Every animal in the Wild India atlas, grouped by class and listed A to Z with its
scientific name, IUCN Red List status and a one-line note. Tap a name to open its full profile, with photos, calls,
a range map and the national parks where it lives.
Mammals 404 species
Alpine musk deerMoschus chrysogasterEndangeredA small, tusked deer of high Himalayan scrub, heavily poached for its musk.
Andaman Horseshoe BatRhinolophus cognatusNear ThreatenedA horseshoe bat found only in the Andaman archipelago of India.
Andaman RatRattus stoicusVulnerableA vulnerable, nocturnal forest rat known from South Andaman, Middle Andaman and Henry Lawrence Island.
Andaman Spiny ShrewCrocidura hispidaVulnerableA dark, bristly-furred shrew known only from the Andaman Islands, where it forages among leaf litter and rocks in island forest.
Andersen's Leaf-nosed BatHipposideros gentilisLeast ConcernA small roundleaf bat of Asian forests and caves that roosts in colonies, long lumped with the Pomona roundleaf bat before being recognized as its own species.
ArgaliOvis ammonNear ThreatenedThe largest wild sheep on Earth, the rams carrying massive spiralling horns on Ladakh's heights.
Arunachal MacaqueMacaca munzalaEndangeredA dark, heavily-built macaque discovered only in 2005 in the high forests of Arunachal.
Ashy Roundleaf BatHipposideros cineraceusLeast ConcernA tiny grey leaf-nosed bat roosting in caves and old buildings across the Indian subcontinent.
Asian BadgerMeles leucurusLeast ConcernA stocky black and white striped burrower found in the cold, arid valleys of Ladakh and Kashmir.
Asian ElephantElephas maximusEndangeredIndia's largest land animal, a keystone giant revered across the subcontinent.
Asian Golden CatCatopuma temminckiiVulnerableA secretive golden-coated wild cat of northeastern hill forests.
Asian Gray ShrewCrocidura attenuataLeast ConcernA slate-grey white-toothed shrew ranging across the hills of northeast India.
Asian Highland ShrewSuncus montanusLeast ConcernA small dark montane shrew of the Western Ghats and Sri Lankan highlands, found in damp forest floor litter above roughly 1,000 metres.
Asian House ShrewSuncus murinusLeast ConcernA common shrew that lives in and around Indian homes, hunting insects at night. The metallic jingle of its calls gives it folk names across the region.
Asian Palm CivetParadoxurus hermaphroditusLeast ConcernA nocturnal fruit-loving civet famous for the coffee passed through its gut.
Asian Red-cheeked SquirrelDremomys rufigenisLeast ConcernA ground-and-tree squirrel of northeastern Indian forests, using its long muzzle to dig out insects and seeds.
Asian Small-clawed OtterAonyx cinereusVulnerableThe tiniest otter, using nimble part-webbed paws to pluck crabs and snails from forest streams.
Asiatic Black BearUrsus thibetanusVulnerableA forest bear of the Himalaya marked by a pale crescent across its chest.
Asiatic Brush-tailed PorcupineAtherurus macrourusLeast ConcernA slender brush-tailed porcupine of northeastern forests, smaller than the crested porcupine and largely nocturnal.
Asiatic LionPanthera leoVulnerableThe world's last wild Asiatic lions survive in Gujarat's Gir Forest.
Asiatic Long-tailed Climbing MouseVandeleuria oleraceaLeast ConcernA slender arboreal mouse that climbs hedges, shrubs and garden trees across much of India.
Asiatic WildcatFelis lybica ornataLeast ConcernA small spotted cat of arid northwestern India, hunting rodents and birds in dry scrub and grassland.
Assamese MacaqueMacaca assamensisNear ThreatenedA stocky brown macaque of forested foothills, often seen along roads in the eastern Himalaya.
Back-striped weaselMustela strigidorsaLeast ConcernA rarely seen weasel of northeastern hill forests, marked by a pale dorsal stripe.
Baluchistan gerbilGerbillus nanusLeast ConcernA small nocturnal gerbil of the arid Thar and northwestern deserts.
BarasinghaRucervus duvauceliiVulnerableThe swamp deer, whose many-branched antlers give it the name twelve-tines.
Bare-Bellied HedgehogParaechinus nudiventrisLeast ConcernA spiny insectivore endemic to the dry scrub and arid plains of southeastern India.
Beech MartenMartes foinaLeast ConcernThe stone marten lives in rocky and forested Himalayan country, with a white throat patch and a varied diet of prey and fruit.
Bengal FoxVulpes bengalensisLeast ConcernA dainty, big-eared fox endemic to the Indian subcontinent's open plains.
Bengal Slow LorisNycticebus bengalensisEndangeredA wide-eyed nocturnal primate of the north-east whose elbow glands give it a rare toxic bite.
Bengal TigerPanthera tigrisEndangeredIndia's national animal and the apex predator of its forests, swamps and grasslands.
BharalPseudois nayaurLeast ConcernA blue-grey wild sheep of high Himalaya, the snow leopard's favoured prey.
Bhutan Giant Flying SquirrelPetaurista nobilisNear ThreatenedA large gliding squirrel of high eastern Himalayan forests, found in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
Bicolored ShrewCrocidura leucodonLeast ConcernA white-toothed shrew of Europe and western Asia whose range edges into the far northwest of India. It hunts insects at night.
Big-eared Horseshoe BatRhinolophus macrotisLeast ConcernA small horseshoe bat with notably long ears, roosting in caves across forested hill tracts.
BinturongArctictis binturongVulnerableA shaggy tree-dwelling 'bearcat' with a prehensile tail and a scent oddly like buttered popcorn.
Black Giant SquirrelRatufa bicolorNear ThreatenedA huge black-and-buff canopy squirrel of northeastern India, gliding between treetops in parks like Kaziranga and Namdapha.
Black Musk DeerMoschus fuscusEndangeredA dark, high-altitude musk deer of the eastern Himalayas found in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
Black RatRattus rattusLeast ConcernAn agile climbing rat native to South Asia, revered at Rajasthan's Karni Mata temple yet a pest almost everywhere else.
Black-bearded Tomb BatTaphozous melanopogonLeast ConcernCave-roosting bat named for the dark throat patch males develop during the breeding season.
Black-Eared Flying FoxPteropus melanotusVulnerableA large island fruit bat of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelagos.
Black-Footed Gray LangurSemnopithecus hypoleucosLeast ConcernA leaf-eating monkey centered on the Western Ghats of southwestern India.
BlackbuckAntilope cervicapraLeast ConcernA swift antelope of open plains, the male's coat darkening to glossy black.
Blainville's Beaked WhaleMesoplodon densirostrisLeast ConcernA deep diving beaked whale first confirmed in Indian waters off the Mangalore coast in 2024.
Blanford's Fruit BatSphaerias blanfordiLeast ConcernA compact fruit bat of higher elevations in northern and northeastern India, feeding on figs and other forest fruit.
Blanford's RatCremnomys blanfordiLeast ConcernA rock-dwelling rat endemic to the dry hill forests and rocky outcrops of central and southern India.
Blue WhaleBalaenoptera musculusEndangeredThe largest animal ever, recorded off India's southwest coast and Lakshadweep.
Blyth's Horseshoe BatRhinolophus lepidusLeast ConcernA small horseshoe bat widespread across southern Asia, first described near Kolkata.
Blyth's voleNeodon leucurusLeast ConcernA pale high-altitude vole of the Ladakh and trans-Himalayan plateau.
Bonnet MacaqueMacaca radiataVulnerableA southern macaque with a neat whorled bonnet of hair on its crown.
Bower's White-Toothed RatBerylmys bowersiLeast ConcernA large forest rat of northeast India named for its distinctive white incisors.
Brandt's hedgehogParaechinus hypomelasLeast ConcernAn arid-land hedgehog reaching the deserts of northwestern India.
Bronze SpriteArielulus circumdatusLeast ConcernA striking bronze-tinged pipistrelle-like bat of Himalayan and northeast Indian forest, also known from Nepal, Myanmar and China.
Brown Long-eared BatPlecotus auritusLeast ConcernA small Eurasian bat that picks insects off leaves while hovering. In India it is known from the western Himalaya.
Brown Palm CivetParadoxurus jerdoniLeast ConcernA uniform-brown civet endemic to the Western Ghats that disperses rainforest seeds at night.
Brown RatRattus norvegicusLeast ConcernThe big sewer and dockside rat that thrives in Indian city drains, ports and markets.
Bryde's WhaleBalaenoptera edeniLeast ConcernA baleen whale resident in warm Indian waters off both coasts.
Burmese Ferret-badgerMelogale personataLeast ConcernA small, masked ferret-badger of Southeast Asia that reaches India in Meghalaya and Manipur.
Cadorna's PipistrellePipistrellus cadornaeLeast ConcernA small vesper bat ranging from Northeast India to Vietnam, recorded in forested hills.
Cantor's Roundleaf BatHipposideros galeritusLeast ConcernA medium leaf-nosed bat of peninsular India, gleaning insects in dense undergrowth at night.
Capped LangurTrachypithecus pileatusVulnerableA graceful golden-bellied monkey of north-eastern forests, named for the neat dark cap on its head.
CaracalCaracal caracalLeast ConcernA tufted-eared desert cat that springs high into the air to swat down birds.
Cave Nectar BatEonycteris spelaeaLeast ConcernA long muzzled fruit bat recently confirmed in a Tamil Nadu tiger reserve, vital for plant pollination.
Cheesman's GerbilGerbillus cheesmaniLeast ConcernA small, sand coloured gerbil adapted to the driest dune fields of the Thar Desert.
CheetahAcinonyx jubatusVulnerableThe fastest land animal, brought back to central India through a translocation program.
Chestnut White-Bellied RatNiviventer fulvescensLeast ConcernA bright chestnut-backed, white-bellied forest rat of the eastern Himalayas.
Chinese Birch MouseSicista concolorLeast ConcernA tiny long-tailed jumping mouse of high Himalayan scrub and meadow, ranging from Kashmir into China.
Chinese Ferret-badgerMelogale moschataLeast ConcernA weasel-sized omnivore of northeastern India, active at night and known for its strong-smelling defensive secretions.
Chinese GoralNaemorhedus griseusVulnerableA grey goat-antelope of steep, forested slopes in the northeastern Indian hills bordering Myanmar and China.
Chinese Mole ShrewAnourosorex squamipesLeast ConcernA stout fossorial shrew of northeastern montane forests with a short tail.
Chinese PangolinManis pentadactylaCritically EndangeredA scale-armoured anteater of the eastern hills, the world's most trafficked mammal.
Chinese Rufous Horseshoe BatRhinolophus sinicusLeast ConcernA cave-roosting horseshoe bat of the eastern Himalayas with an ornate nose-leaf.
ChinkaraGazella bennettiiLeast ConcernThe Indian gazelle endures the Thar's heat, drawing moisture from plants.
ChitalAxis axisLeast ConcernThe spotted deer, India's most common deer and prime tiger prey.
Clouded LeopardNeofelis nebulosaVulnerableA secretive tree-climbing cat of the North-East with cloud-shaped coat blotches.
Common Bent-wing BatMiniopterus schreibersiiVulnerableA fast-flying cave bat that gathers in huge clusters, with the long-fingered wings that give it its name.
Common Bottlenose DolphinTursiops truncatusLeast ConcernA robust, boat-following dolphin recorded across India's offshore waters from the Arabian Sea to the Andaman and Lakshadweep seas.
Common DolphinDelphinus delphisLeast ConcernA fast hourglass-marked dolphin found in offshore waters along Indian coasts.
Common minke whaleBalaenoptera acutorostrataLeast ConcernA compact baleen whale recorded off India's coasts, smallest of the rorquals.
Common NoctuleNyctalus noctulaLeast ConcernA large, fast-flying vesper bat whose Asian range reaches into the Indian Himalayas.
Common PipistrellePipistrellus pipistrellusLeast ConcernA tiny, fast-flying bat with a huge range across Europe, North Africa and western Asia, reaching India in the northwest Himalaya.
Corsac FoxVulpes corsacLeast ConcernA small, pale steppe fox that has established a foothold in the cold deserts of India's Trans-Himalaya.
Crab-eating MongooseUrva urvaLeast ConcernA grizzled mongoose with a white neck-stripe that hunts crabs and frogs along streams.
Cutch RatCremnomys cutchicusLeast ConcernA slender grey rodent found only in India, ranging from Gujarat and Rajasthan through Karnataka and Bihar in rocky, dry habitats.
Cuvier's Beaked WhaleZiphius cavirostrisLeast ConcernA deep-diving beaked whale that holds the record for the longest mammal dive.
Daubenton's BatMyotis daubentoniiLeast ConcernA short-eared Eurasian bat that feeds over lakes and slow rivers. In India it is known from the western Himalaya.
Day's ShrewSuncus dayiEndangeredA small, dark shrew endemic to the southern Western Ghats of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, threatened by the loss of its forest habitat.
Desert hareLepus tibetanusLeast ConcernA sandy-gray hare of the cold deserts of Ladakh and the trans-Himalaya.
Desert Long-eared BatOtonycteris hemprichiiLeast ConcernA pale, huge-eared desert bat of the arid Thar country that gleans prey from the sand.
DholeCuon alpinusEndangeredThe Asiatic wild dog hunts in coordinated, whistling packs across Indian forests.
Diadem Leaf-nosed BatHipposideros diademaLeast ConcernOne of the largest leaf-nosed bats, recently confirmed roosting in caves of the Andaman Islands.
Dormer's BatScotozous dormeriLeast ConcernA small vesper bat of dry forest, farmland and towns across peninsular and northern India, often roosting in buildings.
DugongDugong dugonVulnerableA gentle seagrass-grazing sea cow of Palk Bay, the marine mammal behind old mermaid legends.
Dusky Leaf-nosed BatHipposideros aterLeast ConcernA tiny cave dwelling bat with soft grey brown fur, ranging across peninsular India to Sri Lanka.
Dwarf Sperm WhaleKogia simaLeast ConcernA tiny secretive whale that releases an ink cloud when alarmed, found off Indian shores.
Eastern Bent-winged BatMiniopterus fuliginosusLeast ConcernA fast-flying cave bat that gathers in large colonies across India and East Asia, hunting insects in open air above forest and farmland.
Eastern hoolock gibbonHoolock leuconedysVulnerableA tree-swinging ape of Arunachal Pradesh, living east of the Dibang River.
Edwards's Long-tailed Giant RatLeopoldamys edwardsiLeast ConcernA large forest rat of Southeast Asia and southern China, recorded in India from Meghalaya, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.
Egyptian Free-tailed BatTadarida aegyptiacaLeast ConcernA free-tailed bat widespread in India, roosting in rock crevices and buildings and emerging to chase insects at dusk.
Egyptian Tomb BatTaphozous perforatusLeast ConcernA sac-winged bat of dry country from Africa to northwest India, where it roosts in old buildings, ruins and rock crevices in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Eld's DeerRucervus eldiiEndangeredThe graceful brow-antlered sangai that steps across floating meadows on Manipur's Loktak Lake.
Etruscan ShrewSuncus etruscusLeast ConcernA tiny insectivore widespread across India, with a racing heart and a ravenous appetite for invertebrates its own size.
Eurasian Harvest MouseMicromys minutusLeast ConcernOne of the smallest rodents, weighing as little as 4 g. It weaves ball-shaped nests in tall grass and is recorded in India from the Northeast.
Eurasian LynxLynx lynxLeast ConcernA long-legged, ear-tufted cat that stalks hares across the cold scrub of Ladakh.
Eurasian OtterLutra lutraNear ThreatenedA sleek solitary otter of clear hill streams, hunting fish in cold mountain water.
Eurasian Pygmy ShrewSorex minutusLeast ConcernA tiny, fast-living shrew of the northern Palearctic that reaches India in the western Himalaya, where it hunts insects in moist ground cover.
European Free-tailed BatTadarida teniotisLeast ConcernA large free-tailed bat with wrinkled lips that hunts high above cliffs and valleys, from the Mediterranean to the Himalaya.
False Killer WhalePseudorca crassidensNear ThreatenedA large dark dolphin of deep tropical seas, seen off Indian coasts and the Andamans.
Fin WhaleBalaenoptera physalusVulnerableThe second largest animal on Earth, occasionally recorded in deep Indian Ocean waters.
Fishing CatPrionailurus viverrinusVulnerableA wetland cat with partly webbed paws that dives into water to snatch fish.
Flat-haired MouseMus platythrixLeast ConcernA stiff-haired native mouse of rocky scrub and fields on the fringes of villages.
Forest Musk ShrewCrocidura horsfieldiiLeast ConcernA shrew found in the moist forests of the Western Ghats and parts of South Asia.
Forrest's PikaOchotona forrestiLeast ConcernA dark high-altitude pika of the eastern Himalaya in India, Bhutan and China.
Four-horned AntelopeTetracerus quadricornisVulnerableThe chousingha, the world's only antelope whose males grow four separate horns, roams dry forest.
Fraser's DolphinLagenodelphis hoseiLeast ConcernStocky dolphin with a faint side stripe, recorded in deep waters off the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Fulvous Fruit BatRousettus leschenaultiiLeast ConcernA medium brown fruit bat that roosts in caves and old buildings and, unusually for a fruit bat, uses tongue-click echolocation in the dark.
Fulvous Roundleaf BatHipposideros fulvusLeast ConcernA small leaf-nosed bat widespread across much of India in caves and buildings.
Gairdner's shrewmouseMus pahariLeast ConcernA spiny-furred forest mouse of northeast India, also called the Sikkim mouse.
Ganges River DolphinPlatanista gangeticaEndangeredIndia's national aquatic animal, a nearly sightless dolphin that sees by sound.
GaurBos gaurusVulnerableThe Indian bison, a muscular black-bodied giant of hill forests.
Gee's Golden LangurTrachypithecus geeiEndangeredA luminous golden monkey restricted to a small patch of Assam and Bhutan.
Ginkgo-toothed beaked whaleMesoplodon ginkgodensData DeficientA deep-diving beaked whale known mainly from strandings, named for its ginkgo-leaf teeth.
Gobi Big Brown BatEptesicus gobiensisLeast ConcernA pale bat of cold, dry Central Asian mountains that reaches India in Ladakh and the high western Himalaya.
Goitered GazelleGazella subgutturosaVulnerableA pale desert gazelle named for the swollen throat of rutting males, just reaching India's west.
Golden JackalCanis aureusLeast ConcernA clever wild dog whose eerie chorus of howls rises from scrub at nightfall.
Gongshan MuntjacMuntiacus gongshanensisData DeficientA dark data-deficient barking deer of Arunachal and the eastern Himalaya.
Gray Slender LorisLoris lydekkerianusNear ThreatenedA wide-eyed, twig-thin primate of southern India's forests and scrub, creeping silently at night to catch insects.
Great Evening BatIa ioNear ThreatenedA big cave-dwelling insectivorous bat of the northeastern hills that can even take small birds in flight.
Great Roundleaf BatHipposideros armigerLeast ConcernA large insect-eating bat of northern and northeastern India, recognised by its broad leaf-shaped nose and loud echolocation calls.
Great Woolly Horseshoe BatRhinolophus luctusLeast ConcernA big, shaggy horseshoe bat of forested hills, often roosting singly or in pairs rather than large colonies.
Greater Asiatic Yellow BatScotophilus heathiiLeast ConcernA medium bat with rich yellow-brown fur, roosting in tree hollows and roofs across India and hunting insects over fields at dusk.
Greater Bamboo BatTylonycteris robustulaLeast ConcernA flat-skulled little bat of northeastern India and Southeast Asia that roosts inside hollow bamboo stems.
Greater Bandicoot RatBandicota indicaLeast ConcernOne of India's biggest rats, common in fields and wetlands. It digs extensive burrows and can stockpile harvested grain, making it a notable crop pest.
Greater False Vampire BatLyroderma lyraLeast ConcernA large-eared bat that hunts frogs, mice and other bats rather than drinking blood.
Greater Hog BadgerArctonyx collarisVulnerableA stocky badger of northern and northeastern India with a distinctive piggy nose, heavily hunted across much of its range.
Greater Horseshoe BatRhinolophus ferrumequinumLeast ConcernA cave-roosting insect hunter with a distinctive horseshoe-shaped nose leaf.
Greater Mouse-tailed BatRhinopoma microphyllumLeast ConcernA long-tailed insectivorous bat of dry regions, roosting colonially in caves and old buildings across much of India.
Greater Short-nosed Fruit BatCynopterus sphinxLeast ConcernA common nectar and fruit bat across India that chews leaf stalks into shelter tents. An important pollinator and seed disperser in forests and farmland.
Greater Tube-nosed BatMurina leucogasterLeast ConcernA tube-nosed bat of temperate forests from India to China and Korea, with tubular nostrils that stick out from its snout.
Grey Dwarf HamsterNothocricetulus migratoriusLeast ConcernA small grey hamster of dry steppe and mountain from Eastern Europe to China, reaching India in Ladakh.
Grey Long-eared BatPlecotus austriacusNear ThreatenedA long-eared bat with a pale belly that hunts moths above woodland. Its Indian records come from the western Himalaya.
Grizzled Giant SquirrelRatufa macrouraNear ThreatenedA large tree squirrel with a salt-and-pepper coat that haunts riverine woods of the far south.
Hairy-faced BatMyotis annectansLeast ConcernA forest bat of South and Southeast Asia, recorded in India from the Northeast.
Hairy-footed Flying SquirrelBelomys pearsoniiData DeficientA small data-deficient glider known from a few northeastern hill states.
Hairy-nosed otterLutra sumatranaEndangeredA very rare Southeast Asian otter reaching the wetlands of India's far northeast.
Hardwicke's Woolly BatKerivoula hardwickiiLeast ConcernA slow flying understory bat found from Kashmir to the northeast, roosting in hollow trees and curled leaves.
Harlequin batScotomanes ornatusLeast ConcernA vividly patterned tree-roosting bat of northeast India's forests.
Himalayan Brown BearUrsus arctos isabellinusCritically EndangeredA shaggy, sandy brown bear of the high Himalaya that dens in remote alpine meadows above the treeline.
Himalayan Field RatRattus nitidusLeast ConcernA widespread field rat of the Himalayas and northeastern hills.
Himalayan GoralNaemorhedus goralNear ThreatenedA goat-antelope that grazes impossibly steep Himalayan cliffs with ease.
Himalayan MarmotMarmota himalayanaLeast ConcernA large burrowing rodent of high-altitude Himalayan and Ladakh grasslands, hibernating through the long, brutal winter.
Himalayan MoleEuroscaptor micruraLeast ConcernA dark, velvet-furred mole of hill forests in Sikkim, north Bengal and the Northeast, where it digs for earthworms and insect larvae.
Himalayan Musk DeerMoschus leucogasterEndangeredA small Himalayan deer whose males bear tusk-like canines instead of antlers.
Himalayan SerowCapricornis tharVulnerableA shaggy, donkey-eared goat-antelope that picks its way across steep, forested Himalayan slopes.
Himalayan Striped SquirrelTamiops mcclellandiiLeast ConcernA small, chipmunk-like squirrel of northeastern and eastern Himalayan forests, quick and acrobatic in the canopy.
Himalayan TahrHemitragus jemlahicusNear ThreatenedA shaggy-maned wild goat sure-footed on the steepest Himalayan crags.
Himalayan Whiskered BatMyotis siligorensisLeast ConcernOne of the smallest bats in Asia, ranging from the Himalaya and Northeast India to Southeast Asia.
Himalayan WolfCanis lupus chancoLeast ConcernHunts blue sheep and marmots across the cold deserts and high pastures of Ladakh and the trans-Himalaya.
Hispid HareCaprolagus hispidusEndangeredA coarse-furred bristly rabbit clinging to tall grasslands at the Himalaya's foot.
Hoary Bamboo RatRhizomys pruinosusLeast ConcernA heavy-bodied, grizzled grey bamboo rat that lives underground in the hills of northern and northeastern India.
Hoary-bellied SquirrelCallosciurus pygerythrusLeast ConcernA bushy-tailed squirrel of northeast India, foraging actively by day on fruit, nuts and bark in forest and gardens.
Hodgson's BatMyotis formosusNear ThreatenedA colourful mouse-eared bat of forested hills across northern India, named for naturalist Brian Hodgson.
Hodgson's brown-toothed shrewEpisoriculus caudatusLeast ConcernA small Himalayan shrew of damp forests and undergrowth.
Hodgson's Giant Flying SquirrelPetaurista magnificusLeast ConcernA large maroon flying squirrel of high Himalayan temperate forests.
Hog DeerAxis porcinusEndangeredA stocky deer that runs head-low like a hog through tall floodplain grass.
Homfray's Horseshoe BatRhinolophus andamanensisLeast ConcernA medium-sized horseshoe bat endemic to the Andaman Islands, where it roosts in caves and hunts insects in forest.
Honey BadgerMellivora capensisLeast ConcernA famously fearless digger that will take on snakes and bee hives alike.
Horsfield's MyotisMyotis horsfieldiiLeast ConcernA trawling bat that hunts over ponds and slow rivers along India's west coast and forested islands.
House MouseMus musculusLeast ConcernThe familiar small mouse that originated in the Indian subcontinent and now lives alongside people almost everywhere.
Humpback WhaleMegaptera novaeangliaeLeast ConcernA famously acrobatic baleen whale whose Arabian Sea population visits Indian waters.
Hutton's Tube-nosed BatMurina huttoniLeast ConcernA tube-nosed bat of Himalayan and Southeast Asian forests between about 1,450 and 2,500 m, threatened by forest clearing.
Indian Brown MongooseUrva fuscaLeast ConcernA stocky, dark-furred mongoose of dense southern hill forests, more secretive and forest-bound than its grey cousin.
Indian Bush RatGolunda elliotiLeast ConcernA small rat widespread across the Indian subcontinent, often in scrub and plantations. It is known for nesting in shrubs rather than burrowing.
Indian Crested PorcupineHystrix indicaLeast ConcernA large rodent that rattles and reverses its black-and-white quills at threats.
Indian Desert JirdMeriones hurrianaeLeast ConcernA diurnal desert rodent of the Thar, living in large burrow colonies and feeding on seeds and desert plants.
Indian Flying FoxPteropus mediusNear ThreatenedA giant fruit bat with a metre-plus wingspan, roosting in noisy daytime colonies on village trees.
Indian GerbilTatera indicaLeast ConcernA big-eyed, long-tailed gerbil that digs burrow colonies across dry plains and fields.
Indian Giant Flying SquirrelPetaurista philippensisLeast ConcernA large nocturnal flying squirrel found across forested India. It launches from high branches and glides long distances using a membrane between its limbs.
Indian Giant SquirrelRatufa indicaLeast ConcernA spectacular multicoloured tree squirrel that leaps huge gaps in the canopy.
Indian Grey MongooseHerpestes edwardsiiLeast ConcernA quick, fearless predator famous for battling and killing venomous snakes.
Indian Hairy-footed GerbilGerbillus gleadowiLeast ConcernA small, big-eyed gerbil of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Pakistan. It comes out at night to feed on seeds and insects.
Indian HareLepus nigricollisLeast ConcernA swift hare of scrub and farmland marked by a dark patch on its nape.
Indian HedgehogParaechinus micropusLeast ConcernA small spiny mammal of the Thar Desert and dry zones of western India. It rolls into a ball when threatened and forages for insects and small prey by night.
Indian LeopardPanthera pardusVulnerableA stealthy, spotted opportunist that thrives even at the edges of Indian cities.
Indian Long-eared HedgehogHemiechinus collarisLeast ConcernA small desert hedgehog of northwestern India with notably long ears. It shelters in burrows by day and forages for insects across arid scrub at night.
Indian MuntjacMuntiacus muntjakLeast ConcernA small russet deer with stubby antlers whose dog-like bark betrays a hidden predator.
Indian Ocean Humpback DolphinSousa plumbeaEndangeredA coastal dolphin of shallow Indian waters, rarely venturing far from shore. Threatened by fishing nets and pollution, it is listed as Endangered.
Indian Palm SquirrelFunambulus palmarumLeast ConcernThe familiar three-striped squirrel of South India's gardens and temples. Bold and vocal, it lives comfortably among people across the Deccan and Western Ghats.
Indian PangolinManis crassicaudataEndangeredA scale-armoured anteater, among the world's most trafficked mammals.
Indian PipistrellePipistrellus coromandraLeast ConcernOne of the most widespread small bats in India, flitting at dusk over towns and fields. It thrives alongside people, roosting in roofs, crevices and tree hollows.
Indian RhinocerosRhinoceros unicornisVulnerableThe greater one-horned rhino, armoured in skin folds, grazes Assam's floodplain grasslands.
Indian Roundleaf BatHipposideros lankadivaLeast ConcernA large leaf-nosed bat widespread across peninsular India, roosting deep in caves and old tunnels.
Indian rufous horseshoe batRhinolophus indorouxiiNot EvaluatedA recently recognised horseshoe bat known from caves and forests of southern India.
Indian Spotted ChevrotainMoschiola indicaLeast ConcernA rabbit-sized mouse deer with spotted flanks that freezes in the leaf litter.
Indian Wild AssEquus hemionusNear ThreatenedThe khur gallops across the salt flats of Gujarat's Little Rann of Kutch.
Indian WolfCanis lupus pallipesLeast ConcernRoams scrub and grassland across peninsular India, preying on antelope, hares and livestock in small family packs.
Indo-Burmese PangolinManis auritaNot EvaluatedA scaly anteater of Northeast India, Myanmar and Nepal, until recently counted as part of the Chinese pangolin. It eats ants and termites.
Indo-Pacific Bottlenose DolphinTursiops aduncusNear ThreatenedA common bottlenose dolphin in the warm coastal seas around India. Smaller and slimmer than its open-ocean cousin, it favours shallow inshore waters.
Indo-Pacific Finless PorpoiseNeophocaena phocaenoidesVulnerableA shy, finless porpoise of India's coastal waters, including the west coast and Bay of Bengal. Bycatch and habitat loss make it Vulnerable.
Indo-Pacific Humpback DolphinSousa chinensisVulnerableA coastal humpback dolphin of the eastern Bay of Bengal, recorded from India's eastern seaboard and the Andaman Islands.
Indus river dolphinPlatanista minorEndangeredA near-blind freshwater dolphin of the Indus basin, surviving in India's Beas River.
Intermediate Horseshoe BatRhinolophus affinisLeast ConcernA widespread Asian horseshoe bat found across northern and northeastern India, roosting in caves and using its elaborate noseleaf to focus echolocation.
Intermediate Roundleaf BatHipposideros larvatusLeast ConcernA cave roosting leaf-nosed bat of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya with highly variable fur colour.
Irrawaddy DolphinOrcaella brevirostrisEndangeredA round-headed coastal dolphin with an iconic population in Chilika Lake.
Jaintia Tube-nosed BatMurina jaintianaData DeficientA grey tube-nosed bat of Northeast India and Myanmar, recorded in Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Mizoram.
Javan PipistrelleAlionoctula javanicaLeast ConcernA small vesper bat found from Afghanistan and India to the Philippines. It favours human habitations and appears well adapted to living in cities.
Joffre's BatMirostrellus joffreiData DeficientA little-known vesper bat of the eastern Himalaya, recorded from Nepal, Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar, the sole member of its genus.
Jungle CatFelis chausLeast ConcernA long-legged tawny cat of reedbeds and farmland, the most common wild cat across much of India.
Jungle Palm SquirrelFunambulus tristriatusLeast ConcernA striped squirrel found only along India's western coast, foraging high in the canopy of evergreen forest.
Kashmir Cave BatMyotis longipesData DeficientA small mouse-eared bat of the western Himalayan broadleaf forests, roosting in caves in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Kashmir Field MouseApodemus rusigesLeast ConcernA field mouse of the western Himalaya in India, Nepal and Pakistan, living in forest and alpine meadows.
Kashmir Flying SquirrelHylopetes fimbriatusLeast ConcernA grey, nocturnal flying squirrel of the western Himalayan forests of Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
Kashmir Gray LangurSemnopithecus ajaxEndangeredAn endangered leaf-eating langur of the western Himalaya, threatened by its small, scattered range and spreading farms.
Kashmir Musk DeerMoschus cupreusEndangeredAn endangered musk deer of western Himalayan alpine shrubland, the males bearing downward sabre-like canines.
Kashmir StagCervus hangluEndangeredThe hangul, a regal Himalayan red deer clinging on in Kashmir's Dachigam valley.
Kelaart's PipistrelleAlionoctula ceylonicaLeast ConcernA small reddish-brown vesper bat found from Pakistan to Indonesia. Males are larger and brighter than females. India lies within its wide range.
Khajuria's Leaf-nosed BatHipposideros durgadasiVulnerableA rare cave roosting bat known only from a few scattered village sites in central India.
KiangEquus kiangLeast ConcernThe biggest wild ass, galloping across the cold high plains of Ladakh.
Killer WhaleOrcinus orcaData DeficientA powerful black and white toothed whale that hunts in family pods and turns up in Indian waters as an uncommon visitor.
Kolar Leaf-nosed BatHipposideros hypophyllusCritically EndangeredOne of the world's rarest bats, known only from a single narrow cave opening near Kolar.
Kuhl's PipistrellePipistrellus kuhliiLeast ConcernA tiny adaptable vesper bat ranging from the Mediterranean into western India.
Ladakh PikaOchotona ladacensisLeast ConcernA round eared, tailless relative of rabbits found among the rocky slopes of the Ladakh plateau.
Lang Bian White-bellied RatNiviventer langbianisLeast ConcernA tree-climbing forest rat of Southeast Asia, recorded in India from Arunachal Pradesh.
Large Flying FoxPteropus vampyrusEndangeredA huge fruit bat of Southeast Asia that reaches India only in the Nicobar Islands. Despite its name it eats fruit, nectar and flowers.
Large Indian CivetViverra zibethaLeast ConcernA large grey civet with a black-banded tail that prowls northeastern forests by night.
Large-eared PikaOchotona macrotisLeast ConcernA high-altitude pika of Ladakh and the Himalayas, named for its prominent ears. It shelters in rock crevices on cold, windswept slopes.
Leaf MuntjacMuntiacus putaoensisData DeficientA tiny recently described muntjac from the forests of Arunachal Pradesh.
Least Horseshoe BatRhinolophus pusillusLeast ConcernA tiny cave roosting bat found in the forests of northeastern India and the Andaman Islands.
Least PipistrellePipistrellus tenuisLeast ConcernA tiny bat that roosts in wall cracks and ceilings, fluttering over gardens at dusk.
Least WeaselMustela nivalisLeast ConcernA tiny, lightning fast predator of high Himalayan meadows that turns white in winter snow.
Leisler's BatNyctalus leisleriLeast ConcernA tree-dwelling relative of the noctule whose eastern range extends to the Himalayas.
Leopard CatPrionailurus bengalensisLeast ConcernA small leopard-spotted cat that hunts rodents through dense night forest.
Lesser Asiatic Yellow BatScotophilus kuhliiLeast ConcernA small yellowish vesper bat that roosts in buildings and palms, foraging for insects over villages and farmland across southern India.
Lesser Bamboo BatTylonycteris pachypusLeast ConcernOne of the smallest bats in the world, uniquely adapted to sleep inside hollow bamboo internodes.
Lesser Bamboo RatCannomys badiusLeast ConcernA compact, soft-furred burrowing rodent of northeastern India that feeds on bamboo roots, tubers and shoots.
Lesser Bandicoot RatBandicota bengalensisLeast ConcernA robust burrowing rat common across Indian farmland and cities, grunting loudly when threatened and hoarding food underground.
Lesser False Vampire BatMegaderma spasmaLeast ConcernFound across southern and eastern India including the Andamans, this big-eared bat is an agile nocturnal predator. Despite the name, it does not feed on blood.
Lesser Hairy-winged BatHarpiocephalus harpiaLeast ConcernA shaggy furred forest bat found from the Western Ghats to the northeastern hill states.
Lesser Horseshoe BatRhinolophus hipposiderosLeast ConcernA small horseshoe bat of Europe, North Africa and western Asia whose range reaches the western Himalaya. It roosts in caves and old buildings.
Lesser Large-footed BatMyotis hasseltiiLeast ConcernA bat of coastal mangroves and waterways from Sri Lanka and India to Indonesia, usually seen feeding low over water at dusk.
Lesser Mouse-eared BatMyotis blythiiLeast ConcernA wide-ranging mouse-eared bat stretching from the Iberian Peninsula to the hills of northern India.
Lesser Mouse-tailed BatRhinopoma hardwickiiLeast ConcernA desert-adapted insect bat of arid India, roosting in caves, ruins and wells, recognised by its free, mouse-like tail.
Lesser Short-nosed Fruit BatCynopterus brachyotisLeast ConcernA small dog-faced fruit bat of southwestern and northeastern India, an important seed disperser in gardens and forests.
Lesser Woolly Horseshoe BatRhinolophus beddomeiLeast ConcernA horseshoe bat of peninsular hill forests with distinctive woolly fur.
Lion-tailed MacaqueMacaca silenusEndangeredA rainforest monkey with a striking grey mane, found only in the Western Ghats.
Little Indian Field MouseMus boodugaLeast ConcernA small brown-and-white field mouse that burrows in cultivated land and grassland across India, hoarding grain in its tunnels.
Little Tube-nosed BatMurina aurataData DeficientA tiny tube-nosed bat ranging from the Indian Himalaya to Korea, recorded in Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Meghalaya.
Long-eared hedgehogHemiechinus auritusLeast ConcernA large-eared desert hedgehog that ranges into arid northwestern India.
Long-tailed GoralNaemorhedus caudatusVulnerableA nimble cliff-dwelling goat-antelope of the far northeastern hills.
Long-tailed MarmotMarmota caudataLeast ConcernA golden marmot of the western Himalaya and Ladakh, living in family colonies on alpine meadows and rocky slopes.
Long-tailed moleScaptonyx fusicaudusLeast ConcernA small montane mole of eastern Himalayan forests with an unusually long tail.
Long-tongued Fruit BatMacroglossus sobrinusLeast ConcernA small nectar feeding megabat found across West Bengal, Sikkim and northeast India.
Long-winged Tomb BatTaphozous longimanusLeast ConcernSlender sac-winged bat that roosts in tree hollows and old buildings across much of India.
Madras TreeshrewAnathana elliotiLeast ConcernA squirrel-like insectivore endemic to the hill forests of central and southern India. It is the sole Indian member of the treeshrew order.
Mainland SerowCapricornis sumatraensisVulnerableA large goat-antelope of steep forested northeastern hill slopes.
Malabar CivetViverra civettinaCritically EndangeredA large striped and spotted civet once common in Kerala's coastal forests, now among India's most critically endangered carnivores.
Malabar Spiny DormousePlatacanthomys lasiurusLeast ConcernA spiny-furred nocturnal rodent endemic to the forests of the Western Ghats.
Malayan PorcupineHystrix brachyuraLeast ConcernA large quill-covered rodent of northeastern Indian forests, foraging at night for roots, fruit and fallen seeds.
Mandelli's Mouse-eared BatMyotis sicariusVulnerableA threatened bat of moist montane forests in the eastern Himalaya of India and Nepal, recorded from Sikkim and Uttarakhand.
Manipur bush ratHadromys humeiEndangeredA threatened northeastern rat known from the mid-altitude forests of Manipur.
Marbled CatPardofelis marmorataNear ThreatenedA small marbled-coat cat with a huge tail, built for life in the treetops.
MarkhorCapra falconeriNear ThreatenedA wild goat of the western Himalaya crowned with dramatic spiralling horns.
Masked Palm CivetPaguma larvataLeast ConcernA nocturnal civet with a white-streaked face that pads through hill forests after fruit.
Mechuka Giant Flying SquirrelPetaurista mechukaensisData DeficientA large gliding squirrel of the eastern Himalayan forests, discovered recently in north-central Arunachal Pradesh.
Melon-headed WhalePeponocephala electraLeast ConcernA slender oceanic dolphin that travels in large pods through deep Indian Ocean waters.
Mishmi Giant Flying SquirrelPetaurista mishmiensisNear ThreatenedA recently described gliding squirrel restricted to the forested Mishmi Hills of northeastern Arunachal Pradesh.
Mountain WeaselMustela altaicaNear ThreatenedA slender high-altitude weasel of the Himalayas, especially Ladakh. It preys on pikas and small rodents and is listed as Near Threatened.
Moupin PikaOchotona thibetanaLeast ConcernA small, round-eared relative of rabbits that lives in mountain forest and scrub on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, eating grasses and leaves.
Naked-Rumped Pouched BatSaccolaimus saccolaimusLeast ConcernA fast, high-flying sheath-tailed bat with a bare rump found across peninsular India.
Naked-rumped Tomb BatTaphozous nudiventrisLeast ConcernA sheath-tailed bat of dry country roosting in ruins, caves and old buildings, ranging from Africa across to India.
Namdapha Flying SquirrelBiswamoyopterus biswasiCritically EndangeredAn extremely rare giant flying squirrel known only from Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh.
Narcondam ShrewCrocidura narcondamicaNot EvaluatedA white-toothed shrew known solely from Narcondam, a remote volcanic island in the Andaman Sea, foraging in the leaf litter of the island's forest floor.
Nepal Gray LangurSemnopithecus schistaceusLeast ConcernA high-altitude gray langur of the central Himalayan highlands.
Nicobar Flying FoxPteropus faunulusVulnerableA small, vulnerable fruit bat endemic to the Nicobar Islands.
Nicobar Long-tailed MacaqueMacaca fascicularis umbrosaVulnerableA distinct island subspecies of crab-eating macaque found only on three southern Nicobar islands.
Nicobar ShrewCrocidura nicobaricaCritically EndangeredA tiny insect eating shrew found nowhere on Earth except a single island in the Nicobar archipelago.
Nicobar TreeshrewTupaia nicobaricaEndangeredAn endangered treeshrew found only on a few Nicobar Islands.
NilgaiBoselaphus tragocamelusLeast ConcernIndia's biggest antelope, the blue bull, ranges widely across northern plains.
Nilgiri LangurSemnopithecus johniiVulnerableA jet-black, golden-headed leaf monkey leaping through Western Ghats forests.
Nilgiri Long-tailed Climbing MouseVandeleuria nilagiricaLeast ConcernA small arboreal mouse endemic to the hill forests of the Western Ghats.
Nilgiri MartenMartes gwatkinsiiVulnerableThe sole marten of southern India, a rare hunter of the Western Ghats canopy.
Nilgiri Striped SquirrelFunambulus sublineatusVulnerableA tiny striped squirrel restricted to wet forests of the Western Ghats and Nilgiri hills, threatened by habitat loss.
Nilgiri TahrNilgiritragus hylocriusEndangeredA stocky mountain goat endemic to the high grassy shola hills of South India.
Northern BatEptesicus nilssoniLeast ConcernA dark, golden-tipped bat that ranges from France to Japan and south into the western Himalaya, hunting insects over open ground.
Northern hog badgerArctonyx albogularisLeast ConcernA stocky, pale-throated badger of the Himalayas that digs with a pig-like nose.
Northern Palm SquirrelFunambulus pennantiiLeast ConcernA hardy urban squirrel of northern and central India, also called the five-striped palm squirrel. It flourishes in cities, parks and dry scrub alike.
Northern Pig-tailed MacaqueMacaca leoninaVulnerableA heavyset macaque with a short curled tail that roams in big troops through eastern jungle.
Northern Plains Gray LangurSemnopithecus entellusLeast ConcernA long-tailed grey langur revered as Hanuman and common across northern India.
Northern TreeshrewTupaia belangeriLeast ConcernA squirrel-like insectivore of northeastern India, darting through forest floor and low branches by day.
Northern woolly horseshoe batRhinolophus pernigerNot EvaluatedA large, dark, woolly-furred horseshoe bat of Himalayan and northeast Indian forests.
Nubra PikaOchotona nubricaLeast ConcernA small pika of the cold arid valleys of Ladakh and the trans-Himalaya.
Omura's WhaleBalaenoptera omuraiData DeficientA little-known dwarf rorqual recorded off the Andaman Islands in warm Indian Ocean waters.
Orange-bellied Himalayan SquirrelDremomys lokriahLeast ConcernA long-snouted squirrel of mid-elevation Himalayan and northeastern forests, foraging on the ground and among low branches.
Oriental SerotineEptesicus pachyomusLeast ConcernA smoky brown insectivorous bat found across the Himalayan foothills and northern plains.
Painted BatKerivoula pictaNear ThreatenedA tiny bat patterned orange and black like a butterfly, roosting in dry leaves and banana furls.
Pallas's CatOtocolobus manulLeast ConcernA stocky, flat-faced high-altitude cat with the densest fur of any feline, haunting Ladakh's cold steppe.
Pallas's SquirrelCallosciurus erythraeusLeast ConcernA bright, adaptable tree squirrel of far eastern Indian forests, often seen dashing along branches in search of fruit and nuts.
Pantropical Spotted DolphinStenella attenuataLeast ConcernAn abundant spotted oceanic dolphin found in warm Indian Ocean waters.
Papillose Woolly BatKerivoula papillosaLeast ConcernA dark brown forest bat with a hairless wart covered tail membrane that roosts in small tree hollow colonies.
Particolored BatVespertilio murinusLeast ConcernA distinctively frosted-furred bat recorded from the high Himalayan region of India.
Particoloured Flying SquirrelHylopetes albonigerLeast ConcernA nocturnal glider of subtropical forests in northeast India, foraging in the canopy and rarely seen in dense growth.
Pearson's Horseshoe BatRhinolophus pearsoniiLeast ConcernA forest horseshoe bat of the eastern Himalaya and northeastern hills.
Père David's VoleEothenomys melanogasterLeast ConcernA dark-backed vole of pine and rhododendron forests in China and Southeast Asia, recorded in India from the Northeast.
Perny's Long-nosed SquirrelDremomys pernyiLeast ConcernA ground-loving squirrel of the eastern Himalayan foothills, identified by its long pointed snout.
Phayre's Leaf MonkeyTrachypithecus phayreiEndangeredA silvery leaf monkey with white eye-rings like spectacles in the forests of the northeast.
Plateau PikaOchotona curzoniaeLeast ConcernA small tailless lagomorph of high-altitude meadows, reaching India in the cold deserts of North Sikkim and Ladakh.
Polynesian ratRattus exulansLeast ConcernA small, slender rat that in India is restricted to the Nicobar Islands.
Pomona Roundleaf BatHipposideros pomonaEndangeredA rare leaf-nosed bat first described from Coorg, now restricted to a handful of known roosts.
Pygmy HogPorcula salvaniaEndangeredThe tiniest wild pig, surviving only in the tall grasslands of Assam.
Pygmy Killer WhaleFeresa attenuataLeast ConcernA rarely seen deep water dolphin species recorded in strandings and sightings around India's islands and coasts.
Pygmy Sperm WhaleKogia brevicepsLeast ConcernShark-like small whale known mainly from strandings along the Tamil Nadu coast at Palk Bay.
Rainforest Tube-nosed BatMurina pluvialisData DeficientA small, reddish tube-nosed bat known only from the rainforests of Meghalaya in Northeast India.
Ratanaworabhan's Fruit BatMegaerops niphanaeLeast ConcernA small tailless fruit bat of northeastern India, Bhutan and Southeast Asia that roosts in foliage and feeds on soft forest fruit.
Red FoxVulpes vulpesLeast ConcernThe classic bushy-tailed fox, ranging from Himalayan meadows to desert edges.
Red Giant Flying SquirrelPetaurista petauristaLeast ConcernA big rusty squirrel that glides on skin flaps between forest trees at night.
Red GoralNaemorhedus baileyiVulnerableA small, agile goat-antelope of steep Arunachal forests and cliffs, threatened by hunting across its tiny range.
Red PandaAilurus fulgensEndangeredA russet, bushy-tailed bamboo-eater of misty eastern Himalayan forests.
Rhesus MacaqueMacaca mulattaLeast ConcernA hardy pink-faced monkey equally at home in forests, temples and city streets.
Risso's DolphinGrampus griseusLeast ConcernA robust scarred dolphin of deep offshore waters around India.
Rough-toothed DolphinSteno bredanensisLeast ConcernA deep water dolphin with a distinctive narrow beak, seen off Sri Lanka facing Indian coasts.
Round-eared Tube-nosed BatMurina cyclotisLeast ConcernA small forest bat with forward facing tubular nostrils, first described from Darjeeling, India.
Royle's PikaOchotona royleiLeast ConcernA small, round-eared mountain mammal of Himalayan rock slopes and meadows. It does not hibernate, staying active through harsh alpine winters.
Ruddy MongooseUrva smithiiLeast ConcernA reddish forest mongoose that carries its black-tipped tail curled upward.
Rufous Horseshoe BatRhinolophus rouxiiLeast ConcernA reddish horseshoe bat common in caves and old buildings across peninsular India.
Rusty-spotted CatPrionailurus rubiginosusNear ThreatenedBarely larger than a kitten, the world's tiniest wild cat haunts Indian scrub forests.
Sahyadris Forest RatRattus sataraeVulnerableA forest rat restricted to fragmented high-elevation Western Ghats habitat.
Salim Ali's Fruit BatLatidens salimaliiEndangeredA rare endangered megabat restricted to the Western Ghats of the south.
SambarRusa unicolorVulnerableA big, dark forest deer whose alarm call warns the jungle of stalking tigers.
Sand-colored Soft-furred RatMillardia gleadowiLeast ConcernA pale, sand-toned rat of dry scrub and desert margins across northwestern India.
Savi's PipistrellePipistrellus saviiLeast ConcernA small bat of the Mediterranean, the Middle East and Central Asia whose range reaches the western Himalaya.
Schneider's Leaf-nosed BatHipposideros speorisLeast ConcernA cave-roosting insect bat common across peninsular India. The fleshy leaf on its nose helps direct its ultrasonic hunting calls.
Scully's Tube-nosed BatMurina tubinarisData DeficientA small, grey-brown tube-nosed bat of the western Himalaya and Southeast Asia.
Sei WhaleBalaenoptera borealisEndangeredA large, fast-swimming baleen whale recorded along India's coasts and the northern Indian Ocean.
Serotine BatEptesicus serotinusLeast ConcernA large Eurasian bat with broad wings that hunts beetles and moths along woodland edges. In India it is known from the western Himalaya.
Servant MouseMus famulusEndangeredAn endangered mouse endemic to the high Western Ghats, including Eravikulam National Park, Avalanche and Coonoor.
Short-finned Pilot WhaleGlobicephala macrorhynchusLeast ConcernA large dolphin relative seen off Lakshadweep and the Andamans, often following squid spawning grounds.
Short-tailed Bandicoot RatNesokia indicaLeast ConcernA stocky burrowing rodent of irrigated fields and river valleys across northwestern India.
Siberian IbexCapra sibiricaNear ThreatenedA wild mountain goat of the high Ladakh and Himalayan ranges, scaling near-vertical crags to escape snow leopards and wolves.
Siberian WeaselMustela sibiricaLeast ConcernA long-bodied weasel ranging through the eastern Himalaya and northeast India, hunting rodents in forest and scrub.
Sikkim Mountain VoleMicrotus sikimensisLeast ConcernA small vole of Sikkim, Bhutan, Nepal and southern Tibet, making runways through grass and scrub in the mountains.
Sikkim RatRattus andamanensisLeast ConcernA brown forest rat with a white belly, ranging from the eastern Himalaya and Northeast India to Southeast Asia.
Silver Mountain VoleAlticola argentatusLeast ConcernA pale, silvery furred vole of the high altitude rocky slopes of Ladakh and the Karakoram.
Sloth BearMelursus ursinusVulnerableA shaggy, termite-vacuuming bear with a shambling gait and unpredictable temper.
Small Bent-winged BatMiniopterus pusillusLeast ConcernA small long-fingered bat of the family Miniopteridae, recorded in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Southeast Asia.
Small Indian CivetViverricula indicaLeast ConcernA slender striped-and-spotted civet that prowls gardens and scrub by night.
Small Indian MongooseUrva auropunctataLeast ConcernA compact, fast mongoose native across India's drylands and forests. Famous as a snake and rat hunter, it has become an invasive pest where introduced abroad.
Small-toothed Palm CivetArctogalidia trivirgataLeast ConcernA slender arboreal civet of dense northeastern forests with three dorsal stripes.
Smooth-coated OtterLutrogale perspicillataVulnerableA sleek social otter that hunts fish in coordinated family teams across rivers and mangrove creeks.
Snow LeopardPanthera unciaVulnerableThe ghost of the mountains, perfectly camouflaged against high Himalayan rock and snow.
Soft-furred RatMillardia meltadaLeast ConcernA rat of cultivated fields and dry grassland across most of South Asia, sometimes a pest of crops.
Sombre BatEptesicus tateiData DeficientA dark vesper bat recorded from moist montane forest in the eastern Himalaya. Almost nothing is known about its habits.
South China Field MouseApodemus dracoLeast ConcernA field mouse of the mountains of southern China and Myanmar, recorded in India from Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.
Southeast Asian ShrewCrocidura fuliginosaLeast ConcernA dark grey white-toothed shrew of northeastern India and mainland Southeast Asia, foraging for invertebrates in moist forest leaf litter.
Southern bottlenose whaleHyperoodon planifronsLeast ConcernA large-browed beaked whale of the Indian Ocean, documented from Indian strandings.
Southern plains gray langurSemnopithecus dussumieriData DeficientA long-tailed gray langur of peninsular India, part of the Hanuman langur complex.
Sperm WhalePhyseter macrocephalusVulnerableThe largest toothed whale, a deep diver found in Indian offshore waters.
Spinner DolphinStenella longirostrisLeast ConcernAn acrobatic dolphin of India's offshore waters and around the Lakshadweep islands. It is famous for its spinning aerial leaps.
Spotted Giant Flying SquirrelPetaurista elegansLeast ConcernA large nocturnal gliding squirrel of the eastern Himalayan forests, ranging from Uttarakhand to Arunachal Pradesh.
Spotted LinsangPrionodon pardicolorLeast ConcernA secretive, beautifully marked civet relative of eastern Himalayan and northeastern forests, hunting small prey by night.
Steppe PolecatMustela eversmaniiLeast ConcernA pale, black masked polecat of Ladakh's high altitude desert, rarely seen but present across its burrow riddled plateaus.
StoatMustela ermineaLeast ConcernA small, fierce predator of the high Himalayas and Ladakh, recorded in India's far north. Its winter-white pelt was historically prized as ermine fur.
Stolicka's Mountain VoleAlticola stoliczkanusLeast ConcernA rufous brown alpine rodent of Ladakh that stays nocturnally active even in extreme cold.
Stripe-necked MongooseUrva vitticollaLeast ConcernThe biggest Asian mongoose, marked by a bold dark stripe down its neck.
Striped DolphinStenella coeruleoalbaLeast ConcernAcrobatic dolphin with bold side stripes, seen off both Indian coasts in deep offshore waters.
Striped HyenaHyaena hyaenaNear ThreatenedA nocturnal scavenger whose powerful jaws crack open bones other predators leave behind.
Stump-tailed MacaqueMacaca arctoidesVulnerableA shaggy, red-faced macaque with a tiny stump of a tail in dense northeastern forests.
Sun BearHelarctos malayanusVulnerableA small forest bear that reaches the northeastern edge of its range in the hill forests of India.
Sundevall's JirdMeriones crassusLeast ConcernA sandy coloured, large eyed jird of the Thar Desert that is active mainly after dark.
TakinBudorcas taxicolorVulnerableA bulky golden goat-antelope that roams the bamboo forests of the eastern Himalaya.
Tarai Gray LangurSemnopithecus hectorNear ThreatenedA gray langur of the Himalayan foothills and Terai of northern India.
Theobald's Tomb BatTaphozous theobaldiLeast ConcernA robust tomb bat of central and northeastern India, named for naturalist William Theobald and found in scattered cave colonies.
Tibetan AntelopePantholops hodgsoniiNear ThreatenedThe chiru of the high Tibetan plateau, nearly wiped out for the ultrafine wool woven into shahtoosh shawls.
Tibetan GazelleProcapra picticaudataNear ThreatenedA dainty gazelle of the Tibetan plateau with a heart-shaped white rump patch, rare in Ladakh.
Tibetan MacaqueMacaca thibetanaNear ThreatenedA heavily built, short-tailed macaque reported from Arunachal Pradesh, ranging into cool high-elevation forests.
Tibetan Sand FoxVulpes ferrilataLeast ConcernA true fox of the high Tibetan Plateau, ranging into Ladakh, where it hunts plateau pikas across cold steppe and semi-desert.
Tickell's BatHesperoptenus tickelliLeast ConcernA rarely recorded vesper bat roosting in dense foliage, found across India including the Andamans.
Travancore Flying SquirrelPetinomys fuscocapillusLeast ConcernA small flying squirrel of the southern Western Ghats and Sri Lanka that glides between trees at night.
Trefoil Horseshoe BatRhinolophus trifoliatusNear ThreatenedA medium horseshoe bat with a yellow nose leaf, recorded in northeast India and the Andaman Islands.
Trident Leaf-nosed BatAsellia tridensLeast ConcernA pale bat of hot deserts and dry scrub from North Africa to northwest India, roosting in caves, wells and old buildings.
Tropical Bottlenose WhaleIndopacetus pacificusLeast ConcernA rarely seen beaked whale recorded in the Bay of Bengal and near the Andaman Islands.
Tufted Gray LangurSemnopithecus priamNear ThreatenedA slender gray colobine of the dry forests of southeastern India and Sri Lanka.
UrialOvis vigneiVulnerableA wild sheep of the Ladakh mountains, where the local form numbers only a few hundred animals on arid slopes.
Variable flying foxPteropus hypomelanusLeast ConcernA medium-sized fruit bat of coastal and island forests, in India known from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Voracious shrewCrocidura voraxLeast ConcernA small brown white-toothed shrew of forested hills in northeastern India and neighbouring parts of southern China.
Wall-roosting Mouse-eared BatMyotis muricolaLeast ConcernA small whiskered bat common in forests and villages across the Himalayan foothills and northeast India.
Ward's Field MouseApodemus pallipesLeast ConcernA pale, large-eared field mouse of the western Himalaya and Central Asian mountains, living in alpine meadow, scrub and forest edge.
Western Hoolock GibbonHoolock hoolockEndangeredThe country's sole ape, swinging and singing through North-East forest canopies.
Western Woolly Flying SquirrelEupetaurus cinereusEndangeredA huge, thick-furred gliding squirrel of remote Himalayan cliffs, long thought extinct.
Whiskered BatMyotis mystacinusLeast ConcernA small, long-furred bat often found near water and human settlements. Indian records come from the Himalaya and Meghalaya.
White-bellied RatNiviventer niviventerLeast ConcernA forest floor rat of the Himalayan foothills with a distinctive snowy belly.
White-cheeked MacaqueMacaca leucogenysEndangeredA dark, thick-furred forest monkey with pale cheek whiskers, found in the far eastern Himalaya of Arunachal Pradesh.
White-Tailed MoleParascaptor leucuraLeast ConcernA small burrowing insectivore of northeastern India named for the pale tail at the end of its velvety body.
Wild BoarSus scrofaLeast ConcernA powerful tusked pig that roots through forest and farmland across India.
Wild Water BuffaloBubalus arneeEndangeredThe massive ancestor of domestic buffalo, surviving in scattered floodplain herds.
Wild YakBos mutusVulnerableA massive shaggy ox that endures the freezing heights of the Tibetan plateau.
Wood MouseApodemus sylvaticusLeast ConcernA common mouse of Europe and northwest Africa whose range reaches Kashmir. It feeds on seeds, fruit and insects.
Woolly HareLepus oiostolusLeast ConcernA thick-furred hare of high montane grasslands in Ladakh and Sikkim, with whitish eye-rings and an elongated muzzle.
Wrinkle-lipped Free-tailed BatTadarida plicataLeast ConcernA cave dwelling free-tailed bat famous for forming enormous emergence colonies at dusk.
Wroughton's Free-tailed BatOtomops wroughtoniData DeficientA rare big-eared free-tailed bat famous from Barapede Cave in Karnataka, with newer colonies later found in Meghalaya.
Yellow-bellied WeaselMustela kathiahLeast ConcernA small forest weasel of the eastern Himalayas and northeast India. Secretive and seldom photographed, it hunts rodents in hill forests.
Yellow-throated MartenMartes flavigulaLeast ConcernA bright-throated marten that bounds through Himalayan trees hunting in pairs.
Birds 1,413 species
Abbott's BabblerMalacocincla abbottiLeast ConcernA plain olive babbler that stays close to the ground in thick cover and announces itself with a clear whistled phrase.
Aberrant Bush WarblerHorornis flavolivaceusLeast ConcernA skulking olive warbler of Himalayan scrub and bamboo, best located by its rising whistled song.
Aleutian TernOnychoprion aleuticusVulnerableA scarce passage seabird off eastern coasts and islands, this grey-bodied tern breeds in the North Pacific.
Alexandrine ParakeetPsittacula eupatriaLeast ConcernA large parakeet with a deep-red shoulder patch, named for Alexander the Great.
Alpine AccentorPrunella collarisLeast ConcernA hardy streaked accentor of high alpine ridges and screes.
Alpine ChoughPyrrhocorax graculusLeast ConcernA glossy black mountain crow of the high Himalaya that wheels in noisy flocks around ridges and peaks well above the treeline.
Alpine SwiftTachymarptis melbaLeast ConcernA large, fast flying swift with a white belly, seen wheeling over cliffs and hill ranges.
Altai AccentorPrunella himalayanaLeast ConcernA streaked mountain accentor that winters in the high Himalaya after breeding further north.
American Golden PloverPluvialis dominicaLeast ConcernA rare vagrant to Indian coasts and wetlands, this slim long-winged golden plover breeds in the American Arctic.
American WigeonMareca americanaLeast ConcernA New World dabbling duck that turns up in India as a rare vagrant, usually among wintering Eurasian wigeon.
Amur FalconFalco amurensisLeast ConcernA small falcon that gathers in vast roosts in Nagaland before an epic migration to Africa, feeding on swarming insects en route.
Amur Paradise FlycatcherTerpsiphone inceiLeast ConcernA rufous-and-white paradise flycatcher with a glossy black head, wintering and on passage in the northeastern forests.
Andaman BulbulBrachypodius fuscoflavescensLeast ConcernAn olive yellow bulbul endemic to the Andaman Islands forests.
Andaman CoucalCentropus andamanensisLeast ConcernA big skulking cuckoo confined to the Andaman Islands, common in gardens, mangroves and paddy edges.
Andaman CrakeRallina canningiNear ThreatenedSecretive chestnut and black crake found only in Andaman forests.
Andaman Cuckoo-DoveMacropygia rufipennisLeast ConcernA long-tailed forest dove endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar island chains.
