Chennai Wetland's Biodiversity: chennai marshland

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Peltophorum pterocarpum / copperpod பெருங்கொன்றை Chennai Wetland Biodiversity | Plants of Perumpakkam marshland | Trees of Chennai city

Peltophorum pterocarpum (commonly known as copperpod, yellow-flamboyant, yellow flame tree, yellow poinciana or yellow-flame). this plant is very common in most areas of Chennai, in some places it grew as an avenue tree. inside Chennai Forest areas (Like IIT, Guindy National Park, Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Nanganallur Reserve forest) also this tree has a wide distribution. A very common tree in Chennai.

Peltophorum pterocarpum at Perumbakkam Wetland area near the Bird observation Point (Photo Credit U Elaya Perumal)

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Plantae

(unranked): Angiosperms

(unranked): Eudicots

(unranked): Rosids

Order: Fabales

Family: Fabaceae

Genus: Peltophorum

Binomial name Peltophorum pterocarpum (DC.) K.Heyne

Peltophorum pterocarpum Inflorescence (Photo Credit U Elaya Perumal)

Leptotes plinius plinius (Fabricius, 1793) – Asian Zebra Blue (வரிக்குதிரை நீலன்) | | Chennai wetland area | Butterflies of Madipakkam & Medavakkam Marshlands, Chennai city wetlands biodiversity

Lepidoptera > Papilionoidea > Lycaenidae > Polyommatinae > Polyommatini > Leptotes.

Asian Zebra Blue butterfly at Medavakkam Marshland (Photo credit U Elaya Perumal)

This Asian Zebra Blue is the Indian subspecies of Zebra Blue/ Plumbago Blue(Leptotes plinius). this species is widespread in Chennai wetland areas. they were observed at all study areas as of now covered. In 2020 we had a butterfly watch program at Madipakkam lake where these blues were in more population. In 2021 they were observed frequently near Annakkili Amma Research Institute and Medavakkam Lake. Let us know if you notice this butterfly in your area.

Asian Zebra Blue butterfly at Medavakkam Marshland (Photo credit U Elaya Perumal)

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Lepidoptera

Family: Lycaenidae

Genus: Leptotes

Species: L. plinius

Sub-species: Leptotes plinius plinius (Fabricius, 1793)

Asian Zebra Blue butterfly at Medavakkam Marshland (Photo credit U Elaya Perumal)

The Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) செந்நாரை | Chennai wetland area | Birds of Perumbakkam & Medavakkam Marshlands, Chennai city birds

Purple Heron செந்நாரை

Purple heron is one of the most confusing heron, and most similar to the grey heron. There are some noticeable differences which helps in the identification. this birds have been observed at Perumbakkam and Medavakkam wetland areas (we have not visited Pallikaranai marshland).

Purple Heron at Perumbakkam Marshland area (Photo Credit U Elaya Perumal)

It is similar in appearance to the more common grey heron but is slightly smaller, more slender, and has darker plumage. It is also a more evasive bird, favoring densely vegetated habitats near water, particularly reed beds. It hunts for a range of prey including fish, rodents, frogs, and insects, either stalking them or standing waiting in ambush (source ebird).

Purple Heron at Perumbakkam Marshland area with its prey (Photo Credit U Elaya Perumal)

This is shorter than the crest of the grey heron and does not exceed 140 mm (5.5 in). The sides of the head and the neck are buffish chestnut, with dark streaks and lines down either side of the whole the neck. The mantle is oily brown and the upper scapular feathers are elongated but not the lower ones. The rest of the upper parts and the tail are brownish grey. The front of the neck is paler than the sides and there are some elongated feathers at the base of the neck which are streaked with white, chestnut and black. The breast is chestnut brown, with some blackening at the side, and the belly and under-tail coverts are black. The brownish-yellow beak is long, straight and powerful, and is brighter in colour in breeding adults. The iris is yellow and the legs are brown at the front and yellowish behind (Source: Wikipedia).

Purple Heron at Perumbakkam Marshland area with its prey (Photo Credit U Elaya Perumal)

இது சாம்பல் நாரையை விடவும் சிறியதாகவும் இலேசாகவும் உள்ளது. இதனை சாம்பல் நாரையிடமிருந்து வேறுபடுத்திக்கட்டுவது யாதெனின் இதன் இள்ஞ்சிவப்பு நிற உடலே. வளர்ந்த பறவைகள் கருத்த பழுப்பு நிறத்தையும் கொண்டிருக்கின்றன. இவை குறுகிய வடிவிலான மஞ்சள் அலகினை உடையது. செந்நாரைக்கு உருவத்தில் மிகவும் அருகாமையில் உள்ள நாரை இவற்றை விட உருவில் பெரிய கோலியாத்து நாரை.

