8 rare birds to spot in Indian jungles

India's expansive and diverse landscapes, that range from dense rainforests and arid shrublands to forests that touch the sky, are a birdwatcher's paradise. While most birds can be sighted with some patience, some are very rare, elusive, or found in inaccessible places. These rare birds, heard more often than seen, are India's wilderness hidden treasures. Their existence is inextricably linked with the well-being of our ecosystems, so every sighting is not only exhilarating but also profoundly significant. Below are eight endangered birds that birdwatchers hope to see in the jungles of India.

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The Great Indian Bustard is among the nation's most endangered birds, with only fewer than 200 remaining in the wild. Common in central and western India's grasslands once, this large, stately bird today thrives primarily in areas of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Because it is shy and not very numerous, seeing one in the wild is a very rare event.

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Last spotted as recently as 2006, the Bugun Liocichla is found only in a small patch of forest in Arunachal Pradesh, India. With its olive-green back, vivid orange-yellow flanks, and striking red wing markings, the bird is as captivating as it is mysterious. Rarely seen beyond its limited range near the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, it remains a prized sighting for seasoned birdwatchers._​

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This little owl made headlines in 1997 when it was dramatically rediscovered after being presumed extinct for over a century. Found in select patches of dry deciduous forests in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, the Forest Owlet is a rare and elusive bird. With its flat head and piercing yellow eyes, it hunts mainly during the early morning and late afternoon hours, preferring to rest during the heat of the day.

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Endemic to the Nicobar Islands, this terrestrial bird is seldom encountered by visitors. It's best known for its peculiar nesting behavior; piling great ridges of sand and leaf matter to hatch its eggs. Shy and secretive, the Nicobar Megapode is best found with the assistance of local guides in the dense island forests.

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This timid pheasant, inhabiting the Eastern Himalayas, is frequently ranked as one of the prettiest birds in India. Crimson feathers, white markings, and a dazzling blue face spot that expands in courtship adorn the males. It's necessary to hike within misty Arunachal Pradesh or Sikkim forests in hopes of spotting this lovely bird.

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Native to the Western Ghats, the Malabar Trogon is a colourful bird that enjoys remaining motionless among thick leafage. The male has a bright red underside, whereas the female tends to be rather dull. They're found in pairs, silently observing from shaded positions in evergreen forests.

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Though its wide-mouthed, goofy look, this bird is a pro at camouflage. It imitates tree branches so well that it's usually ignored even when present. In Kerala forests, Goa, and sections of Karnataka, it likes the quiet of the night and fits right into the jungle during the day.

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The state bird of Uttarakhand, the Himalayan Monal is among the most resplendent birds in the high-altitude woods of northern India. Its feathers are iridescent blues, greens, and coppers. Even though it's a bit easier to see it in places such as Chopta village, the bird is shy and elusive, tending to vanish into dense undergrowth when it's been disturbed.

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