Andaman CuckooshrikeCoracina dobsoniLeast ConcernAn island-endemic cuckooshrike restricted to the Andamans, soft grey with a paler belly, working slowly through tall forest gleaning large insects.
Andaman DrongoDicrurus andamanensisLeast ConcernA glossy black drongo with a curved forked tail found only in the Andamans.
Andaman FlowerpeckerDicaeum virescensNot EvaluatedA tiny, plain olive-green flowerpecker endemic to the Andaman Islands, feeding on mistletoe berries and nectar in the canopy.
Andaman Green PigeonTreron chloropterusNear ThreatenedA stocky green pigeon endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, feeding in fruiting canopy trees of the island forests.
Andaman Hawk-OwlNinox affinisLeast ConcernA small hawk owl found only in the forests of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.
Andaman Masked OwlTyto deroepstorffiNot EvaluatedA little-known owl found only in the Andaman Islands, this dark-faced relative of the Barn Owl haunts forest edges and clearings.
Andaman NightjarCaprimulgus andamanicusLeast ConcernAn island endemic nightjar of the Andamans that calls from the forest floor after sunset.
Andaman Scops OwlOtus balliLeast ConcernA small island endemic owl restricted entirely to the forests of the Andaman Islands.
Andaman Serpent EagleSpilornis elginiNear ThreatenedA dark forest raptor found only on the Andaman Islands, where it hunts reptiles below the canopy.
Andaman ShamaCopsychus albiventrisNot EvaluatedA glossy black-and-white shama with a shorter tail than its mainland cousin, endemic to forests and edges of the Andaman Islands.
Andaman TealAnas albogularisVulnerableSmall dabbling duck endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Andaman TreepieDendrocitta bayleiiVulnerableA vulnerable treepie endemic to lowland forests of the Andaman Islands.
Andaman Wood PigeonColumba palumboidesNear ThreatenedA near threatened island pigeon endemic to the evergreen forests of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.
Andaman WoodpeckerDryocopus hodgeiVulnerableA large island-endemic woodpecker restricted to the tropical forests of the Andamans, threatened by clearing of old-growth trees.
Arctic TernSterna paradisaeaLeast ConcernA scarce offshore passage visitor to Indian seas, this long-tailed tern with short red legs crosses the entire globe on its annual journeys.
Arctic WarblerPhylloscopus borealisLeast ConcernA greenish leaf warbler with a long pale supercilium, passing through the northeast and the islands on migration between Siberia and the tropics.
Armenian GullLarus armenicusLeast ConcernA large gull of highland lakes in the Caucasus and Turkey, recorded in India as a rare vagrant to the northwest coast.
Ashambu LaughingthrushMontecincla meridionalisNot EvaluatedAn endemic laughingthrush of high-elevation shola forest south of the Palghat Gap, moving in noisy parties through the mossy understorey.
Ashy BulbulHemixos flavalaLeast ConcernA grey bulbul with yellow toned wings found across the eastern Himalaya and northeast hills.
Ashy DrongoDicrurus leucophaeusLeast ConcernA slim slate-grey drongo with red eyes that sallies after insects from a bare perch.
Ashy MinivetPericrocotus divaricatusLeast ConcernA monochrome minivet that visits Indian forests during the winter migration.
Ashy PriniaPrinia socialisLeast ConcernA perky little ashy warbler that cocks its long tail and snaps it while singing.
Ashy Wood PigeonColumba pulchricollisLeast ConcernA shy pigeon of temperate Himalayan and northeastern forests that feeds quietly on fruit and seeds in the canopy, ranging from Uttarakhand east through Arunachal Pradesh.
Ashy WoodswallowArtamus fuscusLeast ConcernA stubby grey bird that huddles in rows on overhead cables near open country.
Ashy-crowned Sparrow-larkEremopterix griseusLeast ConcernA tiny finch-billed lark of bare and ploughed land across India, the males boldly marked, performing fluttering song flights.
Ashy-headed Green PigeonTreron phayreiNear ThreatenedA canopy fig-eater of northeastern forest and Himalayan foothills that is easily missed until a flock bursts out.
Ashy-throated WarblerPhylloscopus maculipennisLeast ConcernA tiny grey throated warbler of high altitude Himalayan and northeast Indian forests.
Asian Barred OwletGlaucidium cuculoidesLeast ConcernA compact owlet of Himalayan and northeast forests that hunts by day, often mobbed by small birds as it perches in the open.
Asian Brown FlycatcherMuscicapa dauuricaLeast ConcernA plain grey-brown flycatcher with a large dark eye that sits upright and darts for flies.
Asian Desert WarblerCurruca nanaLeast ConcernA tiny sand-coloured warbler with yellow eyes that winters in the thorn scrub of the Thar.
Asian DowitcherLimnodromus semipalmatusNear ThreatenedA stocky migratory wader with a long straight bill that visits Indian coasts in winter.
Asian Emerald CuckooChrysococcyx maculatusLeast ConcernA tiny, glittering cuckoo that breeds in the eastern Himalayas and northeastern hills, parasitising small songbirds and slipping through the forest canopy.
Asian Emerald DoveChalcophaps indicaLeast ConcernA shy ground dove with dazzling emerald wings that flushes from shaded forest paths.
Asian Fairy-bluebirdIrena puellaLeast ConcernA canopy fruit-eater whose male shimmers electric blue against velvety black.
Asian Glossy StarlingAplonis panayensisLeast ConcernA metallic-green starling with glaring red eyes, resident in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and parts of the northeast.
Asian Green Bee-eaterMerops orientalisLeast ConcernA slender emerald bee-eater that sallies after bees from roadside wires.
Asian HoubaraChlamydotis macqueeniiVulnerableA desert bustard of the Thar that performs an elaborate fluffed up courtship display.
Asian House MartinDelichon dasypusLeast ConcernSquare tailed martin breeding across the Himalaya and parts of inner Asia.
Asian KoelEudynamys scolopaceusLeast ConcernA glossy cuckoo whose rising calls herald the Indian monsoon.
Asian OpenbillAnastomus oscitansLeast ConcernA stork whose oddly gapped bill is perfectly shaped to crack apple snails.
Asian Palm SwiftCypsiurus balasiensisLeast ConcernA slender, fast-flying swift that lives around palms, sticking its feather nest and even its eggs to a vertical leaf.
Asian StubtailUrosphena squameicepsLeast ConcernA Far Eastern warbler recorded as a vagrant in eastern India.
Asian Woolly-necked StorkCiconia episcopusNear ThreatenedA glossy black stork with a fluffy white neck, stalking fields and wetlands.
Assam LaughingthrushTrochalopteron chrysopterumLeast ConcernA chestnut laughingthrush of hill forests in northeast India and adjacent Myanmar.
Austen's Brown HornbillAnorrhinus austeniNear ThreatenedA social, cooperatively breeding hornbill of the rainforests of northeastern India.
Azure TitCyanistes cyanusLeast ConcernA pale azure-and-white tit of riverine scrub, a rare vagrant to the far northwest Himalaya.
Baer's PochardAythya baeriCritically EndangeredDark headed diving duck that occasionally winters on Indian wetlands.
Baikal TealSibirionetta formosaLeast ConcernA strikingly patterned Siberian duck that occasionally winters in northern Indian wetlands.
Baillon's CrakeZapornia pusillaLeast ConcernA tiny migratory crake threading through dense marsh vegetation in winter.
Banasura LaughingthrushMontecincla jerdoniEndangeredGrey breasted laughingthrush endemic to a tiny pocket of the southern Western Ghats.
Band-bellied CrakeZapornia paykulliiNear ThreatenedA skulking and little-known passage migrant through the northeast, this secretive rail creeps through wet paddy and marsh edges.
Banded Bay CuckooCacomantis sonneratiiLeast ConcernA small rufous cuckoo barred all over, more often heard whistling than seen.
Bank MynaAcridotheres ginginianusLeast ConcernA grey myna of markets, bus stands and roadside eateries across the north.
Bar-backed PartridgeArborophila brunneopectusLeast ConcernA shy hill partridge of dense evergreen forest reaching India's far northeast, usually detected by its whistling calls before it is seen.
Bar-headed GooseAnser indicusLeast ConcernA grey goose that crosses the Himalayas at extreme altitude on migration.
Bar-tailed GodwitLimosa lapponicaNear ThreatenedA long-billed migratory wader that winters along India's coastal mudflats after epic transcontinental flights.
Bar-tailed TreecreeperCerthia himalayanaLeast ConcernA streaky brown creeper of Himalayan conifer forest, named for its barred tail, that probes bark crevices with a curved bill.
Bar-throated MinlaActinodura strigulaLeast ConcernA small babbler that flits through mossy Himalayan oak canopies in mixed flocks.
Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrikeHemipus picatusLeast ConcernA small black-and-white forest bird with a bold wing bar, joining mixed hunting parties across Indian woodland.
Bar-winged Wren-BabblerSpelaeornis troglodytoidesLeast ConcernA minute wren-babbler of high Himalayan and Northeast forest, creeping over rocks and roots.
Barau's PetrelPterodroma barauiEndangeredAn endangered Indian Ocean petrel recorded in Indian island and coastal waters.
Barbary FalconFalco pelegrinoidesLeast ConcernA pale, arid-country falcon of northwest India's deserts and rocky hills, taking birds in fast open-country stoops.
Barn OwlTyto albaLeast ConcernA pale, heart-faced owl that hunts rodents on silent wings around farms and ruins.
Barn SwallowHirundo rusticaLeast ConcernA glossy blue swallow with long tail streamers that pours into India each winter, hawking insects low over fields and water.
Barred ButtonquailTurnix suscitatorLeast ConcernCommon quail like bird where females court and males raise the chicks.
Barred Cuckoo-DoveMacropygia unchallLeast ConcernA long tailed forest dove found in hill forests from the Himalaya to the Western Ghats.
Barred WarblerCurruca nisoriaLeast ConcernA large, heavy warbler that migrates through the northwest, adults grey with fine barring below and staring yellow eyes.
Bay WoodpeckerBlythipicus pyrrhotisLeast ConcernA chestnut coloured woodpecker of Himalayan and northeastern forests with a pale bill.
Bay-backed ShrikeLanius vittatusLeast ConcernA neat little shrike with a chestnut back that impales prey on thorns in dry scrub.
Baya WeaverPloceus philippinusLeast ConcernA golden-capped weaver that knots elaborate retort-shaped nests dangling over water.
Beach Stone-curlewEsacus magnirostrisNear ThreatenedRare in India, it holds on along quiet sandy and mangrove-fringed shores of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Bearded VultureGypaetus barbatusNear ThreatenedThe lammergeier, a high-mountain vulture that drops bones onto rocks to crack them for the marrow.
Beautiful NuthatchSitta formosaVulnerableA large, rare nuthatch of northeast Indian hill forests, patterned in azure, black and buff. Habitat loss has pushed this striking species to Vulnerable status.
Beautiful SibiaHeterophasia pulchellaLeast ConcernAn elegant grey sibia of moist montane forests in eastern Arunachal and Nagaland.
Bengal BushlarkPlocealauda assamicaLeast ConcernA plain rufous-winged lark of the eastern plains that sings from the air on slowly beating wings above damp grassland.
Bengal FloricanHoubaropsis bengalensisCritically EndangeredA critically endangered grassland bustard of the Terai and Brahmaputra floodplains.
BesraTachyspiza virgataLeast ConcernSmall forest hawk that hunts birds and insects with quick agile flight.
Bhutan LaughingthrushTrochalopteron imbricatumLeast ConcernA heavily scaled brown laughingthrush that forages in noisy parties through bamboo and rhododendron thickets.
Bimaculated LarkMelanocorypha bimaculataLeast ConcernA large, robust lark that breeds from Turkey into Central Asia and winters across the Middle East into Pakistan, India and Tibet.
Black BazaAviceda leuphotesLeast ConcernA striking black, white and chestnut raptor with a tall crest, it hunts insects and lizards at forest edges and migrates in groups.
Black BitternIxobrychus flavicollisLeast ConcernA dark slim bittern of wooded swamps with a striking yellow neck stripe.
Black BulbulHypsipetes leucocephalusLeast ConcernA gregarious slate-grey bulbul of hill forests with a vivid red bill and legs.
Black DrongoDicrurus macrocercusLeast ConcernA glossy black, fork-tailed bird that fearlessly mobs hawks and rides grazing cattle.
Black EagleIctinaetus malaiensisLeast ConcernA large all-dark eagle that glides slowly low over forested hills, raiding tree nests for eggs and nestlings.
Black FrancolinFrancolinus francolinusLeast ConcernA striking black and white spotted gamebird found in tall crops and grassland across northern India.
Black KiteMilvus migransLeast ConcernA fork-tailed kite that wheels in scavenging flocks over Indian cities.
Black NoddyAnous minutusLeast ConcernA rare tern in Indian tropical seas, most likely to appear near the island groups.
Black RedstartPhoenicurus ochrurosLeast ConcernA common winter visitor across India, perching on walls and rocks, with the male sooty black and rufous-tailed.
Black StorkCiconia nigraLeast ConcernA wary glossy-black stork with a red bill that stalks fish along quiet winter rivers.
Black TernChlidonias nigerLeast ConcernA dark marsh tern that passes through Indian coasts and wetlands on migration.
Black-and-orange FlycatcherFicedula nigrorufaLeast ConcernA small velvet-black and burnt-orange flycatcher that hunts low inside damp shola undergrowth above 1,000 metres.
Black-and-yellow GrosbeakMycerobas icterioidesLeast ConcernA bold black-and-gold grosbeak with a massive bill that cracks pine seeds in conifer forest.
Black-backed ForktailEnicurus immaculatusLeast ConcernA dainty pied streamside bird that patrols shaded forest brooks from the northeast to central India, tail fanning as it hops over rocks.
Black-bellied SandgrousePterocles orientalisLeast ConcernA stocky, sandy-colored sandgrouse of the arid plains and semi-desert of northwestern India.
Black-bellied Storm PetrelFregetta tropicaLeast ConcernA rare pelagic visitor to seas off the southwest coast and Lakshadweep, this small storm petrel shows a white belly split by a dark central line.
Black-bellied TernSterna acuticaudaEndangeredAn endangered river tern that nests on sandbars of large Indian rivers like the Ganga and Chambal.
Black-breasted ParrotbillParadoxornis flavirostrisVulnerableA thick-billed grassland parrotbill endemic to Assam and Arunachal floodplain reeds.
Black-breasted ThrushTurdus dissimilisLeast ConcernA handsome thrush with a black head and breast above orange underparts, wintering and breeding in evergreen forest of the northeastern hills.
Black-breasted WeaverPloceus benghalensisLeast ConcernA yellow capped weaver of northern river plains that builds nests woven into tall reeds.
Black-browed Reed WarblerAcrocephalus bistrigicepsLeast ConcernAn East Asian migrant that winters in northeastern reedbeds and marshy grass.
Black-capped KingfisherHalcyon pileataLeast ConcernA coastal and mangrove kingfisher with a striking black cap and red bill.
Black-chinned BabblerCyanoderma pyrrhopsLeast ConcernA small, plump babbler with a fine black chin-stripe and rufous crown, foraging in low undergrowth and scrub along the western Himalayan foothills.
Black-chinned YuhinaYuhina nigrimentaLeast ConcernA tiny grey yuhina with a small black chin patch found across Himalayan forests.
Black-crested BulbulRubigula flaviventrisLeast ConcernA striking yellow bulbul with a black crested head, found in forests from the northeast to pockets of central India.
Black-crowned Night HeronNycticorax nycticoraxLeast ConcernA stocky, red-eyed heron that roosts by day and fishes the wetlands at night.
Black-crowned Sparrow-larkEremopterix nigricepsLeast ConcernDesert lark of dry savanna reaching the arid northwest of India.
Black-eared Shrike-babblerPteruthius melanotisLeast ConcernA tiny green and yellow canopy bird of northeastern evergreen forest that feeds quietly among leaves.
Black-faced BuntingEmberiza spodocephalaLeast ConcernAn olive and yellow bunting that winters in scrub and reeds of northeastern India.
Black-faced LaughingthrushTrochalopteron affineLeast ConcernA dark-faced, white-flecked laughingthrush that ranges up to the treeline in the eastern Himalayas, often in small parties.
Black-faced WarblerAbroscopus schisticepsLeast ConcernA vividly coloured leaf warbler with a black face mask found in eastern Himalayan forests.
Black-headed BulbulBrachypodius melanocephalosLeast ConcernA canopy bulbul of northeastern evergreen forest that moves about in noisy fruiting parties.
Black-headed BuntingEmberiza melanocephalaLeast ConcernA bright yellow-and-chestnut bunting that winters across northwestern plains.
Black-headed CuckooshrikeLalage melanopteraLeast ConcernA quiet grey cuckooshrike of Indian woodland, feeding on caterpillars and insects gleaned from the canopy.
Black-headed GreenfinchChloris ambiguaLeast ConcernA greenish finch with a smoky head and yellow wing flashes, found in pine and oak forest of the far northeastern hills.
Black-headed GullChroicocephalus ridibundusLeast ConcernA widespread winter gull seen in large flocks around Indian coasts, rivers and city lakes.
Black-headed IbisThreskiornis melanocephalusLeast ConcernA white ibis with a naked black head that probes shallow wetlands in flocks.
Black-headed JayGarrulus lanceolatusLeast ConcernA handsome jay of the western Himalayan forests and orchards.
Black-headed Shrike-babblerPteruthius rufiventerLeast ConcernA scarce mixed-flock species of eastern Himalayan and northeastern broadleaf forest, moving slowly through the mid-canopy.
Black-hooded OrioleOriolus xanthornusLeast ConcernA brilliant golden oriole set off by a jet-black hood and a coral-pink bill.
Black-legged KittiwakeRissa tridactylaVulnerableA rare storm-driven vagrant to Indian coasts, this gentle cliff-nesting gull with black wingtips and short black legs breeds in the far north.
Black-naped MonarchHypothymis azureaLeast ConcernA bright azure-blue flycatcher with a tiny black nape-spot, restless in the understorey.
Black-naped OrioleOriolus chinensisLeast ConcernA brilliant yellow oriole distinguished by a broad black band across its nape.
Black-naped TernSterna sumatranaLeast ConcernAn elegant, very pale sea tern marked by a black band across the nape that breeds on islets of the Andaman and Nicobar seas.
Black-necked CraneGrus nigricollisNear ThreatenedA sacred Himalayan crane nesting on the cold wetlands of Ladakh.
Black-necked GrebePodiceps nigricollisLeast ConcernA small diving waterbird that winters on lakes and reservoirs across north India.
Black-necked StorkEphippiorhynchus asiaticusNear ThreatenedA towering wetland stork with iridescent neck plumage and coral-red legs.
Black-rumped FlamebackDinopium benghalenseLeast ConcernA common golden-backed woodpecker that drums loudly and laughs as it bounds up trunks.
Black-rumped MagpiePica bottanensisLeast ConcernA large pied corvid of high valleys in Sikkim and Arunachal, split from the Eurasian Magpie.
Black-tailed CrakeZapornia bicolorLeast ConcernDark slate crake with a bright red bill found in Himalayan foothill streams.
Black-tailed GodwitLimosa limosaNear ThreatenedA tall wintering wader with a long bill and a bold black-and-white tail band in flight.
Black-throated AccentorPrunella atrogularisLeast ConcernA streaky accentor that occasionally winters in northwest India from central Asia.
Black-throated MuniaLonchura kelaartiLeast ConcernA localized munia of the Western Ghats and southern hills, feeding on grass seed.
Black-throated ParrotbillSuthora nipalensisLeast ConcernA diminutive, russet parrotbill with a black throat patch, found in the understorey of eastern Himalayan montane forest.
Black-throated PriniaPrinia atrogularisLeast ConcernIt skulks through tall grass and scrub on Himalayan slopes from Uttarakhand east into the northeast.
Black-throated SunbirdAethopyga saturataLeast ConcernA small, dark sunbird of northeastern and eastern Himalayan forests, the males richly coloured, feeding on nectar and tiny insects.
Black-throated ThrushTurdus atrogularisLeast ConcernA grey backed migratory thrush with a black throat that winters widely across north India.
Black-throated TitAegithalos concinnusLeast ConcernA minute, fluffy tit with a black throat and rusty cap that moves through Himalayan scrub in constant chattering groups.
Black-winged CuckooshrikeLalage melaschistosLeast ConcernA quiet grey cuckooshrike that gleans insects high in the forest canopy.
Black-winged KiteElanus caeruleusLeast ConcernA neat grey-and-white kite with blood-red eyes that hovers over fields for mice.
Black-winged SnowfinchMontifringilla adamsiLeast ConcernA hardy snowfinch of high Ladakh and Sikkim slopes, often near settlements.
Black-winged StiltHimantopus himantopusLeast ConcernA delicate black-and-white wader that wades deep on impossibly long coral-pink legs.
Blanford's RosefinchAgraphospiza rubescensLeast ConcernA scarce dusky-pink finch of eastern Himalayan conifer forest, usually seen singly or in pairs.
Blanford's SnowfinchPyrgilauda blanfordiLeast ConcernA small plateau snowfinch of eastern Ladakh and Sikkim high country.
Blood PheasantIthaginis cruentusLeast ConcernA small, boldly colored pheasant of high rhododendron and conifer forests in the Himalaya.
Blossom-headed ParakeetPsittacula roseataLeast ConcernA slender parakeet of northeastern forests, closely related to the plum headed parakeet.
Blue PittaHydrornis cyaneusLeast ConcernA brightly patterned ground pitta of Northeast evergreen forest.
Blue Rock ThrushMonticola solitariusLeast ConcernA slate-blue thrush that perches alone on boulders and old buildings, bobbing its tail.
Blue Whistling ThrushMyophonus caeruleusLeast ConcernA blue-black thrush spangled with stars that whistles human-like tunes by hill streams.
Blue-and-white FlycatcherCyanoptila cyanomelanaLeast ConcernA striking flycatcher, the male royal blue over clean white, occurring as a scarce migrant in the northeast and the islands.
Blue-bearded Bee-eaterNyctyornis athertoniLeast ConcernA bulky forest bee-eater with shaggy blue throat plumes, unlike typical slim bee-eaters.
Blue-breasted QuailSynoicus chinensisLeast ConcernA tiny, secretive grassland quail found locally in wet meadows and paddy edges across India.
Blue-capped RedstartPhoenicurus coeruleocephalaLeast ConcernA distinctive redstart of the Indian Himalayas, ranging from Jammu and Kashmir east to Arunachal Pradesh.
Blue-capped Rock ThrushMonticola cinclorhyaLeast ConcernA handsome rock thrush breeding in the Himalaya and wintering in peninsular forests, perching upright on rocks and trees.
Blue-cheeked Bee-eaterMerops persicusLeast ConcernA slim, long-tailed bee-eater that breeds in the arid northwest and passes along the coasts, hawking bees and dragonflies in graceful sallies.
Blue-eared BarbetPsilopogon duvauceliiLeast ConcernA tiny green barbet with blue ear patches, found in the forests of northeast India.
Blue-eared KingfisherAlcedo menintingLeast ConcernA dazzling deep-blue kingfisher of shaded forest streams, darker than its common cousin.
Blue-faced MalkohaPhaenicophaeus viridirostrisLeast ConcernA skulking, long-tailed non-parasitic cuckoo of dry scrub and thorn forest across peninsular India.
Blue-fronted RedstartPhoenicurus frontalisLeast ConcernA mountain chat with a blue hood and burnt-orange belly common at high Himalayan meadows.
Blue-fronted RobinCinclidium frontaleLeast ConcernAn elusive dark robin of the eastern Himalaya and Northeast, seldom observed.
Blue-naped PittaHydrornis nipalensisLeast ConcernA secretive terrestrial pitta of Northeast hill forest, foraging in leaf litter.
Blue-tailed Bee-eaterMerops philippinusLeast ConcernA migratory bee-eater with a blue tail and trailing central streamers.
Blue-throated BarbetPsilopogon asiaticusLeast ConcernA grass-green barbet with a blue throat and crimson forehead that calls from treetops.
Blue-throated Blue FlycatcherCyornis rubeculoidesLeast ConcernA vivid blue flycatcher with a blue throat that sings from forest mid-storeys.
Blue-winged LaughingthrushTrochalopteron squamatumLeast ConcernA skulking laughingthrush of dense hill undergrowth that betrays itself with sudden bursts of chattering.
Blue-winged MinlaActinodura cyanouropteraLeast ConcernA pale blue-washed babbler of subtropical hill forests in the Himalaya and northeast.
Blue-winged ParakeetPsittacula columboidesLeast ConcernA dusky-blue parakeet endemic to the forests of the Western Ghats.
Blue-winged PittaPitta moluccensisLeast ConcernThis long-distance migrant pitta has accepted Indian records from the Andaman Islands, where it feeds on the forest floor.
BluethroatLuscinia svecicaLeast ConcernA skulking marsh and field bird that winters in huge numbers across India, the breeding male sporting a vivid blue throat.
Blunt-winged WarblerAcrocephalus concinensLeast ConcernA plain reed warbler of tall wet grassland and reedbeds along the northern rivers.
Blyth's KingfisherAlcedo herculesNear ThreatenedA scarce kingfisher of clear forest streams in the eastern Himalayas and northeastern hills, where it perches quietly over fast-flowing water to hunt.
Blyth's Leaf WarblerPhylloscopus reguloidesLeast ConcernAn active leaf warbler of Himalayan forests, restlessly gleaning the canopy while flashing yellow-green wing-bars.
Blyth's Paradise FlycatcherTerpsiphone affinisLeast ConcernA forest monarch flycatcher of the northeast and islands, split from the Indian Paradise Flycatcher.
Blyth's PipitAnthus godlewskiiLeast ConcernA long-distance migrant pipit that winters across the open lowlands and grasslands of India.
Blyth's Reed WarblerAcrocephalus dumetorumLeast ConcernA plain skulking warbler whose tacking call comes from garden shrubs all winter.
Blyth's RosefinchCarpodacus grandisLeast ConcernA stocky rosefinch of northwestern Himalayan birch and juniper scrub near the treeline.
Blyth's SwiftApus leuconyxLeast ConcernA white-rumped swift that breeds along the outer Himalaya and Assam hills and winters over the plains.
Blyth's TragopanTragopan blythiiVulnerableA vulnerable, richly patterned pheasant confined to dense hill forests of northeastern India.
Bohemian WaxwingBombycilla garrulusLeast ConcernA plump, crested songbird of northern forests famed for red waxy wing markings, reaching the northwest Himalayas as an irregular cold-weather vagrant.
Bonelli's EagleAquila fasciataLeast ConcernA powerful, agile eagle of rocky hills that takes partridges and hares in fast strikes.
Booted EagleHieraaetus pennatusLeast ConcernA small, buzzard-sized eagle in pale and dark forms, wintering across Indian woodland.
Booted WarblerIduna caligataLeast ConcernA pale, plain warbler wintering across western and central India, skulking low in bushes and dry grassland.
Boreal OwlAegolius funereusLeast ConcernIndian records come from high Himalayan conifer forest where it hunts voles by sound.
Brahminy KiteHaliastur indusLeast ConcernA chestnut kite with a white head that patrols coasts and harbours for scraps.
Brahminy StarlingSturnia pagodarumLeast ConcernA buff starling with a tidy black cap, common in dry open countryside.
BramblingFringilla montifringillaLeast ConcernAn orange-and-black finch that occurs as a scarce winter visitor to the foothills of the northwestern Himalaya.
Brandt's Mountain FinchLeucosticte brandtiLeast ConcernA hardy grey-brown finch that feeds in flocks on alpine scree and snow edges in Ladakh and Sikkim.
Brent GooseBranta berniclaLeast ConcernA very rare winter vagrant to northwest coasts, this compact dark sea goose breeds on the high Arctic tundra.
Bridled TernOnychoprion anaethetusLeast ConcernA dark-backed, white-browed tern of tropical seas that breeds on India's offshore islands.
Bristled GrassbirdChaetornis striataVulnerableA vulnerable grassland bird that has declined sharply as India's tall grass floodplains are converted to farmland.
Broad-billed SandpiperCalidris falcinellusVulnerableA small dark wader with a drooping bill, now globally vulnerable.
Broad-billed WarblerTickellia hodgsoniLeast ConcernA rufous-capped bush warbler of dense undergrowth in eastern Himalayan forests.
Broad-tailed GrassbirdSchoenicola platyurusVulnerableA shy, vulnerable grassbird confined to high-elevation shola grasslands of the southern Western Ghats.
Bronze-winged JacanaMetopidius indicusLeast ConcernA bronze-and-black wader that strides across floating vegetation on huge toes.
Bronzed DrongoDicrurus aeneusLeast ConcernA small spangled drongo that sallies for insects in flashing glossy-bronze flight.
Brooks's Leaf WarblerPhylloscopus subviridisLeast ConcernA tiny green warbler breeding in the western Himalayas and wintering in northwest India.
Brown AccentorPrunella fulvescensLeast ConcernA hardy accentor of stony alpine slopes and scrub in Ladakh and the high Himalaya, feeding quietly on seeds and insects near the snowline.
Brown BoobookNinox scutulataLeast ConcernA hawk like owl that sallies out at dusk to catch moths and beetles.
Brown BoobySula leucogasterLeast ConcernA dark seabird with a contrasting white belly, breeding on rocky islets in the Lakshadweep and Andaman seas.
Brown BullfinchPyrrhula nipalensisLeast ConcernA quiet plain brown finch of dense Himalayan and northeastern montane forest.
Brown Bush WarblerLocustella luteoventrisLeast ConcernA secretive, warm-brown Locustella of hillside grassland and bracken in the northeastern hills, betrayed mainly by its insect-like song.
Brown CrakeZapornia akoolLeast ConcernA plain brown waterbird that skulks in reeds beside ponds and ditches.
Brown DipperCinclus pallasiiLeast ConcernA chocolate-brown riverine songbird that dives into Himalayan streams.
Brown Fish OwlKetupa zeylonensisLeast ConcernA shaggy owl that perches over forest streams to snatch fish at dusk.
Brown NoddyAnous stolidusLeast ConcernA tropical seabird that nests in huge colonies on remote islets of Lakshadweep.
Brown ParrotbillCholornis unicolorLeast ConcernUniformly brown parrotbill of bamboo thickets across the central and eastern Himalaya.
Brown Rock ChatOenanthe fuscaLeast ConcernA plain rufous-brown chat of dry stony country and human structures in northern India, perching boldly in the open.
Brown ShrikeLanius cristatusLeast ConcernA warm-brown masked shrike that winters widely across the Indian subcontinent.
Brown SkuaStercorarius antarcticusLeast ConcernIt chases other seabirds to rob them of food and reaches Indian waters only exceptionally.
Brown Wood OwlStrix leptogrammicaLeast ConcernA large, deep-voiced owl of thick forest, with rich brown plumage and large black eyes, roosting hidden in the canopy by day.
Brown-backed NeedletailHirundapus giganteusLeast ConcernA large, powerful swift that breeds in the hill forests of the Western Ghats and the northeast, ranging widely over the canopy to feed on flying insects.
Brown-breasted FlycatcherMuscicapa muttuiLeast ConcernA pale-eyed brown flycatcher wintering quietly in dense forest undergrowth.
Brown-capped LaughingthrushTrochalopteron austeniLeast ConcernA dark scalloped laughingthrush of northeastern hill forest that keeps to thick cover near the ground.
Brown-capped Pygmy WoodpeckerYungipicus nanusLeast ConcernA tiny brown-capped woodpecker that creeps along thin twigs in open forest.
Brown-cheeked FulvettaAlcippe poioicephalaLeast ConcernA drab but energetic babbler of moist forest that keeps up a constant contact chatter while feeding.
Brown-cheeked RailRallus indicusLeast ConcernSlim grey and brown rail that probes wetland mud with a long bill.
Brown-crowned Scimitar BabblerPomatorhinus phayreiLeast ConcernA skulking scimitar babbler of Assam and the northeastern hills, split from the Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler.
Brown-flanked Bush WarblerHorornis fortipesLeast ConcernSecretive scrub warbler found across Himalayan undergrowth and forest edge.
Brown-fronted WoodpeckerDendrocoptes auricepsLeast ConcernA small spotted woodpecker of Himalayan oak and pine woodland, tapping along branches for wood-boring insects.
Brown-headed BarbetPsilopogon zeylanicusLeast ConcernA stout green barbet that calls relentlessly from fruiting trees in summer.
Brown-headed GullChroicocephalus brunnicephalusLeast ConcernA pale winter gull common at Indian harbours and rivers that nests on Himalayan wetlands.
Brown-headed ThrushTurdus chrysolausLeast ConcernA thrush of Japan and eastern Asia with a brown hood and rich orange flanks, occurring in India only as an exceptional vagrant.
Brown-winged KingfisherPelargopsis amauropteraNear ThreatenedA large orange headed kingfisher confined to mangrove creeks of the Sundarbans coast.
Buff-barred WarblerPhylloscopus pulcherLeast ConcernA small Himalayan leaf warbler with a distinctive buff rump patch.
Buff-breasted BabblerPellorneum tickelliLeast ConcernAn unobtrusive ground babbler of Northeast evergreen forest, keeping low in dense cover.
Buff-breasted SandpiperCalidris subruficollisNear ThreatenedA very rare vagrant to Indian coasts, this dainty buff-toned American wader with a gentle face and yellow legs turns up only occasionally on passage.
Buff-throated WarblerPhylloscopus subaffinisLeast ConcernA warm-brown, dark-legged leaf warbler that winters in the northeast, skulking low in scrub and grass.
Buffy Fish OwlKetupa ketupuLeast ConcernIt reaches India only in the far northeast, where it snatches fish and frogs from forest streams.
Bugun LiocichlaLiocichla bugunorumCritically EndangeredA jewel-toned songbird described only in 2006, known from a single sliver of Arunachal forest.
Bulwer's PetrelBulweria bulweriiLeast ConcernA pelagic petrel occasionally recorded off Indian coasts and islands.
Burmese ShrikeLanius collurioidesLeast ConcernA chestnut-backed shrike with a black mask that favours open scrub and forest clearings in the northeast.
Cachar BulbulIole cacharensisLeast ConcernA dull olive bulbul of Assam and northeastern lowland and foothill forest, easier heard than seen.
Cachar Wedge-billed BabblerSphenocichla robertiLeast ConcernA secretive chevron-breasted babbler of dense northeastern hill forest, rarely seen away from moss and bamboo.
Calandra LarkMelanocorypha calandraLeast ConcernA large, heavy-billed lark with bold black neck patches, wintering on open plains and stubble in northwestern India.
Cape PetrelDaption capenseLeast ConcernA rare pelagic vagrant to seas off the Indian coast, this boldly patterned petrel breeds in the Southern Ocean.
Carrion CrowCorvus coroneLeast ConcernAn all-black crow of Eurasia whose eastern form visits Ladakh and the northeast in winter, stockier and glossier than the familiar house crow.
Caspian GullLarus cachinnansLeast ConcernA large pale-headed gull that winters on Indian rivers, reservoirs and harbours.
Caspian PloverAnarhynchus asiaticusLeast ConcernA slim passage plover of dry plains and grassland, rare but regular.
Caspian TernHydroprogne caspiaLeast ConcernA big, powerful tern with a stout red bill, seen along India's coasts, rivers and large lakes.
Cattle EgretBubulcus ibisLeast ConcernA stocky white egret that shadows cattle and tractors to snap up flushed insects.
Cetti's WarblerCettia cettiLeast ConcernA rufous-brown warbler of northern wetland scrub, more often heard than seen.
Changeable Hawk-eagleNisaetus cirrhatusLeast ConcernA powerful crested eagle that ambushes pheasants and hares in the forest.
Cheer PheasantCatreus wallichiiVulnerableA long-tailed crested pheasant of steep Himalayan grass slopes, betrayed by its loud dawn calling.
Chestnut BuntingEmberiza rutilaLeast ConcernA small bunting, the male rich chestnut above and yellow below, wintering in grassy clearings and cultivation in the northeast.
Chestnut MuniaLonchura atricapillaLeast ConcernA gregarious black-headed, chestnut-bodied finch of northeastern India's grasslands and paddy fields.
Chestnut ThrushTurdus rubrocanusLeast ConcernA striking grey headed, chestnut bodied thrush of high Himalayan forest.
Chestnut-bellied NuthatchSitta cinnamoventrisLeast ConcernA boldly coloured nuthatch of foothill forests, the male deep chestnut below, that jams nuts into bark to crack them.
Chestnut-bellied Rock ThrushMonticola rufiventrisLeast ConcernA colourful montane rock thrush of Himalayan and northeastern forest slopes.
Chestnut-bellied SandgrousePterocles exustusLeast ConcernA fast-flying sandgrouse of arid plains across India, the males chestnut-bellied, flighting long distances to drink.
Chestnut-breasted MalkohaPhaenicophaeus curvirostrisLeast ConcernA large skulking cuckoo of northeastern forests with a stout downcurved bill.
Chestnut-breasted PartridgeArborophila mandelliiNear ThreatenedA shy chestnut-fronted hill partridge of dense eastern-Himalayan forests in Sikkim, Darjeeling and Arunachal Pradesh.
Chestnut-capped BabblerTimalia pileataLeast ConcernA rufous capped babbler that skulks in reeds and tall grass near wetlands.
Chestnut-crowned Bush WarblerCettia majorLeast ConcernA rusty-capped bush warbler that creeps through dense cover and is far easier to hear than to see.
Chestnut-crowned LaughingthrushTrochalopteron erythrocephalumLeast ConcernA boldly patterned laughingthrush of hill forests, moving in rowdy flocks and announcing itself with ringing whistled calls.
Chestnut-crowned WarblerPhylloscopus castanicepsLeast ConcernA tiny leaf warbler with a bright chestnut crown found in oak forest.
Chestnut-eared BuntingEmberiza fucataLeast ConcernStreaky winter visitor bunting recognized by its chestnut cheek patch.
Chestnut-flanked White-eyeZosterops erythropleurusLeast ConcernA yellow-green white-eye distinguished by rusty flanks, a winter visitor in flocks to forest and edge in the northeast.
Chestnut-headed Bee-eaterMerops leschenaultiLeast ConcernA green bee-eater with a warm chestnut crown that hawks insects over forest streams.
Chestnut-headed TesiaCettia castaneocoronataLeast ConcernA near tail-less warbler that hops like a mouse through dense Himalayan forest floor.
Chestnut-tailed StarlingSturnia malabaricaLeast ConcernA grey starling with a warm chestnut tail that wanders in noisy flocks after nectar and fruit across wooded India.
Chestnut-vented NuthatchSitta nagaensisLeast ConcernNortheast Indian nuthatch with a chestnut vent, closely related to the Eurasian nuthatch.
Chestnut-winged CuckooClamator coromandusLeast ConcernA crested brood parasitic cuckoo that breeds across the Himalayan foothills.
Chin Hills Wren-BabblerSpelaeornis oatesiLeast ConcernA minute, short-tailed wren-babbler of Mizoram and Meghalaya hill forest, skulking through mossy boulders and undergrowth.
Chinese BabaxPterorhinus lanceolatusLeast ConcernA large, heavily streaked babbler of scrub and forest edge, occurring in the hills of the far northeast.
Chinese Blue FlycatcherCyornis glaucicomansLeast ConcernA blue-and-orange flycatcher recently separated from the blue-throated flycatcher, breeding in China and wintering in northeast India and the Western Ghats.
Chinese Bush WarblerLocustella tacsanowskiaLeast ConcernA secretive brown bush warbler breeding in East Asia that winters in northeast India, creeping mouse-like through tall grass and rank vegetation.
Chinese EgretEgretta eulophotesVulnerableA globally vulnerable egret with shaggy nape plumes, recorded on Indian coasts and islands.
Chinese FrancolinFrancolinus pintadeanusLeast ConcernA boldly spotted gamebird of northeast India's scrub and grassland.
Chinese Pond HeronArdeola bacchusLeast ConcernA winter heron of wetlands, vivid maroon and white in breeding plumage.
Chinese RubythroatCalliope tschebaiewiLeast ConcernA ground-loving chat that breeds in high eastern Himalayan meadows and scrub, males flaunting a brilliant red throat framed in black and white.
Chinese SparrowhawkAccipiter soloensisLeast ConcernA small migratory hawk passing through northeast India and the islands.
Chinese Vivid NiltavaNiltava oatesiLeast ConcernA brilliant blue flycatcher of northeastern hill forest, split from the Taiwan Vivid Niltava.
Chinese White-browed RosefinchCarpodacus dubiusLeast ConcernA rosefinch of Himalayan alpine scrub and dwarf rhododendron, split from the White-browed Rosefinch.
Christmas Island FrigatebirdFregata andrewsiCritically EndangeredA critically endangered frigatebird that wanders to Indian island and coastal waters.
ChukarAlectoris chukarLeast ConcernA plump, boldly barred partridge found on dry rocky hillsides of the western Himalaya and arid north.
Cinereous BuntingEmberiza cineraceaNear ThreatenedA pale ashy-and-yellow bunting of dry hillsides, a rare vagrant recorded in western India.
Cinereous TitParus cinereusLeast ConcernA grey-and-white tit with a black belly stripe, the Indian counterpart of the great tit.
Cinereous VultureAegypius monachusNear ThreatenedOne of the biggest birds of prey, a dark giant that winters in the Himalayas.
Cinnamon BitternIxobrychus cinnamomeusLeast ConcernA rich cinnamon bittern hunting frogs and fish in dense paddy fields.
Citrine WagtailMotacilla citreolaLeast ConcernA bright wagtail wintering across India near wetlands, bobbing its long tail as it feeds along water margins.
Clamorous Reed WarblerAcrocephalus stentoreusLeast ConcernA large reed warbler of Indian wetlands, singing harshly from dense reeds and feeding on insects over water.
Claudia's Leaf WarblerPhylloscopus claudiaeLeast ConcernA small green leaf warbler recently split from Blyth's Leaf Warbler, wintering in the hill forests of the northeast.
Clicking Shrike-babblerPteruthius intermediusLeast ConcernA small green-and-yellow vireo of Assam and the northeastern hills, split from the Chestnut-fronted Shrike-babbler.
Coal TitPeriparus aterLeast ConcernA tiny crested tit common in Himalayan pine and fir forests.
Collared FalconetMicrohierax caerulescensLeast ConcernSparrow sized falcon with a black mask found along the Himalayan foothills.
Collared GrosbeakMycerobas affinisLeast ConcernA striking large-billed grosbeak of high Himalayan fir and rhododendron forests.
Collared KingfisherTodiramphus chlorisLeast ConcernA turquoise-backed kingfisher of mangroves and coastlines, common across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Collared MynaAcridotheres albocinctusLeast ConcernA slaty myna with a pale collar patch on the neck, usually seen in open cultivation and wet meadows.
Collared OwletGlaucidium brodieiLeast ConcernThe smallest owl in Asia, a tiny day-active hunter whose fluty call rings through montane forests.
Collared PratincoleGlareola pratincolaLeast ConcernA graceful fork-tailed wader that breeds locally in Gujarat and visits northwestern India in winter.
Collared Scops OwlOtus lettiaLeast ConcernA small, beautifully camouflaged owl with ear tufts that roosts unseen against bark.
Common BabblerArgya caudataLeast ConcernA slim streaked babbler of arid scrub across northern and central India, foraging on the ground in chattering groups.
Common ButtonquailTurnix sylvaticusLeast ConcernA tiny, quail-like ground bird of dry grassland and scrub across much of India, more often flushed at one's feet than seen at rest.
Common BuzzardButeo buteoLeast ConcernA widespread migratory raptor often seen perched on roadside poles and trees across the plains in winter.
Common ChaffinchFringilla coelebsLeast ConcernAn abundant finch across Europe and western Asia, the male pink-breasted with white wingbars, reaching Kashmir and the northwest Himalaya only as a stray.
Common ChiffchaffPhylloscopus collybitaLeast ConcernA plain olive leaf warbler that winters widely across northern India, flicking its tail as it gleans insects from foliage.
Common CraneGrus grusLeast ConcernA grey crane that winters in trumpeting flocks on northern Indian wetlands.
Common CuckooCuculus canorusLeast ConcernThe classic brood parasite whose cuck-oo song carries across Himalayan slopes, leaving foster parents to rear its chicks.
Common FlamebackDinopium javanenseLeast ConcernA golden-backed flameback woodpecker drumming through moist lowland forest.
Common GoldeneyeBucephala clangulaLeast ConcernA compact diving duck visiting northern Indian rivers and lakes in small numbers each winter.
Common Grasshopper WarblerLocustella naeviaLeast ConcernA streaky brown skulker of rank grass and scrub, wintering sparingly in northwestern India where it stays low and hidden.
Common Green MagpieCissa chinensisLeast ConcernA startling apple-green crow with red bill and legs that haunts dense hill forest.
Common GreenshankTringa nebulariaLeast ConcernA pale grey winter wader with long greenish legs and a slightly upturned bill.
Common Hawk-CuckooHierococcyx variusLeast ConcernA hawk-like cuckoo whose rising brain-fever call rings maddeningly through hot afternoons.
Common Hill MynaGracula religiosaLeast ConcernA glossy forest myna with yellow wattles and an astonishing talent for mimicry.
Common House MartinDelichon urbicumLeast ConcernA white-rumped martin that passes through and winters over the Himalayan foothills, often mixed with swallow flocks.
Common IoraAegithina tiphiaLeast ConcernA small greenish-yellow bird with a sweet whistling song and a fluffy white-flanked display.
Common KestrelFalco tinnunculusLeast ConcernA small falcon that hangs in the air on quivering wings, head fixed, watching for voles.
Common KingfisherAlcedo atthisLeast ConcernA jewel-blue kingfisher that plunges from a perch to snatch tiny fish.
Common LinnetLinaria cannabinaLeast ConcernA small streaky finch of open scrub and cultivation in the northwestern Himalaya, breeding males flushing rosy on the forehead and breast.
Common MerganserMergus merganserLeast ConcernA large sawbill duck that winters on Himalayan rivers and lakes, diving for fish which it grips with its toothed red bill.
Common MoorhenGallinula chloropusLeast ConcernA dark waterhen with a candy-red frontal shield that flicks its white tail nervously.
Common MynaAcridotheres tristisLeast ConcernA bold brown myna with a yellow eye-patch, thriving wherever people live.
Common PochardAythya ferinaVulnerableA grey diving duck with a rich chestnut head, now declining across its range.
Common QuailCoturnix coturnixLeast ConcernA small, cryptically streaked gamebird of grassland and crops, more often heard than flushed.
Common RavenCorvus coraxLeast ConcernA massive black corvid with a wedge-shaped tail and deep gronking call, found in the high cold deserts of Ladakh and the arid northwest.
Common RedshankTringa totanusLeast ConcernA common winter wader of coasts and wetlands, its red legs and ringing alarm notes warning every other bird of danger.
Common RedstartPhoenicurus phoenicurusLeast ConcernA slim chat with a quivering orange tail, an uncommon passage migrant through the northwest and western Himalaya.
Common Reed BuntingEmberiza schoeniclusLeast ConcernA reedbed bunting that reaches northwestern India in winter, feeding on seeds in marshy vegetation.
Common Ringed PloverCharadrius hiaticulaLeast ConcernA neat little plover with a single black breast band that runs and pauses across open shores.
Common RosefinchCarpodacus erythrinusLeast ConcernA finch whose breeding male flushes rose-red, descending to the plains in dull winter dress.
Common SandpiperActitis hypoleucosLeast ConcernA small wader that teeters along stream and pond edges across India through the winter months.
Common ShelduckTadorna tadornaLeast ConcernA large, goose-like duck that winters in small numbers on the wetlands, coasts and saline lakes of northwestern and northern India after breeding across Eurasia.
Common SnipeGallinago gallinagoLeast ConcernA well-camouflaged marsh wader that bursts up in a zigzag flight when flushed from wet ground.
Common StarlingSturnus vulgarisLeast ConcernA winter visitor to northern India that gathers in dense wheeling flocks, its dark plumage shot through with green and purple gloss.
Common SwiftApus apusLeast ConcernA scythe-winged aerial migrant passing over India's northwest and Himalaya.
Common TailorbirdOrthotomus sutoriusLeast ConcernA tiny green warbler that stitches leaves together with plant fibre to cradle its nest.
Common TealAnas creccaLeast ConcernA tiny, fast-flying duck whose drake has a chestnut head striped with green.
Common TernSterna hirundoLeast ConcernA slim, grey-and-white tern that is a familiar winter visitor to Indian coasts, rivers and lakes.
Common WhitethroatCurruca communisLeast ConcernA grayish warbler with a whitish throat that winters in scrubland and semi-desert habitats across northern India.
Common Wood PigeonColumba palumbusLeast ConcernA large grey pigeon that winters in the northwestern Himalayan foothills and wooded valleys.
Common WoodshrikeTephrodornis pondicerianusLeast ConcernA quiet woodshrike of open woodland across India, sallying for insects and often joining mixed feeding flocks.
Cook's SwiftApus cookiLeast ConcernA resident swift of the eastern Himalaya and northeast, this fork-tailed aerial insect-hunter with a white rump breeds on cliffs.
Coppersmith BarbetPsilopogon haemacephalusLeast ConcernA tiny crimson-faced barbet whose monotonous tuk-tuk rings through hot afternoons.
Coral-billed Scimitar BabblerPomatorhinus ferruginosusLeast ConcernA striking rufous babbler with a vivid coral red downcurved bill.
Corn CrakeCrex crexLeast ConcernA skulking grassland rail that passes through northern India on migration.
Cory's ShearwaterCalonectris borealisLeast ConcernA very rare visitor to Indian seas, big and languid on bowed wings.
Cotton Pygmy GooseNettapus coromandelianusLeast ConcernA diminutive white-and-green duck that floats among lily pads on village tanks.
Crab-ploverDromas ardeolaLeast ConcernA black and white shorebird that nests in burrows and feeds on crabs along Gujarat's coast.
Cream-coloured CourserCursorius cursorLeast ConcernA sandy-plumaged, fast-running plover relative of open desert that breeds and winters in the arid northwest, sprinting across bare ground rather than flying.
Crested BuntingEmberiza lathamiLeast ConcernA distinctive crested bunting of rocky hill slopes across India, the males black and chestnut, feeding on grass seed.
Crested FinchbillSpizixos canifronsLeast ConcernA bulbul relative with a spiky crest found in northeast Indian hill forests.
Crested GoshawkAccipiter trivirgatusLeast ConcernA stocky woodland hawk that ambushes birds and lizards from cover in dense Indian forests.
Crested KingfisherMegaceryle lugubrisLeast ConcernA large, shaggy crested black and white kingfisher of fast flowing Himalayan rivers.
Crested LarkGalerida cristataLeast ConcernA pale, crested lark of dry open country and roadsides, walking and running over bare earth as it searches for seeds and insects.
Crested Serpent EagleSpilornis cheelaLeast ConcernA forest eagle with a bushy crest that circles overhead whistling for snakes.
Crested TreeswiftHemiprocne coronataLeast ConcernA graceful grey swift with a wispy crest that, unusually, perches on bare branches.
Crimson SunbirdAethopyga siparajaLeast ConcernA dazzling scarlet sunbird that darts among flowers sipping nectar on the wing.
Crimson-backed SunbirdLeptocoma minimaLeast ConcernA tiny sunbird endemic to the Western Ghats where the male glows with a crimson back and metallic crimson breast band.
Crimson-breasted WoodpeckerDryobates cathphariusLeast ConcernA small Himalayan pied woodpecker marked by a bright red breast and vent.
Crimson-browed FinchCarpodacus subhimachalusLeast ConcernStocky Himalayan finch with a crimson crown, found in temperate forest and shrubland.
Crimson-winged FinchRhodopechys sanguineusLeast ConcernA sturdy finch of barren high mountains in Kashmir and the northwest Himalaya, rosy-pink wing and tail patches flashing in flight over stony slopes.
Crow-billed DrongoDicrurus annectensLeast ConcernAn all black drongo with a stout crow like bill, breeding across the Himalayan foothills.
Crowned SandgrousePterocles coronatusLeast ConcernA sandy-coloured desert sandgrouse of the Middle East reaching the arid far west of Rajasthan as a scarce visitor.
Curlew SandpiperCalidris ferrugineaNear ThreatenedA long-billed wader wintering on Indian wetlands and coasts in flocks, probing mud for invertebrates.
Dalmatian PelicanPelecanus crispusNear ThreatenedA silvery, curly-naped pelican that winters on India's larger inland lakes and coastal lagoons.
Darjeeling WoodpeckerDendrocopos darjellensisLeast ConcernA pied woodpecker of moist montane Himalayan forest from Himachal to Arunachal Pradesh.
Dark-breasted RosefinchProcarduelis nipalensisLeast ConcernA dark, richly coloured rosefinch of Himalayan forests, feeding quietly on seeds and buds in shady undergrowth.
Dark-fronted BabblerRhopocichla atricepsLeast ConcernA small dark-headed babbler found in the moist forest understory of the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka.
Dark-necked TailorbirdOrthotomus atrogularisLeast ConcernA skulking tailorbird of northeast Indian thickets, the male sporting a rufous cap and a dusky, black-streaked throat.
Dark-rumped RosefinchCarpodacus edwardsiiLeast ConcernA deep crimson-brown rosefinch of the eastern Himalaya that feeds low in scrub rather than in the open.
Dark-rumped SwiftApus acuticaudaNear ThreatenedA scarce cliff-nesting swift with a dark rump, one of India's least known aerial birds.
Dark-sided FlycatcherMuscicapa sibiricaLeast ConcernA plain, streaky-flanked flycatcher that passes through and winters in Himalayan and northeastern Indian forests.
Dark-sided ThrushZoothera marginataNear ThreatenedA secretive ground thrush of dark ravines in northeastern evergreen forest.
Daurian JackdawColoeus dauuricusLeast ConcernA small jackdaw with a pale collar and underparts, breeding in East Asia, wintering as a scarce visitor to north and northeast India.
Daurian RedstartPhoenicurus auroreusLeast ConcernA neat, perky redstart that breeds across northeast Asia and reaches northeast India in winter.
Daurian StarlingAgropsar sturninusLeast ConcernA compact starling with a dark nape spot and iridescent wings, a passage migrant through the northeast, the islands and the coasts.
Davison's Leaf WarblerPhylloscopus davisoniLeast ConcernA bright green, white-tailed warbler of northeastern hill forests, active and vocal in the canopy.
Delicate PriniaPrinia lepidaLeast ConcernA slim, long-tailed warbler of dry grassland and tamarisk in northwest India, forever flicking its tail.
Demoiselle CraneGrus virgoLeast ConcernA dainty crane that crosses the Himalayas to winter in the dunes of Rajasthan.
Derbyan ParakeetPsittacula derbianaNear ThreatenedA near-threatened Himalayan parakeet found in India only in eastern Arunachal Pradesh.
Desert FinchRhodospiza obsoletaLeast ConcernA pale sandy-brown finch of northwestern India's arid scrub and cultivation, with striking black and pink wing panels.
Desert LarkAmmomanes desertiLeast ConcernA stocky sandy lark of arid rocky slopes and wadis in the northwestern deserts.
Desert WheatearOenanthe desertiLeast ConcernA sandy-coloured wheatear that winters in arid western India, perching upright on low bushes and flashing a black tail.
DunlinCalidris alpinaLeast ConcernA small, slightly down-billed sandpiper that gathers in numbers on coastal flats each winter.
Dusky Crag MartinPtyonoprogne concolorLeast ConcernA plain sooty brown martin common around cliffs, forts and buildings across peninsular India.
Dusky Eagle-owlBubo coromandusLeast ConcernA large smoky-grey eagle-owl that nests in big riverside trees near water.
Dusky ThrushTurdus eunomusLeast ConcernA strongly patterned thrush with black-scaled underparts and rufous wings, an uncommon winter visitor to the northern and northeastern hills.
Dusky WarblerPhylloscopus fuscatusLeast ConcernA plain brown leaf warbler that winters in the reedy wetlands and scrub of eastern and northern India.
Eastern Crowned WarblerPhylloscopus coronatusLeast ConcernA green leaf warbler with a pale crown-stripe, passing through eastern India, showing a distinctive yellow undertail.
Eastern Grass OwlTyto longimembrisLeast ConcernA pale, long-legged relative of the Barn Owl that hunts low over floodplain and marsh grasslands.
Eastern Imperial EagleAquila heliacaVulnerableA large winter eagle of open plains, scarce and globally vulnerable.
Eastern Marsh HarrierCircus spilonotusLeast ConcernA slender wetland raptor that quarters low over reedbeds and marshes of northeast India and the floodplains in winter.
Eastern Orphean WarblerCurruca crassirostrisLeast ConcernA large grey warbler with a dark hood and pale eye that skulks in thorny bushes.
Eastern Spot-billed DuckAnas zonorhynchaLeast ConcernAn East Asian dabbling duck that winters in northeast India, told from the resident spot-billed duck by its plainer bill and darker body.
Eastern Yellow WagtailMotacilla tschutschensisLeast ConcernA slim yellow-bellied wagtail that winters on wet paddy fields and marsh edges in eastern India.
Edible-nest SwiftletAerodramus fuciphagusLeast ConcernA cave-nesting swiftlet of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that navigates the dark by echolocation.
Egyptian NightjarCaprimulgus aegyptiusLeast ConcernA ghostly pale nightjar of the Thar desert in northwestern India.
Egyptian VultureNeophron percnopterusEndangeredA small white scavenging vulture clever enough to smash thick eggs by hurling stones at them.
Eleonora's FalconFalco eleonoraeLeast ConcernA long-winged Mediterranean falcon that migrates to Madagascar, recorded off India's southwest coast and islands on passage.
Elliot's LaughingthrushTrochalopteron elliotiiLeast ConcernA drab grey-brown laughingthrush of high Himalayan scrub and rhododendron, ranging into Arunachal.
Eurasian BitternBotaurus stellarisLeast ConcernA secretive, richly streaked heron of dense reedbeds that freezes upright to vanish among the stems.
Eurasian BlackcapSylvia atricapillaLeast ConcernA grey warbler of gardens and scrub, a rare winter visitor to the northwest and western Himalaya.
Eurasian Collared DoveStreptopelia decaoctoLeast ConcernA sandy-grey dove of dry open country and towns, named for the narrow black collar on the back of its neck.
Eurasian CootFulica atraLeast ConcernA slaty waterbird with a gleaming white forehead shield that dives for weeds.
Eurasian Crag MartinPtyonoprogne rupestrisLeast ConcernA stocky brown martin that nests on Himalayan cliffs and winters over rocky and desert terrain further south.
Eurasian CurlewNumenius arquataNear ThreatenedA large mottled-brown shorebird whose long sickle bill probes deep into coastal mud.
Eurasian Eagle-OwlBubo buboLeast ConcernOne of the largest owls, with ear tufts and deep booming calls at dusk.
Eurasian Golden OrioleOriolus oriolusLeast ConcernA brilliant yellow-and-black oriole recorded on passage in the northwest, separate from the Indian Golden Oriole.
Eurasian GriffonGyps fulvusLeast ConcernA massive pale brown vulture that winters across the plains and hills of northern and central India.
Eurasian HobbyFalco subbuteoLeast ConcernA swift slender falcon that snatches dragonflies and swallows in flight.
Eurasian HoopoeUpupa epopsLeast ConcernA cinnamon bird with a barred crest that fans open like a Mohawk when alarmed.
Eurasian JackdawColoeus monedulaLeast ConcernA compact grey-naped crow that winters and breeds in the northwest Himalaya.
Eurasian JayGarrulus glandariusLeast ConcernA pinkish-brown Himalayan woodland corvid with a bright blue-barred wing patch and a harsh screeching alarm call.
Eurasian MagpiePica picaLeast ConcernA pied, long-tailed corvid resident in Kashmir and Ladakh, highly intelligent and known for hoarding shiny objects.
Eurasian OystercatcherHaematopus ostralegusNear ThreatenedA boldly pied, orange-billed wader that winters on Indian mudflats and rocky shores.
Eurasian SiskinSpinus spinusLeast ConcernA tiny, streaky yellow-and-green finch with black wing markings, an irregular and scarce winter visitor to the north.
Eurasian SkylarkAlauda arvensisLeast ConcernA streaky brown lark that winters across northern India in open fields and grassland.
Eurasian SparrowhawkAccipiter nisusLeast ConcernA small, agile hawk that winters across India, slipping through cover to snatch small birds in sudden bursts of speed.
Eurasian SpoonbillPlatalea leucorodiaLeast ConcernA white wader that sweeps its spoon-shaped bill side to side through the shallows.
Eurasian Thick-kneeBurhinus oedicnemusLeast ConcernA cryptic, big-eyed wader of dry open country that becomes active at dusk in stony scrubland.
Eurasian Tree SparrowPasser montanusLeast ConcernA tidy sparrow with a black cheek spot, common around northern and hill towns.
Eurasian WigeonMareca penelopeLeast ConcernA grazing duck with a cream forehead whose far-carrying whistle marks winter wetlands.
Eurasian WoodcockScolopax rusticolaLeast ConcernA plump, dead-leaf-coloured wader of damp woodland, almost impossible to spot until it bursts up from underfoot at dusk.
Eurasian WrenTroglodytes troglodytesLeast ConcernA tiny, restless brown bird of Himalayan undergrowth and forest floor, known for its explosive song.
Eurasian WryneckJynx torquillaLeast ConcernThis cryptic, bark-coloured woodpecker winters across India and can swivel its head almost backward in a hissing threat display.
European Bee-eaterMerops apiasterLeast ConcernA brilliantly coloured bee-eater seen mainly on passage over northern and western India.
European Golden PloverPluvialis apricariaLeast ConcernA rare winter vagrant to the northwest, this plump golden-spangled plover breeds across northern Europe.
European GoldfinchCarduelis carduelisLeast ConcernA slender finch with broad yellow wing bars that feeds on thistle heads in western Himalayan meadows.
European Honey BuzzardPernis apivorusLeast ConcernA wasp-hunting raptor of Europe that passes through northwest India on migration, far scarcer than its resident oriental cousin.
European NightjarCaprimulgus europaeusLeast ConcernA cryptic passage nightjar crossing northwestern India and the Himalayan foothills.
European RollerCoracias garrulusLeast ConcernA brilliant blue-winged migrant that passes through northwest India on its way between Europe and African wintering grounds.
European Turtle DoveStreptopelia turturVulnerableA vulnerable, delicately marked dove reaching northwestern India on migration.
Eversmann's RedstartPhoenicurus erythronotusLeast ConcernA Central Asian redstart that arrives in winter to feed in thorny scrub and orchard edges, flicking its rusty tail constantly.
Eyebrowed ThrushTurdus obscurusLeast ConcernA slate-grey and orange-flanked thrush that winters in the forests of northeastern India after breeding far north in Siberia.