இவை ஆப்பிரிக்காவிலும், மத்திய மற்றும் தெற்கு ஐரோப்பாவிலும், தென் மற்றும் கிழக்கு ஆசியாவிலும் வாழ்கின்றன. எனினும் ஐரோப்பிய இனங்கள் குளிர் காலங்களில் ஆப்பிரிக்காவை நோக்கி வலசை வருகின்றன. ஆசிய இனங்களோ வடக்கும் தெற்கும் ஆசியாவிற்குள்ளேயே வலசை வருகின்றன.

The Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) பச்சைக்கிளி | Chennai wetland area | Birds of Medavakkam Marshlands, Chennai city birds

The Rose-ringed Parakeet/ Ring-necked Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) locally known as Pachchai Kili (பச்சை கிளி).

The Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) near Medavakkam lake (Photo credit: U Elaya Perumal)

In the Medavakkam Marshland area we could observe more rose-ringed parakeets. they live on the palm trees near Medavkkam lake. Every day they fly through Annakkili Amma Research Institute and also often land on backyard trees of AARI.

The Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) near AARI (Photo credit: U Elaya Perumal)

The ring-necked parakeet, is a medium-sized parrot in the genus Psittacula, of the family Psittacidae. It has disjunct native ranges in Africa and the Indian Subcontinent and is now introduced into many other parts of the world where feral populations have established themselves and are bred for the exotic pet trade. Even in Chennai, it is illegally traded on many pet markets, for example at Chennai Pallavaram Friday market.

The Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) near Medavakkam lake (Photo credit: U Elaya Perumal)

Vibrantly bright green parakeet, frequently found in woodland, parks, gardens, where feeds mainly in trees. Nests in cavities, including holes in buildings. Easily overlooked if quiet, as the bright green plumage blends easily with foliage. Note the very long slender tail, bright red bill; male has narrow black-and-rose neck ring. Closely resembles the larger Alexandrine Parakeet, which has a wine-red patch on each shoulder. Like other parakeets, raucous and social, often appearing in noisy groups. Native to Africa and South Asia, introduced locally in Europe and Japan (Source: ebirds).

The Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) in Tanjavur (Photo credit: U Elaya Perumal)

Scientific classification

Kingdom : Animalia

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Aves

Order : Psittaciformes

Family : Psittaculidae

Genus : Psittacula

Binomial name : Psittacula krameri Scopoli, 1769

The Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) in Tanjavur (Photo credit: U Elaya Perumal)

இக்கிளிகளின் வால் நீண்டு கூர்மையாக முடிகிறது. பச்சை நிறத்துடன், வளைந்து சிவந்த அலகும், கருப்பு இளஞ்சிவப்பு கலந்த கழுத்து வளையம் போன்ற ஆரம் உடையது. இவ்வின பெண்கிளி எல்லாவகையிலும் ஆண்கிளி போல இருந்தாலும் இந்த ஆர வளையம் இல்லாமல் இருக்கும். இப்பறவைகள் கூண்டுகளில் வைத்து வளர்க்கப்படுகின்றன. இப்பறவைகள் மனிதர்கள் சொல்லும் சொற்களைக் கேட்டு அவற்றைத் திரும்பச் சொல்லக்கூடியவை.

The Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) in Tanjavur (Photo credit: U Elaya Perumal)

Paddyfield Pipit (Anthus rufulus) நெல்வயல் நெட்டைக்காலி Chennai wetland area | Birds of Perumbakkam Marshlands, Chennai city birds

Paddyfield pipit

Paddyfield pipit at Perumbakkam Marshland area (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

Perumabakkam Marshland has much grassland areas, where we could observe more than 10 paddyfield Pipit. catching them with our camera was bit difficult. there were two major issues in photography one was the bird keep on moving they don't stand still anywhere.

another major issue was the background. most of the time they were standing on the dried plant materials hence the background and bird color were almost similar and there was no color contrast to focus with my simple SLR camera. but still, I could able to get somewhat well-focused pictures which I have given here... In early March one or two days a pair of pipit were observed near Annakkili Amma Research Institute (AARI), medavakkam marshland.

