Birds of Prey - Brahminy Kite

Perched on a tall tree

A close relative of Eagles, Brahminy Kites are the ones called Garuda in Kannada and Sanskrit. These are more numerous than other types of birds of prey around Shimoga - like eagles and other kites. Characteristic white head, white body with reddish wings and backside are the prominent features of these, otherwise eagle-like, birds.

These are very easily sighted both in Shimoga city and rural areas around Shimoga - we can see these soaring at high altitudes, many a times in mid day. I have seen these all over the place around my village - often perched on really tall trees. This is a thing that makes it not-so-easy to photograph, but if you have a good telephoto lens, these are relatively easy because of their willingness to stay quiet for the duration of the shot!!! Salim Ali notes that these stay close to water sources as a rule. Tunga river basin is a popular place for these birds.

 I was surprised to learn at first that these are scavenger birds - it is a pity a bird so well suited for hunting has to scavenge!! The sight of this bird sighting a dead fish in the river and flying directly to the water, catching the fish in its talons and flying off again is a sight that will live long in any beholders' memory.

Scientific name for this bird is Haliastur indus.
 
Other than the Brahminy Kite, we can see numerous Black Kites around Shimoga area - in fact, black kites are the commonest of this species, and is seen throughout the urban and rural areas in India, I guess.
Scientific name for black kite is Milvus migrans.