Eyebrowed Wren-BabblerNapothera epilepidotaLeast ConcernA small streaked skulker of northeastern evergreen forest that rarely rises more than a metre off the ground.
Falcated DuckMareca falcataNear ThreatenedA handsome winter dabbling duck with a glossy green sickle-plumed head.
Far Eastern CurlewNumenius madagascariensisEndangeredA scarce passage and winter visitor to eastern coasts and the Andamans, this huge endangered curlew breeds in northeast Asia.
Ferruginous DuckAythya nyrocaNear ThreatenedA rich chestnut diving duck with a startling white eye, scarce on quiet lakes.
Ferruginous FlycatcherMuscicapa ferrugineaLeast ConcernA rusty toned flycatcher passing through northeastern forest on migration.
Finn's WeaverPloceus megarhynchusVulnerableA rare Terai grassland weaver with under a thousand individuals left, mostly in India.
Finsch's WheatearOenanthe finschiiLeast ConcernA boldly pied wheatear that winters in the cold deserts of Ladakh and Kashmir, favouring rocky, sparsely vegetated ground.
Fire-breasted FlowerpeckerDicaeum ignipectusLeast ConcernA tiny flowerpecker of hill forests, feeding on mistletoe berries and small insects high in the canopy.
Fire-capped TitCephalopyrus flammicepsLeast ConcernA tiny warbler-like tit that gleans high in Himalayan deciduous canopy.
Fire-tailed MyzornisMyzornis pyrrhouraLeast ConcernA tiny, glittering green bird of high Himalayan rhododendron forests, with scarlet wing and tail markings. It feeds on nectar much like a sunbird.
Fire-tailed SunbirdAethopyga ignicaudaLeast ConcernA spectacular Himalayan sunbird with a crimson tail, scarlet back and yellow underparts. Males blaze with colour while feeding at high-altitude flowers.
FirethroatCalliope pectardensNear ThreatenedA skulking Himalayan-edge robin that winters in dense undergrowth of northeastern India after breeding in China.
Flame-throated BulbulRubigula gularisLeast ConcernA Western Ghats endemic bulbul with a fiery orange red throat and white iris.
Flavescent BulbulPycnonotus flavescensLeast ConcernA bulbul of Northeast montane forest and edges, foraging for fruit and insects.
Flesh-footed ShearwaterArdenna carneipesNear ThreatenedA near-threatened ocean wanderer recorded off Indian coasts and islands.
Forest OwletAthene blewittiEndangeredA stocky day-active owl feared extinct for over a century until it was rediscovered in central India in 1997.
Forest WagtailDendronanthus indicusLeast ConcernA unique wagtail that swings its tail sideways as it walks shaded forest floors.
Fork-tailed Drongo-CuckooSurniculus dicruroidesLeast ConcernA glossy black brood-parasitic cuckoo that disguises itself as a drongo, forked tail and all, found in forests across much of India.
Franklin's GullLeucophaeus pipixcanLeast ConcernA rare transatlantic vagrant recorded on Indian coasts, this small hooded gull breeds in North American prairies.
Fujian NiltavaNiltava davidiLeast ConcernA dark blue niltava, the male with brilliant shining neck patches, a scarce winter visitor to dense undergrowth in the northeast.
Fulvous ParrotbillSuthora fulvifronsLeast ConcernA small, tawny-headed parrotbill of Himalayan bamboo and scrub, often seen in noisy roving flocks.
Fulvous Whistling DuckDendrocygna bicolorLeast ConcernA warm-toned, long-necked whistling duck of marshes and flooded paddies that feeds mostly at night.
Fulvous-breasted WoodpeckerDendrocopos maceiLeast ConcernA barred, buff-breasted pied woodpecker of Himalayan and northeastern foothill forests and groves.
GadwallMareca streperaLeast ConcernAn understated grey duck with a black stern and a small white wing patch.
GarganeySpatula querquedulaLeast ConcernA small migrant teal whose drake wears a broad white crescent over each eye.
Glossy IbisPlegadis falcinellusLeast ConcernA dark wader whose chestnut plumage flashes green and purple in the right light.
Godlewski's BuntingEmberiza godlewskiiLeast ConcernA bunting of dry Himalayan hillsides and rocky slopes in the northwest.
GoldcrestRegulus regulusLeast ConcernA restless olive mite with a flame-coloured crown stripe that lives in Himalayan conifer forest.
Golden BabblerCyanoderma chrysaeumLeast ConcernA small golden yellow babbler that forages in mixed flocks in wet forest.
Golden Bush RobinTarsiger chrysaeusLeast ConcernA secretive bush robin of Himalayan thickets, the male a rich golden-orange that flashes through the gloom of dense cover.
Golden EagleAquila chrysaetosLeast ConcernA powerful golden-naped eagle of high Himalayan crags that hunts hares, marmots and gamebirds.
Golden-breasted FulvettaLioparus chrysotisLeast ConcernA small brightly patterned fulvetta found in Himalayan bamboo and forest edge.
Golden-crested MynaAmpeliceps coronatusLeast ConcernA glossy black canopy myna of northeastern lowland forest that nests in tree holes.
Golden-fronted LeafbirdChloropsis aurifronsLeast ConcernA vivid green leafbird with a golden forehead that mimics other birds from the canopy.
Golden-headed CisticolaCisticola exilisLeast ConcernA tiny grassland warbler found from peninsular India to the northeast, known for its golden breeding plumage.
Golden-naped FinchPyrrhoplectes epaulettaLeast ConcernA quiet, unobtrusive finch of dense Himalayan and northeast Indian forests, often near bamboo and rhododendron thickets.
Golden-throated BarbetPsilopogon frankliniiLeast ConcernA green Himalayan barbet with a golden throat, common in eastern hill forests.
Goliath HeronArdea goliathLeast ConcernA towering heron standing over a metre and a half tall, rare but recorded in northeast India.
Gould's ShortwingHeteroxenicus stellatusLeast ConcernA secretive shortwing of high Himalayan and Northeast undergrowth near the treeline.
GrandalaGrandala coelicolorLeast ConcernA high-altitude Himalayan thrush whose males are a dazzling cobalt blue. Flocks swirl over alpine slopes like drifting blue smoke in winter.
Great BarbetPsilopogon virensLeast ConcernA big Himalayan barbet with a blue head and a far-carrying, monotonous wailing call.
Great CormorantPhalacrocorax carboLeast ConcernA large, all-dark waterbird with a bright yellow throat patch, common on India's rivers, lakes and coasts in winter.
Great Crested GrebePodiceps cristatusLeast ConcernAn elegant grebe with a black crest that performs a mirror-image weed-dance in courtship.
Great Crested TernThalasseus bergiiLeast ConcernA large yellow-billed tern found along India's coastlines and around its island groups.
Great Eared NightjarLyncornis macrotisLeast ConcernOne of the largest nightjars, with distinctive ear tufts and a ghostly silhouette at dusk. It hunts insects on the wing over forest clearings across southern and northeast India.
Great EgretArdea albaLeast ConcernThe largest white egret, stalking fish with a slow, dagger-billed patience.
Great FrigatebirdFregata minorLeast ConcernA huge ocean soarer visiting Indian island waters, robbing other seabirds in flight.
Great HornbillBuceros bicornisVulnerableA huge canopy hornbill whose wingbeats can be heard from far across the forest.
Great Indian BustardArdeotis nigricepsCritically EndangeredA massive grassland bird teetering on the very edge of extinction.
Great KnotCalidris tenuirostrisEndangeredA large declining wader fueling long migrations on Indian mudflats.
Great MynaAcridotheres grandisLeast ConcernA dark myna of northeastern grazing land that follows cattle for disturbed insects.
Great Nicobar Serpent EagleSpilornis klossiEndangeredA tiny serpent eagle found nowhere on Earth except the forests of Great Nicobar.
Great ParrotbillConostoma aemodiumLeast ConcernA heavy-billed high-altitude bamboo specialist of the Himalaya, moving in noisy groups.
Great Reed WarblerAcrocephalus arundinaceusLeast ConcernA big, powerful reed warbler passing through and wintering in northern wetlands and reedbeds.
Great RosefinchCarpodacus rubicillaLeast ConcernA large, silvery-spangled rosefinch of the high Ladakh mountains where the male turns a deep rose-pink flecked with white.
Great Slaty WoodpeckerMulleripicus pulverulentusVulnerableA huge slate grey woodpecker that lives in cooperative family groups in old growth forest.
Great SnipeGallinago mediaNear ThreatenedA rare and easily overlooked vagrant to northern India, bulkier than the Common Snipe and showing bold white outer tail feathers when flushed.
Great Thick-kneeEsacus recurvirostrisNear ThreatenedA large, wary riverside wader with a heavy upturned bill and staring yellow eyes.
Great White PelicanPelecanus onocrotalusLeast ConcernA huge white winter-visiting pelican that gathers on large lakes and wetlands in tight social flocks.
Great-billed HeronArdea sumatranaLeast ConcernA massive grey heron haunting the mangroves and shores of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Greater AdjutantLeptoptilos dubiusNear ThreatenedA gawky, bald-headed giant stork making a comeback around Assam's wetlands.
Greater CoucalCentropus sinensisLeast ConcernA heavy black cuckoo with rufous wings that skulks through thickets and reeds.
Greater FlamebackChrysocolaptes guttacristatusLeast ConcernA large golden-backed woodpecker with a flaming crest and a long, ivory-pale bill.
Greater FlamingoPhoenicopterus roseusLeast ConcernThe tall pink flamingo that gathers in vast flocks on India's saline lagoons.
Greater Hoopoe-LarkAlaemon alaudipesLeast ConcernA long-legged desert lark with black-and-white wings that runs across sand instead of flying.
Greater Necklaced LaughingthrushPterorhinus pectoralisLeast ConcernA gregarious, loud laughingthrush of northeastern forest understorey that forages in rowdy flocks turning over leaf litter.
Greater Painted-snipeRostratula benghalensisLeast ConcernA secretive wetland bird in which the colourful female courts and the male tends the eggs.
Greater Racket-tailed DrongoDicrurus paradiseusLeast ConcernA forest drongo with twin tail rackets and an uncanny gift for mimicry.
Greater Sand PloverAnarhynchus leschenaultiiLeast ConcernA stocky winter plover probing for crabs across sandy and muddy shores.
Greater ScaupAythya marilaLeast ConcernA rare winter diving duck on Indian coasts, favouring saltier waters than most pochards.
Greater Short-toed LarkCalandrella brachydactylaLeast ConcernStreaky winter migrant lark common across the open plains of northwestern India.
Greater Spotted EagleClanga clangaVulnerableA stocky dark eagle of wetlands, often hunched on a bare branch over the water.
Greater White-fronted GooseAnser albifronsLeast ConcernA grey wild goose that winters on northern Indian wetlands, known by the white face patch at the bill base.
Greater YellownapeChrysophlegma flavinuchaLeast ConcernA large, olive green woodpecker of Himalayan and northeastern forests with a striking yellow crest.
Green AvadavatAmandava formosaVulnerableA small, vividly colored munia endemic to central India, found in dry grasslands and sugarcane fields near water.
Green CochoaCochoa viridisLeast ConcernA secretive emerald-and-blue forest bird of dense northeastern hill woodlands.
Green Imperial PigeonDucula aeneaLeast ConcernA heavy canopy pigeon with a glossy bronze-green back that booms from tall fruiting trees.
Green PeafowlPavo muticusEndangeredAn endangered, iridescent pheasant once found in the forests of far northeastern India.
Green SandpiperTringa ochropusLeast ConcernA dark backed wader that bobs at the edge of streams and ditches in winter.
Green Shrike-babblerPteruthius xanthochlorusLeast ConcernA small dull-green bird of Himalayan oak and fir canopy that joins mixed feeding flocks.
Green WarblerPhylloscopus nitidusLeast ConcernA small greenish-yellow leaf warbler that breeds in the Caucasus and winters across peninsular India.
Green-backed TitParus monticolusLeast ConcernA lively yellow-and-green tit of Himalayan forests and gardens, busily working through foliage in noisy little parties.
Green-billed MalkohaPhaenicophaeus tristisLeast ConcernA large, skulking cuckoo with a huge graduated tail and red eye-patch, creeping squirrel-like through dense undergrowth.
Green-crowned WarblerPhylloscopus burkiiLeast ConcernA bright yellow-bellied warbler of temperate Himalayan forest, usually seen low in shaded undergrowth.
Green-tailed SunbirdAethopyga nipalensisLeast ConcernA brilliant montane sunbird of Himalayan forests, flitting among flowering shrubs for nectar at mid to high elevations.
Greenish WarblerPhylloscopus trochiloidesLeast ConcernAn abundant little leaf warbler breeding in the Himalaya and wintering across India, with a single pale wingbar.
Grey BushchatSaxicola ferreusLeast ConcernA slate grey chat of the Himalayan foothills and northeastern hills that favors open scrub and forest edges.
Grey FrancolinOrtygornis pondicerianusLeast ConcernA grey gamebird of dry scrub whose ringing call carries across the plains at dawn.
Grey HeronArdea cinereaLeast ConcernA statuesque grey heron that stands motionless for hours before spearing a fish.
Grey HypocoliusHypocolius ampelinusLeast ConcernA slim grey bird of arid scrub in its own tiny family, a prized winter visitor to Gujarat and the northwest.
Grey JunglefowlGallus sonneratiiLeast ConcernA grey-spangled junglefowl of southern India whose hackles once adorned fishing flies.
Grey NightjarCaprimulgus jotakaLeast ConcernA crepuscular nightjar that breeds along the Himalaya and northeast India, hunting moths and beetles on silent wings at dusk.
Grey Peacock-PheasantPolyplectron bicalcaratumLeast ConcernA shy, ocellated pheasant of dense northeastern evergreen forest that displays its jewelled tail to females.
Grey PloverPluvialis squatarolaVulnerableA stocky coastal plover that winters on Indian shores, plain grey in winter but flashing black wingpits as it flies.
Grey SibiaHeterophasia gracilisLeast ConcernA slender grey babbler of the northeastern hill forests with a long tail.
Grey TreepieDendrocitta formosaeLeast ConcernA long tailed crow relative common in foothill forests along the Himalaya.
Grey WagtailMotacilla cinereaLeast ConcernA long-tailed wagtail with a lemon vent that bobs along fast-running streams.
Grey-backed ShrikeLanius tephronotusLeast ConcernA grey-mantled shrike of Himalayan scrub and open hill country.
Grey-backed ThrushTurdus hortulorumLeast ConcernA neat East Asian thrush with grey upperparts and orange flanks, occurring in northeast India only as a rare vagrant.
Grey-bellied CuckooCacomantis passerinusLeast ConcernA small cuckoo of gardens and light forest that lays its eggs in the nests of warblers and prinias.
Grey-bellied TesiaTesia cyaniventerLeast ConcernA stub-tailed green warbler that hops through mossy ground cover searching for small insects.
Grey-bellied Wren-BabblerSpelaeornis reptatusLeast ConcernA tiny wren babbler found in dense montane forest of the far northeast.
Grey-breasted LaughingthrushPterorhinus jerdoniLeast ConcernA sociable laughingthrush endemic to the montane shola forests of the southern Western Ghats.
Grey-breasted PriniaPrinia hodgsoniiLeast ConcernA tiny long-tailed warbler flitting through garden scrub and hedgerows.
Grey-capped Pygmy WoodpeckerYungipicus canicapillusLeast ConcernA tiny, streaky woodpecker of Himalayan and northeastern forests, often joining mixed feeding flocks as it works through the middle and upper canopy.
Grey-cheeked WarblerPhylloscopus poliogenysLeast ConcernA small active leaf warbler of damp eastern Himalayan forests, gleaning insects among mossy undergrowth and bamboo.
Grey-chinned MinivetPericrocotus solarisLeast ConcernA small, brightly coloured minivet that moves in twittering flocks through the canopy of eastern Himalayan and northeastern forests.
Grey-crested TitLophophanes dichrousLeast ConcernA subtle crested tit of upper Himalayan fir and birch woodland.
Grey-crowned GoldfinchCarduelis canicepsLeast ConcernA red-faced finch of Himalayan slopes and gardens, split from the European Goldfinch, feeding on thistle seeds in twittering flocks.
Grey-crowned PriniaPrinia cinereocapillaVulnerableA threatened tall-grass prinia of the Himalayan foothills facing rapid habitat loss.
Grey-crowned WarblerSeicercus tephrocephalusLeast ConcernA yellow bellied warbler with a grey crown found in northeastern hill forest.
Grey-eyed BulbulIole propinquaLeast ConcernA plain brown bulbul of far northeastern forest named for its grey eye.
Grey-faced BuzzardButastur indicusLeast ConcernA migratory raptor recorded in northeast India and the Andaman and Nicobar islands.
Grey-fronted Green PigeonTreron affinisLeast ConcernA forest pigeon restricted to the humid hill forests of peninsular India.
Grey-headed BulbulMicrotarsus priocephalusNear ThreatenedAn unusual olive bulbul with a soft grey head that is easily missed in dense riverside cover.
Grey-headed BullfinchPyrrhula erythacaLeast ConcernA Himalayan bullfinch of conifer and rhododendron forests, the male showing a clean grey head above a rosy-red breast.
Grey-headed Canary-flycatcherCulicicapa ceylonensisLeast ConcernA tiny grey-hooded flycatcher with a lemon belly that flits cheerily through the canopy.
Grey-headed Fish EagleIcthyophaga ichthyaetusNear ThreatenedA near threatened raptor that perches over lakes and slow rivers to snatch fish from the surface.
Grey-headed LapwingVanellus cinereusLeast ConcernA large, pale plover with a soft grey head and breast band, wintering on marshes and flooded fields in eastern India.
Grey-headed ParakeetPsittacula finschiiNear ThreatenedA slender long-tailed parakeet of northeastern hill forests, moving in noisy flocks between fruiting and flowering trees.
Grey-headed ParrotbillPsittiparus gularisLeast ConcernA noisy, sociable parrotbill with a grey crown and black throat found in the bamboo thickets of the eastern Himalayan foothills.
Grey-headed SwamphenPorphyrio poliocephalusLeast ConcernA big purple-blue rail with a scarlet bill that clambers through reedbeds on huge feet.
Grey-headed WoodpeckerPicus canusLeast ConcernA green-backed woodpecker with a grey head that often feeds on the ground for ants.
Grey-hooded WarblerPhylloscopus xanthoschistosLeast ConcernA grey headed, yellow bellied warbler active in mixed foothill woodland flocks.
Grey-lored BroadbillSerilophus rubropygiusLeast ConcernA quiet, mixed-flock broadbill of northeastern and eastern Himalayan foothill forest, sitting still in the mid-storey.
Grey-necked BuntingEmberiza buchananiLeast ConcernA pale bunting wintering in arid rocky country across western India, feeding quietly on the ground for seeds.
Grey-sided Bush WarblerCettia brunnifronsLeast ConcernA skulking bush warbler found in dense Himalayan undergrowth from Kashmir to Arunachal.
Grey-sided LaughingthrushPterorhinus caerulatusLeast ConcernA sociable laughingthrush with grey flanks found in eastern Himalayan undergrowth.
Grey-sided ThrushTurdus feaeVulnerableA brown thrush with grey flanks and a white belly, a scarce winter visitor to broadleaf forest in the northeastern hills.
Grey-streaked FlycatcherMuscicapa griseistictaLeast ConcernA long-winged migrant flycatcher, grey-streaked below, passing through the Andamans and the northeast.
Grey-tailed TattlerTringa brevipesNear ThreatenedA grey coastal wader that winters along Indian shores and the Andaman coasts.
Grey-throated BabblerStachyris nigricepsLeast ConcernA small dark capped babbler common in northeastern broadleaf forest understorey.
Grey-throated MartinRiparia chinensisLeast ConcernA tiny brown martin that hawks insects in low twisting flight over rivers and wet fields.
Grey-winged BlackbirdTurdus boulboulLeast ConcernA glossy black thrush of Himalayan mid-elevation forests, easily told by its contrasting grey wing patch.
Greylag GooseAnser anserLeast ConcernA bulky grey goose, wild forebear of the barnyard goose, wintering on Indian wetlands.
Ground TitPseudopodoces humilisLeast ConcernA sandy-brown, long-billed bird of the high Tibetan plateau fringe in Ladakh, once thought a tit but actually a diminutive member of the crow family.
Gull-billed TernGelochelidon niloticaLeast ConcernA robust tern with a short thick bill that hunts insects over wetlands.
Hainan Blue FlycatcherCyornis hainanusLeast ConcernA small blue-and-orange flycatcher of dense northeastern undergrowth, recently recognised in Indian forests.
Hair-crested DrongoDicrurus hottentottusLeast ConcernA glossy spangled drongo with an outward-curling tail and metallic plumage.
HawfinchCoccothraustes coccothraustesLeast ConcernA bull-necked finch that visits the northwestern Himalaya in winter to feed on hard seeds and kernels.
Heart-spotted WoodpeckerHemicircus canenteLeast ConcernA tiny pied woodpecker with an oversized crest and heart-shaped wing spots.
Hen HarrierCircus cyaneusLeast ConcernA slim, long winged harrier that winters across India's open grasslands and farmland, hunting low over the ground.
Heuglin's GullLarus heugliniNot EvaluatedA large slaty-backed gull breeding in the Siberian tundra that winters commonly along Indian coasts and inland waters.
Hill Blue FlycatcherCyornis whiteiLeast ConcernA forest flycatcher of the northeastern hills, males deep blue above with an orange throat and breast.
Hill PartridgeArborophila torqueolaLeast ConcernA plump, chestnut-collared forest partridge that forages the leaf litter of Himalayan hill woods.
Hill PigeonColumba rupestrisLeast ConcernA hardy pigeon of the cold, arid high altitude valleys of Ladakh and the Trans Himalaya.
Hill PriniaPrinia superciliarisLeast ConcernA streak backed prinia of hill forest margins in northeast India.
Hill SwallowHirundo domicolaLeast ConcernSmall resident swallow of the Western Ghats hills, increasingly found in upland towns.
Himalayan Beautiful RosefinchCarpodacus pulcherrimusLeast ConcernA small streaked rosefinch of high altitude scrub across the central Himalaya.
Himalayan Black-lored TitMachlolophus xanthogenysLeast ConcernA crested, yellow-cheeked tit of Himalayan forests, distinct from the black-lored tit of peninsular India.
Himalayan BluetailTarsiger rufilatusLeast ConcernA Himalayan chat that breeds in conifer forest and descends to foothills in winter.
Himalayan BulbulPycnonotus leucogenysLeast ConcernA cheerful crested bulbul of the lower Himalayan foothills and gardens.
Himalayan BuzzardButeo refectusLeast ConcernA rufous mountain buzzard that soars over Himalayan oak and conifer ridges.
Himalayan CuckooCuculus saturatusLeast ConcernA hawk-like grey cuckoo that breeds in Himalayan and northeastern hill forests during the monsoon.
Himalayan CutiaCutia nipalensisLeast ConcernA boldly barred blue, chestnut and black bird of tall Himalayan oak forest that works branches for insects.
Himalayan FlamebackDinopium shoriiLeast ConcernA golden-backed woodpecker of Himalayan sal forest, with a scattered second population in the south-eastern hills.
Himalayan MonalLophophorus impejanusLeast ConcernA dazzling metallic pheasant, the state bird of Uttarakhand and Himachal.
Himalayan OwlStrix nivicolumLeast ConcernA compact wood owl of Himalayan oak and deodar forest, separated from the Tawny Owl on voice and genetics.
Himalayan PriniaPrinia crinigeraLeast ConcernA long tailed scrub warbler common on grassy Himalayan hillsides.
Himalayan QuailOphrysia superciliosaCritically EndangeredA critically endangered, possibly extinct quail known only from the western Himalayan foothills.
Himalayan RubythroatCalliope pectoralisLeast ConcernA skulking high-mountain chat whose male sports a glittering scarlet throat, singing from low scrub near the treeline.
Himalayan ShortwingBrachypteryx cruralisNot EvaluatedA small, slate-blue robin-like bird with a white brow, skulking in dense wet undergrowth of eastern Himalayan and northeastern forests.
Himalayan SnowcockTetraogallus himalayensisLeast ConcernA large high-altitude gamebird that whistles from rocky Himalayan slopes near the snow line.
Himalayan SwiftletAerodramus brevirostrisLeast ConcernA small greyish swiftlet that breeds on cliffs and in caves across the Himalaya and northeast, using clicks to navigate in the dark like a bat.
Himalayan ThrushZoothera salimaliiLeast ConcernA forest thrush separated from its alpine relative by its mellower song and lower-elevation woodland habitat.
Himalayan VultureGyps himalayensisNear ThreatenedA massive pale vulture that rides Himalayan thermals scanning for carcasses.
Himalayan WoodpeckerDendrocopos himalayensisLeast ConcernA pied woodpecker of Himalayan conifer and oak forest from Afghanistan to Nepal.
Hoary-throated BarwingActinodura nipalensisLeast ConcernGrey throated barwing of the eastern Himalayan broadleaf and mixed forests.
Hodgson's FrogmouthBatrachostomus hodgsoniLeast ConcernA cryptic nocturnal frogmouth of damp northeastern hill forest, far more often heard than seen.
Hodgson's Hawk-CuckooHierococcyx nisicolorLeast ConcernA secretive cuckoo of northeast India's forests that mimics a sparrowhawk in plumage and lays its eggs in the nests of small songbirds.
Hodgson's RedstartPhoenicurus hodgsoniLeast ConcernA winter-visiting redstart to the Himalayan foothills, breeding further north in the Tibetan plateau region.
Hodgson's TreecreeperCerthia hodgsoniLeast ConcernA montane treecreeper of Himalayan conifer forests, split from the Eurasian treecreeper.
Hooded CraneGrus monachaVulnerableA rare vagrant to the northeast and northern plains, this East Asian crane normally winters in Japan and China.
Hooded PittaPitta sordidaLeast ConcernA colorful ground pitta breeding in Northeast forest and occurring on the islands.
Horned GrebePodiceps auritusVulnerableA small crested grebe known in India from only a handful of winter vagrant records.
Horned LarkEremophila alpestrisLeast ConcernA lark of bleak high-altitude plateaus in Ladakh and the trans-Himalaya, feeding on bare stony ground.
House CrowCorvus splendensLeast ConcernA clever grey-necked crow that thrives in every Indian town and bazaar.
House SparrowPasser domesticusLeast ConcernThe classic city sparrow, once in every home, now declining in big cities.
House SwiftApus nipalensisLeast ConcernA resident of the Himalayan foothills and northeast, this compact dark swift with a white rump and squarish tail was long lumped with the Little Swift.
Hume's BoobookNinox obscuraLeast ConcernA dark chocolate brown hawk owl found only in the forests of the Andaman Islands.
Hume's Bush WarblerHorornis brunnescensLeast ConcernA small brown bush warbler of western Himalayan scrub and forest undergrowth, far more often heard than seen.
Hume's Leaf WarblerPhylloscopus humeiLeast ConcernA small leaf warbler breeding in the western Himalaya and wintering in Indian woodland, restless and constantly calling.
Hume's Short-toed LarkCalandrella acutirostrisLeast ConcernA high altitude lark of cold Himalayan steppe, also called Hume's lark.
Hume's TreecreeperCerthia manipurensisLeast ConcernA dark treecreeper of northeastern hill forest that spirals up trunks probing bark crevices with a fine curved bill.
Hume's WheatearOenanthe albonigraLeast ConcernA boldly pied wheatear of arid rocky country in northwestern India.
Hume's WhitethroatCurruca althaeaLeast ConcernA subtly marked warbler that winters in scrub and thorn habitats across the Indian plains.
IbisbillIbidorhyncha struthersiiLeast ConcernA unique Himalayan riverbed bird, the sole member of its family, with a crimson decurved bill and grey plumage that vanishes against shingle banks.
Indian Black-lored TitMachlolophus aplonotusLeast ConcernA yellow and black tit widespread in dry forest and gardens across peninsular India.
Indian BlackbirdTurdus simillimusLeast ConcernA dark thrush of the Western Ghats and southern hill forests.
Indian Blue RobinLarvivora brunneaLeast ConcernA shy chat breeding in the Himalaya and wintering in Western Ghats forests, the male blue above with an orange breast.
Indian BushlarkPlocealauda erythropteraLeast ConcernA streaky lark of dry scrub and stony ground across peninsular and northwest India.
Indian CormorantPhalacrocorax fuscicollisLeast ConcernA slender cormorant that herds fish in coordinated flotillas across open water.
Indian CourserCursorius coromandelicusNear ThreatenedA long-legged bird of bare ground that runs in quick dashes rather than flying.
Indian CuckooCuculus micropterusLeast ConcernA grey cuckoo heard far more than seen, its distinctive four-note song ringing through forests through the monsoon.
Indian Eagle-owlBubo bengalensisLeast ConcernA large ear-tufted owl with fiery orange eyes that nests on rocky ledges.
Indian Golden OrioleOriolus kundooLeast ConcernA flash of gold and black that flutes melodiously from the leafy canopy.
Indian Grey HornbillOcyceros birostrisLeast ConcernA slim grey hornbill of dry open woodland, common even in Indian city parks.
Indian NightjarCaprimulgus asiaticusLeast ConcernA cryptic dusk hunter whose call sounds like a ping-pong ball settling to rest.
Indian NuthatchSitta castaneaLeast ConcernA compact bark-climbing bird of dry deciduous woodland that moves head-down along trunks.
Indian Paradise FlycatcherTerpsiphone paradisiLeast ConcernA white-plumed male trails ribbon-like tail streamers through shady woodland.
Indian PeafowlPavo cristatusLeast ConcernIndia's iridescent national bird, the peacock's eyed train fanning in courtship.
Indian Pied MynaGracupica contraLeast ConcernA smart pied starling of wet farmland and towns, often in chattering colonies around marshes and grazing cattle.
Indian PittaPitta brachyuraLeast ConcernA shy, rainbow-plumaged ground bird whose dawn whistle announces the monsoon.
Indian Pond HeronArdeola grayiiLeast ConcernA drab pond-side heron that explodes into white wings the instant it takes flight.
Indian RobinCopsychus fulicatusLeast ConcernA dark little bird of rocky scrub that flicks its rust-vented tail upright.
Indian RollerCoracias benghalensisLeast ConcernA dull-perched bird that explodes into brilliant blue tumbling display flights.
Indian Scimitar BabblerPomatorhinus horsfieldiiLeast ConcernA skulking babbler of peninsular forests with a striking down-curved bill, often heard calling in duet before it is seen.
Indian Scops OwlOtus bakkamoenaLeast ConcernA common small owl of gardens and woodland that calls a soft questioning note at night and vanishes against bark by day.
Indian SilverbillEuodice malabaricaLeast ConcernA pale sandy munia with a thick silvery bill that flocks across dry scrub and fields.
Indian SkimmerRynchops albicollisEndangeredA black-and-orange riverbird that flies low with its long lower bill cutting the surface to snap up fish.
Indian Spot-billed DuckAnas poecilorhynchaLeast ConcernA dabbling duck with a yellow-tipped bill, resident on Indian wetlands year-round.
Indian Spotted CreeperSalpornis spilonotaLeast ConcernA small, cryptically spotted bark-climber of dry deciduous woodland in northern and central India, easily overlooked.
Indian Spotted EagleClanga hastataVulnerableA scarce resident eagle of open plains, smaller and paler than its spotted cousins.
Indian SwiftletAerodramus unicolorLeast ConcernA small, sooty swiftlet that breeds colonially in caves of the Western Ghats and adjacent hills, foraging in fast, twisting flocks over forest and water.
Indian Thick-kneeBurhinus indicusLeast ConcernA large eyed nocturnal wader of dry stony ground and riverbeds.
Indian VultureGyps indicusCritically EndangeredA long-billed vulture decimated by diclofenac poisoning across the subcontinent.
Indochinese RollerCoracias affinisLeast ConcernThis eastern counterpart of the Indian roller replaces it across the northeast and the lower Gangetic plain.
Intermediate EgretArdea intermediaLeast ConcernA medium white egret of marshes, sized neatly between the great and little egrets.
Isabelline ShrikeLanius isabellinusLeast ConcernA pale, rusty-tailed shrike that winters widely across northern and western India after breeding in Central Asia.
Isabelline WheatearOenanthe isabellinaLeast ConcernA pale sandy wheatear that winters in India's dry plains, running in short bursts across bare earth after insects.
Jack SnipeLymnocryptes minimusLeast ConcernA tiny, short-billed snipe that sits tight in marshy cover and flushes only at the last moment.
Jacobin CuckooClamator jacobinusLeast ConcernA crested black-and-white cuckoo whose arrival is said to announce the coming rains.
Japanese GrosbeakEophona personataLeast ConcernA large grey grosbeak with a huge yellow bill and black face, breeding in East Asia, its Indian records extreme rarities.
Japanese QuailCoturnix japonicaNear ThreatenedA scarce winter visitor to northern and northeastern grasslands and crops, this small migratory quail closely resembles the Common Quail.
Japanese SparrowhawkAccipiter gularisLeast ConcernA small, agile migrant sparrowhawk that passes through northeastern India and the islands in winter.
Japanese ThrushTurdus cardisLeast ConcernA boldly pied thrush breeding in Japan and China, the male black above and white below, its Indian records few and treasured by birders.
Jerdon's BabblerChrysomma altirostreVulnerableA wetland grass babbler with severely fragmented populations across the subcontinent.
Jerdon's BazaAviceda jerdoniLeast ConcernA slender crested raptor of dense forest that feeds on insects, frogs and small reptiles.
Jerdon's BushchatSaxicola jerdoniLeast ConcernA slender bushchat of tall grass and reed beds in the Gangetic plain and northeast.
Jerdon's BushlarkPlocealauda affinisLeast ConcernA south Indian lark that favours scrubby hill meadows and forest edges up to 1500m.
Jerdon's CourserRhinoptilus bitorquatusCritically EndangeredA nocturnal ground bird known only from one scrub forest sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh.
Jerdon's LeafbirdChloropsis jerdoniLeast ConcernA green leafbird of peninsular India that mimics the calls of other birds while feeding.
Jerdon's NightjarCaprimulgus atripennisLeast ConcernA southern nightjar with a distinctive call like a plank being beaten.
Jouanin's PetrelBulweria fallaxNear ThreatenedAn all-dark petrel of the northwestern Indian Ocean that flies in high arcing sweeps over open water.
Jungle BabblerArgya striataLeast ConcernA drab brown babbler that forages in noisy, squabbling gangs known as seven sisters.
Jungle Bush QuailPerdicula asiaticaLeast ConcernA small scrub loving quail found in coveys across peninsular India.
Jungle MynaAcridotheres fuscusLeast ConcernA grey myna with a jaunty forehead tuft, often riding on grazing buffalo.
Jungle NightjarCaprimulgus indicusLeast ConcernA cryptically patterned resident nightjar of peninsular India's wooded hills and forest edges, hunting moths and beetles from dusk. Split from the migratory Grey Nightjar.
Jungle OwletGlaucidium radiatumLeast ConcernA tiny, finely barred owlet that calls by day from forest edges and clearings.
Jungle PriniaPrinia sylvaticaLeast ConcernA grassland and scrub prinia with a deep harsh call, widespread across dry India.
Kalij PheasantLophura leucomelanosLeast ConcernA glossy blue-black pheasant that forages along shady Himalayan forest streams.
Kashmir FlycatcherFicedula subrubraVulnerableA small orange-throated flycatcher that breeds in the northwest Himalayas and winters in southern Indian hill forests.
Kashmir NuthatchSitta cashmirensisLeast ConcernMid elevation Himalayan nuthatch found from Kashmir eastward through Nepal.
Kentish PloverCharadrius alexandrinusLeast ConcernA pale little plover that runs and pauses across sandy beaches and saltpans along the coast.
Kessler's ThrushTurdus kessleriLeast ConcernA boldly patterned black and orange thrush found on high Himalayan slopes.
Knob-billed DuckSarkidiornis melanotosLeast ConcernA large pied duck whose male grows a fleshy black knob over its bill in the breeding season.
Koklass PheasantPucrasia macrolophaLeast ConcernA streaked Himalayan pheasant that calls loudly at dawn from steep forested slopes.
Laggar FalconFalco juggerNear ThreatenedA resident desert and scrubland falcon, now near threatened in India.
Lanceolated WarblerLocustella lanceolataLeast ConcernA heavily streaked, secretive grass warbler that winters skulking in dense undergrowth across northeastern and southern India.
Lappet-faced VultureTorgos tracheliotosEndangeredA huge, endangered African and Arabian vulture known in India from old records in the deserts of Rajasthan.
Large Blue FlycatcherCyornis magnirostrisNot EvaluatedA robust blue flycatcher with a heavy bill, breeding in moist foothill forest of the northeast and wintering further south in Southeast Asia.
Large CuckooshrikeCoracina maceiLeast ConcernA robust grey canopy bird with a distinctive shrike-like notched bill.
Large Grey BabblerArgya malcolmiLeast ConcernA pale grey-brown babbler of open country across peninsular India, moving in loud sociable parties with white-edged tails.
Large Hawk-CuckooHierococcyx sparverioidesLeast ConcernA hawk mimicking cuckoo of Himalayan forests known for its loud, repetitive breeding season calls.
Large NiltavaNiltava grandisLeast ConcernA large, dark flycatcher of thick eastern Himalayan forest, the male deep blue-black with shining blue crown and shoulders.
Large Scimitar BabblerErythrogenys hypoleucosLeast ConcernA large rufous-and-white babbler with a strongly curved bill, skulking in dense undergrowth of northeastern India's forests.
Large WoodshrikeTephrodornis virgatusLeast ConcernA grey-brown woodshrike of Northeast forest canopy, larger than its common cousin.
Large-billed CrowCorvus macrorhynchosLeast ConcernA large all-black crow of hills and forests across India, told from the House Crow by its stout bill and deep croaking call.
Large-billed Leaf WarblerPhylloscopus magnirostrisLeast ConcernA robust leaf warbler breeding in Himalayan forest streams and ravines.
Large-billed Reed WarblerAcrocephalus orinusLeast ConcernA drab reed warbler that breeds in high Himalayan scrub around Ladakh, known for over a century only from a single old Indian skin.
Large-spotted NutcrackerNucifraga multipunctataLeast ConcernA heavily white-spotted crow of the western Himalayan conifer forests that stashes pine seeds for the winter.
Large-tailed NightjarCaprimulgus macrurusLeast ConcernA cryptic, leaf-patterned nightjar that hawks moths at dusk along forest edges and clearings.
Laughing DoveSpilopelia senegalensisLeast ConcernA small pinkish dove of dry towns with a chuckling call and speckled chestnut throat.
Laughing GullLeucophaeus atricillaLeast ConcernThis New World gull has reached Indian shores as an exceptional long-distance wanderer.
Leach's Storm PetrelHydrobates leucorhousVulnerableA rare pelagic visitor to Indian waters, this fork-tailed storm petrel with a white rump patch nests in burrows and visits colonies only at night.
Legge's Hawk-EagleNisaetus kelaartiNot EvaluatedThis powerful forest raptor hunts junglefowl and squirrels in the rainforests of the Western Ghats.
Lemon-rumped WarblerPhylloscopus chloronotusLeast ConcernA small leaf warbler named for its pale yellow rump patch.
Lesser AdjutantLeptoptilos javanicusVulnerableA towering, bald-headed stork that haunts wetlands and mangroves of eastern India.
Lesser Black-backed GullLarus fuscusLeast ConcernA large migratory gull that winters abundantly on Indian coasts and big rivers.
Lesser CoucalCentropus bengalensisLeast ConcernA slender, grassland loving coucal found in tall grass and reedbeds across much of India.
Lesser Crested TernThalasseus bengalensisLeast ConcernA slender orange-billed tern common along India's coasts and islands outside the breeding season.
Lesser CuckooCuculus poliocephalusLeast ConcernA small grey summer-breeding cuckoo of Himalayan forests that parasitises warblers and bush robins.
Lesser Fish EagleIcthyophaga humilisNear ThreatenedA near threatened fishing eagle of fast, clear rivers in the Himalayan foothills and Western Ghats.
Lesser FlamingoPhoeniconaias minorNear ThreatenedThe smallest, pinkest flamingo, massing by the thousands at the Rann of Kutch.
Lesser FloricanSypheotides indicusCritically EndangeredA small bustard whose males spring repeatedly above the grass to woo mates.
Lesser FrigatebirdFregata arielLeast ConcernA soaring seabird of the Indian Ocean occasionally seen off India's coasts and islands, males displaying an inflatable red throat pouch.
Lesser Grey ShrikeLanius minorLeast ConcernA pale grey shrike with a bold black forehead and mask, passing through northwestern India on migration.
Lesser KestrelFalco naumanniLeast ConcernSmall migratory falcon that winters in flocks across open grassland and farmland.
Lesser Necklaced LaughingthrushGarrulax monilegerLeast ConcernA sociable, ground-loving laughingthrush of the eastern Himalayas and northeast India, ranging into southern China and Indochina.
Lesser NoddyAnous tenuirostrisLeast ConcernA slender sooty-brown tern with a whitish cap that haunts warm island seas off India.
Lesser Racket-tailed DrongoDicrurus remiferLeast ConcernA glossy black drongo of northeastern hill forest, aggressive around its nest and a skilled mimic.
Lesser ShortwingBrachypteryx leucophrisLeast ConcernA secretive robin-like bird of dense undergrowth in eastern Himalayan forests, more often heard singing than seen.
Lesser Whistling DuckDendrocygna javanicaLeast ConcernA small chestnut duck that whistles as it flies between weedy ponds at dusk.
Lesser White-fronted GooseAnser erythropusVulnerableA globally threatened dwarf goose that reaches Indian marshes only in small, scattered flocks.
Lesser WhitethroatCurruca currucaLeast ConcernA compact gray warbler that winters widely across the drier scrub and garden habitats of the Indian subcontinent.
Lesser YellowlegsTringa flavipesLeast ConcernA rare American vagrant to Indian wetlands and coasts, this slender wader breeds in northern North America.
Lesser YellownapePicus chlorolophusLeast ConcernA handsome green woodpecker of moist forests, named for the lemon-yellow nape crest that flares when it is alarmed.
Levant SparrowhawkAccipiter brevipesLeast ConcernA small migratory hawk of western Asia that turns up in northwest India as a rare passage visitor.
Light-mantled AlbatrossPhoebetria palpebrataNear ThreatenedThis sooty, pale-mantled albatross is an extreme vagrant from the far south.
Lineated BarbetPsilopogon lineatusLeast ConcernA large brown-streaked barbet of the Terai and northeast, it nests in tree holes and gorges on figs and other fruit.
Little BitternIxobrychus minutusLeast ConcernA tiny, buff-and-black bittern that skulks in marsh vegetation and clambers reeds like a rail.
Little BuntingEmberiza pusillaLeast ConcernA small streaky bunting that winters widely across northern India each year.
Little BustardTetrax tetraxNear ThreatenedA rare winter vagrant to grasslands of the northwest, this small bustard has declined steeply across its Eurasian range.
Little CormorantMicrocarbo nigerLeast ConcernA small black diver often seen drying its outstretched wings on a stump.
Little CrakeZapornia parvaLeast ConcernA tiny, elusive crake that winters in reedbeds of northwestern India.
Little CurlewNumenius minutusLeast ConcernA dainty passage curlew crossing Indian coasts and the northeast on its long migration.
Little EgretEgretta garzettaLeast ConcernA slender white egret with black legs and bright golden feet that stir up prey in the shallows.
Little ForktailEnicurus scouleriLeast ConcernA compact black-and-white bird of torrents and cascades in the hills.
Little GrebeTachybaptus ruficollisLeast ConcernIndia's smallest waterbird, a fluffy diver that vanishes underwater at the first alarm.
Little GullHydrocoloeus minutusLeast ConcernA tiny vagrant gull rarely recorded along Indian coasts.
Little OwlAthene noctuaLeast ConcernA small, flat-headed owl of stony high-altitude country in Ladakh and the trans-Himalaya.
Little Pied FlycatcherFicedula westermanniLeast ConcernA tiny pied flycatcher of montane forest canopies across hill India.
Little Ringed PloverCharadrius dubiusLeast ConcernA tiny sandbank plover marked by a single black collar and a bright yellow eye-ring.
Little SpiderhunterArachnothera longirostraLeast ConcernA drab but charismatic bird with a very long bill that hangs at wild banana flowers.
Little StintCalidris minutaLeast ConcernOne of the smallest waders, it gathers in busy flocks on Indian mudflats and lake edges, feeding with rapid pecking runs.
Little SwiftApus affinisLeast ConcernScreaming flocks that wheel over towns and nest under building eaves and bridges.
Little TernSternula albifronsLeast ConcernA small white tern with a yellow bill that hovers and plunge-dives along rivers and coasts.
Long-billed Bush WarblerLocustella majorLeast ConcernA secretive warbler that breeds in Kashmir and Ladakh scrub, skulking low and usually detected by its reeling song.
Long-billed DowitcherLimnodromus scolopaceusLeast ConcernA rare vagrant to Indian wetlands and coasts, this snipe-like American wader is told from the Asian Dowitcher by its longer bill.
Long-billed PipitAnthus similisLeast ConcernA large sturdy pipit favouring rocky, scrubby hillsides across much of dry India.
Long-billed PloverCharadrius placidusLeast ConcernA slender plover of stony Himalayan riverbeds, distinguished by its longer bill.
Long-billed ThrushZoothera monticolaLeast ConcernA secretive dark thrush of damp Himalayan ravines, more often glimpsed as a shadow crossing a stream bed.
Long-billed Wren-BabblerNapothera malacoptilaLeast ConcernA small, streaky brown wren-babbler of northeastern India's foothill forest floor, distinguished by its unusually long bill.
Long-eared OwlAsio otusLeast ConcernA slim, cryptically streaked owl with long upright ear tufts that visits northwest India and the Himalayan foothills in winter, roosting in dense trees by day.
Long-legged BuzzardButeo rufinusLeast ConcernA pale rufous toned raptor that hunts rodents over dry open country in winter.
Long-tailed BroadbillPsarisomus dalhousiaeLeast ConcernA vivid green broadbill with a black helmet, yellow face and electric-blue crown, found in Himalayan and northeast Indian forests. It moves in noisy chattering flocks.
Long-tailed DuckClangula hyemalisVulnerableAn arctic breeding sea duck that occasionally strays into Himalayan wetlands in winter.
Long-tailed JaegerStercorarius longicaudusLeast ConcernA slender, fast-flying seabird with long central tail feathers, recorded off the Indian coast on migration.
Long-tailed MinivetPericrocotus ethologusLeast ConcernA slender minivet of Himalayan forests, moving through the canopy in colourful parties with soft rolling calls.
Long-tailed ParakeetPsittacula longicaudaNear ThreatenedA rose-cheeked, long-tailed parakeet of the Andaman and Nicobar forests that flocks noisily at fruiting trees.
Long-tailed ShrikeLanius schachLeast ConcernA bold black-masked shrike with a rufous rump that lords over open farmland.
Long-tailed ThrushZoothera dixoniLeast ConcernA quiet ground thrush of dense Himalayan forest with an unusually long tail.
Long-toed StintCalidris subminutaLeast ConcernA small, upright-standing stint with notably long toes that winters at freshwater edges and coastal mud across India, often feeding among grassy pool margins.
Loten's SunbirdCinnyris loteniusLeast ConcernA long-curved-billed sunbird whose male glows metallic purple with a maroon breast band.
Ludlow's FulvettaAlcippe ludlowiLeast ConcernA drab fulvetta of dense undergrowth in the eastern Himalayan forests.
Malabar BarbetPsilopogon malabaricusLeast ConcernA compact, crimson-faced barbet endemic to the Western Ghats, calling monotonously from forest treetops.
Malabar FlamebackChrysocolaptes socialisNot EvaluatedA big golden-backed woodpecker of Western Ghats forest, separated from its northern relative by voice and plumage.
Malabar Grey HornbillOcyceros griseusVulnerableA noisy fruit-eating hornbill endemic to the rainforests of the Western Ghats.
Malabar Imperial PigeonDucula cupreaLeast ConcernA heavy deep-voiced canopy pigeon of Western Ghats rainforest that swallows large fruit whole.
Malabar LarkGalerida malabaricaLeast ConcernA crested, streaky brown lark found only in western India, from the foothills of the Western Ghats out into surrounding dry country.
Malabar Pied HornbillAnthracoceros coronatusNear ThreatenedA big black-and-white hornbill whose female walls herself inside a tree hollow to raise her chicks.
Malabar StarlingSturnia blythiiLeast ConcernA pale grey-headed starling of Western Ghats forests and plantations that nests in tree hollows and sips nectar.
Malabar TrogonHarpactes fasciatusLeast ConcernA shy forest trogon with a sooty head and a vivid crimson breast that sits stock-still.
Malabar Whistling ThrushMyophonus horsfieldiiLeast ConcernA glossy blue-black thrush whose rambling dawn whistle earns it the name whistling schoolboy.
Malabar WoodshrikeTephrodornis sylvicolaLeast ConcernA grey-brown, thick-billed woodshrike restricted to the moist forests of the Western Ghats.
Malayan Night HeronGorsachius melanolophusLeast ConcernA shy, forest dwelling night heron found in dense cover in the Western Ghats, northeast and Andamans.
Malaysian PloverAnarhynchus peroniiNear ThreatenedA small, pale beach-nesting plover of Southeast Asian coasts, recorded rarely on India's southeastern shores and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
MallardAnas platyrhynchosLeast ConcernA widespread dabbling duck that winters on northern Indian wetlands, the drake unmistakable with his glossy green head.
Manchurian Bush WarblerHorornis canturiansLeast ConcernA robust, rufous-crowned bush warbler that breeds in East Asia and winters in dense cover in the northeast and the islands.
Manchurian Reed WarblerAcrocephalus tangorumVulnerableA globally vulnerable reed warbler that winters in northeastern marshes and grasslands, breeding in far-eastern Asia.
Mandarin DuckAix galericulataLeast ConcernA dazzling tree-nesting duck that strays to northeast Indian wetlands as a rare winter visitor.
Mangrove PittaPitta megarhynchaNear ThreatenedA pitta tied to coastal mangroves of eastern India, from the Sundarbans to Odisha.
Mangrove WhistlerPachycephala cinereaLeast ConcernA stocky mangrove and coastal-forest songbird of the Sundarbans, eastern coasts and the islands.
Manipur Bush QuailPerdicula manipurensisCritically EndangeredA critically endangered, rarely seen quail restricted to damp tall-grass habitats of northeastern India.
Manipur FulvettaFulvetta manipurensisLeast ConcernSmall streak throated babbler restricted to temperate forest of northeast India.
Marbled TealMarmaronetta angustirostrisVulnerableA pale speckled teal of shallow wetlands, declining across its wide range.
Maroon OrioleOriolus trailliiLeast ConcernA deep maroon oriole with a pale eye that whistles fluty notes from tall hill trees.
Maroon-backed AccentorPrunella immaculataLeast ConcernA dark accentor with a maroon back found in high Himalayan forest understorey.
Marsh BabblerPellorneum palustreVulnerableA skulking grassland babbler threatened by drainage and conversion of northeast wetlands.
Marsh SandpiperTringa stagnatilisLeast ConcernA dainty, long-legged sandpiper that winters in large numbers on Indian wetlands, picking delicately at the water's surface.
Marshall's IoraAegithina nigroluteaLeast ConcernA pale, white-tailed iora of dry scrub and thorn forest across peninsular India and Sri Lanka.
Masked BoobySula dactylatraLeast ConcernA powerful plunge-diving seabird of Indian island seas and offshore waters.
Masked FinfootHeliopais personatusEndangeredA secretive swimming bird of forested wetlands now nearly vanished from Indian rivers.
Matsudaira's Storm PetrelHydrobates matsudairaeVulnerableA scarce non-breeding pelagic visitor off the southwest coast, this large dark storm petrel breeds only on a few islands south of Japan.
Meadow BuntingEmberiza cioidesLeast ConcernA boldly patterned bunting with a chestnut breast and striped head, resident on open rocky slopes and terraced fields in the northern Himalaya.
Meadow PipitAnthus pratensisNear ThreatenedA small, heavily streaked pipit of European grasslands, now near threatened, its Indian records rare scattered strays in the west and south.
Menetries's WarblerCurruca mystaceaLeast ConcernA small scrub warbler that winters in the arid northwest, constantly cocking and flicking its dark tail while feeding.
MerlinFalco columbariusLeast ConcernA compact, fast flying falcon that arrives in northwestern India as a scarce winter visitor.
Mishmi Wren-BabblerSpelaeornis badeigularisVulnerableA rare wren-babbler known only from the Mishmi Hills of Arunachal Pradesh.
Mistle ThrushTurdus viscivorusLeast ConcernA large boldly spotted thrush of western Himalayan conifer forest, known for singing through wind and rain.
Mongolian FinchBucanetes mongolicusLeast ConcernA sandy-plumaged finch of arid Ladakh mountains, gathering at water in flocks.
Mongolian GullLarus mongolicusNot EvaluatedA big Central Asian gull, sometimes treated as a race of the Vega gull, recorded wintering at Indian wetlands and coasts.
Mongolian Short-toed LarkCalandrella dukhunensisLeast ConcernA small streaky lark wintering across northwestern and peninsular dry grassland and fallow fields.
Montagu's HarrierCircus pygargusLeast ConcernA slender, buoyant harrier that quarters open grassland and farmland low to the ground in winter.
Mottled Wood OwlStrix ocellataLeast ConcernA large, finely vermiculated owl of old groves, with deep dark eyes and a wailing call.
Mount Victoria BabaxPterorhinus woodiLeast ConcernIt is a rare visitor to the northeastern hill states from its main range in western Myanmar.
Mountain Bamboo PartridgeBambusicola fytchiiLeast ConcernA streaked, long-tailed partridge of grassy hill slopes and bamboo in northeast India that skulks in cover and bursts into noisy flight when flushed.
Mountain BulbulIxos mcclellandiiLeast ConcernA vocal greyish bulbul common in hill forests of the eastern Himalaya and northeast.
Mountain ChiffchaffPhylloscopus sindianusLeast ConcernA plain, greyish leaf warbler that breeds in willow and juniper scrub high in Ladakh and Himachal, descending to marshes and gardens in winter.
Mountain Hawk-EagleNisaetus nipalensisNear ThreatenedA robust, long-crested forest eagle of the hills, it ambushes birds and mammals from a perch and soars on broad rounded wings.
Mountain Imperial PigeonDucula badiaLeast ConcernA large maroon-backed pigeon of hill forests whose deep booming carries across valleys.
Mountain Scops OwlOtus spilocephalusLeast ConcernA small, richly patterned scops owl of moist Himalayan and northeastern forests, roosting by day in dense cover and feeding largely on insects.
Mountain TailorbirdPhyllergates cucullatusLeast ConcernA small, brightly patterned bird of northeast India's hill forests, combining a rusty forecrown, grey face and lemon-yellow underparts.
Moustached LaughingthrushIanthocincla cineraceaLeast ConcernA pale ashy laughingthrush of northeastern hill forest that feeds in small groups among mossy branches.
Moustached WarblerAcrocephalus melanopogonLeast ConcernA neat reed warbler with a strong white supercilium and blackish crown, wintering in marshes and reedbeds of northwestern India.
Mrs Hume's PheasantSyrmaticus humiaeNear ThreatenedA long tailed, chestnut plumed pheasant found in the hill forests of northeastern India.
Mrs. Gould's SunbirdAethopyga gouldiaeLeast ConcernJewel toned sunbird of Himalayan forest, the male scarlet bodied with a violet blue tail.
Mugimaki FlycatcherFicedula mugimakiLeast ConcernA neat winter flycatcher of the eastern Himalaya and northeast, males black above with orange underparts.
Mute SwanCygnus olorLeast ConcernA scarce vagrant to lakes of northwest India, recognised by its orange bill with a black basal knob and gracefully curved neck.
Naga Wren-BabblerSpelaeornis chocolatinusVulnerableA localized skulker of Northeast montane forest, its small range placing it at risk.
Namaqua DoveOena capensisLeast ConcernAn African and Arabian dove that turns up as a rare visitor in India's dry northwest and along the coast.
Narcondam HornbillRhyticeros narcondamiVulnerableA hornbill found on a single volcanic islet, its entire world a speck in the Andaman Sea.
Naumann's ThrushTurdus naumanniLeast ConcernA rufous-toned thrush from Siberia, a rare winter visitor to the northern and northeastern hills.
Nepal FulvettaAlcippe nipalensisLeast ConcernA small grey-headed babbler with bold white eye-rings that forages busily through the middle storey.
Nepal House MartinDelichon nipalenseLeast ConcernNon migratory martin nesting on Himalayan cliffs from northwest India to Myanmar.
Nepal Wren-BabblerPnoepyga immaculataLeast ConcernA tiny round bodied wren babbler found in dense wet Himalayan undergrowth.
Nicobar BulbulIpsidium nicobarienseNear ThreatenedA near threatened bulbul found only on a handful of small Nicobar islands.
Nicobar Imperial PigeonDucula nicobaricaNear ThreatenedThis large fruit pigeon is confined to Nicobar forest and was split from the green imperial pigeon.
Nicobar Jungle FlycatcherCyornis nicobaricusNot EvaluatedA rufous-and-buff jungle flycatcher restricted to the forests of the Nicobar Islands, recently recognised as a full species.
Nicobar MegapodeMegapodius nicobariensisVulnerableAn island endemic that incubates its eggs using heat from a rotting mound of soil and leaves.
Nicobar ParakeetPsittacula canicepsLeast ConcernA large grey headed parakeet endemic to the Nicobar archipelago's forests.
Nicobar PigeonCaloenas nicobaricaNear ThreatenedA glossy, iridescent pigeon of the Nicobar Islands and closest living kin of the dodo.
Nicobar Scops OwlOtus aliusNear ThreatenedA little-known scops owl endemic to Great Nicobar and neighbouring islands in India's far south.
Nicobar SparrowhawkAccipiter butleriNear ThreatenedA rare small raptor endemic to the dense forests of the Nicobar Islands.
Nilgiri Blue RobinSholicola majorNear ThreatenedShy forest floor robin endemic to shola forests north of the Palghat Gap.
Nilgiri FlowerpeckerDicaeum concolorLeast ConcernA tiny olive grey flowerpecker found in hill forests of the Western Ghats and Nilgiris.
Nilgiri FlycatcherEumyias albicaudatusLeast ConcernA richly blue Old World flycatcher restricted to the high shola forests of the Western Ghats. Males glow indigo in dappled montane light.
Nilgiri LaughingthrushMontecincla cachinnansEndangeredEndangered laughingthrush restricted to the high Nilgiri hills of the Western Ghats.
Nilgiri PipitAnthus nilghiriensisVulnerableA streaky pipit confined to the shola-grasslands of the southern Western Ghats.
Nilgiri ThrushZoothera neilgherriensisNot EvaluatedA large, heavily scaled brown thrush endemic to the shola forests of the Western Ghats, split from the wide-ranging scaly thrush complex.
Nilgiri Wood PigeonColumba elphinstoniiVulnerableA large pigeon endemic to the moist forests and sholas of the Western Ghats, marked by a striking black-and-white chequered patch on the neck.
Nordmann's GreenshankTringa guttiferEndangeredRare stocky shorebird with a bicoloured bill seen on Indian mudflats.
Northern BoobookNinox japonicaLeast ConcernA scarce passage migrant through the northeast and islands, this hawk-owl breeds in East Asia and winters in Southeast Asia.
Northern GoshawkAccipiter gentilisLeast ConcernA large, broad winged hawk of Himalayan conifer forests, prized historically in falconry.
Northern LapwingVanellus vanellusNear ThreatenedA near threatened lapwing with a floppy crest that winters in flocks on north Indian fields.
Northern PintailAnas acutaLeast ConcernAn elegant migratory duck whose drake sports a needle-thin tail and chocolate head.
Northern ShovelerSpatula clypeataLeast ConcernA winter duck that sweeps its oversized shovel-shaped bill to sieve the water.
Northern WheatearOenanthe oenantheLeast ConcernA long-distance migrant chat passing through northern and northwestern India.
Olive BulbulIole virescensLeast ConcernA plain olive brown bulbul that forages quietly in northeastern forest thickets.
Olive-backed PipitAnthus hodgsoniLeast ConcernA neat green-backed pipit that breeds in the Himalayas and winters in wooded country across peninsular India.
Orange BullfinchPyrrhula aurantiacaLeast ConcernA stocky finch of Kashmir and the western Himalaya whose male wears a soft orange body set off by a black cap.
Orange MinivetPericrocotus flammeusLeast ConcernA flame-coloured canopy bird of Western Ghats and peninsular hill forest, moving in restless mixed-species flocks.
Orange-bellied FlowerpeckerDicaeum trigonostigmaLeast ConcernA tiny slate-blue flowerpecker with a burning orange belly that darts between fruiting clumps in the canopy.
Orange-bellied LeafbirdChloropsis hardwickiiLeast ConcernA vivid canopy leafbird of Himalayan and northeastern broadleaf forest.
Orange-breasted Green PigeonTreron bicinctusLeast ConcernA plump green pigeon with a lilac-and-orange breast that swarms quietly in fruiting figs.
Orange-headed ThrushGeokichla citrinaLeast ConcernA shy thrush with a burnt-orange head and slate wings that forages on shaded forest floors.
Oriental Bay OwlPhodilus badiusLeast ConcernA rarely seen dense-forest owl with a distinctive squarish head and reddish plumage, occurring in northeast India and, patchily, the southern Western Ghats.
Oriental DarterAnhinga melanogasterNear ThreatenedThe snakebird swims with only its sinuous neck above water, spearing prey.
Oriental DollarbirdEurystomus orientalisLeast ConcernA stocky, broad-billed roller that hawks insects at dusk over forests of northeast India and the Western Ghats.
Oriental Dwarf KingfisherCeyx erithacaLeast ConcernA thumb-sized lilac-and-orange kingfisher that appears in the Western Ghats with the monsoon.
Oriental HobbyFalco severusLeast ConcernA small, dashing forest falcon of Himalayan foothills and the northeast, and rarely the Western Ghats, hunting over canopy and clearings.
Oriental Honey BuzzardPernis ptilorhynchusLeast ConcernA slim-headed raptor that tears open wasp and bee nests to eat the grubs inside.
Oriental Magpie-robinCopsychus saularisLeast ConcernA pied songbird that cocks its tail and pours out rich melodies from rooftops.
Oriental Pied HornbillAnthracoceros albirostrisLeast ConcernA black-and-white hornbill that seals its mate inside a tree hollow to nest.
Oriental PloverAnarhynchus veredusLeast ConcernA scarce passage plover favouring dry grassland and coasts in India.