Paddyfield pipit at Perumbakkam Marshland area (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

The paddy-field pipit or Oriental Pipit (Anthus rufulus) is a small passerine bird in the pipit and wagtail family. It is a resident (non-migratory) breeder in open scrub, grassland, and cultivation in southern Asia east to the Philippines. Although among the few breeding pipits in the Asian region, identification becomes difficult in winter when several other species migrate into the region. The taxonomy of the species is complex and has undergone considerable changes (Wikipedia).

Paddyfield pipit at Perumbakkam Marshland area (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

A sparrow-sized, resident pipit with brown plumage that varies in tones in different parts of its range. All birds have a bi-colored bill with a curve to the tip of the upper bill. The breast is streaked and the upper parts have variable amounts of streaking. Juveniles show distinct and dark mottling on the upper parts. It is common in open habitats such as wetlands, farms, fields, and even large parks. Very similar to Blyth’s and Richard’s Pipits, but relatively compact and has a more distinct eyebrow, fainter or no streaking on the back of the neck, a larger head, and a shorter tail than either Blyth’s or Richard’s. Calls include short “tsip” and “tissip” notes (ebird).

Paddyfield pipit at Perumbakkam Marshland area (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

நெல்வயல் நெட்டைக்காலி (paddyfield pipit, அல்லது Oriental pipit, (Anthus rufulus) என்பது ஒரு சிறிய பாசரிபாரம்சு பறவை ஆகும். இது வாலாட்டிக் குருவிக் குடும்பத்தைச் சேர்ந்த பறவை ஆகும். இவை ஒரு பகுதியிலேயே வாழக்கூடியன (வலசை போகாதவை) இவை திறந்த வெளிகளிலும், புல்வெளிகளிலும் வாழக்கூடியன, தெற்கு ஆசியா, கிழக்குப் பிலிப்பீன்சு போன்ற பகுதிகளில் உள்ளன. பிற மற்ற இனங்கள் ஆசியாவின் பிற பகுதியில் காணப்படுகின்றன. ஆசிய பிராந்தியத்தில் குளிர்காலத்தில் இவ்வகைப் பறவைகளை அடையாளம் காண்பது கடினமாக இருக்கும். இனங்களின் வகைப்பாட்டில் சிக்கலான மற்றும் கணிசமான மாற்றங்கள் ஏற்பட்டிருக்கின்றன.

Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) இரட்டைவால் குருவி

வெண்புருவ வாலாட்டி White-browed Wagtail

Pied Bushchat (Saxicola caprata) புதர்ச்சிட்டு

Purple-rumped Sunbird Leptocoma zeylonica ஊதாப்பிட்டத் தேன்சிட்டு

Eurasian Moorhen Gallinula chloropus தாழைக் கோழி

Bronze winged Jacana (Metopidius indicus) தாமிர இறக்கை இலைக்கோழி

White-breasted waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) வெள்ளை நெஞ்சு நீர்க்கோழி

The greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) பெரும் பூநாரை

Indian spot-billed duck (Anas poecilorhyncha) புள்ளி மூக்கு வாத்து

The glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) அன்றில் Chennai wetland area | Birds of Medavakkam Marshlands, Chennai city birds

The greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) பெரும் பூநாரை Chennai Wetland Birds Perumbakkam Marshland birds || Bird watching

The greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) பெரும் பூநாரை

Common at Perumbakkam Mashland area but have not observed at Medavakkam lake area.

The greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) Photo credit: U Elaya Perumal

Distributed from Africa and southern Europe through West Asia to South Asia. Very large, with long, "coat hanger" neck, big kinked bill, and very long pinkish legs. Plumage at rest whitish with pale pink blush and some deep pink often visible on closed wings. Flies with long neck and legs extended, when deep pink-and-black wing pattern striking (ebird).

The greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) Photo credit: U Elaya Perumal

The greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) is the most widespread and largest species of the flamingo family. It is found in Africa, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and in southern Europe (wikipedia).

The greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) Photo credit: U Elaya Perumal

