both physical and cultural aspects.

It’s possible that the Onge found themselves stranded at Little Andaman Island, where they evolved in isolation and are known to be hostile towards outsiders. Until 1940, the Onge were the sole inhabitants of the island but presently share their land with settlers from India, East Pakistan, and the Nicobar Islands.

Currently limited to 2 settlement camps in Dugong Creek & South Bay (a tiny fraction of their original territory), where nearly 91 individuals live.

Jangil

Jangil also known as the Rutland Jarawa resided in the interiors parts of Rutland Island. They were the last tribe to be found by the European colonists with first documented record in the mid-19th century. Direct contact with this tribe was rare and a 1907 expedition only found one camp which was deserted before it was found. It was estimated that the tribe had over 300 individuals but was declared extinct around 1920s after numerous survey team failed to discover any sign of them in the entire island.

Sentinelese

Aborigines that inhabit the Northern Sentinel Island (47 sq.kms). The Sentinelese are considered an offshoot of the Onge-Jarawa tribe, which has acquired a distinct identity owing to its habitation on an isolated island, having lost contact with the main tribe.

Essentially hunter-gatherers subsisting through hunting, fishing, and collecting wild plants. Very little is known about them and their language. They are quite possibly the world’s only Paleolithic people remaining today without interaction with the outside world.

Though there have been expeditions to befriend them in the past. Many failed, and few successfully met them. But all these expeditions ended in 1997 when the government decided to let the tribe live undisturbed. They are known to hit the news headlines from time to time. In 2006, two fishermen who were fishing illegally near the island were killed, and recently, in 2018, when an overoptimistic American missionary landed on the island to preach Christianity, he now rests buried on the shore of the island.

Jarawa

They were the descendants of Onge tribe sharing a similar language and appearance. They lived in the interiors of South Andaman and were constantly at war with the Aka-Bea tribe of Great Andamanese. As the Great Andamanese population dwindled and colonization increased, the Jarawa migrated to the interiors of South and Middle Andaman.

They were hostile as recently as early 2000s and still live in their traditional hunter-gather lifestyle in the jungles designated as Jarawa Tribal Reserves. Their population is estimated to be <400 individuals.

Their lifestyle had come under serious threat in recent years by the Andaman Truck Road that cuts across their territories. The Jarawa find themselves addicted to Tobacco, the jarawa women are being sexually abused and with increase tourism in the islands, thousands of tourists travel through their territory to get a glimpse of them and take photographs.

Not much is known about when the mongoloid tribes arrived in the Islands. But it is believed that they arrive from Malay-Burma peninsula.

Nicobarese

The Nicobarese possibly share the same ancestors as the tribes of North-east India. Unlike other tribes, the nicobars were a friendly port of call for all European ships passing the region.

But, the Nicobarese were also notorious for looting vessels, slaughtering crews and abducting foreign women. when the British ship HMS Wasp and HMS Sattelite arrived to make inquiries. The party inspected the abandoned huts and found plenty of material looted from ships — chests, sofas, cushions, gear and fittings, toolboxes, nautical instruments and arms.

In 1869,Nicobar became an adjunct of the Andamans for administration and the establishment of a penal settlement. Nicobarese gradually became friendly, learned new techniques from the visitors shifted more towards horticulture based lifestyle. They also left their ancient religious beliefs to follow Christianity and Islam. They continue to do well do even today and their population is blooming with >20,000 individuals and many are well educated.a

Shompen

The Shompen like Nicobarese tribe belong to mongoloid racial stock but they differ from the coastal Nicobarese both racially and linguistically.

Shompen (Shampan in nicobarese) live in the interiors of Great Nicobar Island. They are a nomadic tribe that is primarily hunter gatherers but also practice a bit of horticulture. They largely demand on pandanus fruit and wild pigs. They are friendly but very cautious while coming in contact with the outsiders.

They continue to live in elusiveness and remoteness. Their population is estimated to be close to 100.

Share the article

email us for birdwatching in Andaman Islands

Recent Posts

The post Tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands appeared first on .

About Andamans Archives -

Owls & Nightjar: Noctural endemics of Andaman islands

Owls & Nightjar: Nocturnal Endemics of Andaman Islands

Categories

Recent Posts

Endemic birds of Andaman

Endemic Birds of Andaman Islands

Categories

Recent Posts

Things to Pack for Birding in Andamans

Things to pack for Birding in Andaman

Categories

Recent Posts

Tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Tribes of Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Great Andamanese

Onge

Jangil

Sentinelese

Jarawa

Nicobarese

Shompen

Categories

Recent Posts

About Andamans Archives -

Owls & Nightjar: Noctural endemics of Andaman islands

Owls & Nightjar: Nocturnal Endemics of Andaman Islands

Categories

Recent Posts

Endemic birds of Andaman

Endemic Birds of Andaman Islands

Categories

Recent Posts

Things to Pack for Birding in Andamans

Things to pack for Birding in Andaman

Categories

Recent Posts

Tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Tribes of Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Great Andamanese​

Onge

Jangil

Sentinelese

Jarawa

Nicobarese

Shompen

Categories

Recent Posts

Great Andamanese