Oriental PratincoleGlareola maldivarumLeast ConcernA swallow-like wader that breeds on open ground and dry riverbeds across the Indian plains.
Oriental Reed WarblerAcrocephalus orientalisLeast ConcernA large, robust reed warbler that breeds across eastern Asia and winters in northeast India and Southeast Asia.
Oriental Scops OwlOtus suniaLeast ConcernA tiny, well camouflaged owl that migrates into northeastern India and the Andamans in winter.
Oriental SkylarkAlauda gulgulaLeast ConcernA small streaky lark of fields and grassland that pours out a sustained song from high in the air before parachuting down.
Oriental Turtle DoveStreptopelia orientalisLeast ConcernA plump, warmly patterned dove that breeds in the Himalayas and winters down into peninsular India in wooded country.
Oriental White-eyeZosterops palpebrosusLeast ConcernA tiny yellow-green bird with a neat white eye-ring that travels in twittering flocks.
Ornate SunbirdCinnyris ornatusLeast ConcernA small sunbird of the Andamans and Northeast, formerly lumped with the olive-backed sunbird.
Ortolan BuntingEmberiza hortulanaLeast ConcernA neat bunting that passes through western India on migration, better known in Europe as a once-prized table delicacy.
OspreyPandion haliaetusLeast ConcernA fish-hawk that hovers then crashes feet-first into water for its catch.
Pacific Golden PloverPluvialis fulvaLeast ConcernA graceful plover wintering on Indian grassland, wetland and coast, feeding with a run-and-pause gait.
Pacific Reef HeronEgretta sacraLeast ConcernA stocky coastal heron that stalks fish and crabs on rocky shores and reefs of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and parts of the mainland coast.
Pacific SwiftApus pacificusLeast ConcernA fast, scythe-winged migrant swift that streams over Indian skies feeding entirely on the wing.
Paddyfield PipitAnthus rufulusLeast ConcernA common resident pipit of Indian grassland and farmland, walking and running on the ground after insects.
Paddyfield WarblerAcrocephalus agricolaLeast ConcernA slim, pale reed warbler that winters in marshes and paddy fields across the Indian plains.
Painted Bush QuailPerdicula erythrorhynchaLeast ConcernA handsome hill-forest quail found in coveys through the Western Ghats and the higher hills of peninsular India.
Painted FrancolinFrancolinus pictusLeast ConcernA handsomely spotted francolin of grassy country in peninsular India.
Painted SandgrousePterocles indicusLeast ConcernA cryptically barred sandgrouse of rocky dry country in India, coming to water at dusk and dawn in pairs and small groups.
Painted SpurfowlGalloperdix lunulataLeast ConcernA shy, beautifully spotted gamebird of rocky scrub jungle in peninsular India.
Painted StorkMycteria leucocephalaNear ThreatenedA large wetland stork that scythes its open bill through shallow water for fish.
Palani LaughingthrushMontecincla fairbankiEndangeredEndangered shola bird found only in the Palani and nearby Western Ghats hills.
Pale Blue FlycatcherCyornis unicolorLeast ConcernA quiet canopy flycatcher of northeastern evergreen forest that sits motionless for long spells before sallying after insects.
Pale MartinRiparia dilutaLeast ConcernA pale brown martin that winters across the plains and south of India.
Pale Rock SparrowCarpospiza brachydactylaLeast ConcernA plain sandy sparrow of stony arid country in the northwest, with an odd buzzing, insect-like song.
Pale RosefinchCarpodacus stoliczkaeLeast ConcernA pale, streaky rosefinch of arid high country in Ladakh and the trans-Himalaya, males showing a delicate pink flush over sandy plumage.
Pale ThrushTurdus pallidusLeast ConcernAn understated brown thrush breeding in East Asia, reaching northeast India and the Andaman Islands as a rare vagrant.
Pale-billed FlowerpeckerDicaeum erythrorhynchosLeast ConcernOne of India's smallest birds, a restless mite that spreads mistletoe seeds across gardens.
Pale-billed ParrotbillChleuasicus atrosuperciliarisLeast ConcernA tawny parrotbill of Northeast grass and reed, clinging to stems as it feeds.
Pale-capped PigeonColumba puniceaVulnerableA shy, wine-colored forest pigeon of northeast and central India that has become vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting.
Pale-chinned FlycatcherCyornis poliogenysLeast ConcernA quiet blue grey flycatcher of forest understorey across the Indian hills.
Pale-footed Bush WarblerUrosphena pallidipesLeast ConcernA secretive bush warbler of Northeast scrub and grass, hard to glimpse in cover.
Pale-headed WoodpeckerGecinulus grantiaLeast ConcernA distinctive rufous woodpecker with a pale yellowish head, resident in the bamboo-rich forests of northeastern India.
Pale-legged Leaf WarblerPhylloscopus tenellipesLeast ConcernA brownish-green leaf warbler with pale legs and a sharp metallic call, a scarce migrant to the northeast and the islands.
Pallas's Fish EagleHaliaeetus leucoryphusEndangeredA powerful brown fish eagle of Himalayan foothill lakes, declining as its wetlands drain away.
Pallas's Grasshopper WarblerHelopsaltes certhiolaLeast ConcernA heavily streaked skulker that winters in northeastern marshes and paddy edges.
Pallas's GullIchthyaetus ichthyaetusLeast ConcernA huge black headed gull that winters along Indian coasts and rivers.
Pallas's Leaf WarblerPhylloscopus proregulusLeast ConcernA minute warbler with a lemon rump and bold crown stripe that winters in Himalayan foothill forest.
Pallas's Reed BuntingEmberiza pallasiLeast ConcernA small, pale bunting of reeds and tall grass, wintering sparingly in the northeast and northern wetlands.
Pallas's RosefinchCarpodacus roseusLeast ConcernA scarce winter stray from Siberia to the Himalaya, males frosted silvery-pink on the face and rump.
Pallas's SandgrouseSyrrhaptes paradoxusLeast ConcernIrruptions out of Central Asia have brought this pin-tailed sandgrouse into northwestern India.
Pallid HarrierCircus macrourusNear ThreatenedA pale, low-flying harrier that quarters Indian grasslands in winter for rodents.
Pallid Scops OwlOtus bruceiLeast ConcernA small sandy-grey scops owl that visits northwest India's arid scrub and groves in winter.
Parasitic JaegerStercorarius parasiticusLeast ConcernA fast falcon-like seabird that harries terns along Indian coasts on passage.
Pechora PipitAnthus gustaviLeast ConcernA crisply streaked pipit breeding in Arctic Asia and wintering in Southeast Asia, appearing on the Andamans and in the northeast as a scarce migrant.
Pectoral SandpiperCalidris melanotosLeast ConcernA rare vagrant sandpiper turning up on Indian coastal mudflats.
Peregrine FalconFalco peregrinusLeast ConcernThe world's fastest bird, stooping on prey at over 300 km/h above cliffs and cities.
Persian ShearwaterPuffinus persicusLeast ConcernA compact seabird of the Arabian Sea reaching India's western coasts and Lakshadweep.
Pheasant-tailed JacanaHydrophasianus chirurgusLeast ConcernA lily-trotter that grows a long curved tail and lets the male raise the chicks.
Pied AvocetRecurvirostra avosettaLeast ConcernA striking black-and-white wader that sweeps its upturned bill side to side through mud.
Pied BushchatSaxicola caprataLeast ConcernA small upright chat whose jet-black male flashes a white rump and wing patch.
Pied FalconetMicrohierax melanoleucosLeast ConcernTiny black and white falcon that hunts insects from forest edge perches.
Pied HarrierCircus melanoleucosLeast ConcernA slender harrier that quarters wet grassland and paddy on raised wings, the striking male patterned in clean black and white.
Pied Imperial PigeonDucula bicolorLeast ConcernA striking cream and black fruit pigeon of the Andaman and Nicobar island forests.
Pied KingfisherCeryle rudisLeast ConcernA black-and-white kingfisher that hovers mid-air before diving for fish.
Pied ThrushGeokichla wardiiLeast ConcernA striking black-and-white thrush that migrates between Himalayan breeding grounds and southern Indian wintering forests.
Pied TrillerLalage nigraLeast ConcernIt forages deliberately through open woodland and village trees on the Nicobar Islands.
Pied WheatearOenanthe pleschankaLeast ConcernA crisp black-and-white chat of open stony country, usually seen perched upright on a rock or fence post.
Pin-striped Tit-BabblerMixornis gularisLeast ConcernA small yellowish babbler with pin striped underparts found in dense scrub.
Pin-tailed Green PigeonTreron apicaudaLeast ConcernA slender green pigeon of Himalayan foothill and northeastern forests, moving in flocks through fruiting fig trees from Uttarakhand to the far northeast.
Pin-tailed SandgrousePterocles alchataLeast ConcernA desert sandgrouse of arid northwest India that gathers at waterholes in the early morning.
Pine BuntingEmberiza leucocephalosLeast ConcernA pale headed bunting that occasionally winters in northern Indian farmland.
Pink-browed RosefinchCarpodacus rodochroaLeast ConcernA rosy Himalayan finch of forest edges and shrubbery, the males washed pink, foraging for seeds and berries.
Pink-headed DuckRhodonessa caryophyllaceaCritically EndangeredA once widespread Indian duck now feared extinct after decades without a confirmed sighting.
Pink-rumped RosefinchCarpodacus waltoniLeast ConcernA slim rosefinch, the male washed pink on face and rump, inhabiting alpine shrubberies and forest edges in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
Pintail SnipeGallinago stenuraLeast ConcernA migratory snipe wintering in Indian wetlands, distinguished by its stiff pin shaped tail feathers.
Plain FlowerpeckerDicaeum minullumLeast ConcernA drab olive flowerpecker of eastern Himalayan and northeast forests, easily overlooked, and a key disperser of mistletoe.
Plain Leaf WarblerPhylloscopus neglectusLeast ConcernA tiny, plain-plumaged warbler that winters in the arid scrub and thorn country of northwestern India.
Plain Mountain FinchLeucosticte nemoricolaLeast ConcernA streaky brown finch of high Himalayan meadows, gathering in big flocks to feed on seeds above the treeline.
Plain PriniaPrinia inornataLeast ConcernA drab streaky prinia common in tall grass, reeds and farmland across the subcontinent.
Plain-backed ThrushZoothera mollissimaLeast ConcernA scaly patterned thrush breeding among boulders and scrub high in the Himalaya.
Plain-pouched HornbillRhyticeros subruficollisVulnerableA rare and localised visitor to the northeastern hill forests, this large hornbill travels in flocks in search of fruiting trees.
Plaintive CuckooCacomantis merulinusLeast ConcernA small brood-parasitic cuckoo whose plaintive call carries across northeast and central Indian woodlands in the breeding season.
Plum-headed ParakeetPsittacula cyanocephalaLeast ConcernA graceful parakeet whose males sport a rich plum-coloured head.
Plumbeous Water RedstartPhoenicurus fuliginosusLeast ConcernA slate-blue chat with a rusty tail that constantly fans its tail on Himalayan rapids.
Plume-toed SwiftletCollocalia affinisLeast ConcernA tiny glossy swiftlet resident in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, catching insects on the wing over forest and coast.
Pomarine JaegerStercorarius pomarinusLeast ConcernA piratical seabird that chases gulls and terns and passes off India's coasts on passage each year.
Pompadour Green PigeonTreron pompadoraLeast ConcernA leaf-green canopy pigeon found in disjunct hill forests, gathering quietly in fruiting trees to gorge on figs.
Puff-throated BabblerPellorneum ruficepsLeast ConcernA spotted, ground-loving babbler that shuffles through leaf litter in undergrowth, betraying itself with a sweet whistled song.
Puff-throated BulbulAlophoixus pallidusLeast ConcernA large bulbul of northeastern evergreen forest with a puffed pale throat.
Purple CochoaCochoa purpureaLeast ConcernA quiet, thrush-like canopy bird of moist Himalayan and northeastern forests, giving a thin whistling call from the treetops.
Purple HeronArdea purpureaLeast ConcernA slender chestnut-and-grey heron that slips through dense reed beds to hunt.
Purple SunbirdCinnyris asiaticusLeast ConcernA tiny sunbird whose breeding male glows metallic purple-blue in the sun.
Purple-naped SpiderhunterKurochkinegramma hypogrammicumLeast ConcernA streaky, long-billed sunbird relative of northeast Indian forests, the male showing an iridescent purple nape stripe as it probes flowers.
Purple-rumped SunbirdLeptocoma zeylonicaLeast ConcernA small sunbird with a maroon back patch, common in gardens across southern India.
Pygmy FlycatcherFicedula hodgsoniLeast ConcernA tiny deep-blue and orange flycatcher of eastern Himalayan and northeastern Indian montane forest.
Radde's WarblerPhylloscopus schwarziLeast ConcernA robust, thick-billed leaf warbler that winters in scrub and forest edges of eastern India.
Rain QuailCoturnix coromandelicaLeast ConcernA small quail of grasslands that times its breeding with the monsoon rains.
Red AvadavatAmandava amandavaLeast ConcernA tiny finch whose breeding male glows crimson and is spangled with white droplets.
Red Collared DoveStreptopelia tranquebaricaLeast ConcernA small dove of farmland and dry open country, often on wires near villages.
Red CrossbillLoxia curvirostraLeast ConcernA stocky, nomadic conifer finch of high Himalayan and northeastern pine forest, tied to the cone crop.
Red JunglefowlGallus gallusLeast ConcernThe wild ancestor of every domestic chicken, crowing from forest edges across India.
Red KiteMilvus milvusLeast ConcernA graceful forked-tailed raptor of Europe, documented in India only as a rare vagrant to the northwest and Himalaya.
Red KnotCalidris canutusNear ThreatenedA stocky, medium-sized sandpiper that winters in small, declining numbers on Indian coastal mudflats, notably the Gulf of Mannar.
Red PhalaropePhalaropus fulicariusLeast ConcernAn ocean-going wader occasionally blown to Indian coasts in winter.
Red SpurfowlGalloperdix spadiceaLeast ConcernA shy rust coloured gamebird endemic to India, often heard before seen.
Red-backed ShrikeLanius collurioLeast ConcernA handsome shrike on passage through the arid northwest, storing prey by impaling it on thorns and barbed wire.
Red-billed Blue MagpieUrocissa erythrorynchaLeast ConcernA flamboyant blue magpie with a red bill and a tail longer than its body.
Red-billed ChoughPyrrhocorax pyrrhocoraxLeast ConcernA high-altitude Himalayan crow that wheels in acrobatic flocks over cliffs and alpine pastures, probing turf for insects with its curved crimson bill.
Red-billed LeiothrixLeiothrix luteaLeast ConcernA colourful, sociable babbler of Himalayan and northeastern undergrowth.
Red-billed Scimitar BabblerPomatorhinus ochraceicepsLeast ConcernA skulking babbler of northeastern evergreen forest usually detected by its duetting hooted calls.
Red-billed StarlingSpodiopsar sericeusLeast ConcernA pale grey-and-white starling with a coral-red bill, an increasing winter visitor to open country in the northeast.
Red-billed TropicbirdPhaethon aethereusLeast ConcernA white oceanic seabird with a coral-red bill and long streaming tail feathers.
Red-breasted FlycatcherFicedula parvaLeast ConcernA small flycatcher that winters widely in India, often flicking up its tail to reveal bold white patches at the base.
Red-breasted GooseBranta ruficollisVulnerableA rare vagrant to the northwestern plains, this small compact goose breeds on the Siberian tundra and winters around the Black and Caspian Seas.
Red-breasted MerganserMergus serratorLeast ConcernA fish-eating sawbill duck that turns up on Indian coasts and estuaries in winter.
Red-breasted ParakeetPsittacula alexandriNear ThreatenedA handsome parakeet with a salmon-pink breast and black moustache of northeastern forests.
Red-crested PochardNetta rufinaLeast ConcernA handsome diving duck whose drake glows with a rusty-orange bouffant crest.
Red-faced LiocichlaLiocichla phoeniceaLeast ConcernA vividly marked babbler of northeastern India's undergrowth, known for its loud whistling duets.
Red-flanked BluetailTarsiger cyanurusLeast ConcernA shy robin-like bird that winters in Himalayan and northeast forests, the male glowing blue above with rusty side patches.
Red-footed BoobySula sulaLeast ConcernA tropical seabird breeding and roosting on the Andaman and Nicobar islands.
Red-footed FalconFalco vespertinusNear ThreatenedA small migratory falcon of eastern Europe and Asia that appears in northwest India as a rare passage visitor.
Red-fronted RosefinchCarpodacus puniceusLeast ConcernA large, frost-hardy rosefinch of high alpine screes and tundra in the Himalaya.
Red-fronted SerinSerinus pusillusLeast ConcernA small, dark, streaky finch of high mountain slopes, found in Ladakh and other parts of the Indian Himalayas.
Red-headed BullfinchPyrrhula erythrocephalaLeast ConcernA plump Himalayan bullfinch of fir and rhododendron forest, the male capped and washed in warm orange-red.
Red-headed BuntingEmberiza brunicepsLeast ConcernA bright yellow-and-chestnut bunting that winters across the Indian plains after breeding in Central Asia.
Red-headed TrogonHarpactes erythrocephalusLeast ConcernA vividly colored trogon of northeast India's evergreen forests, perching motionless before sallying out for insects.
Red-headed VultureSarcogyps calvusCritically EndangeredThe striking king vulture, now critically endangered across its Indian range.
Red-legged CrakeRallina fasciataLeast ConcernA secretive crimson-legged rail of the Andamans, northeast, and Western Ghats swamps.
Red-mantled RosefinchCarpodacus rhodochlamysLeast ConcernA large rose-pink finch that descends to Kashmir and Ladakh valleys in winter to feed on seeds and buds.
Red-naped IbisPseudibis papillosaLeast ConcernA dark ibis of dry plains marked by a vivid red patch on its bare crown.
Red-necked FalconFalco chicqueraLeast ConcernA dashing little falcon with a chestnut cap that hunts in pairs over open scrub.
Red-necked GrebePodiceps grisegenaLeast ConcernA diving waterbird with a rust coloured neck that occasionally winters in Kashmir.
Red-necked PhalaropePhalaropus lobatusLeast ConcernA dainty wader that winters at sea, spinning on the water to stir up plankton off the Indian coast.
Red-necked StintCalidris ruficollisLeast ConcernTiny wader with a rusty throat patch that visits Indian coastal flats.
Red-rumped SwallowCecropis dauricaLeast ConcernA swallow with a rusty rump that nests on buildings and hunts over open ground.
Red-tailed MinlaMinla ignotinctaLeast ConcernA colourful small babbler flitting through mixed flocks in Himalayan forest.
Red-tailed ShrikeLanius phoenicuroidesLeast ConcernA rufous-tailed shrike of open scrub, split from the Isabelline Shrike, a widespread winter visitor.
Red-tailed TropicbirdPhaethon rubricaudaLeast ConcernA rare visitor to the seas around Indian islands, this large white tropicbird with a red bill wanders widely across tropical oceans.
Red-tailed WheatearOenanthe chrysopygiaLeast ConcernA grey-brown chat with a bright rufous rump and tail that favours boulder-strewn hillsides and ravines.
Red-throated LoonGavia stellataLeast ConcernIt is a very rare winter vagrant to Indian coastal waters from the Arctic.
Red-throated PipitAnthus cervinusLeast ConcernAn Arctic-breeding pipit that winters in damp northeastern fields and marsh margins.
Red-throated ThrushTurdus ruficollisLeast ConcernA Siberian thrush that winters in Himalayan valleys, the males showing a clean brick-red throat and breast band.
Red-vented BulbulPycnonotus caferLeast ConcernA confiding garden bulbul marked by a crimson patch beneath its tail.
Red-wattled LapwingVanellus indicusLeast ConcernA noisy wader that scolds intruders with a frantic did-he-do-it alarm.
Red-whiskered BulbulPycnonotus jocosusLeast ConcernA perky crested bulbul with a red cheek-spot and a cheerful chattering song.
Relict GullIchthyaetus relictusVulnerableA globally vulnerable gull of Central Asian salt lakes, recorded in India as a rare vagrant to the Gujarat coast.
Richard's PipitAnthus richardiLeast ConcernA big, streaky pipit that winters on Indian grasslands and paddyfields, often betraying itself with a loud rasping call.
River LapwingVanellus duvauceliiNear ThreatenedA sharp black-capped lapwing that nests on shingle bars of fast northern rivers.
River TernSterna aurantiaVulnerableA graceful tern with a black cap and orange bill that nests on river sandbars.
Robin AccentorPrunella rubeculoidesLeast ConcernAn orange breasted accentor of high cold Himalayan slopes from Ladakh to Sikkim.
Rock BuntingEmberiza ciaLeast ConcernA bunting of rocky Himalayan slopes with a neat black-striped grey head, feeding on seeds among boulders and scrub.
Rock Bush QuailPerdicula argoondahLeast ConcernA tiny quail endemic to the western half of India that huddles in tight coveys on stony, scrub-covered ground and explodes outward when disturbed.
Rock DoveColumba liviaLeast ConcernThe grey feral pigeon flocking on rooftops, ledges and railway stations everywhere.
Rock SparrowPetronia petroniaLeast ConcernA streaky, cliff-dwelling sparrow found on barren rocky slopes in the drier parts of the Himalaya.
RookCorvus frugilegusLeast ConcernA social crow that reaches northwestern India in winter, feeding in flocks on ploughed fields.
Rose-ringed ParakeetPsittacula krameriLeast ConcernA screeching green parakeet whose roosting flocks swirl over Indian cities at dusk.
Roseate TernSterna dougalliiLeast ConcernPale slender tern with a long forked tail and rosy flushed breast.
Rosy MinivetPericrocotus roseusLeast ConcernA delicate minivet of the Himalayan foothills with rosy-pink and grey plumage.
Rosy PipitAnthus roseatusLeast ConcernA slender pipit that breeds in high Himalayan meadows and descends to lower elevations in winter.
Rosy StarlingPastor roseusLeast ConcernA pink-and-black starling that descends on India in vast winter swarms.
Rough-legged BuzzardButeo lagopusLeast ConcernAn Arctic-breeding buzzard that reaches the high north of India, including Ladakh, as a scarce winter vagrant.
Ruddy KingfisherHalcyon coromandaLeast ConcernA shy forest kingfisher with rich rufous plumage, more often heard than seen.
Ruddy ShelduckTadorna ferrugineaLeast ConcernA burnt-orange duck that winters in pairs on India's rivers and sandbars.
Ruddy TurnstoneArenaria interpresLeast ConcernA boldly patterned wader wintering on Indian coasts, busily turning over stones and debris in search of food.
Ruddy-breasted CrakeZapornia fuscaLeast ConcernA secretive rufous rail of marshes and flooded paddy across South Asia.
Rufescent PriniaPrinia rufescensLeast ConcernA small warm-toned prinia of scrub and forest edge in the northeastern hills.
RuffCalidris pugnaxLeast ConcernA medium wader that winters across Indian wetlands in dull plumage, the males transformed by huge ornamental ruffs when breeding.
Rufous BabblerArgya subrufaLeast ConcernA noisy rufous brown babbler that forages in flocks on the forest floor.
Rufous SibiaHeterophasia capistrataLeast ConcernA warm rufous babbler of Himalayan oak and rhododendron forest, often in mixed feeding flocks, with a melodious song.
Rufous TreepieDendrocitta vagabundaLeast ConcernA bold rufous-and-black corvid with a long graduated tail and a loud bell-like call.
Rufous WoodpeckerMicropternus brachyurusLeast ConcernA chestnut woodpecker that drills its nest into the carton nests of tree ants.
Rufous-backed SibiaLeioptila annectensLeast ConcernA slim, long-tailed babbler-relative of the eastern Himalayas and northeast hills, rusty-backed and boldly patterned, gleaning insects high in mossy oak and rhododendron canopy.
Rufous-bellied EagleLophotriorchis kieneriiNear ThreatenedCompact forest eagle with a dark hood and rich rufous underparts.
Rufous-bellied NiltavaNiltava sundaraLeast ConcernA jewel-like flycatcher of Himalayan undergrowth, the male glowing electric blue and rufous in the forest shadows.
Rufous-bellied WoodpeckerDendrocopos hyperythrusLeast ConcernA small, richly colored woodpecker of Himalayan oak forests with a warm rufous underside.
Rufous-breasted AccentorPrunella strophiataLeast ConcernA streaky, ground-hugging accentor of high Himalayan scrub, marked by a rusty breast band, feeding unobtrusively near cover.
Rufous-breasted Bush RobinTarsiger hyperythrusLeast ConcernA striking eastern Himalayan robin with deep blue upperparts and a warm orange breast, usually found hopping on mossy forest floors.
Rufous-capped BabblerCyanoderma ruficepsLeast ConcernA tiny rufous crowned babbler common in Himalayan foothill thickets.
Rufous-chinned LaughingthrushIanthocincla rufogularisLeast ConcernA laughingthrush of dense undergrowth across the eastern Himalaya and northeast India.
Rufous-crowned PriniaPrinia khasianaLeast ConcernA streaky, long-tailed warbler of northeastern grassy hillsides and forest edge.
Rufous-faced WarblerAbroscopus albogularisLeast ConcernA tiny warbler with a chestnut face and white throat that flits restlessly through bamboo groves.
Rufous-fronted BabblerCyanoderma rufifronsLeast ConcernA small buff brown babbler with a rufous crown found in eastern Himalayan foothill forest.
Rufous-fronted PriniaPrinia buchananiLeast ConcernSmall stocky prinia of dry open country across northwestern India.
Rufous-gorgeted FlycatcherFicedula strophiataLeast ConcernA small Himalayan flycatcher marked by a bright rufous throat spot.
Rufous-headed ParrotbillPsittiparus bakeriLeast ConcernLarge rufous capped parrotbill of bamboo and scrub forest in northeast India.
Rufous-naped TitPeriparus rufonuchalisLeast ConcernA crested, dark-plumaged tit of high conifer forests in the western Himalaya, working through the canopy in small active parties.
Rufous-necked HornbillAceros nipalensisVulnerableA spectacular hornbill of North-East forests, vanishing with its old-growth trees.
Rufous-necked LaughingthrushPterorhinus ruficollisLeast ConcernA sociable laughingthrush of foothill scrub and forest edge that moves in noisy, restless flocks.
Rufous-necked SnowfinchPyrgilauda ruficollisLeast ConcernA hardy high-altitude snowfinch of Sikkim and Ladakh, pale sandy-grey with a distinctive rufous wash across the neck.
Rufous-rumped GrassbirdGraminicola bengalensisNear ThreatenedA near threatened grassland specialist that skulks through tall reeds along the great river floodplains of northern India.
Rufous-tailed LarkAmmomanes phoenicuraLeast ConcernA plain rufous-toned lark of stony open ground across peninsular India, well camouflaged against bare earth.
Rufous-tailed RobinLarvivora sibilansLeast ConcernA shy scaly-breasted robin of Northeast winter undergrowth, easily overlooked.
Rufous-tailed Rock ThrushMonticola saxatilisLeast ConcernA striking rock thrush that passes through and winters in the rocky hills and open country of India.
Rufous-tailed Scrub RobinCercotrichas galactotesLeast ConcernA sandy-brown scrub robin with a rusty, white-tipped tail, wintering in dry scrub and thorn country of northwestern India.
Rufous-throated FulvettaSchoeniparus rufogularisLeast ConcernA secretive ground fulvetta of Northeast forest floor, usually detected by its thin call.
Rufous-throated PartridgeArborophila rufogularisLeast ConcernA shy montane partridge of oak and rhododendron forests in the eastern Himalaya and northeast hills, named for the rusty patch on its throat.
Rufous-vented Grass BabblerLaticilla burnesiiNear ThreatenedA long-tailed grass babbler of Indus and northwest Indian floodplains and reedbeds.
Rufous-vented LaughingthrushPterorhinus gularisLeast ConcernA handsome laughingthrush of the northeast, grey-hooded with a bright rufous undertail, favouring dense wet forest and bamboo.
Rufous-vented TitPeriparus rubidiventrisLeast ConcernA crested high-altitude tit of Himalayan conifer and rhododendron forest.
Rufous-vented YuhinaYuhina occipitalisLeast ConcernA small flocking yuhina of high Himalayan moss forest and bamboo.
Rufous-winged BuzzardButastur liventerLeast ConcernA vagrant to northeast India from Southeast Asia, where it drops on lizards from low open perches.
Rufous-winged FulvettaSchoeniparus castanecepsLeast ConcernAn active little fulvetta seen in mixed flocks in Himalayan broadleaf forest.
Russet Bush WarblerLocustella mandelliLeast ConcernA dark rufous-brown skulker of grassy hillsides and forest clearings in the northeastern hills.
Russet SparrowPasser cinnamomeusLeast ConcernA rufous-toned sparrow of Himalayan villages and terraced fields.
Rustic BuntingEmberiza rusticaVulnerableA small taiga-breeding bunting with rusty streaking, declining sharply across its range, appearing in India only as a scarce winter stray.
Rusty-bellied ShortwingBrachypteryx hyperythraNear ThreatenedA range-restricted shortwing of Sikkim and Arunachal, keeping to dense damp undergrowth.
Rusty-capped FulvettaSchoeniparus dubiusLeast ConcernA small brown babbler of the northeast hills with a rusty cap and striking black eyebrow, foraging low in dense forest tangles.
Rusty-cheeked Scimitar BabblerErythrogenys erythrogenysLeast ConcernA bold babbler of Himalayan undergrowth with chestnut cheeks and a long down-curved bill, often calling in answering duets.
Rusty-flanked TreecreeperCerthia nipalensisLeast ConcernA small streaked climber that spirals up mossy trunks in temperate Himalayan forests, prising insects from bark with its curved bill.
Rusty-fronted BarwingActinodura egertoniLeast ConcernForest babbler with barred wings, found from the eastern Himalaya into northeast India.
Rusty-naped PittaHydrornis oatesiLeast ConcernA stout, rusty-headed pitta of dense evergreen forest in the northeast hills, foraging quietly on the forest floor and hard to glimpse.
Rusty-tailed FlycatcherFicedula ruficaudaLeast ConcernA plain flycatcher with a warm rufous tail, seen in Himalayan forest edges.
Sabine's GullXema sabiniLeast ConcernA rare pelagic vagrant off Indian coasts, this small fork-tailed Arctic-breeding gull spends most of its life at sea.
Saker FalconFalco cherrugEndangeredLarge powerful falcon that winters in the Thar Desert and Ladakh.
Sand LarkAlaudala raytalLeast ConcernA pale small lark restricted to sandy riverbanks of the Indus, Ganges and Brahmaputra.
Sand MartinRiparia ripariaLeast ConcernA brown-and-white migratory martin that winters across northern India, gathering in flocks over rivers and wetlands.
SanderlingCalidris albaLeast ConcernA pale wader that chases retreating waves on open sandy beaches.
Sandwich TernThalasseus sandvicensisLeast ConcernA pale, shaggy-crested sea tern that winters along Indian coasts and plunge-dives for fish.
Sapphire FlycatcherFicedula sapphiraLeast ConcernA tiny jewel toned flycatcher of Himalayan and northeastern broadleaf forest.
Sarus CraneAntigone antigoneVulnerableA towering red-headed crane that pairs for life in northern wetlands.
Satyr TragopanTragopan satyraNear ThreatenedA crimson Himalayan pheasant whose males flash blue facial horns in courtship.
Saunders's TernSternula saundersiLeast ConcernA small pale tern resembling the little tern that breeds and forages along Indian coasts and offshore islands, hovering before diving for fish.
Savanna NightjarCaprimulgus affinisLeast ConcernAn open-country nightjar found on riverbanks, gravel bars and scrubland across the plains of India.
Scaly LaughingthrushTrochalopteron subunicolorLeast ConcernA scaly-patterned laughingthrush of high broadleaf and rhododendron forest in the eastern Himalaya and northeastern hills.
Scaly ThrushZoothera daumaLeast ConcernA shy, heavily scaled forest thrush of Himalayan and Northeast woodland.
Scaly-bellied WoodpeckerPicus squamatusLeast ConcernA large green woodpecker of the northwestern Himalaya that feeds heavily on ants and their pupae.
Scaly-breasted MuniaLonchura punctulataLeast ConcernA small finch with chestnut upperparts and a breast finely scalloped like fish scales.
Scarlet FinchCarpodacus sipahiLeast ConcernA spectacular scarlet finch with a pale bill that glows in the canopy of eastern hills.
Scarlet MinivetPericrocotus speciosusLeast ConcernA flame-coloured canopy bird whose scarlet males and yellow females flit in restless flocks.
Scarlet-backed FlowerpeckerDicaeum cruentatumLeast ConcernA minute flowerpecker of northeast India in which the glossy black male carries a vivid scarlet stripe down its back.
Sclater's MonalLophophorus sclateriVulnerableA vividly coloured, little known pheasant of the high forests of far northeastern India.
Sharp-tailed SandpiperCalidris acuminataVulnerableA vulnerable migratory sandpiper recorded on Indian coasts and wetlands on passage.
ShikraAccipiter badiusLeast ConcernA small grey hawk that flashes through gardens to ambush sparrows and lizards.
Short-billed MinivetPericrocotus brevirostrisLeast ConcernA canopy minivet of Himalayan broadleaf forest that drifts through in loose flowing flocks.
Short-eared OwlAsio flammeusLeast ConcernA ground roosting owl of open country that winters across India's plains and marshes.
Short-tailed ShearwaterArdenna tenuirostrisLeast ConcernA rare pelagic visitor to Indian waters, this sooty-brown shearwater breeds in vast colonies off Australia.
Short-toed Snake EagleCircaetus gallicusLeast ConcernA pale-headed eagle that hangs motionless on the wind before dropping onto a snake.
Siberian AccentorPrunella montanellaLeast ConcernA rare winter stray from Siberia to northwestern Himalayan slopes, marked by a broad orange-buff eyebrow and grey crown.
Siberian Blue RobinLarvivora cyaneLeast ConcernA skulking passage and winter visitor to Northeast forest floor, blue-backed and shy.
Siberian CraneLeucogeranus leucogeranusCritically EndangeredA critically endangered snow-white crane with a red face, once a celebrated winter visitor to Rajasthan and now effectively lost to India.
Siberian Long-tailed RosefinchCarpodacus sibiricusLeast ConcernA long-tailed pink finch that strays from Siberia to the northeast, favouring reeds and scrubby thickets.
Siberian PipitAnthus japonicusLeast ConcernA streaked pipit of marsh edges and paddies wintering in the north and northeast, split from the American Pipit.
Siberian RubythroatCalliope calliopeLeast ConcernA skulking, robin-sized flycatcher that breeds in the coniferous taiga of Siberia and winters in the dense undergrowth and reedbeds of northeastern India.
Siberian Sand PloverAnarhynchus mongolusEndangeredA small Arctic-breeding plover that winters in flocks on Indian sandy beaches and tidal flats.
Siberian StonechatSaxicola maurusLeast ConcernA small upright chat perched on bushes and fences in winter fields.
Siberian ThrushGeokichla sibiricaLeast ConcernA striking migrant thrush breeding in Siberia and passing through India in small numbers, males dark slate with a broad white eyebrow.
Sichuan Leaf WarblerPhylloscopus forrestiLeast ConcernA leaf warbler of Himalayan and northeastern fir and rhododendron, part of the lemon-rumped complex.
Sikkim TreecreeperCerthia discolorLeast ConcernEastern Himalayan treecreeper found in broadleaf and mixed montane forest.
Sikkim Wedge-billed BabblerSphenocichla humeiLeast ConcernA rare wedge billed babbler probing moss and bark in eastern Himalayan forest.
Sillem's RosefinchCarpodacus sillemiData DeficientA mysterious high-altitude finch of the Ladakh Karakoram, described from an old museum skin and not seen alive until 2012.
Silver-backed NeedletailHirundapus cochinchinensisLeast ConcernA powerful cigar-shaped swift of northeastern forest, told from its relatives by a pale saddle on the back.
Silver-breasted BroadbillSerilophus lunatusLeast ConcernA pastel broadbill of northeast India's evergreen forests, marked by a silvery breast, chestnut back and electric-blue wing patch.
Silver-eared LaughingthrushTrochalopteron melanostigmaLeast ConcernA colourful laughingthrush with silvery-grey ear-coverts, found in mid-altitude northeastern forests.
Silver-eared MesiaLeiothrix argentaurisLeast ConcernA brilliantly coloured babbler with silver ear patches in northeastern hill forests.
Sind SparrowPasser pyrrhonotusLeast ConcernA small, rufous-backed sparrow of riverine scrub along the Indus system and adjoining northwestern India.
Sind WoodpeckerDendrocopos assimilisLeast ConcernA pied woodpecker of dry acacia country on the western desert fringe.
Sirkeer MalkohaTaccocua leschenaultiiLeast ConcernA long-tailed ground cuckoo with a cherry-red bill that creeps through dry thorn scrub.
Slaty-backed FlycatcherFicedula hodgsoniiLeast ConcernA neat flycatcher of Himalayan and Northeast forest, breeding high and wintering lower.
Slaty-backed ForktailEnicurus schistaceusLeast ConcernA slaty-and-white forktail of fast-flowing forest streams.
Slaty-bellied TesiaTesia oliveaLeast ConcernA glowing golden-green and slate warbler of damp northeastern undergrowth with a startlingly loud voice.
Slaty-breasted RailLewinia striataLeast ConcernA finely barred rail of mangroves, marshes and wet grassland edges.
Slaty-headed ParakeetPsittacula himalayanaLeast ConcernA Himalayan parakeet with a slate-grey head that streams through pine forests in flocks.
Slaty-legged CrakeRallina eurizonoidesLeast ConcernA rufous-headed forest crake that emerges to feed during monsoon rains.
Slender-billed BabblerArgya longirostrisVulnerableA declining grassland babbler of wet lowland grasslands in Assam and Manipur.
Slender-billed GullChroicocephalus geneiLeast ConcernA pale, long-necked gull that winters along India's western coast and inland salt lakes.
Slender-billed OrioleOriolus tenuirostrisLeast ConcernA golden-yellow oriole of eastern Himalayan and northeastern woodlands, told from its relatives by its notably slim bill and fluty song.
Slender-billed Scimitar BabblerPomatorhinus superciliarisLeast ConcernA scimitar babbler with a slim curved bill found in dense Himalayan undergrowth.
Slender-billed VultureGyps tenuirostrisCritically EndangeredA critically endangered vulture with a dark, bare head and slender bill, now confined to the Gangetic plain and northeastern India.
Small MinivetPericrocotus cinnamomeusLeast ConcernA dainty grey-and-orange minivet that gleans insects high in open woodland.
Small NiltavaNiltava macgrigoriaeLeast ConcernA compact vivid blue flycatcher found in Himalayan and northeastern undergrowth.
Small PratincoleGlareola lacteaLeast ConcernA tiny pratincole of sandy riverbeds across India, nesting on open shingle and hunting insects in graceful flight.
SmewMergellus albellusLeast ConcernA small, scarce sawbill that reaches northern Indian waters in winter, the male a clean white bird etched with black lines.
Smoky WarblerPhylloscopus fuligiventerLeast ConcernA very dark sooty warbler that breeds on the Tibetan plateau edge and winters in northern Indian wetlands.
Snow GooseAnser caerulescensLeast ConcernA North American and Siberian Arctic goose that has reached India as a rare vagrant among flocks of other geese.
Snow PartridgeLerwa lerwaLeast ConcernA partridge of grassy, rocky slopes near the snowline across the high Himalaya.
Snow PigeonColumba leuconotaLeast ConcernA high altitude pigeon of the Himalaya with bold white and grey plumage.
Snowy-browed FlycatcherFicedula hyperythraLeast ConcernA small ground-loving flycatcher of damp montane forest undergrowth.
Sociable LapwingVanellus gregariusCritically EndangeredA critically endangered plover that winters in dry grasslands and stubble fields across northwest India.
Solitary SnipeGallinago solitariaLeast ConcernA well-camouflaged snipe that winters singly along rocky Himalayan streams and springs.
Song ThrushTurdus philomelosLeast ConcernA brown thrush with an arrow-spotted breast, a scarce winter visitor to Kashmir, renowned for its rich, repetitive song.
Sooty FalconFalco concolorVulnerableA vulnerable falcon reaching India's western coasts and arid northwest as a rare visitor.
Sooty GullIchthyaetus hemprichiiLeast ConcernA dusky gull of India's western coasts, scavenging along beaches and harbours.
Sooty ShearwaterArdenna griseaNear ThreatenedA scarce pelagic visitor off Indian coasts, this all-dark shearwater with silvery underwings glides low over the waves on stiff wings.
Sooty TernOnychoprion fuscatusLeast ConcernDark backed oceanic tern that breeds on remote Indian island colonies.
South Polar SkuaStercorarius maccormickiLeast ConcernA rare pelagic visitor to Indian Ocean waters off the coast, this heavy dark skua breeds in Antarctica and disperses far north.
Southern Grey ShrikeLanius meridionalisLeast ConcernA bold grey-and-black shrike of arid scrublands that hunts from exposed perches.
Southern Hill MynaGracula indicaLeast ConcernThe Western Ghats and Sri Lankan hill myna, split from the Common Hill Myna, a jet-black canopy bird with yellow wattles.
Southern NutcrackerNucifraga hemispilaLeast ConcernA brown, white-spotted corvid of Himalayan conifer forest, split from the Spotted Nutcracker and vital for regenerating pines.
Spanish SparrowPasser hispaniolensisLeast ConcernA boldly marked sparrow, the male chestnut-capped with black-blotched underparts, wintering in flocks across northwestern India.
Speckled PiculetPicumnus innominatusLeast ConcernA miniature woodpecker that taps softly on bamboo and twigs in hill forests, far smaller than its full-sized relatives.
Speckled Wood PigeonColumba hodgsoniiLeast ConcernA heavy forest pigeon with speckled plumage found across Himalayan broadleaf forest.
Spectacled FinchCallacanthis burtoniLeast ConcernA chunky rose-tinged finch of high Himalayan conifer and birch forests, named for the pale ring around its eye.
Spoon-billed SandpiperCalidris pygmaeaCritically EndangeredA tiny critically endangered wader that winters on India's eastern mudflats.
Spot-bellied Eagle-OwlKetupa nipalensisLeast ConcernA powerful forest owl with long ear-tufts and a boldly spotted belly, hunting mammals and birds across the Himalayan foothills, central Indian forests and the Western Ghats.
Spot-billed PelicanPelecanus philippensisNear ThreatenedA grey pelican with blue spots on its bill that nests in noisy colonies over heronries.
Spot-breasted LaughingthrushIanthocincla merulinaLeast ConcernA shy laughingthrush of dense undergrowth in the northeast hills, its rufous face and heavily spotted breast distinctive when it emerges.
Spot-breasted ParrotbillParadoxornis guttaticollisLeast ConcernBold spotted parrotbill inhabiting grassland and scrub of northeast India.
Spot-breasted Scimitar BabblerErythrogenys mcclellandiLeast ConcernA large ground-loving scimitar babbler that rummages through leaf litter in hill forest of the northeast.
Spot-necked BabblerStachyris strialataLeast ConcernA secretive babbler of northeastern undergrowth, named for the black-and-white spotting on its neck sides.
Spot-throated BabblerPellorneum albiventreLeast ConcernA shy ground babbler of northeast Indian forests, named for its lightly spotted throat.
Spot-winged GrosbeakMycerobas melanozanthosLeast ConcernA bold black and yellow grosbeak of Himalayan conifer and broadleaf forests.
Spot-winged RosefinchCarpodacus rodopeplusLeast ConcernPink and brown finch of the eastern Himalaya favoring high shrub and rhododendron belts.
Spot-winged StarlingSaroglossa spilopterusLeast ConcernA migratory starling with a distinctive pale wing spot on the male.
Spotted Bush WarblerLocustella thoracicaLeast ConcernStreaked, secretive warbler breeding high in the Himalaya and wintering lower down.
Spotted CrakePorzana porzanaLeast ConcernSmall mottled brown crake that skulks in reedy marshes during winter.
Spotted DoveSpilopelia chinensisLeast ConcernA gentle garden dove with a black, white-spotted half-collar across its nape.
Spotted ElachuraElachura formosaLeast ConcernA tiny, dark, spotted skulker of dense, mossy montane forest in northeast India.
Spotted FlycatcherMuscicapa striataLeast ConcernA plain, streak-breasted flycatcher seen on passage through northwestern India during autumn migration.
Spotted ForktailEnicurus maculatusLeast ConcernA black-and-white streamside bird of Himalayan forests that flits over boulders and waterfalls, its deeply forked tail twitching.
Spotted Great RosefinchCarpodacus severtzoviLeast ConcernA large, heavy rosefinch of high Ladakh scree and boulder fields, split from the Great Rosefinch, with spotted pink plumage.
Spotted LaughingthrushIanthocincla ocellataLeast ConcernA large boldly spotted laughingthrush of the eastern Himalayan highlands.
Spotted NutcrackerNucifraga caryocatactesLeast ConcernA dark brown, white-spotted corvid of eastern Himalayan conifer forests that hoards conifer seeds for the winter.
Spotted OwletAthene bramaLeast ConcernA small spotted owl that bobs and glares from tree holes around villages.
Spotted RedshankTringa erythropusLeast ConcernAn elegant wader, sooty black when breeding, that winters on Indian wetlands.
Spotted SandgrousePterocles senegallusLeast ConcernA pale desert sandgrouse that flies daily to waterholes across the Thar and Kutch.
Square-tailed BulbulHypsipetes ganeesaLeast ConcernA slaty bulbul with a bright orange bill that gathers in noisy canopy flocks in Western Ghats forest.
Square-tailed Drongo-cuckooSurniculus lugubrisLeast ConcernA glossy black cuckoo that disguises itself as a drongo to fool host birds.
Sri Lanka Bay OwlPhodilus assimilisLeast ConcernA strange square-headed owl of dense wet forest, split from the Oriental bay owl.
Sri Lanka FrogmouthBatrachostomus moniligerLeast ConcernA cryptic nocturnal bird of Western Ghats rainforests that roosts motionless by day, looking exactly like a dead leaf. Its frog-like call gives it away after dark.
Stejneger's ScoterMelanitta stejnegeriNot EvaluatedAn East Asian sea duck, recently split from the Velvet Scoter, that strays to India as a rare vagrant on large waterbodies and the coast.
Steppe EagleAquila nipalensisEndangeredA huge brown migrant eagle that gathers at carcasses and rubbish dumps across northern India.
Stork-billed KingfisherPelargopsis capensisLeast ConcernA large kingfisher wielding a heavy coral-red bill over forested rivers.
Streak-breasted Scimitar BabblerPomatorhinus ruficollisLeast ConcernA widespread scimitar babbler with fine streaking across its breast.
Streak-throated BarwingActinodura waldeniLeast ConcernNortheast Indian barwing with finely streaked throat, sharing range with Myanmar populations.
Streak-throated SwallowPetrochelidon fluvicolaLeast ConcernAlso called the Indian cliff swallow, it builds colonial mud nests near rivers and ponds.
Streak-throated WoodpeckerPicus xanthopygaeusLeast ConcernA quiet green woodpecker of Indian woodland, often feeding on ants at the base of trees and on the ground.
Streaked LaughingthrushTrochalopteron lineatumLeast ConcernA small streaked laughingthrush of Himalayan scrub and gardens, foraging in the open with a sweet whistling song.
Streaked RosefinchCarpodacus rubicilloidesLeast ConcernA large heavily streaked rosefinch of the high Himalayan trans border zone.
Streaked ShearwaterCalonectris leucomelasNear ThreatenedA scarce non-breeding pelagic visitor off Indian coasts, this large long-winged shearwater breeds on East Asian islands.
Streaked WeaverPloceus manyarLeast ConcernA streaky weaver that knots its globe nests low in reeds over marsh water.
Streaked Wren-BabblerNapothera brevicaudataLeast ConcernA short-tailed wren-babbler of Northeast rocky forest, foraging low among boulders.
Striated BabblerArgya earleiLeast ConcernA streaky babbler of floodplain grasslands along northern rivers.
Striated BulbulAlcurus striatusLeast ConcernA large crested bulbul streaked yellow and green, found in Himalayan moist montane forest.
Striated GrassbirdMegalurus palustrisLeast ConcernA long-tailed streaky warbler of marsh grassland and sugarcane across the northern plains.
Striated HeronButorides striataLeast ConcernA small stocky heron known to use bait to lure fish in mangroves and creeks.
Striated LaughingthrushGrammatoptila striataLeast ConcernA shaggy-crested, streak-bodied laughingthrush common in Himalayan forest undergrowth and tea-garden edges.
Striated SwallowCecropis striolataLeast ConcernRufous rumped swallow of open hilly country reaching northeastern India.
Striated YuhinaStaphida castanicepsLeast ConcernA crested grey-brown yuhina with fine white streaking, common in northeastern hill forest.
Striolated BuntingEmberiza striolataLeast ConcernA finely streaked desert bunting found in the rocky, dry tracts of northwestern India.
Stripe-breasted WoodpeckerDendrocopos atratusLeast ConcernA medium-sized pied woodpecker of northeastern hill forests, foraging on trunks and larger branches for wood-boring insects.
Stripe-throated YuhinaYuhina gularisLeast ConcernA crested yuhina that probes flowers in Himalayan rhododendron and oak forests.
Striped LaughingthrushTrochalopteron virgatumLeast ConcernA shy laughingthrush restricted to hill forest in Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram.
Sulphur-bellied WarblerPhylloscopus griseolusLeast ConcernA grey-brown leaf warbler that winters on rocky hillsides and boulder-strewn scrub across peninsular India.
Sulphur-breasted WarblerPhylloscopus rickettiLeast ConcernA boldly striped yellow-and-black leaf warbler wintering in northeastern forests, one of the most colourful Phylloscopus.
Sultan TitMelanochlora sultaneaLeast ConcernA striking oversized tit of foothill forests, glossy black with a brilliant yellow crest and underparts, roving in active flocks.
Swamp FrancolinFrancolinus gularisNear ThreatenedA large, declining gamebird restricted to tall wet grasslands along the Ganges and Brahmaputra floodplains.
Swamp Grass BabblerLaticilla cinerascensVulnerableA vulnerable grassland specialist of the Brahmaputra floodplains, threatened by the loss of tall wet grasslands.
Swinhoe's MinivetPericrocotus cantonensisLeast ConcernA dull grey minivet with a pale rump and whitish underparts, a scarce winter visitor to the northeastern hills.
Swinhoe's SnipeGallinago megalaLeast ConcernA cryptically marked snipe that winters in eastern and southern India in marshes and wet grassland after breeding in Siberia.
Swinhoe's Storm PetrelHydrobates monorhisNear ThreatenedA near-threatened, sparrow-sized seabird found over Indian coastal and island waters.
Sykes's LarkGalerida devaLeast ConcernA small, warm rufous crested lark of the dry open country of central and peninsular India.
Sykes's NightjarCaprimulgus mahrattensisLeast ConcernA pale desert nightjar found in the scrub and semi arid country of western and central India.
Sykes's WarblerIduna ramaLeast ConcernA nondescript warbler wintering in scrub and gardens of northwestern and peninsular India, gleaning insects low in cover.
Taiga Bean GooseAnser fabalisLeast ConcernA rare Arctic-forest goose recorded occasionally in the marshes of northeast India.
Taiga FlycatcherFicedula albicillaLeast ConcernA small grey flycatcher that winters in India after breeding in northern taiga.
Tawny EagleAquila rapaxVulnerableA tawny dryland eagle that bullies other raptors into dropping their catch.
Tawny Fish OwlKetupa flavipesLeast ConcernA large orange owl that hunts fish along forested Himalayan streams.
Tawny OwlStrix alucoLeast ConcernA stocky, round headed owl found in the forested valleys of the northwestern Himalaya.
Tawny PipitAnthus campestrisLeast ConcernA sandy, lightly marked pipit that breeds across Eurasia and moves into the dry open plains of the Indian subcontinent for winter.
Tawny-bellied BabblerDumetia hyperythraLeast ConcernA small warm-toned babbler common in scrub and grassy undergrowth across peninsular India.
Tawny-breasted Wren-BabblerSpelaeornis longicaudatusVulnerableA tiny secretive wren-babbler restricted to dense Meghalaya hill undergrowth.
Temminck's StintCalidris temminckiiLeast ConcernA tiny crouching stint that feeds on muddy pond margins and flooded fields in winter.
Temminck's TragopanTragopan temminckiiLeast ConcernA crimson, pearl-spotted mountain pheasant of the far northeastern Indian hill forests.
Terek SandpiperXenus cinereusLeast ConcernA nimble winter wader dashing over mudflats after small crabs.
Thick-billed FlowerpeckerDicaeum agileLeast ConcernA small dull flowerpecker widespread in India, feeding on berries, especially mistletoe, and helping spread the parasitic plant.
Thick-billed Green PigeonTreron curvirostraLeast ConcernA chunky green pigeon of northeastern forests, named for its unusually heavy bill.
Thick-billed WarblerArundinax aedonLeast ConcernA large, plain brown warbler with a stout bill that winters in dense scrub across eastern and northern India.
Tibetan BlackbirdTurdus maximusLeast ConcernA large, sooty-black thrush with a dull yellow bill that breeds among alpine meadows and cliffs of the high Himalaya.
Tibetan LarkMelanocorypha maximaLeast ConcernA heavy long-billed lark of marshy Ladakh grasslands where it nests among tussocks.
Tibetan PartridgePerdix hodgsoniaeLeast ConcernThis barred, boldly patterned partridge lives on the high dry slopes of Ladakh, Sikkim and the trans-Himalaya, often in coveys among scrub near cultivation.
Tibetan Sand PloverAnarhynchus atrifronsLeast ConcernA high-altitude breeder that winters on Indian coasts and estuaries.
Tibetan SandgrouseSyrrhaptes tibetanusLeast ConcernA hardy sandgrouse of the Ladakh and Tibetan high desert, feeding on tiny seeds among alpine gravel.
Tibetan SerinSpinus thibetanusLeast ConcernA small greenish finch that moves in tight flocks through eastern Himalayan forest in winter.
Tibetan SnowcockTetraogallus tibetanusLeast ConcernA large, hardy high-altitude gamebird of the cold, rocky trans-Himalayan plateau.
Tickell's Blue FlycatcherCyornis tickelliaeLeast ConcernA small blue flycatcher with a rusty throat, singing from forest undergrowth.
Tickell's Leaf WarblerPhylloscopus affinisLeast ConcernA small leaf warbler of Himalayan scrub and treeline, descending to the plains in winter and constantly flicking through foliage.
Tickell's ThrushTurdus unicolorLeast ConcernA quiet grey-blue thrush of Himalayan forest, descending to central India in winter to feed on the ground.
Tree PipitAnthus trivialisLeast ConcernA slim, streaked pipit that breeds across Europe and Asia and winters widely in India.
Tricolored MuniaLonchura malaccaLeast ConcernA glossy black-hooded munia with chestnut-and-white body that swarms ripening paddy.
Tristram's BuntingEmberiza tristramiLeast ConcernA forest bunting with a strongly striped head pattern, a scarce winter visitor to undergrowth in the northeastern hills.
Tropical ShearwaterPuffinus bailloniLeast ConcernIt is recorded in Indian seas off the southwest coast and around the island groups.
Trumpeter FinchBucanetes githagineusLeast ConcernA stocky pink-flushed finch of the Thar Desert's stony scrub, named for its distinctive trumpeting call.
Tufted DuckAythya fuligulaLeast ConcernA glossy black-and-white diving duck with golden eyes and a jaunty hanging crest.
Tundra Bean GooseAnser serrirostrisLeast ConcernA scarce winter vagrant to northeast India from the far Arctic north.
Tundra SwanCygnus columbianusLeast ConcernAn irregular and scarce winter visitor to lakes of the northwest and Kashmir, arriving in hard winters when Central Asian waters freeze.
Turkestan Short-toed LarkAlaudala heineiLeast ConcernA small, streaky lark of open ground, split from the lesser short-toed lark complex, wintering across northwest Indian plains and semi-desert.
TwiteLinaria flavirostrisLeast ConcernA small brown streaky finch that winters in flocks across the high, open Himalayan valleys of Ladakh and beyond.
Two-barred WarblerPhylloscopus plumbeitarsusLeast ConcernA greenish leaf warbler with two neat wingbars, a scarce passage migrant recorded in the northeastern hills.
Tytler's Leaf WarblerPhylloscopus tytleriLeast ConcernA plain leaf warbler breeding in western Himalayan conifer forest.
Ultramarine FlycatcherFicedula superciliarisLeast ConcernA small flycatcher breeding in the Himalaya and wintering in peninsular India, the males vivid blue and white.
Upcher's WarblerHippolais languidaLeast ConcernA pale, long-tailed warbler on passage through the northwest, swinging its broad blackish tail like a pendulum.
Upland BuzzardButeo hemilasiusLeast ConcernThe largest of the buzzards, this heavy raptor breeds and winters on the high plateaus of Ladakh and the trans-Himalaya, hunting pikas and rodents.
Upland PipitAnthus sylvanusLeast ConcernA resident pipit of open rocky hillsides and grassy slopes throughout the Himalayan foothills.
Van Hasselt's SunbirdLeptocoma brasilianaLeast ConcernA tiny nectar-feeding sunbird of Assam and northeastern lowland and mangrove forest.
Variable WheatearOenanthe picataLeast ConcernA crisp black-and-white wheatear wintering in dry northwestern India, flitting between rocks and bare ground.
Variegated LaughingthrushTrochalopteron variegatumLeast ConcernA boldly marked laughingthrush of low to mid-altitude Himalayan forest and scrub, ranging across northern India, Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet.
Velvet ScoterMelanitta fuscaVulnerableA very rare winter vagrant to northwest India, this heavy sea duck normally winters on northern coasts and dives for molluscs.
Velvet-fronted NuthatchSitta frontalisLeast ConcernA violet-blue nuthatch with a coral bill that runs head-down along mossy trunks.
Verditer FlycatcherEumyias thalassinusLeast ConcernA flycatcher washed entirely in soft verditer-blue, perching upright on exposed twigs.
Vernal Hanging ParrotLoriculus vernalisLeast ConcernA tiny green parrot with a red rump that roosts hanging upside-down like a leaf.
Vigors's SunbirdAethopyga vigorsiiLeast ConcernAlso called the Sahyadri sunbird, a crimson and olive sunbird endemic to the Western Ghats.
Vinaceous RosefinchCarpodacus vinaceusLeast ConcernA deep pink rosefinch found in dense undergrowth of the eastern Himalaya.
Violet CuckooChrysococcyx xanthorhynchusLeast ConcernA tiny, glossy cuckoo of northeast India and the Andamans that parasitizes the nests of sunbirds and flowerpeckers.
Vivid NiltavaNiltava vividaLeast ConcernA colorful flycatcher of Northeast montane forest, males vivid blue and orange.
Von Schrenck's BitternIxobrychus eurhythmusLeast ConcernA rare passage-migrant bittern recorded in northeast India and the islands.
WallcreeperTichodroma murariaLeast ConcernA grey songbird of Himalayan crags that flicks open butterfly-like wings of brilliant red as it climbs vertical rock faces searching for insects.
Ward's TrogonHarpactes wardiNear ThreatenedA striking crimson and buff trogon of high altitude northeastern forests.
Water PipitAnthus spinolettaLeast ConcernA streaked pipit found around wet meadows and streambanks in the Himalayan foothills during winter.
Water RailRallus aquaticusLeast ConcernA secretive long-billed rail that reaches northwest India as a scarce winter visitor to marshes and reedbeds.
WatercockGallicrex cinereaLeast ConcernA large skulking rail whose breeding male turns slaty with a red shield in the monsoon.
Wayanad LaughingthrushPterorhinus delessertiLeast ConcernDark laughingthrush of the southern Western Ghats forests south of Goa.
Wedge-tailed Green PigeonTreron sphenurusLeast ConcernA fruit-eating pigeon of Himalayan and northeastern forests, named for its distinctly wedge-shaped tail.
Wedge-tailed ShearwaterArdenna pacificaLeast ConcernA tropical shearwater of Indian island seas and offshore waters.
West Himalayan Bush WarblerLocustella kashmirensisNot EvaluatedA shy, dark bush warbler of dense Himalayan scrub in Kashmir and Himachal, more often heard reeling than seen.
Western Crowned WarblerPhylloscopus occipitalisLeast ConcernCrown striped warbler breeding in Himalayan forest and wintering in peninsular India.
Western Marsh HarrierCircus aeruginosusLeast ConcernA broad-winged harrier that drifts low over reedbeds and marshes hunting coots and frogs.
Western Reef HeronEgretta gularisLeast ConcernA coastal heron in grey or white forms stalking fish along tidal flats.
Western TragopanTragopan melanocephalusVulnerableA shy, jewel-spotted horned pheasant of dense western Himalayan forests.
Western Yellow WagtailMotacilla flavaLeast ConcernA slim yellow bellied wagtail that winters in marshy fields and pastures across India.
WhimbrelNumenius phaeopusLeast ConcernA medium curlew with a down-curved bill that probes mudflats along India's coasts in winter.
WhinchatSaxicola rubetraLeast ConcernA streaky brown chat of open grassland and scrub, noted on passage in the northwest and Himalaya.
Whiskered TernChlidonias hybridaLeast ConcernA buoyant grey marsh tern that dips to pluck insects and small fish from open water.
Whiskered YuhinaYuhina flavicollisLeast ConcernA small, peaked babbler of Himalayan and northeastern forests, moving in restless flocks gleaning insects and nectar.
Whistler's WarblerPhylloscopus whistleriLeast ConcernA green warbler with bold head stripes that forages actively in Himalayan broadleaf canopy.
White StorkCiconia ciconiaLeast ConcernTall white stork with black flight feathers and a long red bill.
White WagtailMotacilla albaLeast ConcernA crisp black and white winter visitor trotting across lawns, roofs and watersides.
White-bellied Blue FlycatcherCyornis pallidipesLeast ConcernMales are deep indigo above with a clean white belly, a shy shade-loving bird of wet Ghats forest.
White-bellied Blue RobinSholicola albiventrisEndangeredEndangered shola robin restricted to fragmented forest south of the Palghat Gap.
White-bellied DrongoDicrurus caerulescensLeast ConcernA slim drongo of open woodland in peninsular India, hawking insects from a perch and mimicking other birds.
White-bellied ErpornisErpornis zantholeucaLeast ConcernA small greenish bird with a short crest that forages in mixed canopy flocks.
White-bellied HeronArdea insignisCritically EndangeredA towering grey heron of remote eastern Himalayan rivers, now one of the rarest birds on Earth.