பெரும் பூநாரை (Greater Flamingo) என்பது நாரைக் குடும்பத்தைச் சேர்ந்த ஒரு பறவையாகும். இதன் அறிவியல் பெயர் பீனிகாப்டெரசு ரோசசு என்பதாகும். நம் வீடுகளில் வளரும் வாத்தின் பருமனுடைய இப்பறவைக்கு நீண்ட முடியற்ற சிவந்த கால்களும், நீண்டு வளைந்த கழுத்தும், குறுகிய வளைந்த அலகும் இருக்கும். கால் விரல்கள் வாத்துக்கு இருப்பது போலவே சவ்வினால் இணைந்திருக்கும். நிமிர்ந்து நின்றால் 1 1/2 மீட்டர் உயரம் இருக்கும். இப்பறவைகள் செந்நிறம் கலந்த வெள்ளையுடலும் கரு நிறமான இறக்கை ஓரமும் கொண்டவை. நிலத்திலும் அதிக உப்புத்தன்மை அதிகமுள்ள ஏரிகளில் கடும் வெப்பத்தையும் தாங்கி வாழும் பூநாரை, தமிழகத்திலுள்ள கோடியக்கரை வனவுயிரினங்கள், பறவைகள் உய்விடம் புகலிடத்திற்கு வரும் எண்ணற்ற பறவைகளில் மிகவும் அழகான ஒன்று. இப்பறவைகள் கூட்டம் கூட்டமாகப் பறந்து உயரச் செல்லும் காட்சி மனதைக் கவரும் தன்மை உடையது (wikipedia).

The greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) Photo credit: U Elaya Perumal

Indian spot-billed duck (Anas poecilorhyncha) புள்ளி மூக்கு வாத்து அல்லது புள்ளி மூக்கன் Chennai Wetland Birds Perumbakkam Marshland birds || Bird watching

Indian spot-billed duck

Indian spot-billed duck (Anas poecilorhyncha) at Perumbakam Marshland (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

அலகின் (அலகின்) நுனியில் ஒரு மஞ்சள் நிறப்புள்ளி உள்ளது இவைகளின் தனிச்சிறப்பு.

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anatidae

Genus: Anas

Species: A. poecilorhyncha

Binomial name: Anas poecilorhyncha Forster, 1781

Indian spot-billed duck (Anas poecilorhyncha) at Perumbakam Marshland (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

The spot-billed duck species was little frequent at Perumbakkam Marshland and they were flying towards Pallikaranai Marshland direction. In Medavakkam lake only once during mid of March we have sited some of these ducks but not on other days. that does not mean these birds are not present in Medvakkam wetland area, we might be missing the time for observing these birds.

Indian spot-billed duck (Anas poecilorhyncha) at Perumbakam Marshland (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

The Indian spot-billed duck (Anas poecilorhyncha) is a large dabbling duck that is a non-migratory breeding duck throughout freshwater wetlands in the Indian subcontinent. The name is derived from the red spot at the base of the bill that is found in the mainland Indian population. When in water it can be recognized from a long distance by the white tertials that form a stripe on the side, and in-flight it is distinguished by the green speculum with a broad white band at the base. This species and the eastern spot-billed duck (A. zonorhyncha) were formerly considered conspecific, together called the spot-billed duck (A. poecilorhyncha) Source: Wikipedia.

Indian spot-billed duck (Anas poecilorhyncha) at Perumbakam Marshland (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

A large grayish-brown duck with a diagnostic yellow-tipped black bill and a red spot at the base of the bill (missing in certain subspecies). In-flight, note the green panel in the wing that is bordered in white. Often seen in small groups dabbling or tipping up in shallow water or walking on marshy land at the edge of freshwater lakes or in cultivated fields. Usually not seen associating with other species. Similar to Eastern Spot-billed Duck, but note green wing panel, lack of a distinct dark "moustache", and overall warmer tan coloration (Source Ebirds).

Black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus) நெடுங்கால் உள்ளான் Chennai Wetland Birds Perumbakkam Marshland birds || Bird watching

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Charadriiformes

Family: Recurvirostridae

Genus: Himantopus

Species: H. himantopus

Binomial name: Himantopus himantopus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Black-winged stilt observed at Perumbakkam Marshland (Photo Credit U Elaya Perumal)

The Black-winged Stilt is very common in Perumbakkam marshland. we have not observed them at Medavakkam lake or near Annakkili Amma Research Institute. which makes us think that this bird is not visiting Medavakkam Marshland. The Perumbakkam marshland is a bigger area with a shallow water body which is the supporting habitat for the Black-winged Stilt. hence they reside more near Perumbakkam Marshland, the habitat is similar to Pallikaranai also, but are yet to visit Pallikaranai Marshland (The Major Marshland/wetland of Chennai)

Black-winged stilt observed at Perumbakkam Marshland (Photo Credit U Elaya Perumal)

The black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus) is a widely distributed very long-legged wader in the avocet and stilt family (Recurvirostridae). The scientific name H. himantopus was formerly applied to a single, almost cosmopolitan species. It is now normally applied to the form that is widespread in Eurosiberia and Africa and which was formerly regarded as the nominate subspecies of Himantopus himantopus sensu lato. The scientific name Himantopus comes from the Greek meaning "strap foot" or "thong foot". Most sources today accept 2–4 species. It is sometimes called pied stilt, but that name is now reserved for the Australian species, Himantopus leucocephalus (Wikipedia).