White-bellied MinivetPericrocotus erythropygiusLeast ConcernA small minivet of dry open scrub in peninsular India, the male crisply patterned in black, orange and white.
White-bellied RedstartLuscinia phoenicuroidesLeast ConcernA large skulking redstart of bamboo and bushes near the Himalayan treeline.
White-bellied Sea EagleHaliaeetus leucogasterLeast ConcernA large coastal eagle that snatches fish and sea snakes from the surf.
White-bellied Storm PetrelFregetta grallariaLeast ConcernIt is known in Indian waters from a handful of pelagic sightings well offshore.
White-bellied TreepieDendrocitta leucogastraLeast ConcernA striking pied treepie endemic to the Western Ghats, moving noisily through canopy in small parties.
White-bellied WoodpeckerDryocopus javensisLeast ConcernA huge black woodpecker that nests in tall dead trees beside forest rivers.
White-breasted ParrotbillPsittiparus ruficepsLeast ConcernA scarce bamboo specialist of northeastern hill forest, moving in tight flocks through cane and undergrowth.
White-breasted WaterhenAmaurornis phoenicurusLeast ConcernA common rail with a clean white face and breast that calls loudly from monsoon marshes.
White-breasted WoodswallowArtamus leucorynchusLeast ConcernIn India it is a bird of the Nicobar Islands, hawking insects over clearings and coconut groves.
White-browed BulbulPycnonotus luteolusLeast ConcernA skulking olive bulbul known for its sudden bubbling burst of song from thickets.
White-browed Bush ChatSaxicola macrorhynchusVulnerableA pale, long-billed chat of arid scrub and sandy plains in northwestern India and adjoining Pakistan.
White-browed Bush RobinTarsiger indicusLeast ConcernA shy, long-legged bush robin of Himalayan and northeast Indian rhododendron and conifer forests.
White-browed CrakePoliolimnas cinereusLeast ConcernA small marsh rail of northeast India and the islands, walking over floating vegetation.
White-browed FantailRhipidura aureolaLeast ConcernA restless small flycatcher-like bird that constantly spreads its white-edged tail as it forages low in scrub and forest edges.
White-browed FulvettaFulvetta vinipectusLeast ConcernA small grey fulvetta foraging through high Himalayan scrub and bamboo.
White-browed LaughingthrushGarrulax sannioLeast ConcernA sociable, noisy laughingthrush of the far northeast, bold white face markings standing out against warm brown plumage.
White-browed PiculetSasia ochraceaLeast ConcernA tiny stub-tailed woodpecker of eastern Himalayan and northeast bamboo thickets, tapping thin stems for insects with a white brow above the eye.
White-browed RosefinchCarpodacus thuraLeast ConcernA pink-flushed rosefinch of the high Himalaya, favouring alpine scrub and juniper near the treeline.
White-browed Scimitar BabblerPomatorhinus schisticepsLeast ConcernA scimitar babbler of Himalayan and Northeast foothill forest, working through undergrowth in pairs.
White-browed Shrike-babblerPteruthius aeralatusLeast ConcernA boldly patterned canopy bird with a white eyebrow and chestnut wing flashes in Himalayan forest.
White-browed Tit-WarblerLeptopoecile sophiaeLeast ConcernA tiny, jewel-like warbler of high Ladakh scrub, coloured in lilac, violet and blue, often creeping mouse-like through low bushes.
White-browed WagtailMotacilla maderaspatensisLeast ConcernA bold black-and-white wagtail of riverbanks that bobs its long tail and sings sweetly.
White-capped BuntingEmberiza stewartiLeast ConcernA handsome bunting of dry Himalayan hillsides that descends in winter flocks to stubble and scrub on the plains.
White-capped RedstartPhoenicurus leucocephalusLeast ConcernA striking black, chestnut and white-capped chat that bobs on rocks in roaring streams.
White-cheeked BarbetPsilopogon viridisLeast ConcernA green barbet of the southern hills, streaked white below with a bold white cheek-stripe.
White-cheeked BushtitAegithalos leucogenysLeast ConcernA long-tailed tit of Kashmir and the northwest Himalaya, foraging acrobatically in low bushes.
White-cheeked NuthatchSitta leucopsisLeast ConcernA nuthatch of high western Himalayan fir and pine, creeping along trunks and limbs.
White-cheeked PartridgeArborophila atrogularisNear ThreatenedA shy resident hill partridge of the northeastern forests, moving in small coveys through dense undergrowth.
White-cheeked StarlingSpodiopsar cineraceusLeast ConcernA greyish-brown starling from East Asia with a pale face patch and orange bill, wintering in small numbers in northeast India.
White-cheeked TernSterna repressaLeast ConcernA dusky-grey sea tern of the Arabian Sea that occurs along the western Indian coast, plunge-diving for small fish offshore.
White-collared BlackbirdTurdus albocinctusLeast ConcernA Himalayan blackbird relative with a striking white neck band in males.
White-crested LaughingthrushGarrulax leucolophusLeast ConcernA white-crested babbler that moves through forest in raucous, laughing flocks.
White-crowned ForktailEnicurus leschenaultiLeast ConcernAn elegant black-and-white streamside bird of northeastern hill forests that flits along boulders in shaded rushing torrents.
White-crowned Penduline TitRemiz coronatusLeast ConcernA tiny masked tit that winters in reedbeds and scrub of northwestern India, breeding far to the north and west.
White-eared BulbulPycnonotus leucotisLeast ConcernA crestless bulbul with a bold white cheek patch and yellow vent, common in dry gardens and scrub.
White-eyed BuzzardButastur teesaLeast ConcernA small slender buzzard of dry open country, named for its staring white iris.
White-eyed GullIchthyaetus leucophthalmusLeast ConcernIt strays from Arabian waters to India's western coast, where a few records are accepted.
White-faced Storm PetrelPelagodroma marinaLeast ConcernA rare pelagic visitor to Indian Ocean waters, this pale-faced storm petrel with grey upperparts and white underparts is unlike any other small seabird in the region.
White-gorgeted FlycatcherAnthipes monilegerLeast ConcernA small ground-loving flycatcher of Northeast hill forest with a distinctive white bib.
White-headed DuckOxyura leucocephalaEndangeredA rare winter straggler to wetlands of northwest India, this globally endangered stifftail dives for food and rarely takes to the wing.
White-headed StarlingSturnia erythropygiaLeast ConcernA starling endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with a bright white head.
White-hooded BabblerGampsorhynchus rufulusLeast ConcernA bamboo-loving babbler of northeastern foothills that travels in noisy bands through dense stands.
White-naped CraneAntigone vipioVulnerableA scarce vagrant recorded in the northeast and Gangetic plains, this tall crane breeds in the Amur basin and winters mainly in East Asia.
White-naped TitMachlolophus nuchalisNear ThreatenedA black-and-white tit endemic to two pockets of Indian thorn scrub, threatened by the loss of its acacia habitat.
White-naped WoodpeckerChrysocolaptes festivusLeast ConcernA striking golden-backed woodpecker with a white V down its black neck.
White-naped YuhinaYuhina bakeriLeast ConcernA rufous-crested yuhina of broadleaf hill forests in northeast India.
White-rumped MuniaLonchura striataLeast ConcernA small brown munia with a white rump, the wild ancestor of the pet Bengalese finch.
White-rumped ShamaCopsychus malabaricusLeast ConcernA long-tailed forest songster with chestnut underparts and a famously rich, varied song.
White-rumped SnowfinchOnychostruthus taczanowskiiLeast ConcernA ground-feeding snowfinch of bleak Tibetan plateau country reaching into Ladakh.
White-rumped SpinetailZoonavena sylvaticaLeast ConcernThis small fast-flying swift hunts insects low over forest canopy in the Western Ghats, central India and the northeast.
White-rumped VultureGyps bengalensisCritically EndangeredOnce abundant, this vulture collapsed to near-extinction from a cattle drug.
White-shouldered StarlingSturnia sinensisLeast ConcernA pale grey starling with a prominent white wing patch, wintering in the northeast and on the islands in small flocks.
White-spectacled WarblerSeicercus affinisLeast ConcernA small warbler of northeastern broadleaf forest with a striking white eye ring.
White-spotted FantailRhipidura albogularisLeast ConcernA peninsular Indian fantail, split from the white-throated fantail, with a spotted breast, pirouetting through the understorey flushing insects.
White-tailed EagleHaliaeetus albicillaLeast ConcernA massive fish-and-carrion eagle that visits India's northwest and Himalayan foothills in small numbers each winter.
White-tailed FlycatcherCyornis concretusLeast ConcernA large blue flycatcher found near forest streams in the far northeast.
White-tailed LapwingVanellus leucurusLeast ConcernA pale wader with long yellow legs that wades deep into shallow wetlands.
White-tailed NuthatchSitta himalayensisLeast ConcernA small Himalayan nuthatch that creeps over trunks and branches in any direction, prising prey from cracks in the bark.
White-tailed RobinMyiomela leucuraLeast ConcernA dark blue forest-floor robin of shady eastern Himalayan ravines.
White-tailed StonechatSaxicola leucurusLeast ConcernA grassland stonechat of the Gangetic plains identified by white tail patches.
White-tailed TropicbirdPhaethon lepturusLeast ConcernAn elegant white seabird with streaming tail feathers, seen around India's oceanic islands.
White-throated BulbulAlophoixus flaveolusLeast ConcernA crested bulbul with a clean white throat found in northeast Indian lowland forest.
White-throated BushchatSaxicola insignisVulnerableA vulnerable bushchat wintering in tall grassland along the Himalayan foothills.
White-throated BushtitAegithalos niveogularisLeast ConcernA tiny long-tailed tit that moves through high fir and birch forest in twittering family parties.
White-throated DipperCinclus cinclusLeast ConcernA plump dark songbird with a bold white bib that bobs on boulders in fast Himalayan streams and dives right into the current to forage.
White-throated FantailRhipidura albicollisLeast ConcernRestless fan tailed bird of forest and scrub across the Himalaya and hill forests.
White-throated KingfisherHalcyon smyrnensisLeast ConcernA brilliant turquoise kingfisher that hunts lizards and insects far from water.
White-throated LaughingthrushGarrulax albogularisLeast ConcernA large laughingthrush of Himalayan and northeastern forests, with a clean white throat, travelling in boisterous parties.
White-throated NeedletailHirundapus caudacutusLeast ConcernA powerful, spine-tailed swift reputed to be among the fastest fliers in level flight, passing through and wintering in the Indian subcontinent.
White-throated RedstartPhoenicurus schisticepsLeast ConcernA Himalayan redstart of high scrub and forest edge, wintering in the eastern ranges.
White-throated RobinIrania gutturalisLeast ConcernA grey-and-orange chat with a white throat stripe, a rare passage migrant recorded in arid western India.
White-throated Rock ThrushMonticola gularisLeast ConcernA compact rock thrush with a blue crown and white throat patch, passing through northeast India as a rare migrant from East Asia.
White-winged DuckAsarcornis scutulataCritically EndangeredLarge dark forest duck with a white speckled head found in Assam swamps.
White-winged GrosbeakMycerobas carnipesLeast ConcernA heavy-billed mountain finch of high conifer and juniper forest, the male black and yellow with bold white wing flashes.
White-winged RedstartPhoenicurus erythrogastrusLeast ConcernA large, boldly patterned redstart of the high Himalaya and Ladakh.
White-winged TernChlidonias leucopterusLeast ConcernA small marsh tern that winters over Indian wetlands, showing pale wings as it hawks low over water.
Whooper SwanCygnus cygnusLeast ConcernA very rare cold-weather wanderer to northern Indian wetlands, this large wedge-billed swan breeds across the sub-Arctic.
Wilson's Storm PetrelOceanites oceanicusLeast ConcernA tiny dark seabird that is one of the commonest pelagics in Indian Ocean waters during the monsoon.
Wire-tailed SwallowHirundo smithiiLeast ConcernA neat swallow with a chestnut cap and bright white underparts, usually seen near water where it nests under bridges.
Wood SandpiperTringa glareolaLeast ConcernA spangled brown sandpiper that floods inland wetlands and paddies in winter, bobbing nervously at the edge of shallow water.
Wood SnipeGallinago nemoricolaVulnerableA secretive Himalayan snipe that breeds in alpine meadows and winters in marshy hill forests.
Wreathed HornbillRhyticeros undulatusVulnerableA large hornbill of northeastern rainforests, important for dispersing forest tree seeds.
Yellow BitternIxobrychus sinensisLeast ConcernA small buff bittern that freezes upright among reeds when alarmed.
Yellow-bellied FantailChelidorhynx hypoxanthusLeast ConcernTiny bright yellow flycatcher like bird flitting through Himalayan forest understory.
Yellow-bellied FlowerpeckerDicaeum melanozanthumLeast ConcernA small flowerpecker with bright yellow underparts found in northeast Indian hills.
Yellow-bellied PriniaPrinia flaviventrisLeast ConcernA tail-cocking warbler of reedbeds and tall wet grass that clambers up stems to sing.
Yellow-bellied WarblerAbroscopus superciliarisLeast ConcernA small, brightly colored bush warbler found in bamboo and forest understorey from the northeast to the Western Ghats.
Yellow-billed BabblerArgya affinisLeast ConcernA sociable, noisy babbler of southern India that forages in gardens and scrub in small chattering groups.
Yellow-billed Blue MagpieUrocissa flavirostrisLeast ConcernA striking long-tailed Himalayan corvid with a golden bill and vivid blue plumage.
Yellow-billed GrosbeakEophona migratoriaLeast ConcernA stout grosbeak with a heavy yellow bill and black hood, a scarce winter visitor to forest and edge in the northeast.
Yellow-breasted BuntingEmberiza aureolaCritically EndangeredCritically endangered bunting that winters in eastern India after a catastrophic decline.
Yellow-breasted GreenfinchChloris spinoidesLeast ConcernA vivid yellow-and-green finch of Himalayan hillsides, gathering in chattering flocks at flowering and seeding plants.
Yellow-browed BulbulAcritillas indicaLeast ConcernA bright olive-yellow bulbul of the Western Ghats and southern hills, foraging in noisy parties in evergreen forest.
Yellow-browed BuntingEmberiza chrysophrysLeast ConcernA streaky bunting with a distinctive yellow supercilium, a rare winter visitor to the northeastern hills.
Yellow-browed TitSylviparus modestusLeast ConcernA tiny plain tit with a faint yellow brow in eastern Himalayan canopies.
Yellow-browed WarblerPhylloscopus inornatusLeast ConcernA tiny, restless leaf warbler with bold double wingbars and a striking pale eyebrow.
Yellow-cheeked TitMachlolophus spilonotusLeast ConcernA crested tit with bold yellow cheeks found in eastern Himalayan forest.
Yellow-crowned WoodpeckerLeiopicus mahrattensisLeast ConcernA modest brown-spotted woodpecker common in dry open woodlands of India.
Yellow-eyed BabblerChrysomma sinenseLeast ConcernA long-tailed babbler of tall grass and scrub across India, moving in small parties with cheerful whistling calls.
Yellow-eyed PigeonColumba eversmanniVulnerableA vulnerable pale pigeon that winters in small numbers across the plains of northwestern India.
Yellow-footed Green PigeonTreron phoenicopterusLeast ConcernA plump green pigeon with yellow legs that gorges quietly on figs in the canopy.
Yellow-legged ButtonquailTurnix tankiLeast ConcernSmall ground dwelling quail like bird found in grassland and scrub.
Yellow-legged GullLarus michahellisLeast ConcernA large gull with bright yellow legs that appears as a winter visitor on India's coasts and wetlands.
Yellow-rumped FlycatcherFicedula zanthopygiaLeast ConcernA striking migrant with a lemon rump and white wing-patch, reaching the Andaman Islands and northeast as a scarce visitor.
Yellow-rumped HoneyguideIndicator xanthonotusNear ThreatenedMales hold territories around giant rock-bee combs on Himalayan cliffs and feed almost entirely on wax.
Yellow-streaked WarblerPhylloscopus armandiiLeast ConcernA plain, skulking leaf warbler that winters in scrubby undergrowth across northeastern and eastern India.
Yellow-throated BulbulPycnonotus xantholaemusVulnerableA localized yellow-throated bulbul restricted to scrub-covered granite hills of southern India.
Yellow-throated BuntingEmberiza elegansLeast ConcernA crested bunting with a vivid yellow throat, wintering in the eastern Himalaya and feeding in forest clearings and edges.
Yellow-throated FulvettaSchoeniparus cinereusLeast ConcernSociable little babbler with a bright yellow throat found along the eastern Himalaya.
Yellow-throated LaughingthrushPterorhinus galbanusLeast ConcernA grey laughingthrush of Northeast India with vivid yellow underparts, keeping to dense bamboo and scrub.
Yellow-throated SparrowGymnoris xanthocollisLeast ConcernA dry country sparrow with a small yellow throat patch and a chestnut shoulder mark.
Yellow-vented BulbulPycnonotus goiavierLeast ConcernA widespread garden bulbul reaching India only in the Nicobar Islands.
Yellow-vented FlowerpeckerDicaeum chrysorrheumLeast ConcernA streak-bellied flowerpecker of northeastern India's broadleaf forests that feeds heavily on mistletoe berries.
Yellow-vented WarblerPhylloscopus cantatorLeast ConcernA colourful leaf warbler of moist montane forests in the eastern Himalayas and northeast India.
Yellow-wattled LapwingVanellus malabaricusLeast ConcernA dry-country lapwing with drooping yellow wattles and a neat black cap.
YellowhammerEmberiza citrinellaLeast ConcernA bright yellow bunting that reaches Ladakh and the northwest as a vagrant, males with a lemon head and chestnut rump.
Yellowish-bellied Bush WarblerHorornis acanthizoidesLeast ConcernA high-altitude skulker of Himalayan and northeastern bamboo and scrub, more often heard than seen.
Yunnan NuthatchSitta yunnanensisLeast ConcernA vagrant from southwest China, it clings head-down to pine trunks in search of insects.
Zappey's FlycatcherCyanoptila cumatilisNear ThreatenedThis East Asian migrant has accepted records from northeast India.
Zitting CisticolaCisticola juncidisLeast ConcernA tiny streaked warbler of open grassland across India, weaving a purse-shaped nest stitched into tall grass.
Reptiles 455 species
Aaron Bauer's House GeckoHemidactylus aaronbaueriLeast ConcernThis tubercled gecko clings to boulders and cliff faces, named for the herpetologist Aaron Bauer who studies the group.
Abor Hills AgamaJapalura austenianaNot EvaluatedA rare montane agamid known from the Abor Hills of the eastern Himalaya, a ridge of raised scales running along its nape like a small crest.
Ajija's day geckoCnemaspis ajijaeNot EvaluatedA small, rock-dwelling, day-active gecko endemic to the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India.
Amboli Day GeckoCnemaspis amboliensisNot EvaluatedA small day-active gecko known only from the forests around Amboli in Sindhudurg district, where it clings to tree trunks, wet rocks and house walls.
Anaimalai Spiny LizardSalea anamallayanaLeast ConcernA crested montane agamid restricted to high grasslands and shola edges of the southern Western Ghats.
Anamalai GeckoDravidogecko anamallensisNear ThreatenedA montane gecko endemic to the Anamalai, Palni and Tirunelveli hills of the southern Western Ghats.
Anamudi Day GeckoCnemaspis anamudiensisNot EvaluatedA day gecko endemic to the high Western Ghats of Kerala, occurring on rocks and trunks in cool montane forest.
Anandan's day geckoCnemaspis anandaniNot EvaluatedA small insectivorous day gecko restricted to southern India.
Andaman Bent-toed GeckoCyrtodactylus rubidusLeast ConcernReddish brown gecko endemic to the Andaman and Coco Islands forest floor.
Andaman BronzebackDendrelaphis andamanensisNot EvaluatedA fast, day-active tree snake with a coppery sheen down its back, racing through island scrub and forest with astonishing agility.
Andaman Cat SnakeBoiga andamanensisEndangeredA slender, nocturnal, mildly venomous tree snake endemic to the Andaman Islands of India.
Andaman CobraNaja sagittiferaEndangeredA venomous cobra endemic to India's Andaman Islands, bearing a monocle-like hood mark. It hunts rodents and other small prey in island forests.
Andaman Day GeckoPhelsuma andamanensisLeast ConcernA vivid green, diurnal gecko endemic to the Andaman Islands of India, often seen on tree trunks and walls with red dorsal flecks.
Andaman Garden LizardCalotes andamanensisLeast ConcernAn island endemic garden lizard that perches on shrubs and low trees across the forests of the Andaman Islands.
Andaman Giant GeckoGekko verreauxiNot EvaluatedThis giant tree gecko is endemic to the Andaman Islands, where it hides by day under bark plates and comes out after sunset to hunt insects.
Andaman Islands Grass SkinkEutropis andamanensisLeast ConcernGrass skink found only among the leaf litter of the Andaman Islands.
Andaman Pit ViperTrimeresurus andersoniiLeast ConcernA venomous, heat-sensing pit viper endemic to the forests of the Andaman Islands of India.
Andaman wolf snakeLycodon hypsirhinoidesNot EvaluatedA harmless colubrid found only in the Andaman Islands of India.
Annulated Sea SnakeHydrophis cyanocinctusLeast ConcernA venomous, fully marine sea snake found in Indian coastal waters, recognized by its blue-black banding.
Araku Slender GeckoHemiphyllodactylus arakuensisNot EvaluatedA slim, dwarf tree gecko with tiny leaf-like toe pads, restricted to Eastern Ghats forest in Andhra Pradesh.
Aravind's Bent-toed GeckoCyrtodactylus aravindiNot EvaluatedA slender, long-limbed bent-toed gecko of northeastern rainforest that climbs trunks and rocks at night.
Arrowback Tree SnakeBoiga gokoolLeast ConcernRear fanged cat eyed snake restricted to Assam, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
Arunachal bent-toed geckoCyrtodactylus arunachalensisNot EvaluatedA recently described forest gecko endemic to the state of Arunachal Pradesh, India.
Arunachal PitviperTrimeresurus arunachalensisData DeficientA venomous pit viper known only from Ramda village in West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh. The holotype is kept at the State Forest Research Institute, Itanagar.
Ashok's BronzebackDendrelaphis ashokiLeast ConcernA slender, fast-moving tree snake endemic to the forests of peninsular India.
Ashy Kukri SnakeOligodon cinereusNot EvaluatedA stout, secretive ground snake of northeastern India that specialises in raiding lizard and snake nests, its blade-shaped teeth opening eggs with precision.
Asian Forest TortoiseManouria emysCritically EndangeredHuge forest tortoise that builds above ground nests of leaf litter for its eggs.
Asian Giant Softshell TurtlePelochelys cantoriiCritically EndangeredCritically endangered frog faced turtle that buries itself in river sand for months.
Asian Glass LizardDopasia gracilisLeast ConcernA legless, snake-like lizard found in the forests of the eastern Himalaya and northeast India.
Asian Grass LizardTakydromus sexlineatusLeast ConcernA slender long-tailed lacertid that races through tall grass and scrub in northeastern India.
Asian Leaf TurtleCyclemys dentataNear ThreatenedA semi-aquatic forest turtle of northeastern India, living along hill streams and developing a flexible plastral hinge with age.
Asian Snake-eyed SkinkAblepharus pannonicusLeast ConcernA tiny ground skink of arid northwestern India and beyond.
Asian Water MonitorVaranus salvatorLeast ConcernA powerful mangrove lizard up to two metres long, equally at home swimming creeks or climbing trees.
Assam Leaf TurtleCyclemys gemeliNear ThreatenedA semi-aquatic forest stream turtle of northeastern India with a hinged lower shell.
Assam Roofed TurtlePangshura sylhetensisEndangeredA small roofed turtle of the Brahmaputra floodplain threatened by forest loss and capture.
Attenborough's Fan-throated LizardSitana marudhamneydhalEndangeredEndangered fan throated lizard restricted to a narrow range in southern India.
Bamboo Pit ViperCraspedocephalus gramineusLeast ConcernA leaf-green pit viper that waits motionless among foliage for passing prey.
Banded Bent-toed GeckoCyrtodactylus fasciolatusNear ThreatenedThis nocturnal gecko, patterned with pale bands across its back, hunts insects on rocks and tree trunks in the lower Himalayan forests.
Banded KraitBungarus fasciatusLeast ConcernA striking yellow-and-black banded krait, highly venomous but shy by day.
Banded RacerArgyrogena fasciolataLeast ConcernA swift non-venomous colubrid of dry plains and central highlands. Juveniles wear crisp white crossbands that dull to almost nothing in adults.
Banded Wolf SnakeLycodon fasciatusLeast ConcernA harmless banded colubrid of northeastern India that hunts geckos and skinks after dark.
Bangalore slender geckoHemiphyllodactylus jnanaNot EvaluatedA tiny, secretive slender-toed gecko endemic to southern India, known from a handful of rocky hill localities.
Bangara Day GeckoCnemaspis bangaraNot EvaluatedA day gecko described in 2019 from Karnataka's granite outcrops, active by day on sun-warmed rock.
Bark GeckoHemidactylus leschenaultiiLeast ConcernA common bark-dwelling gecko across peninsular India, well camouflaged against tree trunks and active after dark.
Barred Wolf SnakeLycodon striatusLeast ConcernA small, nocturnal colubrid of peninsular India marked with white crossbands on a dark body, often mistaken for a krait.
Bay Island forest lizardCoryphophylax subcristatusNot EvaluatedA short-crested arboreal agamid lizard restricted to the forests of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Bay Islands GeckoHemidactylus sahgaliNot EvaluatedA nocturnal house gecko restricted to India's Bay of Bengal islands, hunting insects on rocks, tree trunks and building walls at night.
Beaked Sea SnakeHydrophis schistosusLeast ConcernA highly venomous sea snake common along Indian coasts, responsible for most serious sea-snake bites. It hunts catfish and pufferfish.
Beaked Worm SnakeGrypotyphlops acutusLeast ConcernA large burrowing blind snake of peninsular India with a sharp, beak-like snout.
Beauty Rat SnakeOrthriophis taeniurusVulnerableA large, powerful, non-venomous climber of northeastern forests, boldly patterned with a dark eye-stripe and yellow-and-black body.
Beddome's Cat SkinkRistella beddomiiNot EvaluatedA small leaf-litter skink of shola and evergreen forest in the southern Western Ghats.
Beddome's Cat SnakeBoiga beddomeiLeast ConcernA mildly venomous, rear-fanged cat snake of southern Indian forests, hunting lizards and frogs by night in the foliage.
Beddome's Coral SnakeCalliophis beddomeiLeast ConcernA slender burrowing coral snake of the Western Ghats that preys on other small snakes and lives mostly underground.
Beddome's Day GeckoCnemaspis beddomeiNot EvaluatedA small dwarf gecko of the Western Ghats that is active by daylight on shaded rocks and tree bases, named after the naturalist Richard Beddome.
Beddome's ground skinkKaestlea beddomiiLeast ConcernA small, secretive skink of moist leaf litter in the hills of the Western Ghats of southern India.
Beddome's Kangaroo LizardOtocryptis beddomiiLeast ConcernA small ground dwelling agamid lizard of the Western Ghats rainforest floor that dashes upright on its hind legs to escape predators.
Beddome's Snake-eyeOphisops beddomeiLeast ConcernA tiny fast lacertid darting over open ground and lawns in daylight.
Bengal MonitorVaranus bengalensisLeast ConcernA large, agile monitor lizard at home in trees, water and burrows alike.
Bibron's Coral SnakeCalliophis bibroniLeast ConcernA small, brightly banded burrowing snake endemic to the Western Ghats, living in leaf litter and forest soil across southern India.
Bibron's SkinkEutropis bibroniiNear ThreatenedA sturdy grass skink of coastal sands and open ground in peninsular India.
Bindee KeelbackRhabdophis bindiNot EvaluatedA keelback of India and Bangladesh. In India it is recorded near the Barail Hill Range and the Jatinga river in Assam.
Black Copper Rat SnakeCoelognathus flavolineatusLeast ConcernA large, agile, non-venomous rat snake reaching the Andaman Islands at the western edge of its Southeast Asian range.
Black Coral SnakeCalliophis nigrescensLeast ConcernSlender venomous snake with dark purplish stripes found in Western Ghats hill forests.
Black Softshell TurtleNilssonia nigricansCritically EndangeredA critically endangered softshell turtle of Assam and Bengal, long protected in temple ponds after being feared extinct in the wild.
Black-banded Sea SnakeHydrophis nigrocinctusData DeficientA little-studied banded sea snake found along India's eastern coastal waters and the Bay of Bengal.
Black-headed Royal SnakeSpalerosophis atricepsLeast ConcernA large, fast, non-venomous colubrid of northwestern India's deserts, rocky scrub and lower Himalayan foothills.
Blanford's Flying LizardDraco blanfordiiLeast ConcernA gliding agamid lizard of dense northeast Indian forests that spreads rib-supported membranes to sail between tree trunks.
Blanford's Rock AgamaPsammophilus blanfordanusLeast ConcernA rock-dwelling agamid endemic to peninsular India, common in the Eastern Ghats where breeding males turn vivid red.
Blood-bellied Earth SnakeRhinophis sanguineusLeast ConcernA small burrowing snake of southern Western Ghats hills, rarely seen above ground.
Blue-lipped Sea KraitLaticauda laticaudataLeast ConcernA banded, paddle-tailed sea krait of the Bay of Bengal and Andaman and Nicobar coasts, recognised by its blue-tinged snout.
Bombay Earth SnakeUropeltis macrolepisLeast ConcernThis small fossorial snake spends its life tunnelling through moist hill soil, using a rough disc-like scale at the tail tip to plug its burrow.
Bombay Leaf-toed GeckoHemidactylus prashadiLeast ConcernA large rock-dwelling nocturnal gecko found only in the hills of the northern Western Ghats.
Boulenger's BronzebackDendrelaphis bifrenalisLeast ConcernA slim diurnal tree snake of dry deciduous forests on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats.
Bowring's Supple SkinkSubdoluseps bowringiiLeast ConcernWith its glossy scales and reduced limbs, this secretive skink writhes snake-like through soil and leaf litter in search of small invertebrates.
Brahminy Blind SnakeIndotyphlops braminusLeast ConcernA tiny burrowing snake easily mistaken for an earthworm. Every known individual is female, reproducing by parthenogenesis.
Bronze Grass SkinkEutropis maculariaLeast ConcernA small, shiny bronze-brown skink widespread across India, foraging for insects in grass, gardens and forest floor.
Bronze-headed Vine SnakeAhaetulla perrotetiEndangeredA slender, mildly venomous vine snake of the Nilgiri hills above 1,600 m, with males green and females a drab grey-brown.
Brook's House GeckoHemidactylus brookiiNot EvaluatedA robust, warty house gecko speckled with dark spots, found on buildings, rocks and trees across much of India.
Brown PricklenapeAcanthosaura lepidogasterNot EvaluatedA stocky forest agamid of northeastern India armed with prominent horn-like spines, sitting motionless on trunks to ambush passing insects.
Brown Roofed TurtlePangshura smithiiNear ThreatenedA river turtle with a keeled brown shell that lines up to bask on logs in the Ganges plain.
Brown Vine SnakeAhaetulla pulverulentaLeast ConcernA slender, brownish vine snake found in the forests and scrublands of peninsular India and Sri Lanka.
Brown-spotted Pit ViperProtobothrops mucrosquamatusLeast ConcernHighly venomous pit viper found in Assam and Mizoram's forested hills.
Buff Striped KeelbackAmphiesma stolatumLeast ConcernA gentle, frog-eating keelback common across India's wetlands and fields. It carries two buff dorsal stripes that grow vivid in the breeding season.
Burmese PythonPython bivittatusVulnerableA massive constrictor of eastern and northeastern India found near forests and water.
Calamaria Reed SnakeLiopeltis calamariaLeast ConcernA small, harmless forest snake of the Western Ghats and peninsular hills that hunts tiny insects and larvae in leaf litter.
Cane TurtleVijayachelys silvaticaEndangeredThe Cochin forest cane turtle, a tiny endemic terrapin of southern Western Ghats rainforest floor, rarely seen.
Cantor's Black-headed SnakeSibynophis sagittariusLeast ConcernA slim, fast-moving ground snake of central and northeastern India that preys on small lizards.
Cantor's Kukri SnakeOligodon cyclurusLeast ConcernA kukri snake ranging from Nepal and Bangladesh to Vietnam and Yunnan. In India it is recorded from Assam.
Cardamom Hills Earth SnakeRhinophis fergusonianusData DeficientA burrowing shieldtail snake endemic to the southern Western Ghats.
Carrot-tailed Viper GeckoHemidactylus imbricatusNot EvaluatedA small arid-zone gecko of northwest India and Pakistan, the fat-storing tail its hallmark and a survival adaptation.
Central Asian CobraNaja oxianaNear ThreatenedA highly venomous cobra reaching the edge of its range in northwest India.
Checkered KeelbackFowlea piscatorLeast ConcernA harmless checkered water snake that hunts frogs and fish in ponds and paddies.
Churah Valley Kukri SnakeOligodon churahensisData DeficientNewly described kukri snake relative found in Himachal Pradesh.
Clerk's KeelbackHebius clerkiNot EvaluatedA small, damp-loving snake of hill streams and forest floor in northeastern India, hunting frogs, tadpoles and earthworms in cool, wet habitat.
Cliff RacerPlatyceps rhodorachisLeast ConcernA slim, alert racer snake found among the rocky outcrops and dry scrub of northwestern India, hunting lizards by day.
Cnemaspis azhaguCnemaspis azhaguNot EvaluatedA diurnal, rock-dwelling dwarf gecko endemic to Tamil Nadu. It is known from low elevations of about 200 m in the southern Western Ghats, active from morning to early afternoon.
Cnemaspis kalakadensisCnemaspis kalakadensisNot EvaluatedA dwarf gecko endemic to the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu. It was described from near Sengaltheri at about 960 m and is active by day.
Cnemaspis palanicaCnemaspis palanicaNot EvaluatedA diurnal dwarf gecko endemic to the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, in the southern Western Ghats. It belongs to the littoralis group of Indian Cnemaspis.
Cnemaspis rubraoculusCnemaspis rubraoculusNot EvaluatedA dwarf gecko of the beddomei group found in the Megamalai and Periyar hills on the Kerala and Tamil Nadu border. Like its relatives it is active by day.
Cnemaspis smaugCnemaspis smaugNot EvaluatedA large, robust, rock-dwelling day gecko endemic to the Cardamom Hills of Kerala in the southern Western Ghats.
Cnemaspis zacharyiCnemaspis zacharyiNot EvaluatedA rock-dwelling dwarf gecko endemic to Wayanad district in northern Kerala. It is found in thick evergreen forest and nearby plantations, and has also been seen in small caves.
Coastal Day GeckoCnemaspis littoralisData DeficientA small diurnal rock gecko endemic to the Western Ghats of southern India.
Collared Reed SnakeCalamaria pavimentataLeast ConcernA small burrowing reed snake ranging from Northeast India to Japan's Ryukyu Islands. In India it is recorded from Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Meghalaya.
Common BronzebackDendrelaphis tristisLeast ConcernA slim, fast tree snake with a bronze stripe that glides between branches after lizards.
Common Cat SnakeBoiga trigonataLeast ConcernA slender, mildly venomous nocturnal snake with vertical pupils and a pale arrow on its head. Hunts lizards and small birds in trees and bushes.
Common Green Forest LizardCalotes calotesLeast ConcernA vivid green tree lizard with white-banded sides that turns crimson-headed when displaying.
Common House GeckoHemidactylus frenatusLeast ConcernA small pinkish wall gecko that hunts insects around lights at night, well known for its clicking call. Ubiquitous in Indian houses.
Common KraitBungarus caeruleusLeast ConcernA glossy banded snake whose painless night-time bite makes it one of India's deadliest serpents.
Common Kukri SnakeOligodon arnensisLeast ConcernA small banded snake named for blade-like rear teeth used to slit and feed on eggs. Widespread across India's plains and scrub.
Common Many-toothed SnakeSibynophis collarisLeast ConcernA slim, fast, day-active colubrid of the northeastern hills, marked with a dark collar behind the head.
Common Mock ViperPsammodynastes pulverulentusLeast ConcernA small, stocky, wide-eyed snake of northeastern hill forests, patterned in browns and greys for perfect leaf-litter camouflage.
Common Slug SnakePareas monticolaLeast ConcernA slender, blunt-headed nocturnal snake of the northeastern hills, also called the Assam snail-eater.
Common Trinket SnakeCoelognathus helenaLeast ConcernA handsome non-venomous constrictor of fields and forests, patterned in chestnut and cream. It puffs up its forebody into an S-shape when threatened.
Common Wolf SnakeLycodon aulicusLeast ConcernA nocturnal house-dwelling snake banded in white on dark, often mistaken for the venomous krait. Feeds mainly on geckos and skinks.
Coral Red Kukri SnakeOligodon kheriensisLeast ConcernA brightly coloured nocturnal kukri snake of the Terai and Himalayan foothills.
Crab-eating Water SnakeFordonia leucobaliaLeast ConcernA blunt-headed mangrove snake of tidal mudflats that pins crabs with its coils, ranging through the Sundarbans and coastal estuaries of India.
Crowned River TurtleHardella thurjiiEndangeredA large herbivorous turtle of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Indus drainages. Females can grow several times the size of males.
Darwin's Fan-Throated LizardSarada darwiniLeast ConcernA ground agamid endemic to the lateritic plateaus of the northern Deccan and Western Ghats foothills.
Deccan Ground GeckoCyrtodactylus deccanensisLeast ConcernA slender ground-dwelling gecko native to the northern Western Ghats of India.
Deccan wolf snakeLycodon deccanensisNot EvaluatedA slender, harmless nocturnal colubrid endemic to southern India, split from Lycodon travancoricus.
Desert MonitorVaranus griseusLeast ConcernSandy coloured monitor lizard of the Thar Desert with a wide Central Asian range.
Diadem SnakeSpalerosophis diademaLeast ConcernA large, sandy-hued nonvenomous colubrid of the arid northwest that hunts rodents across dunes and scrubland.
Diard's Blind SnakeArgyrophis diardiiLeast ConcernA large, burrowing blind snake found from West Bengal through Assam and into Southeast Asia.
Dog-faced Water SnakeCerberus rynchopsLeast ConcernA mildly venomous mangrove snake of coasts and estuaries including the Sundarbans. It expels excess salt through special glands to survive brackish water.
Douglas Adams's DravidogeckoDravidogecko douglasadamsiNot EvaluatedA micro-gecko endemic to the upper Nilgiri hills, living among mossy trunks and rocks in cool montane forest.
Dumeril's Black-headed SnakeSibynophis subpunctatusLeast ConcernA small leaf-litter colubrid with a dark head that hunts lizards and smaller snakes.
Dumeril's MonitorVaranus dumeriliiNear ThreatenedA secretive forest monitor lizard recorded in northeast India.
Dussumier's Forest SkinkSphenomorphus dussumieriLeast ConcernA leaf-litter skink of the southern Western Ghats foraging on the forest floor.
Dutta's Mahendragiri GeckoHemidactylus sushilduttaiNot EvaluatedA large-bodied rock gecko described from southern Odisha, named after herpetologist Sushil Dutta, clinging to boulders and cliff faces in the Eastern Ghats.
East Indian Leopard GeckoEublepharis hardwickiiLeast ConcernStout bodied gecko endemic to India and Bangladesh, named for naturalist Thomas Hardwicke.
Eastern Water SnakeTrimerodytes percarinatusLeast ConcernAn aquatic keelback of 70 to 90 cm that ranges from Northeast India to China and Taiwan. It bites readily when caught but is not venomous.
Elliot's Forest LizardMonilesaurus elliotiLeast ConcernA diurnal tree-dwelling lizard found across the southern Western Ghats, from the Nilgiris to Agasthyamalai. Once grouped under the genus Calotes.
Elliot's ShieldtailUropeltis elliotiLeast ConcernA burrowing, non-venomous earth snake of the southern Indian hills that feeds almost entirely on earthworms.
Elongated TortoiseIndotestudo elongataCritically EndangeredA forest tortoise of northeast and eastern India with a long pale carapace and yellow head. Populations have crashed under hunting and the pet trade.
Fan-throated LizardSitana ponticerianaLeast ConcernA ground lizard whose male unfurls a vivid blue throat-fan to court and threaten.
Farnsworth's Vine SnakeAhaetulla farnsworthiNot EvaluatedA slender arboreal vine snake endemic to the central Western Ghats of Karnataka.
Flat-tailed House GeckoHemidactylus platyurusLeast ConcernA flattened house gecko with a fringed tail, common on walls and ceilings.
Forest Garden LizardCalotes emmaLeast ConcernA widespread agamid lizard of forest edges found in Assam and neighboring northeastern states.
Forest Spotted GeckoCyrtodactylus speciosusNot EvaluatedA handsome terrestrial gecko marked with dark ocelli, found in the hill forests of the southern Western Ghats, hunting insects on the forest floor by night.
Forsten's Cat SnakeBoiga forsteniLeast ConcernA big arboreal cat snake of peninsular forests, reaching over two meters. Cat-eyed and an agile climber that preys on birds, bats and rodents.
Four-keeled MabuyaEutropis quadricarinataNot EvaluatedA glossy, sun-loving skink of northeastern hill country that forages among leaf litter and rocks, its strongly keeled scales giving it a rough, ridged texture.
Gammie's wolf snakeLycodon gammieiNot EvaluatedA little-known non-venomous snake endemic to the eastern Himalayan foothills of India.
GharialGavialis gangeticusCritically EndangeredA critically endangered river crocodilian with a slender, pot-tipped fishing snout.
Giant GeckoHemidactylus giganteusLeast ConcernLarge leaf toed gecko endemic to India, found on trees and rocky outcrops.
Giri's BronzebackDendrelaphis giriiLeast ConcernA slim, fast, day-active tree snake endemic to the southwestern Western Ghats, gleaming bronze along the back with a pale flank stripe.
Giri's Brookish GeckoHemidactylus varadgiriiNot EvaluatedA small ground-dwelling gecko of Maharashtra's rocky country, sheltering under stones and foraging after dark.
Giri's Day GeckoCnemaspis giriiData DeficientLateritic plateau specialist gecko found only in the northern Western Ghats.
Giri's GeckoellaCyrtodactylus varadgiriiNot EvaluatedA blotched, terrestrial bent-toed gecko that forages across rocky ground and dry forest in central peninsular India, staying close to cover during the day.
Glossy Marsh SnakeGerarda prevostianaLeast ConcernA mangrove water snake of Indian coasts that feeds on soft, freshly moulted crabs.
Glossy-bellied RacerPlatyceps ventromaculatusLeast ConcernA quick-moving colubrid of arid and semi-arid northern India, also called Hardwicke's rat snake, with a glossy underside.
Goan Day GeckoCnemaspis goaensisEndangeredAn endangered diurnal rock gecko known from a small area of Goa and Karnataka.
Goan Supple SkinkDravidoseps goaensisNot EvaluatedA smooth, elongate skink with reduced limbs that slips through soil and leaf litter in Goa and nearby laterite country.
Gokak Fan-throated LizardSitana gokakensisNot EvaluatedA ground agamid of open Karnataka scrubland whose males display an extendable coloured dewlap during the breeding season.
Golden Burrowing SnakePlectrurus aureusNot EvaluatedA small burrowing shieldtail snake endemic to the Wayanad hills that spends its life in soil and leaf mould.
Gower's ShieldtailRhinophis goweriNot EvaluatedA burrowing shieldtail snake known from the hills of the southern Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu.
Graceful Day GeckoCnemaspis gracilisNot EvaluatedA dainty diurnal gecko of Western Ghats forests, darting over damp rocks and tree trunks hunting small arthropods.
Graceful Leaf-toed GeckoHemidactylus gracilisLeast ConcernA small, slender gecko endemic to central India, first collected near the old Central Provinces.
Graceful RacerPlatyceps gracilisData DeficientA slender, quick-moving colubrid of dry western Indian country.
Granite GeckoHemidactylus graniticolusLeast ConcernCryptic rock dwelling gecko first described from granite hills near Bangalore.
Gray Cat SnakeBoiga siamensisLeast ConcernA large-eyed grey arboreal cat snake found in the forests of northeastern India.
Greater Black KraitBungarus nigerLeast ConcernA jet-black krait of tea gardens and forests across northern and northeastern India.
Green Cat SnakeBoiga cyaneaLeast ConcernA vivid green, rear fanged tree snake of northeastern India's forests that hunts birds, eggs and small mammals at night.
Green Fan-throated LizardPtyctolaemus gularisLeast ConcernA brightly coloured agamid lizard found in the forests of northeast India.
Green KeelbackRhabdophis plumbicolorLeast ConcernA bright green, harmless keelback of peninsular India, often found near water and known for a defensive neck-flattening display.
Green Rat SnakePtyas nigromarginataLeast ConcernA slender, bright green rat snake of the eastern Himalayan foothills and hill forests of the northeast.
Green Sea TurtleChelonia mydasLeast ConcernA large sea turtle that grazes seagrass meadows along India's warm coasts.
Green Trinket SnakeGonyosoma prasinumLeast ConcernA slender arboreal ratsnake of northeastern hill forests that hunts lizards and small birds in the canopy.
Green Vine SnakeAhaetulla nasutaLeast ConcernA slender green snake that sways like a vine and has odd keyhole-shaped pupils.
Gujarat GeckoHemidactylus gujaratensisVulnerableA rock-dwelling gecko endemic to the hills and outcrops of Gujarat state.
Günther's Burrowing SnakePlectrurus guentheriData DeficientA little-known fossorial shieldtail snake endemic to the Nilgiris.
Gunther's Supple SkinkLygosoma guentheriLeast ConcernA smooth-scaled burrowing skink of peninsular India that slips quickly through loose soil.
Günther's Vine SnakeAhaetulla disparNear ThreatenedA slender high-elevation vine snake endemic to the southern Western Ghats, hunting lizards and frogs in shola grassland and forest.
Hardwicke's BloodsuckerCalotes minorLeast ConcernA small arboreal agamid of drier central and northwestern India found in scrub and dry forest.
Hawksbill Sea TurtleEretmochelys imbricataCritically EndangeredA reef sea turtle hunted near to extinction for the amber shell once carved into combs and jewellery.
Hemidactylus hemchandraiHemidactylus hemchandraiNot EvaluatedA rock-associated gecko endemic to India, described from the drier country of central India.
Himalayan AgamaLaudakia himalayanaLeast ConcernA stout, spiny rock agama of the western Himalaya that shelters in crevices at high elevations.
Himalayan Ground SkinkAsymblepharus himalayanusNot EvaluatedA small montane skink of Himalayan meadows and slopes that basks among stones and hunts tiny invertebrates.
Himalayan KeelbackHerpetoreas platycepsLeast ConcernA slim, fast moving keelback snake of Himalayan foothill streams and forest edges.
Himalayan Lance-headed Pit ViperProtobothrops himalayanusNot EvaluatedA large, boldly patterned pit viper of the eastern Himalaya and Arunachal that hunts rodents and birds at montane elevations.
Himalayan Pit ViperGloydius himalayanusNot EvaluatedA cold-tolerant pit viper of the Himalayas, found on southern slopes in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab and Uttarakhand.
Himalayan Trinket SnakeElaphe hodgsoniLeast ConcernA robust nonvenomous rat snake of the Himalaya that preys on rodents in montane forest and farmland.
Horseshoe Pit ViperCraspedocephalus strigatusLeast ConcernA terrestrial pit viper named for the pale horseshoe mark on its neck.
Horsfield's Spiny LizardSalea horsfieldiiLeast ConcernA crested arboreal agamid endemic to cool, high Nilgiri shola forests in the Ghats.
Hump-nosed Pit ViperHypnale hypnaleLeast ConcernA small ground viper with an upturned snout, responsible for many bites in the Ghats.
Indian Black TurtleMelanochelys trijugaNear ThreatenedA dark domed freshwater turtle of ponds and paddies, streaked faintly with yellow.
Indian ChameleonChamaeleo zeylanicusLeast ConcernIndia's only chameleon, shifting colour as it stalks insects on swivelling eyes.
Indian CobraNaja najaLeast ConcernThe spectacled cobra of snake-charmer lore, one of India's big four venomous snakes.
Indian Day GeckoCnemaspis indicaLeast ConcernA small, dull-coloured day gecko of moist Western Ghats forests, scuttling over boulders and tree trunks. One of many endemic dwarf geckos.
Indian Egg-eaterElachistodon westermanniLeast ConcernA rare, secretive snake of India specialised to eat birds' eggs, cracking them with bony spurs inside its throat.
Indian Eyed TurtleMorenia petersiVulnerableA small turtle with yellow eye-like rings on its dark shell, hidden in floodplain wetlands.
Indian Flapshell TurtleLissemys punctataVulnerableA soft-shelled turtle with skin flaps that hide its limbs when it withdraws.
Indian Forest SkinkSphenomorphus indicusLeast ConcernA shiny litter dwelling skink common in forests and cultivated land.
Indian Fringe-Fingered LizardAcanthodactylus cantorisLeast ConcernA swift, sand-adapted lacertid of the Thar Desert that sprints between sparse desert vegetation.
Indian Golden GeckoCalodactylodes aureusLeast ConcernA striking golden-hued gecko clinging to boulder caves and cliffs in the Eastern Ghats. Rediscovered near Tirupati over a century after it was first described.
Indian Narrow-headed Softshell TurtleChitra indicaEndangeredA large softshell turtle of the Ganges, Godavari and other Indian river basins, with a small head, long neck and patterned skin.
Indian Peacock Softshell TurtleNilssonia hurumVulnerableA big soft-shelled turtle with peacock eyespots on its leathery back in northern rivers.
Indian Rock GeckoHemidactylus reticulatusLeast ConcernA rock crevice gecko found across rocky outcrops of southern India.
Indian Rock PythonPython molurusNear ThreatenedA heavy-bodied constrictor that suffocates prey in muscular coils.
Indian Roofed TurtlePangshura tectaVulnerableA freshwater turtle of the Ganges and other northern river systems, named for the raised keel cresting its carapace. Heavily traded for meat and shell.
Indian Sand SnakePsammophis condanarusLeast ConcernA fast, slender daytime hunter of dry open country across peninsular and northwestern India.
Indian Smooth SnakeCoronella brachyuraLeast ConcernA secretive, harmless snake of semi-arid scrub in western and central India. Spends much of its time hidden under stones and brick piles.
Indian Softshell TurtleNilssonia gangeticaVulnerableA large leathery-shelled turtle that patrols the great rivers of northern India.
Indian Spiny-tailed LizardSaara hardwickiiVulnerableA stout, spiny-tailed agamid of the Thar and Kutch arid zones, living in colonial burrow systems and feeding mostly on plants.
Indian Star TortoiseGeochelone elegansVulnerableA small tortoise whose radiating shell stars make it a target of the pet trade.
Indian Tent TurtlePangshura tentoriaLeast ConcernA small river turtle whose shell rises to a tent-like ridge down the middle.
Indian Three-banded SkinkEutropis trivittataLeast ConcernWidespread ground skink found across open and scrubby habitats in India.
Indo-Chinese Rat SnakePtyas korrosNear ThreatenedA swift slender rat snake of northeastern forests and farmland, active by day.
Indo-Pacific House GeckoHemidactylus garnotiiNot EvaluatedA slender, flat-tailed gecko that spreads through houses and forests as clonal females laying fertile eggs, every individual a genetic copy of its mother.
Indo-Pacific Tree GeckoHemiphyllodactylus typusLeast ConcernA tiny, slender bodied gecko found in the forests of the Andaman Islands and northeastern India, at home on tree bark and leaf litter.
Indochinese Ground SnakeGongylosoma scriptumLeast ConcernA slender, secretive ground snake of evergreen and montane hill forest, recorded in India only from Aizawl and Mamit districts in Mizoram.
Jerdon's Forest LizardCalotes jerdoniLeast ConcernA handsome long-tailed agamid of the Khasi Hills and northeastern forests.
Jerdon's Kukri SnakeOligodon venustusLeast ConcernA small, secretive kukri snake found in the forests of the southern Western Ghats.
Jerdon's Pit ViperProtobothrops jerdoniiLeast ConcernA yellow-speckled pit viper of high-altitude forests and grasslands in India's northeastern hills.
Jerdon's Sea SnakeKerilia jerdoniiLeast ConcernA marine snake of India's coastal shelf waters, first described from specimens off Madras.
Jerdon's shieldtailUropeltis jerdoniNot EvaluatedA glossy, burrowing snake known from the Devarayanadurga hills near Bangalore in Karnataka, southern India.
Jerdon's Snake-eyeOphisops jerdoniiLeast ConcernA fast diurnal ground lizard of dry northern plains with transparent fixed eyelids.
Jeypore Ground GeckoCyrtodactylus jeyporensisEndangeredA high-elevation Eastern Ghats gecko once feared extinct, found above 1,200 metres.
Kakhyen Hills spiny lizardPseudocalotes kakhienensisNot EvaluatedA long-headed, forest-dwelling agamid lizard found in the hills of northeastern India.
Kanker Rock GeckoHemidactylus yajurvediNot EvaluatedA ground-dwelling gecko of the central Indian plateau, active over rocks and dry forest floor after dusk.
Kashmir Rock AgamaLaudakia tuberculataLeast ConcernA rugged, rock-dwelling agamid of the western Himalaya, found across Kashmir, Punjab and Uttarakhand on sun-warmed boulders.
Keeled Box TurtleCuora mouhotiiEndangeredAn endangered hill-forest box turtle found in India's northeast, prized and heavily trafficked in the Asian pet trade.
Keeled Indian MabuyaEutropis carinataNot EvaluatedA sturdy bronze skink with keeled scales, common in gardens, scrub and forest floors across India, basking before diving into cover.
Kerala Mountain SkinkEutropis clivicolaEndangeredAn endangered skink known only from a few mountain forest patches in the southern Western Ghats.
Kerala Mud SnakeDieurostus dussumieriiData DeficientA little-known aquatic snake that hunts fish in the paddy fields and backwaters of the southern Western Ghats, one of India's most range-restricted water snakes.
Khaire's Black ShieldtailMelanophidium khaireiNot EvaluatedA glossy fossorial shieldtail snake of the northern Western Ghats.
Khasi Hills Forest LizardCalotes mariaLeast ConcernA forest-dwelling garden lizard restricted to the Khasi Hills and surrounding northeastern ranges.
Khasi Hills Grass LizardTakydromus khasiensisNot EvaluatedA slender long-tailed lacertid of the Khasi Hills grasslands that threads swiftly through grass hunting insects.
Khasi Hills KeelbackHebius khasienseLeast ConcernA modest, semi-aquatic natricine snake of the Assam and eastern Himalayan hills, ranging into southern China.
Khasi Hills Trinket SnakeGonyosoma frenatumLeast ConcernA slender green-to-grey climbing colubrid of the Assam and Arunachal hill forests, formerly placed in the genus Rhadinophis.
King CobraOphiophagus hannahVulnerableThe world's longest venomous snake, a snake-eater that can rear a metre high.
Kloss's Sea SnakeHydrophis klossiNot EvaluatedA slender sea snake of the Bay of Bengal that hunts eels and small fish over shallow coastal bottoms, giving birth at sea like all true sea snakes.
Kollegal Ground GeckoCyrtodactylus collegalensisLeast ConcernA small spotted nocturnal ground gecko found where the Western and Eastern Ghats meet.
Kumaon Mountain LizardJapalura kumaonensisNear ThreatenedThis sun-basking mountain agamid clings to boulders and stone walls across the Kumaon hills, warming itself in the thin Himalayan light.
Kushmore House GeckoHemidactylus kushmorensisData DeficientA house gecko found in the arid foothills of Uttarakhand and the neighbouring Himalayan lowlands.
Laotian Wolf SnakeLycodon laoensisLeast ConcernA harmless, nocturnal, ground-dwelling wolf snake about 50 cm long, found from India through Indochina to West Malaysia. It is dark brown with pale crossbands.
Large JapalureJapalura majorLeast ConcernA slender agamid lizard of the western and northern Himalaya that sunbathes on trunks and darts after insects.
Large-eyed BronzebackDendrelaphis grandoculisLeast ConcernA Western Ghats endemic tree snake with notably large eyes.
Large-eyed False CobraPseudoxenodon macropsLeast ConcernA montane bluffer of the eastern Himalaya and northeastern hills that mimics a cobra to scare off predators.
Large-scaled Forest LizardCalotes grandisquamisLeast ConcernArboreal agamid lizard of Western Ghats evergreen rainforests with large body scales.
Large-scaled Pit ViperCraspedocephalus macrolepisNear ThreatenedA bright green high-elevation pit viper restricted to the southern Western Ghats above the Palakkad Gap.
Laudankia Vine SnakeAhaetulla laudankiaLeast ConcernA slender vine snake of central and eastern India whose thin brownish body mimics dried plant stems.
Lawder's bent-toed geckoCyrtodactylus lawderanusNot EvaluatedA gecko endemic to the western Himalaya of northern India.
Leatherback Sea TurtleDermochelys coriaceaVulnerableThe largest of all turtles, a deep-diving giant that nests on Indian island beaches.
Leith's Sand SnakePsammophis leithiiLeast ConcernA slim, quick-moving sand snake of arid northwestern and western India.
Leith's Softshell TurtleNilssonia leithiiCritically EndangeredA big freshwater softshell turtle of peninsular Indian rivers, heavily threatened by hunting, sand mining and dams.
Leopard GeckoEublepharis maculariusLeast ConcernGround dwelling gecko with movable eyelids found across dry rocky grasslands.
Leschenault's Snake-eyeOphisops leschenaultiiLeast ConcernFast moving diurnal lacertid lizard common in open grassland and scrub edges.
Lesser Black KraitBungarus lividusLeast ConcernA slender, glossy black elapid of northeastern India whose neurotoxic bite makes it medically significant.
Limaye's Day GeckoCnemaspis limayeiNot EvaluatedA small diurnal gecko of laterite outcrops and forest rocks in Maharashtra, one of many Cnemaspis species revealed by recent Ghats surveys.
Lined Supple SkinkRiopa lineataLeast ConcernA small striped skink found under rocks and around termite mounds in gardens.
Little File SnakeAcrochordus granulatusLeast ConcernA fully aquatic estuarine snake of both Indian coasts with rough, baggy skin.
Loggerhead Sea TurtleCaretta carettaVulnerableReddish brown sea turtle that nests on India's eastern and western coastlines.
Long-nosed Whip SnakeAhaetulla oxyrhynchaNot EvaluatedA slender emerald vine snake of peninsular India, long confused with the green vine snake before being recognised as its own species.
MacClelland's Coral SnakeSinomicrurus macclellandiLeast ConcernA slender, brightly banded coral snake found in northern and northeastern India, secretive and rarely encountered.
Madura Spine-tailed ShieldtailPlatyplectrurus madurensisEndangeredA rare high-elevation burrowing snake known from a handful of hill ranges in the southern Western Ghats.
Madurai ShieldtailUropeltis madurensisEndangeredBurrowing shieldtail snake endemic to the southern Western Ghats highlands.
Mahabal's Day GeckoCnemaspis mahabaliNot EvaluatedA rock-dwelling diurnal gecko of Maharashtra's lateritic plateaus, foraging on open rock during daylight.
Malabar Pit ViperCraspedocephalus malabaricusLeast ConcernA monsoon-loving pit viper appearing in lichen-green, brown or yellow forms along Western Ghats streams.
Malabar Vine SnakeAhaetulla malabaricaNot EvaluatedA diurnal green tree snake of the southern Western Ghats that hunts lizards and frogs.
Malabarian Pit ViperCraspedocephalus anamallensisNot EvaluatedA partly arboreal, venomous pit viper of the southern Western Ghats, named after the Anamalai hills where it was first described.
Mandarin RatsnakeEuprepiophis mandarinusLeast ConcernA strikingly patterned, secretive ratsnake of northeast India and the eastern Himalaya that hunts rodents in cool forest.
Mangrove Pit ViperTrimeresurus purpureomaculatusLeast ConcernA heat-sensing arboreal viper of India's mangrove coasts that ambushes prey among tangled roots.
Many-banded Tree SnakeBoiga multifasciataLeast ConcernA nocturnal cat snake of Himalayan and northeastern forests, banded from Himachal to Sikkim.
Many-lined Sun SkinkEutropis multifasciataNot EvaluatedA big, glossy skink of forest edges and clearings in northeast India, often basking conspicuously on logs and rocks.
Many-spotted Cat SnakeBoiga multomaculataLeast ConcernA secretive, rear-fanged cat snake of Southeast Asia that hides in tree hollows and cracks. In India it is recorded from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, including Changlang district.
Maya's Pit ViperTrimeresurus mayaaeNot EvaluatedCryptic green pit viper distinguished from relatives through molecular analysis.
Monocled CobraNaja kaouthiaLeast ConcernA highly venomous cobra of eastern and northeastern India, recognized by the single round monocle pattern on its spread hood.
Mosaic Wood SnakeXylophis mosaicusNot EvaluatedA secretive high-elevation wood snake from the Munnar hills of the Western Ghats, living beneath soil and leaf litter and feeding on earthworms.
Motuo Bamboo PitviperTrimeresurus medoensisData DeficientA green pit viper found in the montane forests of Arunachal Pradesh near the border with Tibet and Myanmar.
Mountain Pit ViperOvophis monticolaLeast ConcernA thickset venomous pit viper of cool northeastern hill forests, active mainly at night.
Mourning GeckoLepidodactylus lugubrisLeast ConcernAn all female clonal gecko species found on India's coasts and islands.
Mugger CrocodileCrocodylus palustrisVulnerableThe marsh crocodile basks along rivers, lakes and village tanks across India.
Murray's House GeckoHemidactylus murrayiNot EvaluatedA hardy gecko of the Thar borderlands, at home on rocks, scrub and village walls, long confused with the widespread Brook's house gecko.
Mysore Day GeckoCnemaspis mysoriensisLeast ConcernA small diurnal rock gecko of the Bangalore uplands and southern Deccan hills.
Nagarjunasagar RacerPlatyceps bholanathiData DeficientThis poorly-known racer streaks across rocky scrub habitats of peninsular India and remains too rarely seen to assess its conservation risk.
Nicobar BronzebackDendrelaphis humayuniNot EvaluatedA slim, alert bronzeback found only on the remote Nicobars, its bright interstitial skin flashing blue when it inflates its neck in alarm.
Nicobar Cat SnakeBoiga wallachiData DeficientA rare cat snake endemic to the Great and Little Nicobar Islands.
Nicobar Green Crested LizardBronchocela danieliNot EvaluatedA long-tailed arboreal agamid that shifts between bright green and brown with its mood, one of the signature reptiles of the Nicobar forests.
Nilgiri Burrowing SnakePlectrurus perrotetiLeast ConcernA stout, blunt-tailed burrower restricted to the cool high hills of the Nilgiris and neighbouring ranges.
Nilgiri Cat SnakeBoiga nuchalisLeast ConcernA mildly venomous, nocturnal tree snake endemic to the wet hill forests of the Western Ghats.
Nilgiri Day GeckoCnemaspis nilagiricaNot EvaluatedA diurnal dwarf gecko that clings to mossy rocks and trunks in the cool Nilgiri forests, flicking across shaded surfaces hunting tiny invertebrates.
Nilgiri Forest LizardCalotes nemoricolaLeast ConcernA robust arboreal lizard of misty Western Ghats forests, from the Nilgiris to the Anaimalais. Males flush bright colors when displaying.
Nilgiri KeelbackHebius beddomeiLeast ConcernNamed for naturalist Richard Beddome, this harmless water-loving snake hunts frogs and tadpoles along shaded hill streams.
Northeastern Green Vine SnakeAhaetulla borealisNot EvaluatedA slender, bright-green arboreal snake with horizontal pupils that give binocular vision, hunting lizards in northeast forests.
Northeastern Hill KraitBungarus bungaroidesLeast ConcernA glossy, banded, highly venomous elapid of the northeastern hill forests.
Northeastern Hill Pit ViperTrimeresurus septentrionalisLeast ConcernA green, prehensile tailed pit viper of the hill forests of northeastern India, closely related to the bamboo pit vipers.
Northern DravidogeckoDravidogecko septentrionalisNot EvaluatedA tiny gecko restricted to the high Nilgiri hills of the Western Ghats, clinging to tree trunks and rock faces in shola forest.
Northern House GeckoHemidactylus flaviviridisLeast ConcernThe pale yellow-bellied gecko that hunts insects near house lights across north India.
Northern Leaf-toed GeckoHemidactylus aquiloniusNot EvaluatedA slender nocturnal gecko that shelters in boulder crevices and buildings across the northeastern hills, emerging at night to hunt insects.
Northern River TerrapinBatagur baskaCritically EndangeredA mangrove-delta terrapin so depleted it survives mainly in captive-breeding pools in the Sundarbans.
Norvill's Flying LizardDraco norvilliiNear ThreatenedA gliding agamid endemic to the forests of northeastern India, recorded from Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.
Ocellate ShieldtailUropeltis ocellataLeast ConcernA burrowing shieldtail snake endemic to the Western Ghats south of the Goa Gap, including the Anaimalai, Nilgiri and Munnar hills.
Olive Forest SnakeRhabdophis himalayanusLeast ConcernA semi-aquatic keelback snake of the eastern Himalaya and northeast India.
Olive KeelbackAtretium schistosumLeast ConcernA semi-aquatic keelback of ponds, tanks and paddies in peninsular India, olive above with reddish sides, feeding on fish and frogs.
Olive Oriental Slender SnakeTrachischium laeveLeast ConcernA small grayish-brown snake with a yellowish belly, found in the western Indian Himalaya and Nepal.
Olive Ridley TurtleLepidochelys olivaceaVulnerableThousands swarm Odisha's beaches each year in spectacular synchronised nesting.
Olive Trapezoid SnakeRhabdops olivaceusNear ThreatenedA secretive olive-hued snake endemic to the Western Ghats, ranging from Kerala north into Karnataka.
Orange-bellied Slender SnakeTrachischium tenuicepsData DeficientA small secretive worm-eating snake of damp Himalayan and northeastern forests with a bright orange underside.
Oriental Garden LizardCalotes versicolorLeast ConcernA common garden lizard whose breeding male flushes red about the head and throat.
Oriental leaf-toed geckoHemidactylus bowringiiLeast ConcernA widespread East Asian gecko whose range extends into northeastern India.
Oriental Rat SnakePtyas mucosaLeast ConcernA long, fast non-venomous snake often mistaken for a cobra near farms.
Oriental Vine SnakeAhaetulla prasinaLeast ConcernA slender, bright green vine snake that blends into foliage in the forests of far northeastern India.
Ornate Day GeckoCnemaspis ornataNear ThreatenedA diurnal gecko of Western Ghats forests, active on boulders and trunks.
Ornate Flying SnakeChrysopelea ornataLeast ConcernA slender green-and-black tree snake that launches itself and glides through the canopy by flattening its ribs. Mildly venomous and rear-fanged.
Ornate Reef Sea SnakeHydrophis ornatusLeast ConcernA thick bodied, patterned sea snake that hunts small fish and gobies over reefs and muddy seabeds along India's coasts.
Ota's Mountain LizardJapalura otaiNot EvaluatedA cryptically patterned mountain lizard that basks on tree trunks in the cool forests of northeastern India, its bark-like colouring keeping it hidden.
Painted BronzebackDendrelaphis pictusLeast ConcernA slender, fast diurnal tree snake with a glinting bronze flank stripe, gliding through bushes after lizards and frogs in moist forests.
Painted KeelbackXenochrophis cerasogasterVulnerableA marsh-dwelling keelback snake with a striking cherry-red belly, found across the Gangetic plains.
Painted Leopard GeckoEublepharis pictusNot EvaluatedA stout, banded leopard gecko of the Eastern Ghats that, like its relatives, has moveable eyelids unusual among geckos.
Paradise Flying SnakeChrysopelea paradisiLeast ConcernA mildly venomous tree snake found in the Andaman Islands, known for gliding.
Peninsular Rock AgamaPsammophilus dorsalisLeast ConcernA flat rock lizard whose breeding male flushes brilliant red and black on sun-baked boulders.
Perrotet's Mountain SnakeXylophis perrotetiLeast ConcernA small secretive snake of high Western Ghats grasslands and montane forest soil.
Persian AgamaTrapelus agilisLeast ConcernA quick, sand colored agamid lizard of the Thar Desert that perches on low shrubs and rocks to scan for insects.
Persian Gulf Sea SnakeHydrophis lapemoidesLeast ConcernMarine sea snake found along India's western coastal waters.
Persian Leaf-toed GeckoHemidactylus persicusLeast ConcernA pale, slender gecko of the arid Thar landscape that forages on rocks and buildings after dark.
Persian Long-Tailed Desert LizardMesalina watsonanaLeast ConcernA small, slender ground-dwelling lizard of arid northwestern India that darts between rocks chasing insects.
Phipson's ShieldtailUropeltis phipsoniiVulnerableA burrowing snake of the northern Western Ghats whose hardened tail shield acts like a plug against predators.
Pirmad Cat SnakeBoiga dightoniData DeficientA rare, little-studied cat snake restricted to high-elevation forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Pope's Pit ViperTrimeresurus popeiorumLeast ConcernA green, prehensile-tailed pit viper of northeastern India, hunting from branches in Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.
Quincuncial Cat SnakeBoiga quincunciataLeast ConcernA rear-fanged cat snake known from the forests of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Radiated RatsnakeCoelognathus radiatusLeast ConcernA fast copper-headed ratsnake with bold neck stripes that is common in fields and forests.
Rainbow Water SnakeEnhydris enhydrisLeast ConcernMildly venomous water snake whose wet scales show an iridescent rainbow sheen.
Rajasthan Toad-Headed LizardBufoniceps laungwalaensisLeast ConcernA small toad-faced agamid endemic to the shifting dunes of the Thar Desert around Jaisalmer.
Rajendran's shieldtailUropeltis rajendraniNot EvaluatedA recently described burrowing shieldtail snake with a very restricted range in South India.
Rajgad day geckoCnemaspis rajgadensisNot EvaluatedA diurnal, insectivorous rock gecko endemic to the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra.
Red Bamboo RatsnakeOreocryptophis porphyraceusLeast ConcernA slender, secretive mountain ratsnake of northeast India and the eastern Himalaya, favouring cool, damp forest floors above the plains.
Red Sand BoaEryx johniiNear ThreatenedA thick brick-red boa whose blunt tail mimics a head, fuelling myths and illegal trade.
Red-crowned Roofed TurtleBatagur kachugaCritically EndangeredA Chambal river turtle whose breeding males flash crimson and blue head colours to court mates.
Red-necked KeelbackRhabdophis subminiatusLeast ConcernA slender, olive keelback with a flame orange neck patch, found in wetlands and paddy fields of northeastern India.
Red-spotted Diadem SnakeSpalerosophis arenariusLeast ConcernA pale, spotted snake of about 1 m, endemic to South Asia. In India it is found in Rajasthan, and it hibernates from December to February.
Red-spotted shieldtailUropeltis rubromaculataData DeficientA non-venomous shieldtail snake endemic to the southern Western Ghats of India.
Red-tailed Bamboo Pit ViperTrimeresurus erythrurusLeast ConcernA green arboreal pit viper of eastern India's wet lowland forests and floodplains.
Red-tailed Green RatsnakeGonyosoma oxycephalumLeast ConcernA large, slender tree-dwelling colubrid reaching India in the Andaman Islands, named for its green body and rust-toned tail.
Reeve's Ground SkinkScincella reevesiiLeast ConcernA small glossy leaf-litter skink ranging from southern China through Indochina, confirmed as an Indian reptile only in 2020 on the strength of photographs from Tripura.
Reticulated PythonMalayopython reticulatusLeast ConcernA giant constrictor of the Nicobar Islands, where it haunts forest edges and villages, its intricate diamond patterning breaking up its outline in dappled jungle light.
Rice Paddy SnakeHypsiscopus plumbeaLeast ConcernA small stocky water snake found in paddies and ponds of northeast India.
Robust GeckoHemidactylus robustusLeast ConcernA stocky coastal gecko found on the Gujarat coast and offshore islands, sheltering in rock crevices and buildings.
Rough-scaled Sand BoaEryx conicusNear ThreatenedA stout burrowing boa of dry plains with keeled scales and a stubby tail. It ambushes rodents from just below loose soil.
Rough-scaled SkinkEutropis rugiferaLeast ConcernA forest skink of northeast India and the Nicobars, foraging in leaf litter and low vegetation for insects.
Rough-tailed GeckoCyrtopodion scabrumLeast ConcernA small ground and wall gecko of dry north-west India, often near buildings.
Roux's Forest LizardMonilesaurus rouxiiLeast ConcernA diurnal tree lizard of peninsular Indian hill forests, formerly placed in Calotes. Males develop reddish throats in the breeding season.
Rurk's Cat SkinkRistella rurkiiNear ThreatenedA small insectivorous skink endemic to the rainforests and shola grasslands of the southern Western Ghats.
Russell's ViperDaboia russeliiLeast ConcernA chain-patterned viper, one of India's deadliest snakebite culprits.
Sahyadri vine snakeAhaetulla sahyadrensisNot EvaluatedA slender green-brown arboreal vine snake endemic to the Western Ghats of India.
Salazar's Pit ViperTrimeresurus salazarLeast ConcernGreen pit viper from Arunachal Pradesh lowlands with reddish stripes on males.
Saltwater CrocodileCrocodylus porosusLeast ConcernThe colossal estuarine crocodile rules the tidal creeks of the Sundarbans.
Satara GeckoHemidactylus sataraensisCritically EndangeredA large rock-dwelling gecko found only on lateritic plateaus in Maharashtra, now squeezed by wind farms and quarrying.
Satpura Leopard GeckoEublepharis satpuraensisLeast ConcernA ground-dwelling eyelid gecko of central Indian dry forest that emerges after dark to hunt insects.
Saw-scaled ViperEchis carinatusLeast ConcernA small desert viper that rubs its serrated scales together to sizzle a warning before it strikes.
Scaly GeckoHemidactylus scabricepsEndangeredA rough-scaled gecko native to the drier rocky habitats of peninsular India.
Schokari Sand RacerPsammophis schokariLeast ConcernA slender, fast desert snake of Africa and Asia. In India it occurs only in the arid northwest, in the Thar region.
Sharma's MabuyaEutropis nagarjunensisNear ThreatenedA skink first described from the Nagarjunasagar region of Andhra Pradesh in peninsular India.
Shevaroy Hills Earth SnakeUropeltis shorttiiCritically EndangeredCritically endangered shieldtail snake restricted to one hill range in Tamil Nadu.
Shorthead Kukri SnakeOligodon brevicaudaVulnerableA vulnerable, short-tailed kukri snake endemic to the Western Ghats.
Side-spotted Ground SkinkKaestlea laterimaculataNot EvaluatedA small, shy skink of Western Ghats leaf litter and undergrowth, slipping through moist forest floor foraging for insects.
Siebold's water snakeEnhydris sieboldiiLeast ConcernA mildly venomous aquatic homalopsid snake of the plains of northern and northeastern India.
Sikkim KeelbackHerpetoreas sieboldiiData DeficientA semi-aquatic keeled water snake of Himalayan streams and damp montane forest in northern India.
Sind Awl-headed SnakeLytorhynchus paradoxusLeast ConcernA small sand-dwelling snake of the Thar desert with an upturned snout.
Sind KraitBungarus sindanusLeast ConcernA highly venomous nocturnal krait of northwestern India, ranging through Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab and Maharashtra.
Slender Sea SnakeMicrocephalophis gracilisLeast ConcernA small-headed sea snake common off the Coromandel and Malabar coasts of southern India.
Smooth-backed Gliding GeckoGekko lionotumLeast ConcernFirst recorded in India from Mizoram in 2001, this gecko spreads flaps of skin along its body, limbs and tail to slow its glide from trunk to trunk.
Smooth-scaled Mountain LizardCristidorsa planidorsataNot EvaluatedA small forest agamid of the northeastern hills that clings to mossy trunks and rocks in humid montane woodland.
South Andaman kraitBungarus andamanensisData DeficientAn elapid endemic to the Andaman Islands, described in 1978 and rarely encountered.
Southeast Asian Box TurtleCuora amboinensisEndangeredA semi-aquatic box turtle of the northeast and Nicobars heavily exploited for the pet and food trade.
Southern Flying LizardDraco dussumieriLeast ConcernA tree lizard that spreads winglike flaps of skin to glide between trunks across the Western Ghats canopy.
Southern Large-scaled Pit ViperCraspedocephalus peltopelorNot EvaluatedA stout arboreal pit viper of the southern Western Ghats that ambushes frogs and lizards from mossy branches at night.
Spine-bellied Sea SnakeHydrophis curtusLeast ConcernA stout marine snake of Indian coastal waters often hauled up as bycatch in fishing nets.
Spiny-headed Fan-throated LizardSitana spinaecephalusNot EvaluatedA fast-running lizard of dry open country in peninsular India, named for the spiny scales on its head.
Spiny-scaled GeckoHemidactylus acanthopholisNot EvaluatedA rough-skinned rock gecko of the southern peninsula, its back studded with spiny scales, sheltering in crevices by day and hunting insects after dark.
Spotted Flying DragonDraco maculatusLeast ConcernA tiny arboreal agamid of the eastern Himalayan and northeastern forests.
Spotted Forest SkinkSphenomorphus maculatusLeast ConcernA mottled brown forest skink recorded from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Darjeeling.
Spotted House GeckoHemidactylus parvimaculatusLeast ConcernA widespread nocturnal gecko of southern India and Sri Lanka, at home on walls, tree trunks and inside buildings.
Spotted Pond TurtleGeoclemys hamiltoniiEndangeredA jet-black freshwater turtle spangled with yellow stars, heavily trafficked across the north.
Spotted Rock GeckoHemidactylus maculatusLeast ConcernA robust spotted gecko of rock faces and boulders in peninsular India, emerging at night to ambush insects.
Spotted shieldtailUropeltis maculataLeast ConcernA non-venomous burrowing shieldtail snake endemic to the hills of southern India, rarely seen above ground.
Spotted Slug SnakePareas maculariusLeast ConcernA snail and slug eating snake of northeast hill forests whose specialised teeth extract prey from coiled shells.
Spotted Supple SkinkRiopa punctataNot EvaluatedA slender, snake-like burrowing skink widespread in India, whose young sport a bright red tail that dulls with age.
Sri Lanka Cat SnakeBoiga ceylonensisLeast ConcernA slender nocturnal cat snake of Western Ghats forests, mildly venomous and harmless to people.
Srilekha's GeckoellaCyrtodactylus srilekhaeNot EvaluatedA terrestrial gecko of Karnataka's rocky forest floor, foraging at night among leaf litter and stones.
Stokes's Sea SnakeHydrophis stokesiiLeast ConcernA stout, fully marine venomous sea snake found off India's coasts.
Stoliczka's GeckoAltiphylax stoliczkaiLeast ConcernA high-altitude gecko of Ladakh and the western Himalaya, surviving among rocks in one of the harshest gecko habitats.
Stout Sand SnakePsammophis longifronsLeast ConcernA fast, diurnal ground snake of dry western India's grass and scrub.
Streaked Kukri SnakeOligodon taeniolatusLeast ConcernA small, patterned kukri snake of dry peninsular India, using curved rear teeth to open and feed on reptile eggs.
Stripe-tailed BronzebackDendrelaphis caudolineolatusLeast ConcernA slim, agile bronzeback that races through low vegetation by day, ranging across peninsular India and Sri Lanka.
Striped Sea SnakeHydrophis fasciatusLeast ConcernA banded venomous sea snake of shallow coastal waters around the Indian mainland that feeds mainly on burrowing eels.
Striped Tree SkinkLipinia vittigeraNot EvaluatedA slim, agile skink that climbs tree trunks and bamboo in the forests of northeastern India, the bold pale dorsal line easy to spot as it darts upward.
Stump-toed GeckoGehyra mutilataLeast ConcernA soft-skinned house and forest gecko of southern India and the islands, famous for how readily it drops its tail.
Subocular BronzebackDendrelaphis subocularisLeast ConcernA slim, fast bronzeback of northeast India and neighbouring hills, foraging in shrubs and low branches for small prey.
Sunbeam SnakeXenopeltis unicolorLeast ConcernBurrowing non venomous snake known for its highly polished, light reflecting scales.
Superb Fan-throated LizardSarada superbaCritically EndangeredA critically endangered agamid known for the male's vivid throat fan display.
Tartar Sand BoaEryx tataricusLeast ConcernA stocky, short tailed burrowing boa found in the cold desert valleys of Ladakh at the edge of its Central Asian range.
Tawny Cat SnakeBoiga ochraceaLeast ConcernA slender, rear-fanged cat snake found across the northeast and the Andaman Islands.
Termite Hill GeckoHemidactylus triedrusLeast ConcernA handsomely blotched ground gecko of dry south-central India, often sheltering in termite mounds and rock crevices.
Thackeray's Cat SnakeBoiga thackerayiNot EvaluatedA rear-fanged nocturnal tree snake described from the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra.
Theobald's Toad-headed AgamaPhrynocephalus theobaldiLeast ConcernA flat bodied, toad headed lizard of the cold Trans Himalayan desert that shelters in sand and rock crevices to escape freezing nights.
Three-striped Roofed TurtleBatagur dhongokaCritically EndangeredA large river turtle nesting on Ganges and Chambal sandbars, now down to a few protected stretches.
Tokay GeckoGekko geckoLeast ConcernA large blue-spotted gecko that barks a loud to-kay from walls and tree hollows.
Travancore Cat SkinkRistella travancoricaData DeficientA leaf-litter skink of the southern Western Ghats with unusual retractable claws.
Travancore Flying SnakeChrysopelea taprobanicaLeast ConcernA slender gliding snake of southern Indian and Sri Lankan forests.
Travancore Ground SkinkKaestlea travancoricaLeast ConcernThis diminutive lizard hides in damp montane leaf litter, its flanks flecked with dark side-spots that give it another name of side-spotted ground skink.
Travancore Kukri SnakeOligodon travancoricusData DeficientA small egg-eating forest snake endemic to the hills of southern Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Travancore Pit ViperCraspedocephalus travancoricusNot EvaluatedA nocturnal ambush viper of southern Western Ghats rainforest that waits motionless on low branches near streams.
Travancore Rock GeckoHemidactylus paaragowliNot EvaluatedA big-bodied gecko that clings to boulders and cliff faces in the southern Western Ghats.
Travancore TortoiseIndotestudo travancoricaVulnerableA forest tortoise endemic to the hill forests of the Western Ghats.
Travancore vine snakeAhaetulla travancoricaNot EvaluatedA slender emerald arboreal snake endemic to the Agasthyamalai Hills of the southern Western Ghats.
Travancore Wolf SnakeLycodon travancoricusLeast ConcernA harmless nocturnal wolf snake of the Western Ghats, boldly banded so it resembles the venomous krait. It feeds mainly on geckos.
Tri-striped shieldtailPlatyplectrurus trilineatusData DeficientA fossorial uropeltid snake of high-elevation Western Ghats forest, so seldom found that little is known of its natural history.
Triangle keelbackXenochrophis trianguligerusLeast ConcernA colourful semi-aquatic keelback widespread in Southeast Asia, entering Indian territory in the Nicobars.
Tricarinate Hill TurtleMelanochelys tricarinataVulnerableA small terrestrial turtle of moist forest floors marked by three ridges along its carapace.
Twin-spotted Wolf SnakeLycodon jaraLeast ConcernA slender nocturnal wolf snake of the northeastern hills that feeds mainly on skinks and geckos.
Two-coloured Wolf SnakeLycodon bicolorNear ThreatenedA harmless wolf snake restricted to the western Himalayas from Uttarakhand westward.
Two-lined Black ShieldtailMelanophidium bilineatumNot EvaluatedA shiny black shieldtail snake of the Western Ghats that lives underground in moist forest soil, rarely surfacing.
Two-lined Ground SkinkKaestlea bilineataLeast ConcernThis tiny ground-dwelling lizard darts through damp forest litter, marked by two pale stripes running the length of its bronze body.
Tytler's MabuyaEutropis tytleriNot EvaluatedAn island-endemic skink that basks on open ground and forest edges, restricted to the Andaman archipelago.
Umashaanker's Dwarf GeckoCnemaspis umashaankeriNot EvaluatedA day-active dwarf gecko known from the Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve, the hill range that links the Western and Eastern Ghats in Karnataka.
Variable vine snakeAhaetulla anomalaNot EvaluatedA slender arboreal vine snake found across northern and eastern India and Bangladesh, formerly lumped with the green vine snake.
Variegated Mountain LizardJapalura variegataLeast ConcernA crested agamid lizard living among rocks and trees in the eastern Himalaya.
Vellore Bridal SnakeLycodon nymphaLeast ConcernA small, slender, nocturnal wolf snake of southern India and Sri Lanka, formerly placed in the genus Dryocalamus.
Visiri's Fan-throated LizardSitana visiriVulnerableA small fan-throated lizard endemic to a narrow strip of Tamil Nadu coastline.
Wall's BronzebackDendrelaphis cyanochlorisLeast ConcernA fast, agile blue-tinged tree snake of northeastern India and the Andaman Islands.
Wall's KraitBungarus walliLeast ConcernA banded, nocturnal elapid of the northern Indian plains, long confused with the common krait.
Wall's vine snakeAhaetulla isabellinaNot EvaluatedA tree-dwelling vine snake endemic to the southern Western Ghats of India.
Wallace's RacerWallaceophis gujaratensisLeast ConcernA slender striped colubrid known only from a handful of localities in the Indian state of Gujarat.
Water RhabdopsRhabdops aquaticusLeast ConcernA secretive, iridescent-scaled snake endemic to the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa.
West Indian Leopard GeckoEublepharis fuscusNear ThreatenedA stout nocturnal gecko found in scrub and boulder strewn hills of western India.
Western Ghat Worm GeckoHemiphyllodactylus aurantiacusCritically EndangeredA tiny, slender-bodied gecko restricted to a few hill ranges of southern India.
Western Ghats BronzebackDendrelaphis chairecacosNot EvaluatedAn arboreal racer of the wet Ghats forests, quick to vanish into the canopy when disturbed, its lean build and large eyes suited to chasing lizards among branches.
Western Ghats King CobraOphiophagus kaalingaNot EvaluatedGenetic work split the king cobra into four species in 2024, and this is the Western Ghats lineage that builds leaf nests in the rainforests of Agumbe, Kerala and Goa.
Western kukriOligodon affinisLeast ConcernA small forest-floor snake of the Western Ghats, brown above with a distinctive dark head marking and a boldly yellow-and-black patterned belly.
Whitaker's BoaEryx whitakeriNear ThreatenedA stout, fossorial sand boa endemic to coastal southwestern India in Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and southern Maharashtra.
Whitaker's Termite Hill GeckoHemidactylus whitakeriLeast ConcernNamed after herpetologist Romulus Whitaker, this stout terrestrial gecko shelters around rocky outcrops and old termite mounds.
White Striped Viper GeckoHemidactylus albofasciatusVulnerableGround dwelling nocturnal gecko restricted to open lateritic habitats in Maharashtra.
White-banded Ground GeckoCyrtodactylus albofasciatusLeast ConcernA rock crevice dwelling bent-toed gecko endemic to the northern Western Ghats.
White-banded Wolf SnakeLycodon septentrionalisLeast ConcernA boldly banded, non-venomous wolf snake of northeast hill forests that hunts skinks and geckos at night.
White-barred Kukri SnakeOligodon albocinctusLeast ConcernA boldly banded, egg eating kukri snake found in the moist forests and gardens of northeastern India.
White-lipped Pit ViperTrimeresurus albolabrisLeast ConcernA bright green arboreal pit viper found in India's northeastern forests.
White-spotted Supple SkinkRiopa albopunctataLeast ConcernA glossy burrowing skink that wriggles through leaf litter and garden soil.
Wood-Mason's Earth SnakeUropeltis woodmasoniLeast ConcernThis burrowing snake rarely surfaces, living hidden in hill soil where its blunt head pushes through the earth and its shielded tail guards the rear.
Wood-Mason's Kukri SnakeOligodon woodmasoniNot EvaluatedA kukri snake endemic to the Nicobar Islands that uses blade-like rear teeth to open and eat eggs.
Wynaad Black Earth SnakeMelanophidium wynaudenseLeast ConcernA glossy burrowing shieldtail of the southern Western Ghats that spends almost its whole life in damp forest soil.
Wynad Day GeckoCnemaspis wynadensisEndangeredAn endangered day gecko restricted to a tiny range in the Kerala Western Ghats.
Wynad KeelbackHebius monticolaLeast ConcernA small, slender, harmless keelback of leaf litter in Western Ghats forests, recorded from the Kodagu and Wayanad regions. The head is reddish and the body brown with a green gloss.
Yellow MonitorVaranus flavescensEndangeredA stout yellowish monitor lizard most active in the floodplains during the monsoon.
Yellow Sea SnakeHydrophis spiralisLeast ConcernA long yellow sea snake with narrow black bands found along both Indian coasts.
Yellow Vine SnakeAhaetulla flavescensNot EvaluatedA graceful arboreal hunter that threads through canopy foliage after lizards and frogs, its warm yellowish flanks setting it apart from its green cousins.
Yellow-bellied Day GeckoCnemaspis flaviventralisNot EvaluatedA day-active dwarf gecko from the Amboli region of the northern Western Ghats, favouring shaded, humid rock faces in evergreen forest.
Yellow-bellied Mole SkinkEurylepis taeniolataLeast ConcernA slim striped skink of dry northwestern India with a distinctive pale yellow belly.
Yellow-bellied Sea SnakeHydrophis platurusLeast ConcernA black-and-yellow sea snake that drifts the open ocean and washes onto Indian beaches.
Yellow-green Cat SnakeBoiga flaviviridisLeast ConcernMildly venomous rear fanged snake found across dry forests of eastern India.
Yellow-lipped Sea KraitLaticauda colubrinaLeast ConcernA black banded, paddle tailed sea snake that hunts eels around reefs of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and returns to land to rest.
Yellow-spotted KeelbackFowlea flavipunctatusNot EvaluatedA common freshwater keelback of ponds and slow streams that feeds mainly on frogs and fish, flattening its neck to look larger when cornered.
Yellow-spotted Wolf SnakeLycodon flavomaculatusLeast ConcernA harmless Western Ghats wolf snake patterned to resemble a dangerous viper.
Yercaud Day GeckoCnemaspis yercaudensisEndangeredA day-active rock gecko found only in the Shevaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu.
Amphibians 268 species
Adonis Dancing FrogMicrixalus adonisNot EvaluatedA dancing frog of Western Ghats torrents whose males communicate with leg-waving displays where calls cannot be heard.
Agasthyamalai Bush FrogRaorchestes agasthyaensisNear ThreatenedA direct-developing bush frog whose eggs hatch straight into froglets with no tadpole stage, found only in high-elevation forest.
Alicia's Night FrogNyctibatrachus aliciaeEndangeredA small riparian night frog of the southern Western Ghats, living in evergreen-forest streams with a very restricted range.
Aloys' Skittering FrogEuphlyctis aloysiiNot EvaluatedA skittering frog endemic to coastal Karnataka in southwestern India, at home in ponds and paddy pools.
Amboli Bush FrogRaorchestes munnarensisCritically EndangeredCritically endangered bush frog restricted to a single forest patch in Kerala.
Amboli Lateritic ToadBeduka amboliEndangeredThis tiny endangered toad breeds in temporary monsoon puddles in the laterite plateaus of Maharashtra.
Amboli Leaping FrogIndirana chiravasiVulnerableLeaping frog known only from rocky plateaus around the Amboli hill station.
Amboli ToadXanthophryne tigerinaCritically EndangeredA tiny golden toad restricted to a single rocky plateau in the northern Western Ghats.
Anaimalai Flying FrogRhacophorus pseudomalabaricusCritically EndangeredA vivid green gliding frog clinging to a few shrinking rainforest patches in the Anaimalai Hills.
Anaimalai Leaping FrogIndirana brachytarsusLeast ConcernA Western Ghats leaping frog known from the Anaimalai Hills, where its tadpoles develop on wet rock rather than in open water.
Anamalai Bush FrogRaorchestes blandusEndangeredA threatened bush frog of low and mid elevation evergreen forest in the Anamalai region.
Anamalai Dot FrogUperodon anamalaiensisEndangeredA rare endangered narrow-mouthed frog from the Anamalai hills of South India.
Anamallai Night FrogNyctibatrachus anamallaiensisEndangeredA tiny night frog known only from marshy streamside pasture near Valparai in the Anaimalai Hills.
Andaman Dwarf ToadBlythophryne beryetNot EvaluatedA tiny arboreal toad found only in the Andaman Islands of India, the single species in its genus.
Anderson's Bubble-Nest FrogRaorchestes andersoniLeast ConcernAn arboreal bush frog of northeast Indian forest edges and marshes, recorded inside Nameri National Park.
Anil's Bush FrogRaorchestes aniliLeast ConcernA small Western Ghats shrub frog from Kerala that breeds on land and skips the tadpole stage entirely.
Annandale's Bush FrogRaorchestes annandaliiLeast ConcernA bushfrog of the eastern Himalayas in India, Nepal and Bhutan, found in montane forest and high shrubland.
Apatani Horned FrogXenophrys apataniNot EvaluatedA leaf litter horned frog from Tale Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh, recognised as its own species in 2024.
Asian Common ToadDuttaphrynus melanostictusLeast ConcernA warty toad found everywhere from forests to verandas after the first rains.
Assam Cascade FrogAmolops formosusLeast ConcernA slender torrent frog of Himalayan and northeastern hill streams, built for climbing wet rock faces against the flow.
Assam Gliding FrogRhacophorus translineatusNear ThreatenedA gliding tree frog of the eastern Himalaya in Arunachal Pradesh, breeding in still forest pools.
Assam Hills FrogClinotarsus alticolaLeast ConcernA slender forest frog of the northeastern hills whose oversized tadpoles overwinter in cool streams before metamorphosis.
Assam Tree FrogChirixalus simusLeast ConcernA slim, pointed-snouted tree frog of northeast India that lays its eggs in foam nests attached to vegetation above pools.
Athirappilly Night FrogNyctibatrachus athirappillyensisNot EvaluatedA night frog described from the forests near Athirappilly falls, breeding along fast Western Ghats streams.
Banded BullfrogKaloula pulchraLeast ConcernA stout, burrowing frog of northeastern India that spends the dry months underground and erupts into chorus after the first monsoon rains.
Bangladesh Coastal BullfrogHoplobatrachus litoralisLeast ConcernA large bullfrog long mistaken for the Indian bullfrog. In India it is recorded from West Bengal, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Bark Bush FrogRaorchestes nerostagonaVulnerableA cryptic, bark-dwelling shrub frog of the Western Ghats. Its camouflaged coloration and canopy habits kept it undescribed until 2006.
Beautiful Pygmy FrogMicrohyla pulchraLeast ConcernA cryptic pygmy frog of forest edges in northeast India, seldom seen despite being common.
Beddome's Bush FrogRaorchestes beddomiiLeast ConcernA small frog that calls from low vegetation on rainy nights; like all Raorchestes it develops directly from egg to froglet.
Beddome's CaecilianIchthyophis beddomeiLeast ConcernA glossy, eel-like amphibian with no legs that spends its life tunnelling through damp forest soil.
Beddome's Leaping FrogIndirana beddomiiEndangeredEndemic to the Western Ghats, this leaping frog is named for naturalist Beddome, and its tadpoles develop on damp rocks rather than in pools.
Beddome's ToadDuttaphrynus beddomiiLeast ConcernA southern Western Ghats toad of forest floor and streamsides, active and breeding through the wet season.
Beddomixalus bijuiBeddomixalus bijuiNot EvaluatedA canopy-dwelling rhacophorid endemic to the high Western Ghats and the sole member of its genus, breeding in tree-hollow pools.
Bengal Tree FrogPolypedates bengalensisData DeficientA whipping frog endemic to West Bengal, recorded only a few metres above sea level.
Berdmore's Narrow-mouthed FrogMicrohyla berdmoreiLeast ConcernA narrow-mouthed frog with a tiny pointed head and marbled back that shelters in damp leaf litter and breeds in rain pools.
Bicolored FrogClinotarsus curtipesLeast ConcernA Western Ghats endemic also called the Malabar frog. Its huge tadpoles swarm in slow forest streams, and adults play dead to escape predators.
Black Torrent FrogMicrixalus saxicolaVulnerableThis small torrent or dancing frog lives along forest streams of the Western Ghats, waving its legs on spray-soaked rocks to attract mates.
Black-Striped FrogSylvirana nigrovittataLeast ConcernA common stream frog of evergreen forest in northeast India, found up to about 800 metres.
Blanford's Paa FrogNanorana blanfordiiLeast ConcernA brown frog of cold Himalayan streams, active even at high elevations where few amphibians survive.
Bob Inger's Bush FrogRaorchestes bobingeriNear ThreatenedA near-threatened shrub frog native to the Western Ghats of southern India, developing directly inside the egg.
Boettger's Horned ToadBoulenophrys boettgeriLeast ConcernA horned toad of hill forest in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Assam, also widespread in southern China.
Bombay Bush FrogRaorchestes bombayensisVulnerableA bush frog endemic to the Western Ghats, found in forest understorey and shrubland. Logging, building and tourism threaten its habitat.
Bombay CaecilianIchthyophis bombayensisData DeficientA serpentine, limbless caecilian that tunnels through moist soils of the northern Western Ghats.
Bombay Night FrogNyctibatrachus humayuniVulnerableA stream frog famous for a bizarre 'dorsal straddle' where the male never grips the female.
Bompu Litter FrogLeptobrachium bompuData DeficientA stout, big-eyed litter frog of the eastern Himalayan foothills, part of a wave of amphibian finds from Eaglenest.
Boulenger's Lazy ToadScutiger boulengeriLeast ConcernA high-altitude toad of the family Megophryidae found in Sikkim, Nepal and western China, also called the Xizang alpine toad.
Bronzed FrogIndosylvirana temporalisNear ThreatenedNamed for the bronzed sheen of its back, this agile frog sits on wet rocks and leaf litter beside clear hill streams.
Brown Leaping FrogIndirana semipalmataLeast ConcernA leaping frog whose semi-terrestrial tadpoles develop on wet rocks and bark.
Burmese Tree FrogZhangixalus burmanusLeast ConcernA leaf-green rhacophorid with webbed feet, formerly placed in Rhacophorus, found in the moist hill forests of the northeast.
Castle Rock Night FrogNyctibatrachus petraeusNear ThreatenedA rock-dwelling night frog of fast Western Ghats streams, with granular skin and reduced webbing for gripping wet stone.
Cave Dancing FrogMicrixalus speluncaCritically EndangeredA critically endangered dancing frog endemic to the Western Ghats, males waving their hind legs to signal over fast streams.
Chalazodes Bubble-nest FrogRaorchestes chalazodesVulnerableA jewel-like green frog rediscovered after a century, it lays eggs inside living bamboo internodes.
Charius Bush FrogRaorchestes chariusLeast ConcernA small shrub-dwelling frog endemic to the Western Ghats, living in tropical moist evergreen forests of Karnataka.
Cold Dancing FrogMicrixalus frigidusNot EvaluatedA Western Ghats dancing frog endemic to fast montane streams, where males semaphore with their legs to be seen above the water noise.
Common Indian Cricket FrogMinervarya agricolaLeast ConcernA widespread little frog of the Indian subcontinent, thriving from flooded plains and human habitation up into wet hill forests.
Common Indian Tree FrogPolypedates maculatusLeast ConcernA pale brown tree frog that whips up frothy foam nests over monsoon pools.
Common Tree FrogPolypedates leucomystaxLeast ConcernA slim, fawn-coloured tree frog of northeastern India and beyond, building frothy foam nests on vegetation above ponds.
Coonoor Bush FrogRaorchestes coonoorensisEndangeredAn Endangered high-elevation bush frog endemic to the Nilgiris of the Western Ghats, threatened by shrinking shola habitat.
Coorg Yellow Bush FrogRaorchestes luteolusLeast ConcernEndemic to the Western Ghats of Karnataka, this small bush frog calls from low vegetation and breeds directly without a tadpole stage.
Copper-cheeked FrogOdorrana chloronotaLeast ConcernA vivid green torrent frog of northeast India's hill streams, agile on wet rocks in fast-flowing water.
Corrugated FrogLimnonectes khasianusLeast ConcernA fork-tongued frog of Northeast India and Southeast Asia, with its type locality in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya.
Crab-Eating FrogFejervarya cancrivoraLeast ConcernA mangrove frog reaching its western limit on the Odisha coast, tolerating salt water by loading its blood with urea.
Cross-backed Bush FrogRaorchestes signatusEndangeredA direct-developing shola bush frog whose eggs hatch straight into tiny froglets.
Daniel's Night FrogNyctibatrachus danieliNot EvaluatedA wrinkled night frog with a tiny known range in the northern Western Ghats.
Dark-sided Chorus FrogMicrohyla heymonsiLeast ConcernA widespread narrow-mouthed frog reaching India in the northeast and on Great Nicobar Island.
Darrel's Chorus FrogMicrohyla darreliNot EvaluatedA narrow-mouthed frog endemic to the Western Ghats south of the Palghat Gap.
Dattatreya Night FrogNyctibatrachus dattatreyaensisCritically EndangeredCritically endangered stream frog restricted to the central Western Ghats.
David's Striped CaecilianIchthyophis davidiNot EvaluatedA limbless, burrowing amphibian with a pale side stripe; females coil around their eggs in the soil until they hatch.
Deccan Night FrogNyctibatrachus deccanensisVulnerableA stocky, rough-skinned frog that clings to wet rocks in hill streams, where males guard eggs laid on streamside stone.
Dobson's Burrowing FrogSphaerotheca dobsoniiLeast ConcernA toad-like burrowing frog that surfaces to call in gardens during the monsoon.
Doria's Tree FrogChirixalus doriaeLeast ConcernA small whitish tree frog of northeast Indian and Southeast Asian forests, a foam-nesting rhacophorid.
Dubious Bush FrogPhilautus dubiusData DeficientA little known bush frog endemic to northeast India, listed as data deficient because almost nothing has been recorded about it.
Dubois's Bush FrogRaorchestes duboisVulnerableA montane bush frog of the southern Western Ghats that calls from shrubs and ferns during the monsoon.
Dusky Torrent FrogMicrixalus fuscusNear ThreatenedA near-threatened torrent frog of forested Western Ghats streams. Males perform foot-flagging displays, kicking out a leg to be seen above the rushing water.
Elegant Dancing FrogMicrixalus elegansVulnerableA small torrent-side frog of the Western Ghats whose males stretch out a webbed hind foot to signal over the roar of fast water.
Eluru Dot FrogUperodon variegatusLeast ConcernA stout burrowing frog found widely across peninsular India, from Andhra Pradesh to West Bengal.
Euphlyctis jaladharaEuphlyctis jaladharaNot EvaluatedA skittering frog of the western coastal plains of peninsular India, known from parts of Kerala and Karnataka. It was separated from related species using body form and DNA.
False Hourglass Tree FrogPolypedates pseudocrucigerLeast ConcernA tree frog that builds foam nests on leaves so its tadpoles drop into pools below.
Forest Dancing FrogMicrixalus silvaticusEndangeredAn endangered dancing frog of shaded Western Ghats streams, named for its forest habitat.
Franky's Narrow-Mouthed FrogMysticellus frankiCritically EndangeredThe only member of its genus, known from a single area of Wayanad in northern Kerala.
Fungoid FrogHydrophylax malabaricusLeast ConcernA vividly red-backed frog with yellow flanks that hops the leaf litter of the Western Ghats.
Gadgil's Dancing FrogMicrixalus gadgiliEndangeredAn Endangered dancing frog of Western Ghats streams, honouring one of India's foremost conservation ecologists.
Galaxy FrogMelanobatrachus indicusVulnerableA secretive narrow-mouthed frog of the southern Western Ghats' wet evergreen forests, considered an evolutionarily distinct relic with no close living relatives.
Ghat Tree FrogGhatixalus asteropsNear ThreatenedA high altitude tree frog restricted to the Palani Hills and areas south of the Palghat Gap.
Ghate's Shrub FrogRaorchestes ghateiLeast ConcernA small bush frog endemic to the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra, breeding away from open water.
Giant Wrinkled FrogNyctibatrachus karnatakaensisEndangeredAn Endangered, big-bodied night frog of Karnataka's Western Ghats streams, sensitive to habitat loss.
Glandular Bush FrogRaorchestes glandulosusVulnerableA vulnerable bush frog of the Western Ghats. Like its relatives it skips the tadpole stage, with young hatching directly as tiny froglets.
Glandular Horned FrogMegophrys glandulosaLeast ConcernA large-headed frog with fleshy eyelid horns and leaf-brown skin that ambushes prey on the damp forest floor.
Goan Cricket FrogMinervarya gomantakiLeast ConcernA small ground frog endemic to the Western Ghats, once confused with related cricket frogs.
Golden FrogIndosylvirana aurantiacaVulnerableA golden-backed frog endemic to the southern Western Ghats, living in wetlands and forests up to 1,400 metres. Habitat loss is shrinking its range.
Grand Wrinkled FrogNyctibatrachus grandisNot EvaluatedA robust stream-dwelling night frog of the Western Ghats, part of a genus of ancient endemic amphibians.
Green Puddle FrogOccidozyga limaLeast ConcernA small floating frog of marshes, ditches and paddy fields in northeast India and across Southeast Asia.
Green-eyed Bush FrogRaorchestes chlorosommaEndangeredAn Endangered bush frog known from the Munnar region of Kerala, distinguished by striking green eyes.
Griet Bush FrogRaorchestes grietVulnerableA tiny bush frog of the Anaimalai-Munnar highlands, confined to a small patch of montane habitat.
Himalayan Crocodile NewtTylototriton himalayanusNot EvaluatedA knobby-skinned newt that breeds in cool montane pools of the eastern Himalaya near Darjeeling.
Himalayan Horned FrogXenophrys majorLeast ConcernA big-headed forest frog of the eastern Himalaya and northeast whose triangular eyelid horns and brown patterning make it look like a dead leaf.
Himalayan NewtTylototriton verrucosusNear ThreatenedA knobbly orange-flanked salamander, the only true newt found anywhere in India's eastern hills.
Himalayan ToadDuttaphrynus himalayanusLeast ConcernA broad-skulled brown toad found from Kashmir through northern India into Nepal and Bhutan, breeding in cold mountain streams.
Himalayan Tree FrogPolypedates himalayensisLeast ConcernA widespread tree frog of northeastern India tolerant of disturbed, human altered habitats.
Honnametti Bush FrogRaorchestes honnamettiNear ThreatenedA shrub frog of the Biligiriranga Hills, a range that bridges the Western and Eastern Ghats.
Humerana humeralisHumerana humeralisLeast ConcernA ranid frog found in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Nepal, living in moist lowland forest and along rivers.
Indian Balloon FrogUperodon globulosusLeast ConcernA rounded, balloon-like frog found across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh. It spends much of its life buried, surfacing to breed after heavy rain.
Indian BullfrogHoplobatrachus tigerinusLeast ConcernA large frog whose breeding males flush brilliant yellow with blue vocal sacs.
Indian Burrowing FrogSphaerotheca brevicepsLeast ConcernA squat frog that buries itself through the dry season and bursts out to breed with the rains.
Indian Dot FrogUperodon mormoratusEndangeredA marbled, globular narrow-mouthed frog endemic to the southwestern Western Ghats, restricted to a handful of sites.
Indian Golden-backed FrogIndosylvirana indicaNot EvaluatedA golden-backed frog of Western Ghats forests, one of several look-alike species split apart by recent genetics.
Indian Green FrogEuphlyctis hexadactylusLeast ConcernA big bright-green frog of ponds and paddies in peninsular India and the Ghats, floating at the surface and largely vegetarian as an adult.
Indian Skipper FrogEuphlyctis cyanophlyctisLeast ConcernA pond frog that skitters across the surface in long leaps when startled from the shallows.
Indian ToadDuttaphrynus parietalisNear ThreatenedA ridge-headed toad endemic to the Western Ghats, found on rainforest floors from Karnataka southward.
Indigo Bush FrogRaorchestes indigoVulnerableA Western Ghats shrub frog whose muted body hides startling indigo flash colours on its inner legs.
Indraneil's Night FrogNyctibatrachus indraneiliCritically EndangeredA critically endangered wrinkled frog endemic to India, among the most imperilled of the night frogs.
Interrupted CaecilianUraeotyphlus interruptusData DeficientAn earthworm-like amphibian of the Kerala Ghats recognised by its banded underside, living underground in damp forest soil.
Jayaram's Bush FrogRaorchestes jayaramiEndangeredAn endangered bush frog restricted to the Valparai hills of the Tamil Nadu Western Ghats.
Jerdon's BullfrogHoplobatrachus crassusLeast ConcernA powerful plains bullfrog that appears in flooded fields with the first monsoon downpours.
Jerdon's Narrow-mouthed FrogUperodon montanusLeast ConcernA burrowing frog endemic to the Western Ghats that breeds in tree hollows.
Jerdon's Tree FrogHyla annectansLeast ConcernA green hylid tree frog of Northeast India, ranging into Myanmar, China and Vietnam, a notable exception in a country with almost no native hylids.
Jerdon's Tree Hole FrogNasutixalus jerdoniiData DeficientA northeastern Indian tree frog whose tadpoles hatch inside water filled tree holes and are fed unfertilised eggs by their mother.
John's Bush FrogRaorchestes johnceeiEndangeredAn endangered shrub frog of the Kerala Western Ghats that breeds without a tadpole stage.
Kadalar Bush FrogRaorchestes kadalarensisNear ThreatenedA near-threatened bushfrog from Kadalar in Kerala, found between 1300 and 1700 metres in disturbed and primary forest patches.
Kaikatti BushfrogRaorchestes kaikattiEndangeredAn endangered shrub frog known only from the Nelliampathi Hills of the Western Ghats, hatching straight into froglets with no tadpole stage.
Kakachi Bush FrogRaorchestes kakachiNear ThreatenedA shrub frog of the far-southern Western Ghats, known from wet evergreen forest at higher elevations.
Kalakad Gliding FrogRhacophorus calcadensisEndangeredA tree frog with webbed, parachute-like feet found only in the southern Western Ghats.
Kalakad Wrinkled FrogNyctibatrachus vasanthiEndangeredAn Endangered night frog restricted to streams in the far southern Western Ghats.
Kallar Dancing FrogMicrixalus herreiNear ThreatenedA stream-dwelling Western Ghats frog whose males kick out a leg to court mates above rushing water.
Kani BushfrogPseudophilautus kaniLeast ConcernA small brown shrub frog of the southern Western Ghats, one of the few Indian members of a mostly Sri Lankan genus.
Karaavali Skittering FrogEuphlyctis karaavaliNot EvaluatedA water frog endemic to the coastal belt of Karnataka, skittering across the surface of still waters.
Karez FrogChrysopaa sternosignataLeast ConcernThe only species of its genus, ranging through Kashmir in India and Pakistan and into Afghanistan, living in rivers, swamps and irrigation channels.
Kashmir Paa FrogAllopaa hazarensisLeast ConcernA torrent-dwelling frog of Kashmir in India and Pakistan, living in fast streams and rocky pools.
Kemp's Bush FrogPhilautus kempiiData DeficientA poorly known Arunachal bush frog whose handful of records leave even its validity uncertain.
Kempholey Night FrogNyctibatrachus kempholeyensisLeast ConcernA small nocturnal stream frog endemic to the forested hill streams of Karnataka and Kerala.
Kempholey ToadDuttaphrynus brevirostrisVulnerableA Karnataka toad known only from the Western Ghats, refound in 2013 after decades with nothing but a lost specimen.
Kerala Stream ToadBlaira rubiginaVulnerableA vulnerable stream toad endemic to the southern Western Ghats, known from Silent Valley and Wynaad in Kerala.
Kerala Wart FrogMinervarya keralensisLeast ConcernA warty ground frog of Kerala's wet forests and marshy clearings.
Kodagu CaecilianIchthyophis kodaguensisData DeficientA striped caecilian endemic to the southern Western Ghats, known mainly from southern Karnataka, living hidden in moist soil.
Kodayar Dancing FrogMicrixalus kodayariNear ThreatenedA dancing frog confined to a few streams south of the Shencottah Gap in Tamil Nadu.
Kollimalai Bush FrogRaorchestes kollimalaiLeast ConcernA bush frog described in 2020 from the Kolli Hills of the southern Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu.
Kottigehar Dancing FrogMicrixalus kottigeharensisCritically EndangeredA tiny torrent frog that 'foot-flags', kicking a leg out over roaring streams to outshout rivals.
Koyna ToadBeduka koynayensisEndangeredA small, brightly colored toad endemic to a single forested pocket of the northern Western Ghats.
Kurichiyar Dancing FrogMicrixalus kurichiyariNot EvaluatedA dancing frog endemic to a single hill in the Wayanad district of Kerala, part of a family famous for leg-waving courtship.
Ladakh ToadBufotes latastiiLeast ConcernA hardy toad of the western Himalayas from northern Pakistan into Ladakh, living near lakes and ponds in alpine forest, grassland and mountain desert.
Large Ghats Tree FrogGhatixalus magnusVulnerableA big tree frog of high-elevation Western Ghats streams, whose tadpoles graze algae on submerged rocks.
Large Gliding FrogZhangixalus smaragdinusLeast ConcernA large bright green tree frog of northeastern India and nearby regions. Its broad webbed feet let it glide between trees.
Large Ponmudi Bush FrogRaorchestes ponmudiLeast ConcernA canopy bush frog of the southern Western Ghats. Like others in its genus it skips the tadpole, its eggs developing directly into froglets on wet leaves.
Large Wrinkled FrogNyctibatrachus majorEndangeredAn endangered night frog found only in the Western Ghats of southern India, where it clings to rocks in fast-flowing forest streams.
Laterite Narrow-mouthed FrogMicrohyla lateriteEndangeredA thumbnail-sized frog first found on unprotected laterite rock; its tiny, threatened habitat makes it Endangered.
Leaf Dancing FrogMicrixalus phyllophilusVulnerableA streamside dancing frog of the Western Ghats, one of a genus famous for its signature leg-waving.
Least Night FrogNyctibatrachus minimusData DeficientOne of India's tiniest frogs, discovered in the Wayanad hills of the Western Ghats.
Leith's Leaping FrogIndirana leithiiVulnerableA slender frog whose tadpoles can leap on land to escape predators on wet rock faces.
Long-headed CaecilianIchthyophis longicephalusLeast ConcernA legless burrowing caecilian found across Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Long-legged Cricket FrogMinervarya syhadrensisLeast ConcernA slim wetland frog heard chirping at pond and paddy edges after rain.
Long-tongued FrogHylarana leptoglossaLeast ConcernA slender ranid with a pointed snout and a dark band through the eye, common along ponds, marshes and slow streams across the northeast.
Malabar Balloon FrogUperodon triangularisVulnerableA Western Ghats endemic narrow-mouthed frog that puffs up like a balloon and breeds in water-filled tree holes.
Malabar Gliding FrogRhacophorus malabaricusLeast ConcernA vivid green tree frog that glides on webbed feet across rainforest gaps.
Malabar Torrent ToadBlaira ornataEndangeredA boldly patterned toad endemic to fast hill streams of the Western Ghats and Nilgiris.
Malabar Tree ToadPedostibes tuberculosusEndangeredIndia's sole tree-climbing toad, trilling from high canopy leaves in the monsoon Western Ghats.
Malabar Wart FrogMinervarya rufescensNear ThreatenedA near threatened leaf-litter frog of wet Western Ghats forests, named for its rufous, warty back.
Mallan Dancing FrogMicrixalus mallaniNot EvaluatedA stream-dwelling dancing frog of the Western Ghats, one of many named in a 2014 revision of the genus.
Manalar Night FrogNyctibatrachus manalariData DeficientA little-known montane night frog, so poorly studied that the IUCN lists it as Data Deficient.
Mangaluru Narrow-mouthed FrogMicrohyla kodialNot EvaluatedA narrow-mouthed frog described in 2018, likely endemic to a small area around coastal Mangalore.
Mangrove FrogFejervarya moodieiLeast ConcernA coastal marsh frog of India and Southeast Asia, only recently separated from the crab-eating frog.
Manohar's Bush FrogRaorchestes manohariEndangeredAn Endangered, narrowly distributed shrub frog of the Western Ghats, dependent on undisturbed moist forest.
Marbled Balloon FrogUperodon systomaLeast ConcernA plump burrowing frog of India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. When threatened it inflates its body, and it specialises in eating termites and ants.
Marbled Cascade FrogAmolops marmoratusLeast ConcernA marbled stream frog of northeastern India's hill torrents that uses a sucker-like belly to grip rocks in rushing water.
Marbled ToadDuttaphrynus stomaticusLeast ConcernAlso called the Indus valley toad, this adaptable species spans from eastern Iran and Pakistan into peninsular India and Bangladesh, thriving in dry and disturbed habitats.
Mark's Bush FrogRaorchestes markiCritically EndangeredA rare, range-restricted bush frog whose tiny remaining habitat places it among India's most threatened frogs.
Maskey's Burrowing FrogSphaerotheca maskeyiLeast ConcernA rotund ground frog that digs backwards into soft soil using hardened tubercles on its hind feet, emerging to breed after monsoon rain.
Mayabunder Rice FrogMicrohyla chakrapaniiData DeficientA small burrowing rice frog found only in the Andamans, also called the bilateral banded frog.
Menon's CaecilianUraeotyphlus menoniData DeficientA worm-like caecilian of the Western Ghats, rarely seen because it lives underground.
Meowing Night FrogNyctibatrachus poochaNear ThreatenedA small nocturnal stream frog named for its distinctive cat like meowing call.
Mercurana myristicapalustrisMercurana myristicapalustrisNot EvaluatedA tree frog of Kerala's lowland Myristica swamp forests, described in 2013, laying eggs on mud at the swamp edge.
Mewa Singh's Night FrogNyctibatrachus mewasinghiNot EvaluatedA small greyish-brown wrinkled frog of Western Ghats streams, named for primatologist Mewa Singh.
Mhadei CaecilianGegeneophis mhadeiensisData DeficientA burrowing caecilian of Goa and Karnataka, one of the many soil amphibians hidden in Western Ghats forests.
Micrixalus niluvaseiMicrixalus niluvaseiNot EvaluatedA tiny torrent-loving dancing frog of the Western Ghats, tied to clean lowland forest streams.
Micrixalus speccaMicrixalus speccaCritically EndangeredA rock-dwelling dancing frog endemic to Western Ghats rivers, males signalling by extending a webbed foot.
Mysore FrogMinervarya mysorensisLeast ConcernA ground frog endemic to India, ranging from Jog in Karnataka south into Kerala.
Naga Hills Horned FrogXenophrys awuhVulnerableA horned frog of high hill forest in northeast India and adjacent Myanmar, described in 2020.
Narayan's CaecilianUraeotyphlus narayaniData DeficientA slender, limbless amphibian with ringed grooves along its body, living hidden in moist forest and plantation soil.
Nelliyampathy Dancing FrogMicrixalus nelliyampathiNot EvaluatedA recently described dancing frog restricted to moist evergreen forest streams of the southern Western Ghats.
Nepal Cricket FrogMinervarya nepalensisLeast ConcernA little ground frog native to northern and northeastern India, Bangladesh and Nepal, carrying a distinct thin mid-dorsal line.
Netravali Leaping FrogIndirana salelkariVulnerableA small leaping frog endemic to the Western Ghats. It lives in the splash zones of streams in semi-evergreen forest and is sometimes seen near spice farms.
Nicobar FrogHylarana nicobariensisLeast ConcernA stream and swamp frog whose type locality is the Nicobar Islands of India, favouring disturbed lowland habitats.
Nicobarese Tree FrogPolypedates insularisNear ThreatenedAn arboreal foam-nesting tree frog found only on Great Nicobar and nearby islands, at home even in gardens.
Nilgiris FrogMinervarya nilagiricaEndangeredA wart frog of the Nilgiri hills that gathers around wetlands and roadside pools.
Nilphamari Narrow-mouthed FrogMicrohyla nilphamariensisNot EvaluatedA small triangular-bodied frog of the northern plains, only recently separated from Microhyla ornata.
Nongkhor Bush FrogChirixalus nongkhorensisLeast ConcernA small foam nesting treefrog recorded from Assam and across mainland Southeast Asia.
Nose-horned Tree FrogKurixalus nasoLeast ConcernA camouflaged, bark-brown rhacophorid of northeast Indian forests, recognised by the little nose-like tubercle on its snout.
Ochlandrae Reed FrogRaorchestes ochlandraeData DeficientA tiny shrub frog that shelters two to three metres up inside hollow reed bamboo stems.
Ornate Narrow-mouthed FrogMicrohyla ornataLeast ConcernA tiny, plump narrow-mouthed frog patterned with dark chevrons, calling from leaf litter and puddles across India after rain.
Painted Chorus FrogMicrohyla butleriLeast ConcernA small narrow-mouthed frog found in Northeast India, Myanmar, southern China and Southeast Asia, inhabiting forest, shrubland and rice fields.
Patkai Green Tree FrogGracixalus patkaiensisNot EvaluatedThe first Gracixalus tree frog found in India, described in 2023 from Namdapha in Arunachal Pradesh.
Pental's Cricket FrogMinervarya pentaliNot EvaluatedA small ground-dwelling dicroglossid frog described from the Western Ghats, common in wet grassland and paddy.
Pied Warty FrogTheloderma asperumLeast ConcernA warty, bug-eyed rhacophorid of Northeast India and Southeast Asia, its blotched skin disguising it as a bird dropping.
Pierre's Cricket FrogMinervarya pierreiLeast ConcernA small cricket frog of northern India, Nepal and Bangladesh, thriving in rice fields.
Ponmudi Bush FrogRaorchestes graminirupesVulnerableA small Western Ghats shrub frog known only from the high grassland-and-forest slopes around Ponmudi.
Purple FrogNasikabatrachus sahyadrensisEndangeredA bloated, burrowing frog that surfaces only days a year to breed in the monsoon.
Pygmy Wrinkled FrogNyctibatrachus beddomiiEndangeredA tiny endangered night frog found in leaf litter of Western Ghats streams.
Radcliffe's Night FrogNyctibatrachus radcliffeiNot EvaluatedA recently described night frog with an extremely narrow range in the high Western Ghats.
Rakhine Litter FrogLeptobrachium rakhinenseLeast ConcernA squat leaf litter frog of hill forest floors in northeast India and Bangladesh.
Rao's Intermediate Golden-Backed FrogIndosylvirana intermediaLeast ConcernA golden backed frog endemic to southern India, described by C. R. Narayan Rao in 1937.
Raorchestes archeosRaorchestes archeosNear ThreatenedA near-threatened bush frog of wet evergreen forest, showing some tolerance of habitat change.
Raorchestes chromasynchysiRaorchestes chromasynchysiVulnerableA small nocturnal shrub frog of the high Western Ghats, one of the many narrow-range endemics in its genus.
Raorchestes crustaiRaorchestes crustaiNear ThreatenedA montane bush frog of the southern Western Ghats that develops directly from egg to froglet, skipping a free tadpole.
Ravi's Bush FrogRaorchestes raviiData DeficientA high-elevation bushfrog of the Nilgiris living in grassland and shola forest between 1890 and 2284 metres.
Red CaecilianUraeotyphlus oxyurusData DeficientA limbless burrowing amphibian of moist Western Ghats soil, often mistaken for a snake.
Red Narrow-mouthed FrogMicrohyla rubraLeast ConcernA small reddish narrow-mouthed frog of peninsular India's leaf litter and paddy edges.
Red-webbed Tree FrogRhacophorus rhodopusLeast ConcernA northeastern gliding tree frog using its red webbed feet to parachute between trees.
Resplendent Shrub FrogRaorchestes resplendensCritically EndangeredA plump crimson frog confined to a single grassy summit on Kerala's Anamudi, south India's highest peak.
Rice Field FrogFejervarya limnocharisLeast ConcernA common brown grassland frog swarming flooded rice fields in the monsoon.
Robin Moore's Night FrogNyctibatrachus robinmooreiNot EvaluatedA tiny night frog of the southern Western Ghats named for conservation photographer Robin Moore.
Rock ToadFirouzophrynus hololiusData DeficientA little-studied, rock-dwelling toad of the Eastern Ghats and Deccan plateau in peninsular India.
Rotung Oriental FrogIngerana borealisLeast ConcernA small dicroglossid frog of northeastern India and neighbouring Himalayan countries, living in slow forest waters.
Sabarimala Night FrogNyctibatrachus sabarimalaiNot EvaluatedA miniature night frog described in 2017, small enough to sit on a thumbnail, from the southern Western Ghats.
Sali's Dancing FrogMicrixalus saliNot EvaluatedA dancing frog of the Western Ghats, part of an ancient lineage found nowhere else on Earth.
Schneider's Dwarf ToadDuttaphrynus scaberLeast ConcernA little burrowing toad found in farmland and gardens across peninsular India.
Serchhip Horned FrogXenophrys serchhipiiLeast ConcernA forest-floor horned frog of northeast India whose pointed snout and eyelid tubercles mimic dead leaves.