Black-winged stilt observed at Perumbakkam Marshland (Photo Credit U Elaya Perumal)

Fairly common to locally common in warmer regions. Favors wetlands with open shallow water, often brackish; breeds on bare ground near water, often in noisy colonies. Striking and essentially unmistakable, with elegant shape, boldly pied plumage, long hot-pink legs, and long, very fine bill. Feeds by wading in the water, picking with its bill from the water surface. In-flight, long pink legs stick out far beyond the tail (ebird).

நெடுங்கால் உள்ளான் (Black-winged Stilt - Himantopus himantopus) என்பது நீண்ட கால்களைக் கொண்ட கரைப்பறவைகளுள் ஒன்றாகும். இது நீர் நிலைகளுக்கு அருகில் வாழக்கூடிய பறவை ஆகும்.

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) சாம்பல் நாரை Chennai Wetland Birds Medavakkam & Perumbakkam Marshland birds || Bird watching

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)

These birds have been spotted in Medavakkam Lake and also in Perumbakkam Marshland. the Grey heron was occasionally spotted at Medavakkam Lake but in the Perumbakkam Marshland area, it was found with high frequency.

Grey Heron at Perumbakkam Marshland (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

Generally quite common and conspicuous in wetland habitats from marshes and tidal flats to small ponds, ditches, and wet fields; nests colonially in tall trees. Mainly seen as singles or in small groups, standing quietly in or at the edge of the water, less often hunting in fields. Plumage mostly gray overall, with a paler neck; the adult has a white crown, black eyebrows, and black shoulder patch. Like other herons and egrets, flies with necks pulled in to form a bulge.

Grey Heron at Perumbakkam Marshland (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

The grey heron is a long-legged predatory wading bird of the heron family, Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia and also parts of Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but some populations from the more northern parts migrate southwards in autumn (Wikipedia).

Grey Heron at Perumbakkam Marshland (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Pelecaniformes

Family: Ardeidae

Genus: Ardea

Species: A. cinerea

Binomial name: Ardea cinerea Linnaeus, 1758

நதியன், நாராயணப் பட்சி, நரையான், கொய்யடி நாரை, கருநாரை பெருங்கொக்கு, சாம்பல்கொக்கு ஆகியவை இதன் வேறு பெயர்கள்.

Birds of Annakkili Amma Research Institute | April observation published on World Big Day of Ebird

On the day of "World Big Day" I would like to share the list of birds, I observed during the month of April 2021.

Common Name: Rock Pigeon

Scientific Name: Columba Olivia (Columbiformes > Columbidae)

Around Annakkili Amma Research Institute (AARI) we could observe more Feral pigeons... Here we are sharing the group photo of a small group of feral pigeon at the backside of AARI

Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)

Greater Coucal

Common Name: Asian Koel

Scientific Name: Eudynamys scolopaceus (Cuculiformes > Cuculidae)

Around Annakkili Amma Research Institute (AARI) we could observe at least 4, Asian Koels, every day and someday at a certain time we have even observed more than 10 Asian koels... Here is the link for a small write-up on Asian Koel from us. Follow the link to see more photos.

Asian Koel

Common Name: Asian Palm-Swift

Scientific Name: Cypsiurus balasiensis (Caprimulgiformes > Apodidae)

Around six Asian Palm-swift are there near AARI...

Common Name: Eurasian Moornhen

Scientific Name: Gallinula chloropus (Gruiformes > Rallidae)

Eurasian Moorhen

Common Name: Gray-headed Swamphen

Scientific Name: Porphyrio poliocephalus (Gruiformes > Rallidae)

One pair of Swamphen residing near AARI. they could be seen all day.

Gray-headed Swamphen

Common Name: White-breasted Waterhen

Scientific Name: Amaurornis phoenicurus (Gruiformes > Rallidae)

more than three pairs of White-Breasted Waterhen was breeding near AARI and gave birth to 5 chicks each. so here near AARI you could find more water hens all day.

White-breasted Waterhen

Red-wattled Lapwing

Common Name: Bronze-winged Jacana

Scientific Name: Metopidius indicus (Charadriiformes > Jacanidae)

A pair of Matured Jacana was laid eggs and hatched 4 jacana chicks near AARI... according to our observation, this could be the second time hatching for this jacana pair.