Shillong Bush FrogRaorchestes shillongensisLeast ConcernA northeastern shrub frog from around Shillong, one of the few Raorchestes found outside the Western Ghats.
Sholiga Narrow-mouthed FrogMicrohyla sholigariEndangeredA tiny, secretive narrow-mouthed frog of Western Ghats forest floor, known from only a few scattered localities.
Short-webbed FrogMinervarya brevipalmataData DeficientAn uncommon wart frog of southern India tied to soggy grasslands and lightly degraded forest.
Sikkim CaecilianIchthyophis sikkimensisLeast ConcernA soil-dwelling limbless amphibian with a yellow side stripe, found in moist forest and plantation earth across the northeast.
Sikkim FrogOmbrana sikimensisLeast ConcernThe sole species of its genus, found in Sikkim, West Bengal and Meghalaya and across Nepal at 1000 to 2000 metres.
Sikkim ToadScutiger sikimmensisLeast ConcernA stout mountain toad common in high altitude streams of Sikkim, Meghalaya and West Bengal.
Sikkim Warty Tree FrogTheloderma molochLeast ConcernA cryptic tree frog of eastern Himalayan cloud forest whose bumpy, blotched skin makes it vanish against mossy trunks.
Silent Valley Bush FrogRaorchestes silentvalleyNear ThreatenedA shrub frog of the evergreen forests of Silent Valley and nearby Kerala hills.
Small Bush FrogRaorchestes chottaEndangeredA minute high-elevation shrub frog of the southern Western Ghats, threatened by shrinking montane forest.
Small Cricket FrogMinervarya sahyadrisEndangeredA tiny frog endemic to the central Western Ghats, found around the Gundia river region.
Small Night FrogNyctibatrachus minorEndangeredA diminutive Endangered night frog of Western Ghats forest streams.
Small Tree FrogRhacophorus lateralisVulnerableA dainty gliding tree frog rediscovered in Coorg in 2000 after not being seen for over a century.
Smith's Litter FrogLeptobrachium smithiLeast ConcernA stout, flat-bodied forest-floor frog of the northeast whose upper eye is a vivid red-orange, giving superb camouflage among dead leaves.
Southern Hill ToadDuttaphrynus microtympanumVulnerableA squat, bony ridged toad of the Western Ghats, found hopping through shola forest leaf litter after rain.
Spinular Night FrogNyctibatrachus acanthodermisNot EvaluatedOne of the bigger wrinkled frogs of the Western Ghats, named for the spiny texture of its skin.
Spiny Bush FrogRaorchestes echinatusVulnerableA vulnerable Western Ghats bushfrog with tubercled skin, recorded only above 1400 metres in one locality.
Spiny Lazy ToadScutiger spinosusCritically EndangeredA high altitude toad of Tawang district in Arunachal Pradesh, separated from a lookalike species in 2016.
Spotted Bush FrogRaorchestes tinniensEndangeredA high-elevation bush frog whose tinkling call rings through the shola forests of the southern Western Ghats.
Spotted Leaping FrogWalkerana diplostictaNear ThreatenedA leaping frog endemic to the southern Western Ghats, recorded from reserves like Kalakkad Mundanthurai.
Spotted Narrow-Mouthed FrogKalophrynus interlineatusLeast ConcernA stout sticky frog found in northeast India and widely across mainland Southeast Asia.
Sreeni's Golden-backed FrogIndosylvirana sreeniNot EvaluatedOne of several look-alike golden-backed frogs split out of the old genus Hylarana, with a bright bronze back bordered by dark flanks.
Sri Lankan Painted FrogUperodon taprobanicusLeast ConcernDespite its name, this painted frog ranges widely across India from West Bengal to Tamil Nadu, a stout burrower that emerges to breed in monsoon pools.
Starry Dwarf FrogAstrobatrachus kurichiyanaNot EvaluatedA tiny leaf-litter frog from the shola cloud forests of the Wayanad Plateau, so distinct it was placed in its own new genus and subfamily.
Stuart's ToadBufo stuartiLeast ConcernA true toad of the eastern Himalayan foothills, known from northeastern India and northern Myanmar.
Subansiri Gliding FrogRhacophorus subansiriensisNot EvaluatedA gliding frog known exclusively from the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, using webbed feet to parachute between trees.
Subansiri Tree FrogPolypedates subansiriensisData DeficientA tree frog endemic to Northeast India, recorded so far only from its type locality in Arunachal Pradesh.
Suffry Flying FrogZhangixalus suffryLeast ConcernAn eastern Himalayan flying frog recorded from Nameri, Dihing Patkai and Namdapha.
Sushil's BushfrogRaorchestes sushiliEndangeredA tree-dwelling shrub frog restricted to evergreen forest around Valparai in Tamil Nadu, vanishing from disturbed habitat.
Sylhet Litter FrogLeptobrachium sylheticumNot EvaluatedA litter frog of northeast India and adjacent Bangladesh, named for the Sylhet region.
Tam Dil Leaf-litter FrogLeptobrachella tamdilData DeficientA small leaf-litter frog endemic to northeast India, reassigned from Leptolalax to Leptobrachella in 2020.
Terai Cricket FrogMinervarya teraiensisLeast ConcernA common open-grassland cricket frog of Sikkim, northeastern India and the Terai belt.
Thampi's Dancing FrogMicrixalus thampiiEndangeredA dancing frog restricted to clear hill streams of the Western Ghats, vulnerable to changes in water flow.
Theobald's Ranid FrogHylarana tytleriLeast ConcernA lowland pond and marsh frog of eastern and northeastern India, distinguished by a pale dorsal stripe.
Toad-skinned Leaping FrogWalkerana phrynodermaEndangeredAn endangered terrestrial frog endemic to the Anaimalai and Palni hills of the Western Ghats.
Travancore Bush FrogRaorchestes travancoricusEndangeredTiny rare bush frog found in disturbed tea plantation habitats in Kerala.
Tubercled Bush FrogRaorchestes tuberohumerusLeast ConcernA small shrub frog of the central Western Ghats rainforests around Agumbe, Karnataka. Males call from low vegetation after rain.
Twin-spotted Tree FrogRhacophorus bipunctatusLeast ConcernA red-and-orange flanked tree frog of eastern India and Southeast Asia, found in the border forests of the northeast. Webbed feet let it glide.
Two-striped Grass FrogHylarana taipehensisLeast ConcernA slender grass frog of wetlands and paddies across northeast India and Southeast Asia.
Tyson's Leaping FrogIndirana tysoniVulnerableA leaping frog endemic to the Western Ghats, part of an ancient lineage whose tadpoles grow on damp rock faces.
Uthaman's Bush FrogRaorchestes uthamaniNear ThreatenedA small bush frog of the southern Western Ghats, calling from low bushes and reeds in wet montane habitat.
Uttara Ghat Dancing FrogMicrixalus uttaraghatiNot EvaluatedA torrent-dwelling dancing frog described from the northern reaches of the Western Ghats.
Variable Bush FrogRaorchestes akroparallagiLeast ConcernThis small bush frog earns its name from wildly variable back colours, from uniform green to mottled brown.
Variable Torrent FrogGhatixalus variabilisEndangeredAn endangered, terrestrial tree frog tied to fast hill streams in the Nilgiris of the southern Western Ghats.
Vijayan's Night FrogNyctibatrachus pulivijayaniEndangeredA miniature night frog described in 2017 from a single site in the Agasthyamalai Hills of Kerala.
VUB Night FrogNyctibatrachus vrijeuniNot EvaluatedA Western Ghats night frog described in 2011 as one of a dozen new species in its genus.
Wayanad Bush FrogPseudophilautus wynaadensisLeast ConcernA widespread southern bush frog whose eggs hatch directly into froglets without a free-swimming tadpole.
Western Tree FrogPolypedates occidentalisLeast ConcernA whipping frog endemic to Kerala, recorded in the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve and Charpa forests.
White-striped Bubble-nest FrogRohanixalus vittatusLeast ConcernA tiny, pale tree frog with fine dark stripes down its back, belonging to a genus known for parental egg-attending.
Widespread Fungoid FrogHydrophylax bahuvistaraNot EvaluatedA fungoid frog whose skin peptide urumin was found to destroy flu virus particles.
Yang's Frill-limbed Tree FrogKurixalus yangiLeast ConcernA brown tree frog of northeastern Indian evergreen forests, also found in Myanmar and Yunnan.
Yellow-bellied Bush FrogRaorchestes flaviventrisVulnerableA small shrub frog of southern Western Ghats forest, one of many narrow-range endemics in the genus.
Yellow-eyed Bush FrogRaorchestes flaviocularisEndangeredAn Endangered Western Ghats shrub frog identified by its yellow iris, known from a small montane range.
Yembung Sucker FrogAmolops gerbillusLeast ConcernA torrent-dwelling frog of the south-facing Himalayan foothills that basks on rocks and hunts along mountain creeks.
Fish 383 species
Alligator PipefishSyngnathoides biaculeatusLeast ConcernA green or brown pipefish up to 29 cm, the only species in its genus, living in seagrass and seaweed in shallow water. Recorded along Indian coasts and in Lakshadweep.
Anamalai LoachGhatsa montanaEndangeredA small hillstream loach of the Anamalai Hills in the southern Western Ghats. It clings to rocks in fast, clear streams and is listed as Endangered.
Arulius BarbDawkinsia aruliusEndangeredAn endangered barb known for its distinctive long dorsal fin filaments.
Balitora MinnowPsilorhynchus balitoraLeast ConcernA bottom-living minnow of hill streams and rapids in the Ganges and Brahmaputra basins, including West Bengal and Assam. It prefers pebble and sand beds.
Banded ArcherfishToxotes jaculatrixLeast ConcernA silvery brackish-water fish of mangroves and estuaries from India eastward. It shoots down insects resting on overhanging leaves with jets of water.
Banded GouramiTrichogaster fasciataLeast ConcernA striped gourami of ponds, ditches and floodplains across northern and eastern India.
Barca SnakeheadChanna barcaData DeficientA rare, large snakehead found only in the upper Brahmaputra river basin of Assam.
Barna BarilOpsarius barnaLeast ConcernA slender, barred minnow of hill streams in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar. It is listed as Least Concern.
BarramundiLates calcariferLeast ConcernA large catadromous sea bass that starts life male and turns female with age.
Barred Spiny EelMacrognathus pancalusLeast ConcernA slender, eel-like spiny eel of Gangetic rivers and wetlands that hides in soft substrate by day and forages at night.
BataLabeo bataLeast ConcernSilvery river carp common across the Ganges, Godavari and Krishna basins.
Batasio batasioBatasio batasioLeast ConcernA small, striped bagrid catfish of clear rivers in Bengal and the Brahmaputra drainage.
Bengal DanioDevario devarioLeast ConcernA lively, active danio of northern and northeastern Indian rivers and ponds, popular as a peaceful aquarium schooler.
Bengal LoachBotia darioLeast ConcernA striped bottom-dwelling loach of the Ganges and Brahmaputra basins, popular in the aquarium trade and often found sifting sandy riverbeds.
Bengal SergeantAbudefduf bengalensisLeast ConcernA narrow-banded damselfish of reefs and lagoons 1 to 6 m deep, feeding on algae, snails and crabs. Indian records come from the coasts of Goa, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
Berdmore's LoachSyncrossus berdmoreiNear ThreatenedA banded loach of streams and rivers in Thailand, Myanmar and northeastern India. It rests over soft bottoms near boulders and sunken trees.
Betadevario ramachandraniBetadevario ramachandraniData DeficientA small danionin found in cascades and riffle pools of a high-altitude stream in Karnataka. Little is known about it, so it is rated Data Deficient.
Bicolour ParrotfishCetoscarus bicolorLeast ConcernA large parrotfish that scrapes and grinds coral, dramatically changing colour as it matures.
Bigeye TrevallyCaranx sexfasciatusLeast ConcernA large jack of reefs and estuaries that grows to about 120 cm and is taken in artisanal fisheries. Recorded along Indian coasts, Lakshadweep and the Andamans.
Black and White SnapperMacolor nigerLeast ConcernA deep-bodied snapper that shifts from striking juvenile patterns to sombre grey adults on Indian reefs.
Blackside HawkfishParacirrhites forsteriLeast ConcernA hawkfish with a dark side band and red speckles on the head, found on seaward reefs. It is frequently recorded on the reefs of Lakshadweep and the Andamans.
Blackspot SergeantAbudefduf sordidusLeast ConcernA large, solitary damselfish of tide pools and surge-swept rocky shallows, marked by a black spot at the base of the tail. Recorded on Indian coasts and in the Andamans.
Blackspotted PufferArothron nigropunctatusLeast ConcernA variably coloured reef puffer of Indian seas that inflates when threatened and is highly toxic.
Blacktip GrouperEpinephelus fasciatusLeast ConcernA red-barred grouper with black tips on its dorsal spines, living on coral reefs and sometimes in mangroves as a juvenile. Recorded from Lakshadweep and the Andamans.
Blacktip Reef SharkCarcharhinus melanopterusVulnerableA small reef shark patrolling Indian coral lagoons, its black-tipped fins are a familiar sight in shallow water.
Blacktip SharkCarcharhinus limbatusVulnerableA coastal requiem shark with black fin tips, usually about 1.5 m long. It is recorded in Indian coastal waters and listed as Vulnerable because it breeds slowly and is heavily fished.
Blackwedged ButterflyfishChaetodon falculaLeast ConcernAn Indian Ocean butterflyfish with two black saddle marks, seen in pairs or small groups on reef edges. It occurs in southern India, Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Blue Green ChromisChromis viridisLeast ConcernShimmering green damselfish that hover in clouds above staghorn coral heads in Indian reef lagoons.
Blue PanchaxAplocheilus panchaxLeast ConcernIt hangs just below the film in ponds, paddy fields and brackish creeks, eating mosquito larvae.
Blue-barred ParrotfishScarus ghobbanLeast ConcernA large parrotfish of Indian coastal and island reefs whose grazing helps produce the white sand of tropical beaches.
Bluefin TrevallyCaranx melampygusLeast ConcernA swift, powerful predatory jack of Indian coasts and island reefs, prized by anglers.
Bluelined HindCephalopholis formosaLeast ConcernA brown grouper with thin blue stripes that lives alone over silty or dead reefs 10 to 30 m deep. Recorded from Indian coasts, the Andamans and Lakshadweep.
Bluering AngelfishPomacanthus annularisLeast ConcernA striking reef angelfish of Indian coastal waters marked by curving blue lines and a blue shoulder ring.
Bluespine UnicornfishNaso unicornisLeast ConcernA large surgeonfish of Indian reefs bearing a forward-pointing horn and two blue tail spines, grazing on leafy algae.
Bluespotted Ribbontail RayTaeniura lymmaLeast ConcernA small reef ray of Indian coastal waters, its electric-blue spots and striped tail make it unmistakable.
Bluestreak Cleaner WrasseLabroides dimidiatusLeast ConcernA small striped wrasse of Indian reefs that makes its living cleaning parasites from larger fish.
Bluestripe SnapperLutjanus kasmiraLeast ConcernA bright yellow reef snapper marked with blue stripes, common over Indian coral reefs and rocky bottoms.
Bluestriped FangblennyPlagiotremus rhinorhynchosLeast ConcernA free-swimming blenny that hides in empty worm tubes and feeds on skin, mucus and scales of other fish. Recorded from reefs of the Andamans and Lakshadweep.
Blunt-Nosed SnowtroutSchizothorax plagiostomusVulnerableA cold-water snowtrout of Himalayan rivers from Kashmir to Nepal, it migrates upstream to spawn.
Boddart's Goggle-eyed GobyBoleophthalmus boddartiLeast ConcernA mudskipper of Indo-Pacific tidal flats, recorded from India to New Guinea. It is boldly patterned with rows of blue spots on its flanks and cheeks.
Bombay DuckHarpadon nehereusNear ThreatenedA translucent, soft-bodied coastal fish caught heavily off Maharashtra and Gujarat, famous dried and fried as a regional staple.
Bottlenose WedgefishRhynchobatus australiaeCritically EndangeredA large ray with a pointed snout and shark-like tail, found in shallow waters to 60 m. Listed as Critically Endangered. Recorded in Indian waters and the Andaman Sea.
Bowmouth GuitarfishRhina ancylostomaCritically EndangeredA bizarre, heavily built ray of Indian coastal waters, now critically endangered after decades of fin and meat fishing.
Brahmaputra LabeoLabeo dyocheilusNear ThreatenedFound from Himalayan foothill rivers down into the plains, it is a valued food fish across northern India.
Bronze FeatherbackNotopterus notopterusLeast ConcernA bronze-bodied knifefish of slow Indian waters that swims by rippling a long anal fin. It is common in rivers and wetlands across India.
Brown Spiketail ParadisefishPseudosphromenus dayiVulnerableA small labyrinth fish of still and slow waters in Kerala, found in coastal wetlands and the Western Ghats in both fresh and brackish water.
Brown SweetlipsPlectorhinchus gibbosusLeast ConcernA grey-brown sweetlips whose lips swell with age, found on coastal reefs and near estuaries. Recorded from Indian coasts, Lakshadweep and the Andamans.
Brown TangZebrasoma scopasLeast ConcernA sail-finned tang of Indian reef lagoons, usually seen alone or in loose feeding pairs.
Brown-marbled GrouperEpinephelus fuscoguttatusVulnerableA large, marbled reef grouper of Indian coral reefs and the Andaman and Nicobar islands, heavily targeted by fisheries.
Bull SharkCarcharhinus leucasVulnerableA stocky, aggressive shark tolerant of fresh water, recorded well up the Ganges and Hooghly. It roams coasts and estuaries around India.
Butter CatfishOmpok bimaculatusNear ThreatenedA slender, scaleless river catfish found across gangetic and central Indian waters, now declining from overharvest.
Camouflage GrouperEpinephelus polyphekadionVulnerableA mottled reef grouper of Indian island waters, heavily fished across its Indo-Pacific range.
Canara PearlspotEtroplus canarensisEndangeredA banded freshwater cichlid found only in a tiny stretch of rivers in coastal Karnataka.
CatlaLabeo catlaLeast ConcernA large, broad-headed Indian carp central to river fisheries and pond aquaculture.
Cauvery GarraGarra mcclellandiLeast ConcernA garra of mountain streams in the southern Western Ghats. Like other garras it has a sucker-like mouth for scraping algae from rocks in fast water.
ChameleonfishBadis badisLeast ConcernA small perch of northern Indian ponds and rivers, it changes hue rapidly and broods eggs in cavities.
ChandramaraRama chandramaraLeast ConcernA tiny bagrid catfish of India and Bangladesh. It lives in beels, ditches, streams and canals, usually in schools.
Checkerboard WrasseHalichoeres hortulanusLeast ConcernA colourful reef wrasse with a checkered pattern, common on reefs of the Andamans and Lakshadweep.
Chennai Sawfin BarbPethia sharmaiEndangeredA small barb endemic to Tamil Nadu in southern India. It is listed as Endangered by the IUCN.
Chevron ButterflyfishChaetodon trifascialisNear ThreatenedA strongly territorial butterflyfish of Andaman and Lakshadweep coral thickets.
Chirruh SnowtroutSchizothorax esocinusVulnerableLarger and more predatory than its relatives, it is a traditional food fish of the Jhelum and Dal Lake.
Chocolate MahseerNeolissochilus hexagonolepisNear ThreatenedA robust copper-brown mahseer of fast hill streams in northeast India and the eastern Himalaya, sought after by anglers and conservationists.
Clark's AnemonefishAmphiprion clarkiiLeast ConcernA widely ranging clownfish of Indian coastal reefs that lives in a tight partnership with sea anemones.
Clearfin LionfishPterois radiataLeast ConcernA nocturnal lionfish of Indian reefs, sheltering in caves by day and hunting shrimp with its venomous fin rays at night.
Climbing PerchAnabas testudineusLeast ConcernA hardy perch that gulps air and can survive out of water, even scaling damp banks.
Clown KnifefishChitala chitalaNear ThreatenedA large, knife-shaped freshwater featherback of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Indus and Mahanadi basins, valued as food and as an ornamental fish.
Clown TriggerfishBalistoides conspicillumLeast ConcernA black triggerfish with large white spots below and a yellow ring round the mouth, reaching 50 cm. Recorded from Lakshadweep and the Andaman reefs.
CobiaRachycentron canadumLeast ConcernA powerful, fast growing game fish found along India's warm coastal waters.
Comb-Finned CatfishGlyptothorax pectinopterusLeast ConcernThis hillstream catfish grips boulders in cold Himalayan rivers of the Indus and Ganges drainages.
Common SnowtroutSchizothorax richardsoniiVulnerableA cold water river fish found across Himalayan streams from Kashmir to Nagaland.
Common Spiny LoachLepidocephalichthys thermalisLeast ConcernA small bottom-dwelling loach of Indian streams and paddy fields, armed with a tiny erectile spine beneath each eye.
Convict SurgeonfishAcanthurus triostegusLeast ConcernA boldly barred surgeonfish of Andaman and Lakshadweep reef flats, it carries a scalpel-like tail spine.
Coral HindCephalopholis miniataLeast ConcernA small, colourful reef grouper of Indian island and coastal reefs that ambushes fish and crustaceans from coral crevices.
CorsulaRhinomugil corsulaLeast ConcernA mullet of rivers and estuaries in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar. It is the only species in its genus and is known as the Indian four-eyed fish.
CotioOsteobrama cotioLeast ConcernA small deep-bodied carp of the Ganga and Brahmaputra basins found in rivers, lakes and ditches.
Cowtail StingrayPastinachus sephenNear ThreatenedA stingray with a flag-like fold under its tail, found on sandy coasts and reefs and sometimes entering rivers. Fished for its skin and listed as Near Threatened.
Curmuca BarbHypselobarbus curmucaEndangeredA big-bodied cyprinid of Western Ghats rivers, heavily fished and now Endangered across its shrinking range.
DadioNeochela dadiburjoriLeast ConcernA small gold and silver fish with a blue line along its side, endemic to India. Two colour forms, a solid line and a dotted line, live together.
Daisy ParrotfishChlorurus sordidusLeast ConcernA common Indian Ocean parrotfish that sleeps in a mucus cocoon inside reef crevices.
Danio jaintianensisDanio jaintianensisVulnerableA small danio endemic to northeast India. It is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN because of its very restricted known range.
Dash-and-dot GoatfishParupeneus barberinusLeast ConcernA goatfish with a dark stripe through the eye and a black spot near the tail, common over sand beside reefs. Widely recorded from Lakshadweep and the Andamans.
Dawkinsia rubrotinctaDawkinsia rubrotinctaNot EvaluatedA filament barb found in the Kaveri and its tributaries in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It has not yet been assessed on the IUCN Red List.
Deccan MahseerTor khudreeLeast ConcernThe blue-finned mahseer of Deccan rivers, hauled back from decline by a long-running hatchery program.
Denison BarbSahyadria denisoniiEndangeredA red-and-black torpedo barb so prized by aquarists that wild stocks were stripped from Kerala's rivers.
Denison's LoachSchistura denisoniLeast ConcernA small, banded riffle-dwelling loach of Western Ghats streams, sheltering among gravel and cobbles.
Desjardin's Sailfin TangZebrasoma desjardiniiLeast ConcernThe Indian Ocean sailfin tang, a striped surgeonfish of reefs in the Andamans and beyond.
Devil FirefishPterois milesLeast ConcernA feathery-finned lionfish of Indian reefs armed with venomous defensive spines.
Dharna BarbPuntius fraseriEndangeredA small barb endemic to India, described from the Deolali area of Maharashtra. It is listed as Endangered by the IUCN.
Disco BlennyMeiacanthus smithiLeast ConcernA small combtooth blenny of coral reefs in the eastern Indian Ocean. It has been recorded around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
Dorab Wolf-herringChirocentrus dorabLeast ConcernA slender, silvery predatory herring of warm Indian coastal waters, armed with sharp canine-like teeth.
Dory SnapperLutjanus fulviflammaLeast ConcernA small snapper up to 35 cm found from the Red Sea across the Indian Ocean. It is recorded along the Indian coast and around the Andaman Islands.
Doubleband SurgeonfishAcanthurus tennentiiLeast ConcernAn oval surgeonfish of reef slopes and channels, reaching up to 50 cm. Indian records come from the reefs of Lakshadweep.
Dwarf Fire RasboraHoradandia brittaniNot EvaluatedA tiny fish of coastal floodplains in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It was treated as part of the Sri Lankan H. atukorali until 2013. Not yet assessed by IUCN.
Dwarf GouramiTrichogaster laliusLeast ConcernNative to slow waters of India and Bangladesh, the male builds a bubble nest and guards the eggs alone.
Dwarf Malabar PufferfishCarinotetraodon imitatorData DeficientA tiny freshwater pufferfish of the Western Ghats in Kerala. It closely resembles the Malabar pufferfish, and little is known of its full range.
Dwarf PanchaxAplocheilus parvusLeast ConcernA small killifish of southern India and Sri Lanka found in sheltered fresh and brackish tanks and weedy streams. It is often confused with other panchaxes.
Dwarf SnakeheadChanna gachuaLeast ConcernA small air-breathing snakehead that broods its young in the mouth across Indian streams.
Eightband ButterflyfishChaetodon octofasciatusLeast ConcernA small disc-shaped butterflyfish with black bars that feeds only on coral polyps. Its range starts in the Maldives, India and Sri Lanka and runs east to the Solomon Islands.
Elegant UnicornfishNaso elegansLeast ConcernAn Indian Ocean unicornfish common on outer reef slopes of the Andamans and Lakshadweep.
Elongate Glass PerchletChanda namaLeast ConcernA near-transparent glassfish of ponds and slow rivers across northern and central India.
Ember ParrotfishScarus rubroviolaceusLeast ConcernA large parrotfish that scrapes algae off rock with its beak. Males are green-blue and females reddish brown. Widely recorded on the reefs of Lakshadweep and the Andamans.
Emperor AngelfishPomacanthus imperatorLeast ConcernA brilliantly striped reef fish patrolling coral slopes around India's Andaman and Lakshadweep islands.
Erethistes pusillusErethistes pusillusLeast ConcernA tiny catfish of hill streams in India, Bangladesh and Myanmar. It prefers muddy, weedy stretches of rivers and is rarely seen in the aquarium trade.
Exclamation BarbDawkinsia exclamatioEndangeredAn Endangered barb known only from the Kallada River in Kerala, prized by aquarists for its trailing dorsal filaments.
Filament BarbDawkinsia filamentosaLeast ConcernA schooling stream barb of southern India whose breeding males develop trailing filaments on the dorsal fin.
Flapnose RayRhinoptera javanicaVulnerableA schooling, winged ray of Indian coastal waters, its populations more than halved by decades of unregulated netting.
Flat-faced SeahorseHippocampus trimaculatusVulnerableA three-spotted seahorse of Indian coastal waters, threatened by the traditional-medicine trade.
Fourfinger ThreadfinEleutheronema tetradactylumNot EvaluatedA valued food fish of India's inshore and estuarine coasts, also known as Indian salmon.
Freshwater GarfishXenentodon cancilaLeast ConcernA slender surface-dwelling needlefish found across rivers and floodplains of South Asia.
Fringed-lipped Peninsula CarpLabeo fimbriatusLeast ConcernA large peninsular-Indian river carp valued as a food fish across the Deccan drainages.
Ganges StingrayHimantura fluviatilisEndangeredAn obscure, rarely recorded stingray confined to the Ganges river system and nearby seas.
Gangetic AiliaAilia coilaNear ThreatenedA schooling, semi-transparent schilbeid catfish of the Ganga and Brahmaputra, thinning under fishing pressure.
Gangetic LeaffishNandus nandusLeast ConcernA well camouflaged predatory fish common in the slow rivers and ponds of the Ganges basin.
Gangetic LoachBotia rostrataVulnerableA twin-banded loach of north Indian and Bangladeshi hill streams, listed Vulnerable due to collection pressure and habitat loss.
Gangetic MystusMystus cavasiusLeast ConcernA common small catfish of the Ganges and other Indian rivers, active at night and valued as a food fish.
Garra lamtaGarra lamtaLeast ConcernA sucker-mouthed algae grazer of stony hill streams across the Himalaya and peninsular India.
Ghora MuikkhaLabeo pangusiaNear ThreatenedA river carp of northern hill streams, threatened by dams and explosive fishing.
Giant DanioDevario aequipinnatusLeast ConcernNative to the streams of the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, this hardy danio is a long-time favourite in the aquarium trade.
Giant GrouperEpinephelus lanceolatusData DeficientA colossal grouper of Indo-Pacific reefs and coasts, occasionally recorded from Indian waters and prized in aquaculture.
Giant GuitarfishRhynchobatus djiddensisCritically EndangeredA critically endangered ray with a shark-like body found along Indian coasts.
Giant MorayGymnothorax javanicusLeast ConcernA massive spotted moray eel that hunts fish and crustaceans among Andaman reef caves.
Giant MudskipperPeriophthalmodon schlosseriLeast ConcernThe largest mudskipper, living in water and air filled burrows high on estuarine mudflats. It shows a bold black stripe when agitated. Indian records come from West Bengal.
Giant Oceanic Manta RayMobula birostrisEndangeredA plankton-feeding ray of the open ocean, moved from Manta to Mobula in 2017. Listed as Endangered. Recorded in Indian waters including the Andaman Sea.
Giant River CatfishSperata seenghalaLeast ConcernA large grey bagrid catfish of major Indian rivers and reservoirs, with long barbels and a strong predatory appetite. An important food fish.
Giant TrevallyCaranx ignobilisLeast ConcernA powerful silver predator of reefs and lagoons, prized by anglers along India's coasts and islands.
Glyptothorax annandaleiGlyptothorax annandaleiLeast ConcernA torrent catfish of India and Nepal that lives in fast-flowing streams. It is listed as Least Concern.
Glyptothorax telchittaGlyptothorax telchittaLeast ConcernA small sisorid catfish that uses an adhesive thoracic pad to hold position in fast currents.
Golden BarbPethia geliusLeast ConcernA small shimmering barb of slow waters across the Ganges plains and northeastern India.
Golden MahseerTor putitoraEndangeredA powerful golden-scaled sport fish of fast Himalayan rivers.
Golden TrevallyGnathanodon speciosusLeast ConcernA jack with rubbery lips that sucks prey from sand, bright yellow with black bars when young. Recorded along Indian coasts and in the Andaman Islands.
GoonchBagarius yarrelliNear ThreatenedA massive bottom-dwelling catfish of large Indian rivers, gripping rocks in torrents with its rough skin to hold position.
Gray's Stone LoachBalitora bruceiNear ThreatenedA flattened hillstream loach adapted to cling to rocks in swift, oxygen-rich mountain streams.
Greasy GrouperEpinephelus tauvinaData DeficientA large spotted grouper of Indian reefs sought after by coastal anglers.
Great BarracudaSphyraena barracudaLeast ConcernA streamlined coastal hunter of Indian waters that ambushes fish with a burst of speed and dagger-like teeth.
Great HammerheadSphyrna mokarranCritically EndangeredA hammerhead with a broad, nearly straight head that it uses to pin down stingrays. Listed as Critically Endangered since 2019. Recorded in Indian waters including the Andamans.
Great SnakeheadChanna maruliusLeast ConcernA large predatory snakehead that gulps air and lurks among weeds in slow rivers.
Green ChromideEtroplus suratensisLeast ConcernA native brackish-water cichlid found in Kerala, Goa and Chilika Lake, celebrated as the karimeen pearl spot of South Indian cooking.
Green Humphead ParrotfishBolbometopon muricatumVulnerableA bulky, bump-headed reef grazer of the Andaman and Nicobar reefs, Vulnerable to spearfishing due to its size and habits.
Green JobfishAprion virescensLeast ConcernIt patrols the outer edges of Andaman and Lakshadweep reefs chasing fish and squid.
Green PufferfishDichotomyctere fluviatilisLeast ConcernA brackish-tolerant puffer of Indian rivers, estuaries and floodplains, ranging into the tidal reaches of the Ganges delta.
Greenstripe BarbBhava vittataLeast ConcernA small barb of fresh and brackish waters in South Asia, described from Cochin in 1865. It was moved to its own genus in 2023.
Grey Bamboo SharkChiloscyllium griseumVulnerableA small bottom-living carpet shark up to 74 cm, found from the Arabian Sea to Papua New Guinea. Indian records span Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
Grey Reef SharkCarcharhinus amblyrhynchosNear ThreatenedA common, sharp finned reef shark patrolling coral edges around India's island territories.
Guntea LoachLepidocephalichthys gunteaLeast ConcernA common air-gulping spiny loach of ponds, ditches and slow rivers across the Gangetic plains.
Haludaria kannikattiensisHaludaria kannikattiensisLeast ConcernA small barb endemic to India, found in hill streams of the southern Western Ghats. It is listed as Least Concern.
Hamilton's BarilaOpsarius bendelisisLeast ConcernA slender, fast-swimming hill-stream minnow widespread in the clear waters of India's Himalayan and peninsular rivers.
Hedgehog SeahorseHippocampus spinosissimusVulnerableA spiny seahorse of Indian coastal seagrass and trawl grounds, often taken as bycatch.
Hilsa ShadTenualosa ilishaLeast ConcernA prized migratory shad of estuaries and rivers like the Hooghly, Mahanadi and Godavari, central to Bengali cuisine and culture.
Honey GouramiTrichogaster chunaLeast ConcernA small gourami of densely vegetated rivers and lakes in India and Bangladesh. Males build bubble nests and are more colourful than females.
Honeycomb GrouperEpinephelus merraLeast ConcernA small coral-reef grouper of Indian seas patterned with a honeycomb of brown spots. Common on shallow reefs around the peninsula and islands.
Humpback MahseerTor remadeviiCritically EndangeredA giant prized river carp of the Kaveri, now critically endangered.
Humpback Red SnapperLutjanus gibbusLeast ConcernA steep-headed red snapper common on Andaman and Lakshadweep reefs, forming dense daytime aggregations.
Humphead WrasseCheilinus undulatusEndangeredA massive, thick lipped reef fish found around Lakshadweep and the Andamans, prized and overfished for the live seafood trade.
Humpnose Big-eye BreamMonotaxis grandoculisLeast ConcernAn emperor fish that lives close to reefs over sand. It is well recorded from Lakshadweep and also from the Andamans.
Indian BannerfishHeniochus pleurotaeniaLeast ConcernAn Indian Ocean bannerfish found on Andaman, Nicobar and Lakshadweep reefs, often in small groups.
Indian Flying BarbEsomus danricaLeast ConcernA slim, whiskered surface-dweller of Indian ponds and paddy fields that snatches insects from just below the water film.
Indian Gagata CatfishGagata ceniaLeast ConcernA slender sisorid catfish of the Ganges and Brahmaputra, it travels in small groups over shifting sand bars.
Indian Glass BarbLaubuka laubucaLeast ConcernA small, iridescent open-water fish with extended pectoral fins, found widely across India.
Indian Glassy FishParambassis rangaLeast ConcernA small, nearly transparent freshwater fish native across South Asia including India. Its glass-like body makes it a favourite in the aquarium trade.
Indian HalibutPsettodes erumeiData DeficientA large, predatory flatfish of Indian coastal and estuarine waters, commercially important along both seaboards.
Indian MackerelRastrelliger kanagurtaData DeficientA fast streamlined mackerel of the Indian and West Pacific oceans, prized across Indian coasts and spawning around the subcontinent from March to September.
Indian Mottled EelAnguilla bengalensisNear ThreatenedA large freshwater eel mottled brown and yellow that lives in rivers across peninsular India but migrates to the Indian Ocean to spawn.
Indian Mud Moray EelGymnothorax tileLeast ConcernA slender moray eel found along muddy shores of the Indian coast.
Indian Ocean Bird WrasseGomphosus caeruleusLeast ConcernA slender wrasse of the Andamans and Lakshadweep whose elongated beak lets it pluck crustaceans from coral cracks.
Indian Oil SardineSardinella longicepsLeast ConcernAn oily schooling sardine of the northern Indian Ocean whose huge but climate-sensitive shoals underpin coastal fisheries along peninsular India.
Indian River ShadGudusia chapraLeast ConcernA small shad of the Ganges and Brahmaputra systems, it forms dense surface shoals in rivers and reservoirs.
Indian ScadDecapterus russelliLeast ConcernA slender silvery jack that is one of the most commonly caught fish along India's coasts.
Indian SnapperLutjanus madrasLeast ConcernA reef-associated snapper common along India's eastern and western coasts.
Indian TriggerfishMelichthys indicusLeast ConcernA dark Indian Ocean triggerfish edged in white, found on reefs of the Andamans and Lakshadweep.
Indian Vagabond ButterflyfishChaetodon decussatusLeast ConcernA butterflyfish of the Indian Ocean, common in the Gulf of Mannar and island reefs, usually seen paired.
Indian Yellowtail AngelfishApolemichthys xanthurusLeast ConcernAn Indian Ocean reef angelfish, common around the Gulf of Mannar and Lakshadweep reefs.
Indo-Pacific King MackerelScomberomorus guttatusData DeficientA spotted mackerel forming the backbone of many Indian coastal fisheries.
Indo-Pacific SailfishIstiophorus platypterusVulnerableA swift billfish that raises a tall dorsal sail and slashes through baitfish schools.
Indo-Pacific SergeantAbudefduf vaigiensisLeast ConcernA yellow-backed damselfish with five dark bars, common on shallow reefs and tide pools. Recorded along Indian coasts and around the Andaman and Lakshadweep islands.
Indo-Pacific TarponMegalops cyprinoidesData DeficientA silvery fish of Indo-Pacific coasts and estuaries, including India, that also enters rivers. It is rated Data Deficient.
Indoreonectes evezardiIndoreonectes evezardiLeast ConcernA stone loach endemic to India, found in the Western Ghats and the Satpura range. Some pale, small-eyed populations live underground in Kotumsar Cave.
Indoreonectes keralensisIndoreonectes keralensisVulnerableA small stone loach endemic to streams of the Western Ghats in Kerala. It is listed as Vulnerable.
Japanese Threadfin BreamNemipterus japonicusLeast ConcernA pinkish reef-associated fish of India's continental shelf and a mainstay of coastal bottom fisheries.
Jarbua TeraponTerapon jarbuaLeast ConcernA banded grunter fish common in Indian estuaries, lagoons and coastal rivers alike.
Jerdon's CatfishMystus malabaricusNear ThreatenedA small to medium bagrid catfish of hill streams in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. It is listed as Near Threatened.
Jewelled BlennySalarias fasciatusLeast ConcernA mottled blenny of shallow, algae-covered reef flats up to 8 m deep, able to change colour to match its surroundings. Recorded from the Andaman Islands and Lakshadweep.
John's SnapperLutjanus johniiLeast ConcernA golden coastal snapper of Indian seas, recognised by the dark blotch high on its flank.
Kalakad GarraGarra kalakadensisEndangeredA garra endemic to the Western Ghats, known from the Pachaiyar stream area in Tirunelveli district. It is listed as Endangered.
Kashmir CatfishGlyptothorax kashmirensisCritically EndangeredCritically endangered hillstream catfish clinging to rocks in Kashmir rivers.
Khavli BarbWaikhomia sahyadriensisLeast ConcernA small cyprinid fish native to the rivers and streams of Maharashtra, India.
Knight GobyStigmatogobius sadanundioLeast ConcernA goby of estuaries and tidal rivers from India and Sri Lanka to Indonesia, including the Andamans. It lives mostly in fresh water.
Kuhl's MaskrayNeotrygon kuhliiData DeficientA blue-spotted stingray of sandy reef flats along Indian coasts and islands.
Kuria LabeoLabeo goniusLeast ConcernA widespread Indian carp of rivers and reservoirs, it is farmed alongside the major carps.
Laced MorayGymnothorax favagineusLeast ConcernA large, boldly patterned moray of Indian reefs that lurks in crevices, mouth agape, ambushing fish and octopus.
Lagoon TriggerfishRhinecanthus aculeatusLeast ConcernA boldly painted triggerfish of sandy reef flats, known for defending its nest against divers.
Large Razorbelly MinnowSalmostoma bacailaLeast ConcernA slender, silvery surface-dwelling minnow abundant in the Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems.
Largehead HairtailTrichiurus lepturusLeast ConcernA shining, sword-shaped predatory fish caught in large numbers along India's coasts and marketed as ribbonfish.
Largescale ArcherfishToxotes chatareusLeast ConcernAn archerfish of mangroves and river mouths from India and Sri Lanka to Australia. Unlike most archerfish it is sooty rather than silvery.
Largetooth SawfishPristis pristisCritically EndangeredA giant ray with a toothed chainsaw-like rostrum, now vanishingly rare in India's estuaries and coasts.
Leopard Coral GrouperPlectropomus leopardusLeast ConcernA prized reef grouper of the Andaman and Nicobar reefs, an active predator of smaller reef fishes.
Leopard SnakeheadChanna pardalisNot EvaluatedA recently discovered air-breathing snakehead endemic to the hill streams of the Khasi Hills in northeast India.
Lined SurgeonfishAcanthurus lineatusLeast ConcernA boldly striped, aggressive surgeonfish of shallow Indian reef crests, defending feeding territories with its tail spine.
Lipped Algae EaterGarra joshuaiEndangeredA garra of hill streams in the Western Ghats of India. It is listed as Endangered by the IUCN.
Long Whiskers CatfishMystus gulioLeast ConcernA hardy estuarine catfish of Indian deltas, it is common in the Sundarbans and in coastal ponds.
Long-whiskered CatfishSperata aorLeast ConcernA large bottom-dwelling river catfish of the Ganges and other northern Indian rivers, commercially fished for food.
Longfin BannerfishHeniochus acuminatusLeast ConcernA graceful, banner-finned reef fish of Indian island reefs, often mistaken for the Moorish idol.
Longfin BatfishPlatax teiraLeast ConcernA round, silvery batfish that can change its dark banding within moments; small juveniles mimic floating leaves. Recorded on Indian coasts, Lakshadweep and the Andamans.
Longhorn CowfishLactoria cornutaLeast ConcernA boxfish encased in bony plates with prominent horns, found on Indian reefs and lagoons.
Longnose SnowtroutPtychobarbus conirostrisLeast ConcernA cone-snouted cyprinid of the upper Indus, it is one of the highest-altitude fishes in India.
Longtail Butterfly RayGymnura poeciluraNear ThreatenedA flattened coastal ray with a banded tail, common in muddy waters off the Indian coast.
Mahecola BarbPuntius mahecolaData DeficientA small barb widely found in Kerala. It moves into rice fields to breed when the monsoon floods them, and is rated Data Deficient.
Malabar BarilOpsarius bakeriLeast ConcernA quick, surface-feeding hill stream fish endemic to rivers on the western slopes of the Ghats.
Malabar Blood SnapperLutjanus malabaricusLeast ConcernA red coastal snapper prized in fisheries along the Indian seaboard.
Malabar DanioDevario malabaricusLeast ConcernA silvery striped shoaling fish of west-coast rivers, popular in home aquariums.
Malabar GrouperEpinephelus malabaricusLeast ConcernA big reef-associated grouper ranging across the Indo-West Pacific, including India's coastal waters. It is a valued food and game fish.
Malabar Hatchet ChelaLaubuka fasciataVulnerableA small fish endemic to river systems in Kerala, named for the shiny stripe along its body. It is listed as Vulnerable.
Malabar LeaffishPristolepis marginataLeast ConcernA deep-bodied, leaf-shaped freshwater perch endemic to the rivers of the Western Ghats.
Malabar MahseerTor malabaricusEndangeredA river sport fish confined to the western streams of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Malabar OsteobramaOsteobrama bakeriLeast ConcernA silvery cyprinid endemic to streams of the southern Western Ghats in Kerala. It is listed as Least Concern.
Malabar PufferfishCarinotetraodon travancoricusVulnerableA pea-sized freshwater puffer of Western Ghats rivers and Vembanad Lake, Vulnerable due to overcollection for the aquarium trade.
Malabar SnakeheadChanna diplogrammaVulnerableA big air-gulping predatory fish endemic to the rivers of peninsular India's wet south-west.
Malabar SpratEhirava fluviatilisData DeficientA tiny herring relative of rivers, coastal lagoons and estuaries in southern India and Sri Lanka. It is rated Data Deficient.
Maldive AnemonefishAmphiprion nigripesLeast ConcernA clownfish of the western Indian Ocean living among sea anemones on Lakshadweep reefs, largely restricted to the Laccadive-Maldive region.
Mangrove Red SnapperLutjanus argentimaculatusLeast ConcernA prized snapper whose young grow in mangrove backwaters before moving to reefs.
Manipur Osteobrama (Pengba)Osteobrama belangeriNear ThreatenedA culturally treasured food fish of Manipur that vanished from Loktak Lake and survives through captive breeding.
Many-spined AngelfishCentropyge multispinisLeast ConcernA dusky dwarf angelfish with blue fin edges, one of the commonest angelfish in the Indian Ocean. Well recorded from Lakshadweep and also from the Andamans.
Mascara BarbDawkinsia assimilisEndangeredAn endangered barb fish native to streams of the southern Western Ghats.
Masked BannerfishHeniochus monocerosLeast ConcernA bannerfish with a black face mask and a long white dorsal filament, living on outer reef slopes 2 to 30 m deep. In India it is recorded from Lakshadweep.
Melon BarbHaludaria fasciataLeast ConcernA colourful barb of Western Ghats streams and a longtime favourite in the aquarium hobby.
Melon ButterflyfishChaetodon trifasciatusLeast ConcernA yellow, finely striped butterflyfish of coral-rich lagoons from East Africa to western Java. It is widely recorded on Lakshadweep and Andaman reefs.
Mesonoemacheilus herreiMesonoemacheilus herreiCritically EndangeredA critically endangered stone loach endemic to India, known only from streams in the Anamalai Hills of Tamil Nadu. It was described in 1982.
Mesonoemacheilus petrubanarescuiMesonoemacheilus petrubanarescuiEndangeredA small stone loach, about 3.5 cm long, endemic to the Western Ghats of Karnataka and Kerala. It is threatened by sand mining, habitat change and pollution.
Milk-spotted PufferChelonodontops patocaLeast ConcernA pufferfish of coasts, lagoons and estuaries across the Indo-Pacific, including India. It is also called the Gangetic pufferfish and often moves in schools.
MilkfishChanos chanosLeast ConcernA hardy, fast-growing schooling fish of warm Indian Ocean coasts, valued for aquaculture and able to thrive in fresh, brackish and marine water.
Mola CarpletAmblypharyngodon molaLeast ConcernA small shoaling carp of ponds and floodplains across India and Bangladesh. Rich in micronutrients, it is an important food fish in the Ganges delta.
Moon WrasseThalassoma lunareLeast ConcernA restless, colourful wrasse of Indian reef flats and lagoons that darts constantly in search of small invertebrates.
Moorish IdolZanclus cornutusLeast ConcernA striking black, white and yellow banded reef fish with a long streaming fin, found on coral reefs off India's coasts and islands.
Morari MinnowCabdio morarLeast ConcernOne of India's most widespread small cyprinids, it is found in rivers and canals across most of the mainland.
Mottled LoachParacanthocobitis botiaLeast ConcernA widespread, mottled bottom-dwelling loach found across northern and northeastern Indian rivers.
Moustached DanioDanio dangilaLeast ConcernA hardy schooling danio of northeast Indian and Bengal streams, larger and more robust than its aquarium cousins.
Mrigal CarpCirrhinus mrigalaLeast ConcernA silvery bottom-feeding carp of northern Indian rivers, widely raised in ponds alongside rohu and catla as a staple food fish.
Mullya GarraGarra mullyaLeast ConcernA sucker-mouthed fish that clings to rocks in fast peninsular hill streams.
Narrow-barred Spanish MackerelScomberomorus commersonNear ThreatenedFast swimming mackerel heavily fished along the Indian Ocean coastline.
Neon Highfin BarbOreichthys crenuchoidesData DeficientA small cyprinid of Assam that lives in ditches, ponds and streams. Its aquarium-trade name, O. umangii, is not a valid scientific name.
Nilgiris BarbHypselobarbus dubiusEndangeredA heavy-bodied barb of the Nilgiri hill streams, it survives in fragmented stretches of the Cauvery drainage.
Noble BlennyEcsenius pulcherLeast ConcernRestricted largely to the northern Indian Ocean, it is recorded along India's coasts and reef patches.
Northern WhitingSillago sihamaLeast ConcernSlender sand-dwelling whiting found in estuaries along both Indian coasts.
Ocellaris ClownfishAmphiprion ocellarisLeast ConcernA small reef fish of the eastern Indian Ocean that shelters among sea anemones. It lives on coral reefs around India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Ocellated PufferfishLeiodon cutcutiaLeast ConcernA small freshwater pufferfish of eastern Indian rivers and wetlands that inflates itself against predators.
Olive BarbSystomus saranaLeast ConcernA widespread river carp found across northern and central Indian freshwater systems.
Olyra longicaudataOlyra longicaudataLeast ConcernA Olyra longicaudata of India and Myanmar. In India it is known from the Darjeeling Himalaya and Assam.
Orange ChromidePseudetroplus maculatusLeast ConcernA small, vividly spotted cichlid of southern Indian lagoons, estuaries and streams, popular in aquariums and known to clean parasites off larger fish.
Orange-fin LabeoLabeo calbasuLeast ConcernA large blackish carp of Indian rivers and reservoirs, valued as food, with reddish-orange fins that brighten in breeding condition.
Orange-lined TriggerfishBalistapus undulatusLeast ConcernA boldly patterned, aggressive reef triggerfish of Indian island and coral reef habitats.
Orange-spotted GrouperEpinephelus coioidesLeast ConcernEstuarine grouper prized as a food fish along Indian coastlines.
Orange-Spotted SnakeheadChanna aurantimaculataData DeficientA striking snakehead endemic to forest streams of the upper Brahmaputra in northeastern India.
Oriental SweetlipsPlectorhinchus vittatusLeast ConcernA striking striped reef fish recorded from the Gulf of Mannar and other Indian coastal reefs, often seen hovering in small groups.
Ornate Eagle RayAetomylaeus vespertilioEndangeredA rare, boldly patterned ray gliding over reefs off India's coasts and islands.
Osteobrama vigorsiiOsteobrama vigorsiiLeast ConcernA peninsular Indian carplet restricted to the Deccan's Krishna and Godavari river systems.
Pabdah CatfishOmpok pabdaNear ThreatenedA small silvery sheatfish of Gangetic and northeastern streams and ponds, popular in Bengali cuisine.
Pabo CatfishOmpok paboNear ThreatenedA slender, silvery catfish of northeast India and the Ganga, valued as food and now near-threatened.
Palette SurgeonfishParacanthurus hepatusLeast ConcernThe famous blue tang, a reef surgeonfish found in the Andaman and Nicobar coral reefs.
Peacock HindCephalopholis argusLeast ConcernA widespread reef grouper of the Andamans and Lakshadweep, territorial and often seen resting on coral heads.
Pearse's MudskipperPeriophthalmus novemradiatusData DeficientA small amphibious mudskipper of intertidal areas along the Bay of Bengal coast. It is rated Data Deficient.
Pelagic ThresherAlopias pelagicusEndangeredAn open-ocean shark recorded in Indian waters and around the Andaman and Lakshadweep seas.
Peppered ButterflyfishChaetodon guttatissimusLeast ConcernA small silver butterflyfish covered in dark speckles, reaching 12 cm. In India it is found around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
Pinecone SoldierfishMyripristis murdjanLeast ConcernBy day it shelters in reef caves of the Andamans and Lakshadweep, emerging only at night.
Pink Ear EmperorLethrinus lentjanLeast ConcernA reef associated emperor bream fished widely along the Tamil Nadu and Kerala coasts.
Pink Skunk ClownfishAmphiprion perideraionLeast ConcernA delicate pink anemonefish recorded on reefs of the Andaman and Nicobar islands.
Pnar Cave MahseerNeolissochilus pnarNot EvaluatedA pale subterranean carp from caves in Meghalaya. Reaching over 30 cm, it is larger than any other known cave-dwelling fish. Not yet assessed by IUCN.
Pondicherry SharkCarcharhinus hemiodonCritically EndangeredA small coastal shark thought lost for decades until it turned up again in southern Indian waters.
Pool BarbPuntius sophoreLeast ConcernA hardy little barb with a dark tail spot, swarming in ponds, ditches and rivers across India. A widely eaten and aquarium-traded fish.
Porcupine RayUrogymnus asperrimusEndangeredA heavy stingray covered in sharp thorns and, unusually, with no venomous tail spine. Its tough skin was once used as shagreen. Listed as Endangered.
Powder Blue SurgeonfishAcanthurus leucosternonLeast ConcernA vivid powder-blue reef fish of the Andaman and Lakshadweep reefs that grazes algae in roving shoals.
Pseudolaguvia austrinaPseudolaguvia austrinaData DeficientA tiny catfish found in a tributary of the Bharathapuzha River in southern India. Too little is known to assess its threat level.
Pseudolaguvia kapuriPseudolaguvia kapuriLeast ConcernA tiny catfish, about 4 cm long, found in India and Nepal. It is listed as Least Concern.
Queen CorisCoris formosaLeast ConcernA large Indian Ocean wrasse whose orange and white juveniles become blue-green adults with dark spots. Indian records include the Karnataka coast and Lakshadweep.
Raccoon ButterflyfishChaetodon lunulaLeast ConcernA nocturnally active butterflyfish with a bold eye-mask, found on Indian coral reefs and islands.
Rainbow SnakeheadChanna bleheriNear ThreatenedA small brilliantly coloured dwarf snakehead endemic to the Brahmaputra basin of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Reba CarpCirrhinus rebaLeast ConcernA modest, silvery carp of rivers, tanks and floodplains across India, an important small-scale food and bait fish.
Red Canarese BarbHypselobarbus thomassiCritically EndangeredRestricted to a few clear-water rivers of Karnataka and Kerala, it has been pushed to the edge by dams and fishing.
Red LionfishPterois volitansLeast ConcernA striking, venomous-spined reef predator of the Andaman and Nicobar coral reefs.
Redmouth GrouperAethaloperca rogaaLeast ConcernA dark brown to black grouper with a deep body, sometimes placed in Cephalopholis. It is well recorded from Lakshadweep and the Andamans.
Redspotted SnakeheadChanna andraoNot EvaluatedA small, boldly patterned snakehead from the wetlands of northeastern India that can breathe air.
Redtail ButterflyfishChaetodon collareLeast ConcernA dark reef butterflyfish with a red tail band found on Indian coral coasts and around Lakshadweep.
Redtoothed TriggerfishOdonus nigerLeast ConcernA schooling triggerfish that hovers in current-swept reef channels of the Andamans and Lakshadweep, feeding on plankton.
Reef Manta RayMobula alfrediVulnerableA giant, filter feeding ray that glides through Indian coral reef channels, birthing just one pup every few years.
Reef StonefishSynanceia verrucosaLeast ConcernA superbly camouflaged, extremely venomous reef fish found in Indian coastal and island reefs.
Regal AngelfishPygoplites diacanthusLeast ConcernA boldly banded orange-and-blue angelfish of Andaman and Lakshadweep coral reefs.
Reticulate WhiprayHimantura uarnakEndangeredAn endangered coastal stingray whose disc is covered in a dense honeycomb of dark spots.
Ribbon EelRhinomuraena quaesitaLeast ConcernA slender, brightly coloured moray that peers from sandy burrows on Indian reefs.
River Stone CarpPsilorhynchus sucatioLeast ConcernA small torrent minnow of Nepal, Bangladesh and eight Indian states from Uttar Pradesh to Arunachal Pradesh. It moves between altitudes with the seasons.
Rockmover WrasseNovaculichthys taeniourusLeast ConcernThe only species in its genus, living on rubble flats and lagoons. Juveniles look like drifting seaweed with long dorsal filaments. Recorded in India mainly from Lakshadweep.
Rohan's BarbDawkinsia rohaniVulnerableA filament-finned Western Ghats barb restricted to Tamil Nadu streams flowing to the Arabian Sea, threatened by its narrow range.
RohuLabeo rohitaLeast ConcernA large silvery carp of Indian rivers, one of the most prized fish on the dinner plate.
Rosy BarbPethia conchoniusLeast ConcernA small freshwater barb of northern and northeastern India's streams and ponds. Breeding males turn a bright rosy colour, making it a popular aquarium fish.
Round Ribbontail RayTaeniurops meyeniVulnerableA large mottled stingray of lagoons and reefs, mostly active at night. It is listed as Vulnerable and is recorded from Indian waters including Lakshadweep and the Andamans.
Russell's LionfishPterois russeliiLeast ConcernA lionfish with venomous spines and no spots on its tail fins, living over muddy bottoms in bays and coastal waters. Indian records come from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Odisha.
Scalloped HammerheadSphyrna lewiniCritically EndangeredA wide-ranging hammerhead of Indian coasts whose numbers have crashed under fishing pressure for its fins.
Scaly OsmanDiptychus maculatusLeast ConcernA trans-Himalayan cyprinid of icy Ladakh and Himachal torrents, it clings to gravel in strong current.
Scarlet BadisDario darioData DeficientA tiny crimson fish restricted to Brahmaputra tributaries in West Bengal and Assam, prized in nano aquariums.
Schistura hiranyakeshiSchistura hiranyakeshiNot EvaluatedA stone loach about 3.5 cm long, endemic to India and named after the Hiranyakeshi river in the northern Western Ghats. It has not been assessed by IUCN.
Scrawled ButterflyfishChaetodon meyeriLeast ConcernA white butterflyfish with curved black lines that lives in coral-rich lagoons and seaward reefs 2 to 25 m deep. Common in Lakshadweep, and recorded in the Andamans.
Scrawled FilefishAluterus scriptusLeast ConcernA long filefish with blue scribbles and a broom-like tail, found in tropical seas worldwide. In India it has been recorded around Lakshadweep and the Andamans.
Sea GoldiePseudanthias squamipinnisLeast ConcernOrange anthias that swarm in the current above Andaman and Lakshadweep reef drop-offs.
Sebae ClownfishAmphiprion sebaeLeast ConcernA dark anemonefish of the northern Indian Ocean living in partnership with host sea anemones.
Semicircle AngelfishPomacanthus semicirculatusLeast ConcernA large angelfish of Indian coastal and island reefs, shy adults grazing sponges and algae along coral walls.
Sharpnose GuitarfishGlaucostegus granulatusCritically EndangeredA guitarfish of coastal seas and estuaries, heavily hit by fishing and listed as Critically Endangered. Indian records come from both coasts, Gujarat to West Bengal.
Shaw's Hill CatfishPseudolaguvia shawiLeast ConcernTiny and heavily armoured, it occupies fast, clear streams of the Darjeeling hills and northeast India.
Short-tailed PipefishMicrophis brachyurusLeast ConcernA pipefish of fresh and brackish waters from India and Sri Lanka east to Japan, including the Nicobar Islands. It lives in slow rivers, streams and estuaries.
Silky SharkCarcharhinus falciformisVulnerableA slender bronze-grey requiem shark of the open sea, often trailing schools of tuna. It is recorded from Indian waters and is listed as Vulnerable. It is heavily fished for its fins.
Silond CatfishSilonia silondiaLeast ConcernThis large schilbid catfish hunts smaller fish in the deep channels of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Mahanadi.
Silver MoonyMonodactylus argenteusLeast ConcernA silver fish of the Indian Ocean and western Pacific, found along coasts and in estuaries. Juveniles are more yellow than adults.
Silver PomfretPampus argenteusVulnerableA flattened, silvery coastal fish central to Indian fisheries, now overfished across much of its range.
Sixbar WrasseThalassoma hardwickeLeast ConcernAn active green wrasse of shallow Andaman and Lakshadweep reef flats.
Skipjack TunaKatsuwonus pelamisLeast ConcernA fast striped-bellied tuna that forms huge shoals in Indian seas and anchors the pole-and-line fishery.
Skunk ClownfishAmphiprion akallopisosLeast ConcernThis anemonefish lives among the tentacles of magnificent sea anemones on Andaman Sea reefs.
Slender RasboraRasbora daniconiusLeast ConcernA common, widely distributed rasbora of Indian streams and tanks, forming loose midwater shoals.
Slingjaw WrasseEpibulus insidiatorLeast ConcernA reef wrasse notable for its highly protrusible jaws. Its species name insidiator means ambusher. It is recorded from the reefs of Lakshadweep and the Andamans.
Snowflake MorayEchidna nebulosaLeast ConcernA small, boldly mottled moray of Indian reef flats that specialises in eating crustaceans.
Spadenose SharkScoliodon laticaudusNear ThreatenedA small flat-snouted shark abundant in India's coastal trawl and gillnet catches.
Spot-fin PorcupinefishDiodon hystrixLeast ConcernA large porcupinefish up to 91 cm that shelters under ledges by day and feeds on sea urchins, snails and crustaceans. Widely recorded along Indian coasts and islands.
Spotfin River GobyAwaous ocellarisLeast ConcernA goby of fresh, brackish and coastal waters across southern and eastern Asia and Oceania. In India it is found in rivers and estuaries.
Spotted BoxfishOstracion meleagrisLeast ConcernA small boxfish enclosed in a rigid shell of fused bony plates, living on reefs 1 to 30 m deep. Recorded from Lakshadweep and the Andaman Islands.
Spotted Eagle RayAetobatus narinariEndangeredA large spotted ray that glides over Indian reefs and estuaries, sometimes jumping fully out of the water.
Spotted ScatScatophagus argusLeast ConcernA spotted brackish-water fish of Indian estuaries and mangroves, it tolerates a wide range of salinity.
Spotted SeahorseHippocampus kudaVulnerableA coastal seahorse of seagrass and estuaries, threatened by bycatch and the medicine trade.
Spotted SnakeheadChanna punctataLeast ConcernA hardy small snakehead that survives drying paddies by breathing air and wriggling overland.
Spotted UnicornfishNaso brevirostrisLeast ConcernA unicornfish of lagoons and seaward reefs down to 46 m, named for its short, steep snout. Recorded in India from Lakshadweep and the Andamans.
Spottedsail BarbPethia phutunioLeast ConcernA small, hardy barb of ponds and slow streams across eastern and northeastern India, common in the ornamental fish trade.
Squarehead CatfishChaca chacaLeast ConcernA flat broad-headed ambush catfish of the Ganges and Brahmaputra that gulps prey whole with its enormous mouth.
Stinging CatfishHeteropneustes fossilisLeast ConcernA slender, eel-like catfish that breathes air and packs a venomous pectoral sting, common in swamps and paddies and prized as a tonic food.
Stoliczka's BarbPethia stoliczkanaLeast ConcernA small, colourful barb of the Ganga and Brahmaputra drainages, popular in the aquarium trade.
Streaked SpinefootSiganus javusLeast ConcernA grey rabbitfish with white spots on the upper body and wavy stripes below. It lives in coastal waters from the Persian Gulf eastwards and is recorded on Indian coasts and in the Andamans.
Striated SurgeonfishCtenochaetus striatusLeast ConcernA brown bristletooth surgeonfish with fine blue lines, often seen in large schools on reef flats and lagoons. It is common on Lakshadweep and Andaman reefs.
Striped Dwarf CatfishMystus vittatusLeast ConcernA small striped bagrid catfish with long trailing barbels, abundant in Indian rivers, tanks and floodplains and popular in the aquarium trade.
Striped Eel CatfishPlotosus lineatusLeast ConcernA venomous spined catfish whose young form dense schools over Indian reef sand flats.
Striped PanchaxAplocheilus lineatusLeast ConcernA colourful surface dwelling killifish common in ponds, swamps and paddy fields across peninsular India.
Striped RasboraRasbora dandiaLeast ConcernA slender rasbora of streams in peninsular India, also found in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It is listed as Least Concern.
Striped SnakeheadChanna striataLeast ConcernA muscular air-breathing snakehead that guards its young fiercely in weedy ponds.
Sucker HeadGarra gotylaLeast ConcernA hardy stone-clinging cyprinid of Himalayan and sub-Himalayan rivers across northern India.
Sucker-throat CatfishPseudecheneis sulcataLeast ConcernA torrent catfish of fast Himalayan streams that anchors to rocks with a specialised adhesive thoracic disc.
Sun CatfishHorabagrus brachysomaVulnerableA golden backwater catfish endemic to Kerala rivers, prized both as food and aquarium fish.
Surendranath's GarraGarra surendranathaniiEndangeredThis small sucker-mouthed cyprinid is known only from a few high-gradient streams in Kerala's Western Ghats.
Swamp BarbPuntius cholaLeast ConcernA small hardy barb found in ponds, canals and marshes across the Indian subcontinent.
Tambraparni BarbDawkinsia tambraparnieiEndangeredAn endangered ornamental barb found only in the Tambraparni River system of the southern Western Ghats.
Tank GobyGlossogobius giurisLeast ConcernA mottled, large-mouthed goby that thrives in fresh and brackish waters across India, a common catch in tanks and estuaries.
Tawny Nurse SharkNebrius ferrugineusVulnerableA sluggish, nocturnal shark that rests in caves and under ledges by day across Indian reef and island waters.
Tengra CatfishMystus tengaraLeast ConcernA striped catfish of South Asian rivers, widely found in northern, eastern and northeastern India. It was described by Francis Buchanan-Hamilton in 1822.
Thorny SeahorseHippocampus histrixVulnerableA spiny Indo-Pacific seahorse recorded from Indian coastal and island waters, Vulnerable due to trade and habitat loss.
Threadfin ButterflyfishChaetodon aurigaLeast ConcernA common butterflyfish of Indian reefs, roaming in pairs over coral to nip at invertebrates and algae.
Threespot DascyllusDascyllus trimaculatusLeast ConcernA black damselfish with three white spots, like a domino, living in small groups around coral heads. Recorded from reefs of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
Tibetan Stone LoachTriplophysa stoliczkaiLeast ConcernCommon across the high Tibetan plateau margins, it burrows under stones in shallow, freezing water.
Ticto BarbPethia tictoLeast ConcernA small, colourful barb of ponds and streams across India, marked with dark side-spots and reddish fins. Popular in home aquariums.
Tiger SharkGaleocerdo cuvierNear ThreatenedA large, mostly nocturnal shark whose stripes fade with age; females can exceed 5 m. Recorded in Indian coastal waters and around Lakshadweep.
Tigertooth CroakerOtolithes ruberLeast ConcernA silvery croaker of sandy and muddy Indian coastal waters, taken commonly in inshore fisheries.
Titan TriggerfishBalistoides viridescensLeast ConcernA big, pugnacious reef fish of Indo-Pacific waters around the Andamans and Lakshadweep, known for excavating coral rubble to feed.
Tomato HindCephalopholis sonneratiLeast ConcernA reddish grouper of deep lagoon reefs and rocky coasts across the Indo-Pacific. Recorded from Indian waters including the Andaman Islands and Lakshadweep.
Travancore LoachTravancoria jonesiEndangeredA small freshwater loach endemic to fast-flowing streams of the Western Ghats in Kerala.
Tripletail WrasseCheilinus trilobatusLeast ConcernA green to brown wrasse with red lines around the eye that feeds on molluscs and crustaceans in lagoons and seaward reefs. Most Indian records come from Lakshadweep.
Trout BarbRaiamas bolaLeast ConcernA streamlined, surface-hunting cyprinid of Himalayan foothill and Gangetic rivers, known for chasing smaller fish and insects.
Two-spot Red SnapperLutjanus boharLeast ConcernA big predatory red snapper of Indian coral reefs, occasionally implicated in ciguatera poisoning.
Undulated MorayGymnothorax undulatusLeast ConcernA marbled moray eel that hunts octopus and fish through the reef at night in Indian island waters.
Vagabond ButterflyfishChaetodon vagabundusLeast ConcernOne of the most frequently seen butterflyfishes on Indian reefs, marked with fine crosshatched lines.
Walking CatfishClarias batrachusLeast ConcernAn air-breathing catfish that wriggles overland between pools on damp monsoon nights.
WallagoWallago attuVulnerableA large freshwater catfish found across the Ganges, Godavari and other major Indian rivers. Voracious and fast, it is nicknamed the helicopter catfish.
Wayanad MahseerNeolissochilus wynaadensisCritically EndangeredA rare hill-stream mahseer clinging to a few cool, clear rivers in the Wayanad plateau.
Western Ghats Hillstream LoachBhavania australisLeast ConcernA specialised hillstream loach endemic to the fast, oxygen-rich streams of the southern Western Ghats.
Whale SharkRhincodon typusEndangeredA gentle, spotted filter-feeding giant that gathers off the Gujarat coast.
White-spotted PufferArothron hispidusLeast ConcernA grey puffer with white spots and rings around the eyes and fins, found on reefs, lagoons and estuaries. Recorded along Indian coasts, Lakshadweep and the Andamans.
Whitespotted Bamboo SharkChiloscyllium plagiosumNear ThreatenedA small, slender reef shark patterned with dark saddles and white spots, common on coral flats around India's coasts.
Whitespotted WhiprayMaculabatis gerrardiEndangeredA shallow-water stingray of Indian muddy coasts and estuaries, now heavily depleted by trawling.
Whitetail DascyllusDascyllus aruanusLeast ConcernA small black and white damselfish that lives in groups above branching Acropora corals, grazing algae and supplying its host coral with nutrients through its waste. Recorded from the Andamans and Lakshadweep.
Whitetip Reef SharkTriaenodon obesusVulnerableA small, nocturnal reef shark of the Andaman and Lakshadweep reefs, now Vulnerable from mounting fishing pressure.
Yellow BoxfishOstracion cubicusLeast ConcernA rigid, box-shaped reef fish encased in fused bony plates, found on coral reefs across India's tropical seas.
Yellow-edged LyretailVariola loutiLeast ConcernA vivid red reef grouper with a crescent tail edged in yellow, found on Indian reef systems.
Yellow-edged MorayGymnothorax flavimarginatusLeast ConcernA mottled yellow and brown moray with a black gill spot that hides in reef crevices. Recorded from reefs of Lakshadweep and the Andaman Islands.
Yellowfin TunaThunnus albacaresLeast ConcernA powerful pelagic predator of India's tropical offshore waters and a mainstay of Indian Ocean fisheries.
Yellowhead ButterflyfishChaetodon xanthocephalusLeast ConcernAn Indian Ocean butterflyfish with a golden head and grey chevrons, usually alone around isolated coral heads. Most Indian records are from Lakshadweep, with a few from the Andamans.
Yellowmask AngelfishPomacanthus xanthometoponLeast ConcernA large, richly patterned angelfish of reefs in the Andaman Sea and Lakshadweep.
Yellowtail CatfishPangasius pangasiusLeast ConcernLarge shark catfish of rivers and estuaries valued in Indian fisheries.
Yellowtail MulletSicamugil cascasiaLeast ConcernA small mullet of rivers in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. It is listed as Least Concern.
Yoyo LoachBotia almorhaeLeast ConcernBoldly striped loach native to the slow waters of the Ganges basin.
Zebra LoachBotia striataEndangeredA striped freshwater loach found only in the rivers and streams of India's Western Ghats. Its small range makes it endangered.
Zebra SharkStegostoma tigrinumEndangeredA docile reef shark of Indian coastal waters, juveniles are striped while adults are leopard-spotted.
ZebrafishDanio rerioLeast ConcernA small striped danio from the Ganges basin, it became one of science's most-studied model organisms for genetics and regeneration.
Zig-zag EelMastacembelus armatusLeast ConcernA large freshwater spiny eel native across the Indian subcontinent, it hides in riverbeds by day and hunts after dark.
Zodiac LoachMesonoemacheilus triangularisLeast ConcernA small stone loach endemic to Western Ghats streams in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, favoured by aquarists for its patterning.
Insects 398 species
Amber-winged Marsh GliderHydrobasileus croceusLeast ConcernA large reddish brown dragonfly that glides for long periods over ponds and lakes. It is widely distributed in lowland South and Southeast Asia.
American CockroachPeriplaneta americanaNot EvaluatedThe large reddish-brown cockroach scuttling from bathroom drains and kitchen corners.
Andaman CrowEuploea andamanensisVulnerableA dark brown crow butterfly with white spots, found only across the Andaman Islands.
Andaman Tree-nymphIdea agamarschanaNot EvaluatedA large, slow-flying white butterfly with black markings that floats over forest clearings and the canopy. It occurs on the Andaman Islands and from Assam into Myanmar.
Angled CastorAriadne ariadneNot EvaluatedA common brush-footed butterfly of open scrub and gardens across peninsular India.
Angled PierrotCaleta decidiaNot EvaluatedA small striking black-and-white blue that gathers to mud-puddle on damp forest paths.
ApeflySpalgis epiusNot EvaluatedA small, dull brown lycaenid named for its pupa, which is said to resemble the face of an ape. It is found widely in India, with a separate race in the Andamans.
Arboreal Bicoloured AntTetraponera rufonigraNot EvaluatedA fast-moving arboreal ant common on trees across India, aggressive when its nest is disturbed.
Argiope pulchellaArgiope pulchellaNot EvaluatedAn orb weaver that ranges from India to China and Sumatra. It often lives near houses and gardens and adds a zigzag stabilimentum to its web.
Aristobia approximatorAristobia approximatorNot EvaluatedA striking longhorn beetle of northeast and Himalayan forests, its larvae boring into fig and mulberry wood.
Asian HornetVespa velutinaNot EvaluatedA social hornet of the eastern Himalayas and northeast that hunts honeybees at their hives.
Asian PintailAcisoma panorpoidesLeast ConcernA small distinctive dragonfly of weedy ponds, also called the trumpet tail.
Asian Weaver AntOecophylla smaragdinaNot EvaluatedA red tree ant that builds leaf nests sewn with silk from its own larvae.
Asiatic Blood TailLathrecista asiaticaLeast ConcernA medium dragonfly of shaded forest pools and streams, the mature male flushing crimson. Widespread in the Ghats and the northeast.
Asiatic Rhinoceros BeetleOryctes rhinocerosNot EvaluatedA hefty dark-brown scarab, the male bearing a curved horn, notorious as a pest of coconut and oil palms across tropical India.
Atlas MothAttacus atlasNot EvaluatedA giant saturniid with wingtips shaped like snake heads to deter predators. Adults have no mouthparts and live only on stored fat for about two weeks.
Autumn LeafDoleschallia bisaltideNot EvaluatedA nymphalid butterfly of forested South and Southeast Asia, common in India's Western Ghats and northeastern hills.
Banded Coral ShrimpStenopus hispidusNot EvaluatedA red-and-white banded reef shrimp with long white antennae, common on Andaman reefs.
BaronetEuthalia naisNot EvaluatedA bright orange forest butterfly of peninsular India whose larvae feed on Hemidesmus and related vines.
Bhutan GloryBhutanitis lidderdaliiLeast ConcernA spectacular black and cream swallowtail with multiple tails and a crimson eyespot, found in Arunachal Pradesh and the eastern Himalayan foothills.
Bigfin Reef SquidSepioteuthis lessonianaNot EvaluatedA broad-finned reef squid of warm Indian coastal waters, fast and highly visual.
Black BambootailProdasineura verticalisLeast ConcernIt lives along slow, shaded forest streams, where males perch on overhanging leaves. In India it is recorded from the Western Ghats and the hills of the Northeast.
Black Carpenter AntCamponotus compressusNot EvaluatedThe big shiny black ant marching across garden walls and kitchen counters.
Black Ground SkimmerDiplacodes lefebvriiLeast ConcernA small dragonfly in which mature males turn almost wholly black. It perches on the ground or low stems beside ponds, lakes and paddy fields.
Black PrinceRohana parisatisNot EvaluatedA small, fast nymphalid of evergreen forest. Males are black and females yellowish brown. It is found in the Western Ghats, the eastern Himalaya and the northeast.
Black RajahCharaxes solonNot EvaluatedA strong-winged dark nymphalid of dry and moist forests across peninsular India.
Black Sea CucumberHolothuria atraLeast ConcernA jet black sea cucumber of reef flats that swallows sediment and processes tonnes of sand each year.
Black Torrent DartDysphaea ethelaLeast ConcernA dark damselfly of rocky hill streams in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Males perch on boulders in fast water.
Black-tipped Forest GloryVestalis apicalisLeast ConcernA shimmering green damselfly of shaded forest streams, named for the dark tips of its glassy wings.
Black-winged BambootailDisparoneura quadrimaculataLeast ConcernA slender damselfly widely distributed in India. It keeps to shaded streams and rivers and rests on rocks and roots near the water.
Blue AdmiralKaniska canaceNot EvaluatedA fast, hilltopping butterfly of Indian forests whose larvae feed on Smilax vines.
Blue Bush DartCopera vittataLeast ConcernA delicate forest damselfly of shaded watercourses across the Western Ghats and northeast.
Blue Carpenter BeeXylocopa caeruleaNot EvaluatedA large bee whose brilliant blue sheen comes from microscopic structures on its exoskeleton.
Blue DukeBassarona durgaNot EvaluatedA dark, blue-washed forest butterfly of the eastern Himalaya and northeastern India.
Blue Marsh HawkOrthetrum glaucumLeast ConcernA common skimmer dragonfly of marshes and slow streams, mature males turning a dusty powder-blue.
Blue MormonPapilio polymnestorLeast ConcernA large black swallowtail dusted with brilliant blue, found in the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka. It favours forest edges and well-wooded gardens.
Blue OakleafKallima horsfieldiiNot EvaluatedA Western Ghats nymphalid with a brilliant blue-and-orange upperside that vanishes into a flawless dried-leaf mimic when its wings close.
Blue PansyJunonia orithyaNot EvaluatedA ground-loving butterfly of open scrub and wasteland, the male displaying vivid blue eyespotted hindwings. Often basks on bare earth.
Blue PeacockPapilio arcturusNot EvaluatedA large Himalayan swallowtail of mid elevation forest, its hindwings scattered with blue green scaling and red lunules.
Blue Sea DragonGlaucus atlanticusNot EvaluatedA tiny blue sea slug that drifts on the surface, eats siphonophores and stores their stingers for its own defence.
Blue Sea StarLinckia laevigataNot EvaluatedA brilliant blue starfish of shallow Indo-Pacific reefs, seen in Indian waters around the Andamans and Lakshadweep.
Blue Swimming CrabPortunus pelagicusNot EvaluatedA vividly patterned swimming crab that supports major fisheries along India's eastern and western coasts.
Blue TigerTirumala limniaceNot EvaluatedThe blue-streaked black butterfly gathering in large gardens during migration season.
Blue-Tailed Yellow SkimmerPalpopleura sexmaculataLeast ConcernA very small dragonfly of marshy ground whose males carry a powder blue abdomen tip.
Brown AwlBadamia exclamationisNot EvaluatedA fast-flying skipper with narrow brown wings. It occurs throughout the Indian subcontinent and on the Andaman Islands, and is most common in the monsoon.
Brown Droptail AntMyrmicaria brunneaNot EvaluatedA large chestnut Brown Droptail Ant native to southern Asia. It nests in soil in gardens and forests and is common in India, including in cities such as Bengaluru.
Brown Dusk HawkZyxomma petiolatumLeast ConcernA slender, chocolate brown dragonfly with a long thin abdomen. It rests in shaded vegetation during the day and becomes active over still water at twilight.
Brown Land CrabCardisoma carnifexNot EvaluatedBurrowing land crab of mangrove shores in the Andaman Islands and coasts.
Brown Rhinoceros BeetleXylotrupes gideonNot EvaluatedA large horned beetle widespread across India's forests, named for its rhino-like horn.
Brown-backed Red Marsh HawkOrthetrum chrysisLeast ConcernA medium sized dragonfly with a blood red abdomen, found near forest streams and pools in South India, the Northeast and the Andaman Islands.
Burnet MothErasmia pulchellaNot EvaluatedA brightly coloured zygaenid moth whose colours warn predators. It ranges from northern India, including Assam, through Southeast Asia to Japan.
Cantao ocellatusCantao ocellatusNot EvaluatedA boldly spotted shield bug of forests and gardens, notable for its maternal egg-guarding.
Carrhotus viduusCarrhotus viduusNot EvaluatedA small, hairy jumping spider. Males are black with thick white stripes along the sides of the head. It hunts on leaves, bark and walls.
Castor Semi-looperAchaea janataNot EvaluatedA reddish-brown moth whose black hindwings carry a white band and white spots. It is common across India wherever castor is grown.
Chambered NautilusNautilus pompiliusVulnerableA deep water relative of squid and octopus with a coiled, pearly shell, found in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal.
Chestnut BobIambrix salsalaNot EvaluatedA small chestnut skipper of shady forest edges. In India it flies in South India, around Kolkata, along the Himalaya from Kumaon to Sikkim and in Assam.
Chestnut TigerParantica sitaNot EvaluatedA large tiger butterfly with bluish-white glassy markings, found along the Himalaya from Kashmir to Sikkim and into northeast India. The tawny mime may mimic it.
Chestnut-Streaked SailerNeptis jumbahNot EvaluatedA widespread sailer butterfly found from the Western Ghats to northeast India and the Andamans.
Chocolate AlbatrossAppias lyncidaNot EvaluatedA brisk white-and-chocolate pierid butterfly of the Western Ghats foothills and northeastern hills.
Chocolate PansyJunonia iphitaNot EvaluatedA dusky brown nymphalid that haunts damp woodland edges and clearings, gliding low with slow wingbeats. Common in the Ghats and the northeast.
Clear-winged Forest GloryVestalis gracilisLeast ConcernA glistening forest damselfly haunting shaded streams of the Western Ghats.
ClipperParthenos sylviaNot EvaluatedA large blue-green nymphalid butterfly that sails through Indian rainforest canopy.
Club BeakLibythea myrrhaNot EvaluatedA brown butterfly with orange-yellow markings, found along the Himalaya from Kullu to Sikkim, in Assam and in the Western Ghats and southern India.
Coconut CrabBirgus latroVulnerableA giant land hermit crab found on the Andaman and Nicobar islands, strong enough to crack coconuts.
Coconut OctopusAmphioctopus marginatusNot EvaluatedA small octopus of shallow sandy bottoms, famous for assembling shelters from collected shells.
Coffee Bee HawkmothCephonodes hylasNot EvaluatedA transparent-winged day-active hawkmoth whose larvae feed on coffee and gardenia.
Collector UrchinTripneustes gratillaNot EvaluatedA short-spined reef urchin that grazes seagrass and covers its body with debris held by its tube feet.
CommanderModuza procrisNot EvaluatedA rich brown-and-white forest butterfly of the Western Ghats and northeastern hills with a bold banded wing.
Common AlbatrossAppias albinaNot EvaluatedA fast, glossy-white pierid of moist forests, migratory and often abundant in the monsoon.
Common Banded AwlHasora chromusNot EvaluatedA robust brown skipper active at dawn and dusk, crossed by a white band beneath. Its caterpillars feed on pongam and other legumes.
Common Banded PeacockPapilio crinoNot EvaluatedA dazzling green-banded swallowtail of peninsular India, fond of flowering scrub and forest edges.
Common BaronEuthalia acontheaNot EvaluatedA stout, gliding nymphalid butterfly found through peninsular India whose larvae feed on mango and cashew.
Common BirdwingTroides helenaLeast ConcernA huge birdwing of northeast India and the islands, with velvety black forewings and bright golden-yellow hindwings.
Common BluebottleGraphium sarpedonLeast ConcernA fast-flying swallowtail butterfly found in the Western Ghats and Himalayan foothills, fond of muddy stream edges.
Common BushbrownMycalesis perseusNot EvaluatedThe brown butterfly with eyespots hopping through shaded garden grass and bushes.
Common CastorAriadne merioneNot EvaluatedA small reddish-brown nymphalid whose caterpillars feed on castor leaves, hence the name. Frequent in cultivated and disturbed country.
Common CeruleanJamides celenoNot EvaluatedA pale sky-blue lycaenid common in gardens and forest edges across much of India.
Common ClubtailIctinogomphus rapaxLeast ConcernA large black-and-yellow dragonfly with a clubbed tail-tip, fiercely territorial around ponds and lakes where it returns to the same perch.
Common Clubtail (butterfly)Losaria coonLeast ConcernA narrow-winged swallowtail of woodland in both plains and hills. In India it is found in Assam and the northeast and on the Nicobar Islands.
Common CrowEuploea coreNot EvaluatedA slow, unhurried black butterfly speckled with white, made distasteful to birds by toxins from its milkweed foodplants. A common mimicry model.
Common EmigrantCatopsilia pomonaLeast ConcernPale yellow migratory butterfly common in gardens and forests across India.
Common Evening BrownMelanitis ledaNot EvaluatedThe leaf-brown butterfly flushing from garden shrubs at dawn and dusk.
Common Five-ringYpthima baldusNot EvaluatedA modest grey-brown satyrine of grassy forest edges, its underwings marked with a row of small ringed eyespots. Common in shaded undergrowth.
Common FourringYpthima huebneriNot EvaluatedA small grey-brown satyrine with a large double-pupilled eyespot on the forewing. It is one of the commonest grass butterflies across much of India.
Common Grass YellowEurema hecabeNot EvaluatedOne of India's most common small yellows, fluttering low over grass and gardens. Its dry-season and wet-season forms differ in wing markings.
Common GullCepora nerissaNot EvaluatedThe white garden butterfly with dark-veined wings drifting over flowering shrubs.
Common JayGraphium dosonNot EvaluatedA swift-flying swallowtail with rows of greenish spots on dark wings, often seen mud-puddling along forest streams in the Ghats and northeast.
Common JezebelDelias eucharisLeast ConcernA familiar pierid butterfly with a vividly patterned red, yellow and black underside. Its caterpillars feed gregariously on mistletoe and other parasitic plants.
Common LeopardPhalanta phalanthaNot EvaluatedA fast, restless orange butterfly patterned with black spots and fine wavy lines, common in gardens and open country across India.
Common MapCyrestis thyodamasNot EvaluatedA delicate white nymphalid crossed by map-like tracery, gliding along Himalayan and hill-forest streams.
Common MimePapilio clytiaNot EvaluatedA swallowtail with two distinct forms, each impersonating a different distasteful crow species to gain protection from predators.
Common Moon CrabMatuta victorNot EvaluatedA pale speckled sand crab that vanishes backwards into wet beach sand in seconds.
Common MormonPapilio polytesLeast ConcernA common garden swallowtail across India whose females mimic the toxic roses and tigers for protection. The non-mimetic male is plain black and white.
Common Mud DauberSceliphron caementariumNot EvaluatedThe thin-waisted wasp plastering mud nests onto walls and ceilings.
Common NawabPolyura athamasNot EvaluatedFast-flying canopy butterfly with twin tailed wings found across India.
Common PalmflyElymnias hypermnestraNot EvaluatedA dark palm-feeding butterfly of Indian groves and gardens whose females mimic crow butterflies.
Common PeacockPapilio bianorNot EvaluatedA large iridescent swallowtail of the Himalaya and northeastern hills shimmering green and blue.
Common Picture WingRhyothemis variegataLeast ConcernA dragonfly with broad amber-and-black patterned wings and a weak, butterfly-like flight. Often seen in loose swarms over grassland after rain.
Common PierrotCastalius rosimonNot EvaluatedA small lycaenid patterned like a chessboard in black and white, with slender tails on the hindwings. Common in scrub and gardens.
Common Raven (butterfly)Papilio castorNot EvaluatedA large dark swallowtail without tails, found in the eastern Himalaya and the forests of northeast India.
Common RosePachliopta aristolochiaeNot EvaluatedA black swallowtail with white wing-patches, a crimson body and red-spotted hindwings, made poisonous by its pipevine foodplants.
Common SailerNeptis hylasNot EvaluatedA black butterfly crossed by bold white bands, gliding between sunlit forest gaps with very few wingbeats. One of India's commonest sailers.
Common SergeantAthyma periusNot EvaluatedA boldly striped nymphalid found through the Himalayas and forested northern and eastern India.
Common SilverlineCigaritis vulcanusNot EvaluatedA small lycaenid butterfly widespread across much of India, from Maharashtra to Tamil Nadu.
Common Spider ConchLambis lambisNot EvaluatedA large spiny sea snail grazing algae on reef flats and seagrass beds off India's coasts and islands.
Common TitHypolycaena erylusNot EvaluatedA small hairstreak butterfly of Indian forests whose tailed hindwings mimic a decoy head.
Common Torrent HawkEpophthalmia vittataLeast ConcernA large black and yellow cruiser dragonfly with brilliant green eyes, seen hawking over ponds and reservoirs.
Common TreebrownLethe rohriaNot EvaluatedA brown forest butterfly with eyespots on the underside. It is found along the Himalaya, in the northeast and in hill forests further south, including Amarkantak.
Common WandererPareronia hippiaNot EvaluatedThe pale-blue-and-black butterfly wandering fast over garden hedges and flowers.
Common WindmillByasa polyeuctesNot EvaluatedA tailed black swallowtail with white hindwing spots, red crescents and a red body. It flies along the Himalaya from Himachal Pradesh to Sikkim and on into Assam.
ConstableDichorragia nesimachusNot EvaluatedA dark blue-black forest butterfly with white spots, usually found in dense forest and at mud puddles. In India the nominate race occurs in Sikkim, Assam and Manipur.
Convolvulus HawkmothAgrius convolvuliNot EvaluatedA large grey migratory hawkmoth whose caterpillars feed on sweet potato and bindweed.
Coral-Tailed CloudwingTholymis tillargaLeast ConcernA crepuscular amber dragonfly of weedy ponds, with a cloudy white patch on each hindwing.
Coromandel Marsh DartCeriagrion coromandelianumLeast ConcernA slender citrus-coloured damselfly common among emergent plants at the edges of ponds, ditches and tanks across India.
Cricula SilkmothCricula trifenestrataNot EvaluatedA reddish-brown silkmoth of Indian forests whose caterpillars weave shimmering gold cocoons.
Crimson Marsh GliderTrithemis auroraLeast ConcernA small, jewel-bright dragonfly of ponds and weedy tanks across the Indian subcontinent. Males perch boldly on reed tips to guard their territory.
Crimson RosePachliopta hectorLeast ConcernA striking black, crimson and white swallowtail whose body holds toxins from Aristolochia host plants. It is a protected species under Indian wildlife law.
Crimson TipColotis danaeNot EvaluatedA small white butterfly of dry scrub whose males have carmine forewing tips edged in black. In India it is found in the arid and semi-arid parts of the peninsula and northwest.
Crimson-speckled MothUtetheisa pulchellaNot EvaluatedA brightly speckled day-flying tiger moth of open grassland and coastal scrub.
Crimson-tailed Marsh HawkOrthetrum pruinosumLeast ConcernA common dragonfly of Indian ponds, ditches and slow streams from the west coast eastward.
Crown-Of-Thorns StarfishAcanthaster planciNot EvaluatedA large spiny coral-eating starfish that periodically erupts across Indian reefs, damaging coral cover.
Crucifix CrabCharybdis feriataNot EvaluatedAn edible swimming crab of coastal seas, prized in fisheries across the Indian coast.
CruiserVindula erotaNot EvaluatedA large fast-flying nymphalid of forest clearings, strongly sexually dimorphic in colour.
Cushion StarCulcita schmidelianaNot EvaluatedA plump domed starfish of Indian Ocean reefs, its arms almost hidden by its swollen body.
Daddy Long-legs SpiderPholcus phalangioidesNot EvaluatedThe fragile long-legged spider hanging in cobwebs in ceiling corners and cupboards.
Danaid EggflyHypolimnas misippusNot EvaluatedA nymphalid found on five continents whose females imitate distasteful tiger butterflies. Males are velvety black with blue-ringed white spots.
Dark Blue TigerTirumala septentrionisNot EvaluatedA blue-streaked milkweed butterfly of Indian forests famous for large seasonal migratory gatherings.
Day OctopusOctopus cyaneaNot EvaluatedA large reef octopus of the Andamans and Lakshadweep, active by day hunting crabs.
Decorative Silver Orb SpiderLeucauge decorataNot EvaluatedA long jawed orb weaver with a silver and green abdomen that ends in a point. It builds webs in vegetation and is found from Pakistan and India to Australia.
Desert LocustSchistocerca gregariaNot EvaluatedA short-horned grasshopper that switches from a solitary green form to a gregarious yellow swarming form and periodically invades northwest India.
Ditch JewelBrachythemis contaminataLeast ConcernOne of India's most abundant dragonflies, thriving even in weedy and polluted ponds.
Dotted NudibranchJorunna funebrisNot EvaluatedA sponge-eating dorid nudibranch of Indian reef flats, often called the sea slug that looks like a panda.
Double-branded CrowEuploea sylvesterNot EvaluatedA dark brown crow butterfly very similar to the common crow. In India the race coreta lives in the south and the race hopei in Sikkim and Assam.
Dwarf Honey BeeApis floreaNot EvaluatedThe tiny red bee building small single combs on garden branches and railings.
East Indian Harvesting AntCarebara diversaNot EvaluatedA marauder ant whose raiding columns show extreme size differences between the smallest workers and the giant soldiers.
Elephant EmperorAnax indicusLeast ConcernA big dragonfly with blue eyes, a pale green thorax and a dark abdomen with orange side marks. Like other emperors it patrols over ponds and lakes on the wing.
Emerald SpreadwingLestes elatusLeast ConcernA medium sized damselfly native to India, Sri Lanka and Thailand. It is found among grasses and reeds around ponds and marshes.
Emerald-banded SkimmerCratilla lineataLeast ConcernA medium sized forest dragonfly that frequents shaded pools and streams. It is found in the Western Ghats, the Northeast and the Andaman Islands.
European MantisMantis religiosaNot EvaluatedA slender green or brown praying mantis of grass and scrub, present in northern and northwestern India.
False Tiger MothDysphania militarisNot EvaluatedA large orange and blue black moth that flies openly by day, advertising its unpalatability, recorded from northeast India and the Andamans.
Field CricketGryllus bimaculatusNot EvaluatedThe black cricket chirping loudly from garden corners and doorsteps at night.
Finger Staghorn CoralAcropora humilisNear ThreatenedA robust branching Acropora of surge-swept reef tops in the Andamans, Nicobars and Lakshadweep.
Five-bar SwordtailGraphium antiphatesNot EvaluatedA white, long-tailed swallowtail of forests in the Western Ghats, the eastern Himalaya and the northeast. Males often gather at wet ground to mud-puddle.
Flathead LobsterThenus orientalisLeast ConcernA shovel-nosed slipper lobster of sandy and muddy seabeds, harvested as Bay lobster.
Frog-legged Leaf BeetleSagra femorataNot EvaluatedA jewel-like leaf beetle of northeast India, glinting green, blue or crimson on climbing vines.
Fruit-piercing MothEudocima phaloniaNot EvaluatedA large moth with brown forewings and orange hindwings marked in black. It is one of the major fruit pests of the tropics, and occurs in India, including Wayanad.
Fulvous Forest SkimmerNeurothemis fulviaLeast ConcernA forest-dwelling dragonfly of India's wet hill forests, often perching on logs in canopy gaps near streams.
Gaudy BaronEuthalia lubentinaNot EvaluatedA dark green-brown baron with crimson and white spots. It lives in the Himalayan foothills from Haridwar to Sikkim, in Bengal and Assam, and in peninsular India.
Geography ConeConus geographusLeast ConcernA beautifully patterned but deadly reef cone snail of the Andaman and Lakshadweep seas.
Giant African SnailLissachatina fulicaNot EvaluatedThe huge invasive land snail crawling over gardens after monsoon rain.
Giant Asian CentipedeScolopendra subspinipesNot EvaluatedA very large fast centipede with orange legs and a painful bite, found across tropical India and the islands.
Giant Asian MantisHierodula membranaceaNot EvaluatedA big, leaf-green mantis of Indian gardens and forests that seizes insects, and occasionally small vertebrates, with lightning-fast forelegs.
Giant Dung BeetleHeliocopris bucephalusNot EvaluatedA massive horned scarab that recycles the dung of large mammals deep underground.
Giant Freshwater PrawnMacrobrachium rosenbergiiNot EvaluatedA large river prawn with long blue claws, native from India through Southeast Asia and widely farmed for food. Larvae need brackish estuaries to develop.
Giant Golden Orb-WeaverNephila pilipesNot EvaluatedA large orb-weaving spider whose females dwarf the tiny males and weave strong, gold-tinted silk. Common in the forests of peninsular India.
Giant Honey BeeApis dorsataNot EvaluatedA large, fiercely defensive honey bee that hangs open combs from rock overhangs and high branches. Traditional honey hunters harvest these nests across India.
Giant Mud CrabScylla serrataNot EvaluatedA large mangrove-estuary crab prized in Indian fisheries and seafood exports.
Giant Tiger PrawnPenaeus monodonNot EvaluatedA big banded prawn native to Indian estuaries and mangroves, spawning offshore and maturing in coastal lagoons.
Giant Water BugLethocerus indicusNot EvaluatedOne of the largest true bugs in India, a flat brown pond hunter with raptorial forelegs that is eaten as food in parts of the northeast.
Giraffe Stag BeetleProsopocoilus giraffaNot EvaluatedA giant stag beetle of hill forests whose males fight rivals with elongated mandibles.
Glassy TigerParantica agleaNot EvaluatedA slow-flying milkweed butterfly of Indian hill forests marked with pale semi-transparent streaks.
Globe SkimmerPantala flavescensLeast ConcernA golden dragonfly that crosses oceans on monsoon winds, with generations relaying between India and Africa. Often seen swarming before the rains.
Golden BirdwingTroides aeacusNot EvaluatedA huge, high-flying birdwing swallowtail of Himalayan and hill forests whose caterpillars feed on toxic Aristolochia vines.
Golden Emperor MothLoepa katinkaNot EvaluatedA large golden silkmoth with a dark ringed eyespot on each wing, found in Himalayan and northeastern forests.
Golden Stag BeetleOdontolabis cuveraNot EvaluatedA large forest stag beetle of northeast India whose males carry oversized antler-like jaws.
Gooty Sapphire TarantulaPoecilotheria metallicaCritically EndangeredA vivid blue arboreal tarantula known from a single fragmented forest patch in Andhra Pradesh.
Gram BlueEuchrysops cnejusNot EvaluatedThe small blue butterfly common wherever beans and pulses grow near homes.
Granite GhostBradinopyga geminataLeast ConcernA stocky dragonfly mottled grey and black, perfectly camouflaged on rocks and concrete near water. Breeds even in rock pools and cisterns.
Grass DemonUdaspes folusNot EvaluatedThe dark skipper with white patches common around turmeric and ginger patches.
Great EggflyHypolimnas bolinaNot EvaluatedA large black butterfly, the male marked with white spots haloed in shimmering blue-purple. Females mimic toxic crows and are highly variable.
Great JayGraphium eurypylusNot EvaluatedA fast-flying black swallowtail with a chain of pale green spots. In India it occurs in the forests of the Western Ghats and the northeast.
Great MormonPapilio memnonNot EvaluatedA large swallowtail of forested India whose females mimic toxic butterflies to evade predators.
Great Orange TipHebomoia glaucippeNot EvaluatedOne of the biggest pierids in India, this strong flier shows broad white wings capped with vivid orange-and-black tips edged in violet.
Greater Banded HornetVespa tropicaNot EvaluatedA large black hornet with a single broad yellow band, a fierce nest predator.
Greater Crimson GliderUrothemis signataLeast ConcernA vivid red dragonfly that glides tirelessly over lakes and ponds.
Greater Death's Head HawkmothAcherontia lachesisNot EvaluatedA huge hawkmoth that raids beehives for honey, famed for its skull-patterned back.
Green EmperorAnax guttatusLeast ConcernA large green-and-blue emperor dragonfly of lakes, tanks and slow waters.
Green Jewel BeetleSternocera chrysisNot EvaluatedA large brilliantly iridescent buprestid beetle of dry deciduous woodland.
Green Lynx SpiderPeucetia viridanaNot EvaluatedA translucent green spider that stalks prey among foliage rather than building a web.
Green Marsh HawkOrthetrum sabinaLeast ConcernA greenish-grey dragonfly with black bands, a voracious hunter that often eats other odonates. One of the most widespread dragonflies in Asia.
Greenfish Sea CucumberStichopus chloronotusLeast ConcernA dark sea cucumber with rows of pointed, orange tipped papillae. It feeds on sediment on reef flats and, like all sea cucumbers, is protected under Indian wildlife law.
Grey CountTanaecia lepideaNot EvaluatedA forest nymphalid ranging from the lower Himalayas through the Western Ghats and into the northeast.
Grey PansyJunonia atlitesNot EvaluatedA soft grey nymphalid of marshy ground and paddy edges, its wings patterned with a chain of orange-and-blue eyespots. Common in wetter parts of India.
Grey Wall JumperMenemerus bivittatusNot EvaluatedA pantropical jumping spider. In India it is common on the outer walls of buildings and on tree trunks, where it stalks flies and other small insects.
Ground SkimmerDiplacodes trivialisLeast ConcernA tiny pale-blue dragonfly of lawns, fields and forest tracks, often the first dragonfly to colonise disturbed habitats. Extremely common in India.
Haddon's Carpet AnemoneStichodactyla haddoniNot EvaluatedA large flat sea anemone of sandy lagoons, hosting anemonefish and anemone shrimps.
Handmaiden MothSyntomoides imaonNot EvaluatedA black moth with clear wing patches and yellow bands, often seen by day on flowers. In India it is recorded from Sikkim, the Khasi Hills, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Himalayan Relict DragonflyEpiophlebia laidlawiNear ThreatenedAn ancient dragonfly lineage clinging to fast Himalayan headwater streams near Darjeeling.
Horned Ghost CrabOcypode ceratophthalmusNot EvaluatedA swift sandy-beach crab of Indian coasts recognised by the horns atop its stalked eyes.
House FlyMusca domesticaNot EvaluatedThe ubiquitous grey fly buzzing around every Indian kitchen and food stall.
Hump CoralPorites luteaLeast ConcernA mustard yellow stony coral that forms huge domes and intertidal microatolls used by scientists to read climate history.
Huntsman SpiderHeteropoda venatoriaNot EvaluatedA large sprawling house spider that runs down prey, harmless and helpful to people.
Indian Apple SnailPila globosaNot EvaluatedA common pond and paddy-field snail of India, aestivating buried in dried mud until the rains return.
Indian AwlkingChoaspes benjaminiiNot EvaluatedA large skipper with a shining green underside and an orange tornal patch. In India it ranges from the Palni Hills and Nilgiris to the Himalaya from Kullu to Assam.
Indian Black ScorpionDeccanometrus bengalensisNot EvaluatedA big forest-floor scorpion of eastern India, often found under logs and stones.
Indian Cabbage WhitePieris canidiaNot EvaluatedA white butterfly with black tips and spots, common in the Himalaya and the hills of northeast India, and also found in the high Nilgiris.
Indian Cooperative SpiderStegodyphus sarasinorumNot EvaluatedA social velvet spider that builds large communal silk nests in dry scrub and hunts cooperatively.
Indian Flat-Backed MillipedeAnoplodesmus saussuriiNot EvaluatedA dark keeled millipede of South Asian leaf litter that appears in enormous numbers with the onset of the rains.
Indian Flower MantisCreobroter gemmatusNot EvaluatedA small ornate mantis patterned cream, green and brown, with spiralled eyespots on the forewings that flash to startle predators.
Indian FritillaryArgynnis hyperbiusNot EvaluatedA fast flying orange butterfly of Himalayan meadows and northeastern hills, patterned with black spots and streaks.
Indian Giant Forest ScorpionGigantometrus swammerdamiNot EvaluatedA massive forest scorpion that subdues prey by crushing it with powerful pincers rather than relying on venom. Native to India and Sri Lanka.
Indian Honey BeeApis ceranaNot EvaluatedThe native hive bee farmed across India for honey and pollination.
Indian Jumping AntHarpegnathos saltatorNot EvaluatedA big-eyed hunting ant famous for jumping and for a remarkable social flexibility.
Indian Moon MothActias seleneNot EvaluatedA large, ghostly green saturniid with trailing hindwing tails that confuse hunting bats. It is widely reared by hobbyists for its beauty.
Indian Ornamental TarantulaPoecilotheria regalisLeast ConcernA boldly patterned arboreal tarantula from the forests of southeastern India, fast-moving and shy. Habitat loss is its main threat in the wild.
Indian Owlet MothSpirama retortaNot EvaluatedA large brown erebid moth with a crimson abdomen. In India it is recorded from Sikkim and West Bengal and has been photographed at Eaglenest in Arunachal Pradesh.
Indian Paper WaspRopalidia marginataNot EvaluatedThe slender wasp building open honeycomb nests under verandah roofs and windows.
Indian Red AdmiralVanessa indicaNot EvaluatedA strong-flying nymphalid of Indian hills, blackish with bold orange-red bands. Often basks on sunlit rocks and tree trunks.
Indian Red ScorpionHottentotta tamulusNot EvaluatedA medically significant venomous scorpion widespread across the Indian plains.
Indian Stick InsectCarausius morosusNot EvaluatedA southern Indian stick insect that mimics a twig and reproduces largely by parthenogenesis.
Indian Stingless BeeTetragonula iridipennisNot EvaluatedA minute stingless bee kept in traditional Indian meliponiculture for its tangy medicinal honey.
Indian Tiger CentipedeScolopendra hardwickeiNot EvaluatedThe banded centipede hiding under garden stones and flowerpots with a painful bite.
Indian TortoiseshellAglais caschmirensisNot EvaluatedAn orange, black and yellow butterfly of the Himalaya, found from Jammu and Kashmir east to Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.
Indian Violet TarantulaChilobrachys fimbriatusLeast ConcernAn Indian endemic tarantula of the Western Ghats that lines a deep silk burrow and rarely leaves it.
Indian White PrawnPenaeus indicusNot EvaluatedA pale, translucent penaeid prawn of India's estuaries and inshore waters, central to coastal fisheries and aquaculture.
Indo-Pacific Horseshoe CrabTachypleus gigasData DeficientAn ancient armoured arthropod that crawls onto Indian sandy beaches to spawn, its body plan barely changed in hundreds of millions of years.
Iridescent FluttererZygonyx irisLeast ConcernA fast stream dragonfly of hill forests, rarely settling as it hawks over cascades and rapids.
Jade Hawk MothDaphnis hypothousNot EvaluatedA boldly marbled hawkmoth of moist forests, its caterpillars feeding on rubiaceous shrubs.
Jewel WaspAmpulex compressaNot EvaluatedThe metallic blue-green emerald wasp famously enslaves cockroaches with a precise brain sting, then leads the living host to feed its larva.
Jumping SpiderHyllus semicupreusNot EvaluatedA stout furry jumping spider of gardens and scrub, a common daylight hunter.
Kaiser-i-HindTeinopalpus imperialisNear ThreatenedA coveted high-altitude swallowtail whose name means Emperor of India.
Krishna PeacockPapilio krishnaNot EvaluatedA large peacock swallowtail of hill forests in the eastern Himalaya and northeast India, recorded in places such as Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh.
Large SilverstripeArgynnis childreniNot EvaluatedA large fritillary with orange forewings and a brown hindwing underside crossed by white stripes. It lives in the mountains from Pakistan through the Indian Himalaya into China.
Leaf InsectPulchriphyllium bioculatumNot EvaluatedA superbly camouflaged leaf insect of southern and northeast forests, swaying like a leaf in the breeze.
Lemon PansyJunonia lemoniasNot EvaluatedA common pansy of gardens, roadsides and scrub throughout India, its earthy wings studded with eyespots and pale lemon flecks.
Lesser Banded HornetVespa affinisNot EvaluatedA bold orange-and-black hornet common in gardens and forest edges.
Lesser Brown ScorpionIsometrus maculatusNot EvaluatedA small mottled buthid scorpion with a very slender tail, widespread on the Indian coast and islands.
Lesser Death's Head HawkmothAcherontia styxNot EvaluatedLarge hawkmoth marked with a skull-like pattern, found across most of India.
Lesser Grass BlueZizina otisNot EvaluatedThe minute violet-blue butterfly flitting low over lawns and grassy verges.
Light-tipped DemonIndothemis carnaticaLeast ConcernA small, dark violet to blackish dragonfly of weedy ponds and marshes. Males perch on emergent plants close to the water.
Lime ButterflyPapilio demoleusLeast ConcernOne of the most widespread swallowtails in India, breeding readily on lime and curry-leaf plants. Young larvae disguise themselves as bird droppings.
Lined HooktailParagomphus lineatusLeast ConcernA black and yellow clubtail of sandy rivers and streams, recorded from India west to Turkey. It perches on stones and twigs close to the water.
Little Fire AntSolenopsis geminataNot EvaluatedThe tiny reddish ant delivering a fiery sting around gardens and picnic spots.
Long-banded SilverlineCigaritis lohitaNot EvaluatedA small lycaenid with silver-lined bands on the underside and two hindwing tails. Separate races live in South India and in the Himalaya and northeast.
Long-legged Marsh GliderTrithemis pallidinervisLeast ConcernA widespread wetland dragonfly of Indian marshes, ponds and paddy fields.
Long-spined Sea UrchinDiadema setosumNot EvaluatedA common reef urchin of Indian coasts, sheltering by day in crevices and grazing algae by night.
Magnificent EmperorAnax immaculifronsLeast ConcernA striking large dragonfly of clear rocky streams in hill country.
Magnificent Sea AnemoneRadianthus magnificaNot EvaluatedA large, colourful reef anemone of Indo-Pacific waters around India's islands, famous as a home for anemonefish.
Magpie CrowEuploea radamanthusNot EvaluatedA slow-flying danaid of northeast and Himalayan forests, distastefully toxic and boldly patterned.
Malabar Banded PeacockPapilio buddhaLeast ConcernA glossy black swallowtail with iridescent green bands, found in Western Ghats forests.
Malabar Banded SwallowtailPapilio liomedonNot EvaluatedA rare swallowtail butterfly restricted to forests of the southern Western Ghats.
Malabar Giant SnailIndrella ampullaNot EvaluatedA strikingly colourful giant land snail found only in the moist forests of the Western Ghats.
Malabar RavenPapilio dravidarumNot EvaluatedA dark swallowtail butterfly endemic to the Western Ghats and hills of Andhra Pradesh.
Malabar RosePachliopta pandiyanaNot EvaluatedA red-bodied black swallowtail found only in the Western Ghats, unpalatable to predators.
Malabar SpritePseudagrion malabaricumLeast ConcernA medium sized blue damselfly, also called the Jungle Grass Dart, found along grassy margins of streams and ponds. Males have an azure blue thorax with black stripes.
Malabar Torrent DartEuphaea fraseriLeast ConcernA robust damselfly endemic to the Western Ghats, perching on rocks beside swift forest torrents.
Malabar Tree NymphIdea malabaricaNear ThreatenedA large, slow-gliding butterfly endemic to the Western Ghats, its translucent white wings dotted with black float gently through shaded forest.
Mango Stem BorerBatocera rufomaculataNot EvaluatedA large long-horned beetle native to India whose larvae bore through the trunks of mango and fig trees.
Mangrove Horseshoe CrabCarcinoscorpius rotundicaudaData DeficientA small horseshoe crab of muddy estuaries and mangroves along India's east coast.
Marbled ConeConus marmoreusLeast ConcernA predatory sea snail with a black and white tent patterned shell. It eats other snails, including other cones, and is recorded in the Bay of Bengal off India.
Maxima ClamTridacna maximaNear ThreatenedA brilliantly coloured giant clam wedged into coral reef crevices around India's Lakshadweep and Andaman islands.
Metopograpsus messorMetopograpsus messorNot EvaluatedA small mottled crab of mangroves found from East Africa along the Indian Ocean coasts to Fiji, including the west coast of India at Karwar.
Money CowryMonetaria monetaNot EvaluatedA glossy shore snail abundant on reef flats, historically collected and traded as shell money.
Monsoon River PrawnMacrobrachium malcolmsoniiLeast ConcernA large bottom-dwelling freshwater prawn of Indian rivers draining into the Bay of Bengal, important to local fisheries.
Mottled EmigrantCatopsilia pyrantheNot EvaluatedThe pale greenish-white butterfly streaming across gardens and open farmland.
Mottled Lightfoot CrabGrapsus albolineatusNot EvaluatedA flat marbled shore crab that grazes algae on rocky Indian coasts and darts sideways at any movement.
Mud Spiny LobsterPanulirus polyphagusLeast ConcernA commercially valuable spiny lobster living on turbid, silty grounds along India's shores.
Muga SilkmothAntheraea assamensisNot EvaluatedA semi-domesticated silkmoth of Assam whose larvae spin the durable golden muga silk unique to the region.
Mysore Ornamental TarantulaPoecilotheria striataVulnerableA tree dwelling tarantula endemic to India's dry and moist deciduous forests.
Nilgiri TigerParantica nilgiriensisNear ThreatenedA slow gliding butterfly restricted to the high altitude shola grasslands of the southern Western Ghats.
Northern Jungle QueenStichophthalma camadevaNot EvaluatedA large pale blue and brown morphine butterfly of dense northeastern bamboo forest that flies in the low light of early morning.
Ocellate PhyllidiaPhyllidia ocellataNot EvaluatedA colourful sea slug of Indian reefs whose bright markings advertise a chemically defended body.
Octopus CoralGalaxea fascicularisNear ThreatenedA colonial hard coral of Indian reefs whose extended tentacles give colonies a fuzzy appearance.
Odontotermes obesusOdontotermes obesusNot EvaluatedA widespread mound-building termite of Indian plains, a key recycler of plant litter.
Oleander Hawk-mothDaphnis neriiNot EvaluatedA large migratory moth in camouflage green whose caterpillars feed on toxic oleander.
Orange OakleafKallima inachusNot EvaluatedA celebrated master of camouflage whose closed wings mimic a dry leaf complete with veins. Open, they flash a vivid blue and orange band.
Orange-tailed Marsh DartCeriagrion cerinorubellumLeast ConcernA medium sized damselfly, very common in marshes, ponds and paddy fields across India and much of tropical Asia.
Orange-winged DropwingTrithemis kirbyiLeast ConcernA brilliant small dragonfly of rocky pools and streams, common across drier peninsular India.
Orchid MantisHymenopus coronatusNot EvaluatedA white and pink mantis whose flattened legs resemble petals. Mainly Southeast Asian, it reaches the far east of India, where it waits among flowers for pollinators.
Organ Pipe CoralTubipora musicaNear ThreatenedA soft coral with a distinctive red pipe-organ skeleton found on Indian reefs of the Andamans and Gulf of Mannar.
Oriental HornetVespa orientalisNot EvaluatedA reddish-brown hornet of drier India with a bright yellow band that uniquely harvests solar energy. Builds paper nests in cavities.
Oriental Mole CricketGryllotalpa orientalisNot EvaluatedThe burrowing cricket churring underground in damp garden and farm soil.
Oriental Scarce BluetailIschnura senegalensisLeast ConcernA common, delicate damselfly of weedy ponds and ditches, the male tipped with sky-blue. Widespread across India and much of the Old World.
Oriental Spiny Orb-weaverGasteracantha geminataNot EvaluatedA small, brightly patterned spiny spider of Indian gardens and forests that spins wheel-shaped webs.
Ornate Spiny LobsterPanulirus ornatusLeast ConcernA large, boldly striped spiny lobster fished along India's coasts and reefs, lacking the heavy claws of true lobsters.
Oval St Andrew's Cross SpiderArgiope aemulaNot EvaluatedA large orb weaver found from India and Sri Lanka to the Philippines and Vanuatu. It builds its web in grass and shrubs and rests at the centre.
Owl MothBrahmaea wallichiiNot EvaluatedOne of the largest Brahmin moths, with eye spots and wavy black-brown bands. It lives in north India and the Himalaya and is named after the botanist Nathaniel Wallich.
Oxyopes shwetaOxyopes shwetaNot EvaluatedA small lynx spider that hunts actively on green leaves without building a web to catch prey.
Painted GrasshopperPoekilocerus pictusNot EvaluatedA large yellow-and-green grasshopper of dry scrub, warning off predators with its bold aposematic colours.
Painted LadyVanessa carduiLeast ConcernA far-ranging migratory butterfly seen across India from desert scrub to Himalayan slopes.
Painted SawtoothPrioneris sitaNot EvaluatedA white pierid with a yellow and red hindwing underside, found only in a stretch of the Western Ghats from west-central Karnataka to the Nilgiris and Wayanad, and in Sri Lanka.
Painted Spiny LobsterPanulirus versicolorLeast ConcernA vividly patterned reef lobster of the Andaman and southern Indian coasts, sheltering in crevices by day.
Paris PeacockPapilio parisNot EvaluatedA large swallowtail of the Western Ghats and northeast hills, famed for the dazzling blue-green shimmer on its black hindwings.
Pea BlueLampides boeticusNot EvaluatedA small, far-roaming blue butterfly with a fine tail and eyespot. A minor pest of legumes, it occurs almost worldwide including across India.
Peacock Mantis ShrimpOdontodactylus scyllarusNot EvaluatedA dazzlingly coloured reef predator found in Indian coastal waters, armed with one of the fastest strikes in the animal kingdom.
Peacock PansyJunonia almanaNot EvaluatedAn orange butterfly with large showy eyespots that mimic the feathers of a peacock. Its wet and dry season forms look strikingly different.
Peacock RoyalTajuria cippusNot EvaluatedA brilliant blue lycaenid whose caterpillars are tended by ants and feed on mistletoe.
Pharaoh CuttlefishAcanthosepion pharaonisData DeficientA large cuttlefish common in Indian Ocean waters, prized in coastal fisheries along India's coast.
Phintella vittataPhintella vittataNot EvaluatedA small jumping spider found from India, Nepal and Bangladesh through China to the Philippines. It hunts on leaves in gardens and forest edges.
Pied Paddy SkimmerNeurothemis tulliaLeast ConcernA small dragonfly of paddy fields and marshes whose males flash bold black-and-white banded wings.
Pied ReedtailProtosticta gravelyiLeast ConcernA large, very slender shadow damsel of hill streams. It rests in dark, damp undergrowth near trickling water and is easily overlooked.
Pioneer WhiteBelenois aurotaLeast ConcernA white pierid with dark veins and wing borders that gathers in huge migrating swarms after good rains.
Plain TigerDanaus chrysippusLeast ConcernA tawny, milkweed-feeding butterfly whose distasteful body makes it a model for famous mimics. It is one of the most widespread butterflies in the Old World.
Plains CupidLuthrodes pandavaNot EvaluatedA small lavender-blue butterfly, also called the cycad blue. It is common in gardens across much of India where cycads are grown.
Plum JudyAbisara echeriusNot EvaluatedA small purplish-brown metalmark butterfly of shaded undergrowth across peninsular and northeast India.
PopinjayStibochiona niceaNot EvaluatedA forest nymphalid of the eastern Himalayas and northeast, fond of damp glades and rotting fruit.
Portuguese Man O' WarPhysalia physalisNot EvaluatedA blue floating siphonophore that drifts onto Indian beaches in season and delivers a severe sting even when stranded.
Prickly RedfishThelenota ananasEndangeredA big pineapple-textured sea cucumber of Indian reefs, overharvested for the dried seafood trade.
PsycheLeptosia ninaNot EvaluatedThe small delicate white butterfly bobbing weakly through shaded garden undergrowth.
PunchinelloZemeros flegyasNot EvaluatedA small, chequered brown and white butterfly of forest edges. In India the nominate race lives in the Himalaya and Assam.
Pygmy DartletAgriocnemis pygmaeaLeast ConcernA minute damselfly of paddy fields and marsh edges, males tipped orange-red.
Pygmy Hairy Wood SpiderPardosa sumatranaNot EvaluatedA wolf spider found hunting in fields and forest floors across India.
QuakerNeopithecops zalmoraNot EvaluatedA tiny dark brown butterfly with a white underside, found in forest undergrowth in South India, northeast India and the Andaman Islands.
Rameswaram Parachute SpiderPoecilotheria hanumavilasumicaCritically EndangeredA large, brightly patterned arboreal tarantula with a tiny range threatened by habitat loss.
Ramose MurexChicoreus ramosusNot EvaluatedA large predatory sea snail of Indian coral rubble and sandy shallows that hunts other molluscs.
Red Cotton StainerDysdercus cingulatusNot EvaluatedA red and black true bug and a known pest of cotton in India. Adults and nymphs gather in groups on bolls and on plants of the mallow family.
Red Ghost CrabOcypode macroceraLeast ConcernA fast, pale sand crab that darts sideways across Indian beaches at dusk.
Red HelenPapilio helenusNot EvaluatedA large, black swallowtail butterfly with bold white hindwing patches, common in the forests of southern and northeastern India.
Red Knob Sea StarProtoreaster linckiNot EvaluatedA bold Indian Ocean starfish of shallow sandy and seagrass bottoms, heavily collected for the curio trade.
Red LacewingCethosia biblisNot EvaluatedA vivid red woodland butterfly found in northeast India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Red Marsh TrotterTramea basilarisLeast ConcernA red glider dragonfly that ranges widely over open marshes and tanks.
Red Palm WeevilRhynchophorus ferrugineusNot EvaluatedA large reddish weevil native to South Asia whose larvae tunnel through palm crowns, making it a serious pest of coconut and date palms.
Red PierrotTalicada nyseusNot EvaluatedA small black and white lycaenid with a bold orange band, usually spotted resting on its Kalanchoe host plant in gardens.
Red Pumpkin BeetleAulacophora foveicollisNot EvaluatedA small orange leaf beetle, 5 to 8 mm long. It is a serious pest of pumpkins and other cucurbits in India and also feeds on millets.
Reddish Parachute SpiderPoecilotheria rufilataEndangeredA large arboreal tarantula endemic to the southern Western Ghats, prized illegally in the pet trade.
Redspot JezebelDelias descombesiNot EvaluatedA white jezebel with a chrome-yellow hindwing underside marked with a red spot. It lives in forests of the eastern Himalaya and northeast India.
Rice GrasshopperHieroglyphus banianNot EvaluatedA stout green grasshopper of Indian millet and rice fields, marked with dark grooves across the pronotum.
Rice SwiftBorbo cinnaraNot EvaluatedA small brown skipper with pale forewing spots, common in grassland and cultivated land across much of India.
Rice WeevilSitophilus oryzaeNot EvaluatedThe tiny snouted beetle infesting rice and grain jars in Indian kitchens.
Ring-legged Fiddler CrabAustruca annulipesNot EvaluatedA small mangrove crab whose males wield one giant claw for signalling and combat.
River CrabBarytelphusa cunicularisLeast ConcernA freshwater crab of peninsular India that digs burrows along monsoon streams.
River HeliodorLibellago lineataLeast ConcernA small jewel damselfly of clear streams and rivers. Males have a short abdomen marked with yellow and perch low on rocks and twigs over running water.
Rose Myrtle Lappet MothTrabala vishnouNot EvaluatedA stout lappet moth whose bristly caterpillar feeds on a wide range of trees across southern Asia.
Rose WindmillByasa latreilleiLeast ConcernA brownish-black windmill swallowtail with a white hindwing band and rose-coloured lunules. In India it is a butterfly of the Himalaya and the northeast, including Namdapha.
Ruby-tailed HawkletEpithemis mariaeLeast ConcernA small dragonfly with a black thorax and a red abdomen in males. It depends on shaded swamps inside forest.
Rufous Marsh GliderRhodothemis rufaLeast ConcernA red pond-and-marsh dragonfly widespread across the Indian lowlands.
Ruggie Hermit CrabCoenobita rugosusNot EvaluatedA land hermit crab of tropical beaches that carries a scavenged gastropod shell and returns to the sea only to breed.
Rusty MillipedeTrigoniulus corallinusNot EvaluatedA reddish-brown cylindrical millipede common in leaf litter and gardens.
Sacred ChankTurbinella pyrumNot EvaluatedA large sea snail from Indian coastal waters whose shell has been used as a ceremonial trumpet for centuries.
Saffron-faced Blue DartPseudagrion rubricepsLeast ConcernA slender pond damselfly common at weedy tanks and slow streams.
Salem Ornamental TarantulaPoecilotheria formosaCritically EndangeredA critically endangered tarantula rediscovered in Tamil Nadu after decades without a confirmed sighting.
Sandfish Sea CucumberHolothuria scabraEndangeredAn endangered commercial sea cucumber of Indian reef flats and lagoons in the Gulf of Mannar and Andamans.
Scalloped Spiny LobsterPanulirus homarusLeast ConcernA large clawless lobster that supports major fisheries along the Tamil Nadu and Kerala coasts.
Scarlet Marsh HawkAethriamanta brevipennisLeast ConcernA small, stocky dragonfly in which mature males are bright scarlet. It breeds in weedy ponds and lakes and perches on the tips of emergent plants.
Scarlet SkimmerCrocothemis serviliaLeast ConcernA bright scarlet dragonfly of ponds, paddies and slow streams, the male unmistakable in its uniform red. Abundant across lowland India.
Seven-spot LadybirdCoccinella septempunctataNot EvaluatedA familiar aphid-eating ladybird of gardens and farmland across northern and central India.
Signature SpiderArgiope anasujaNot EvaluatedA harmless orb-weaver that adds bold zig-zag silk bands to its web, possibly to lure prey or warn off birds. The female rests head-down at the hub.
Silver-striped HawkmothHippotion celerioNot EvaluatedA widespread migratory hawkmoth of gardens and vineyards, strong on the wing.
Six-spot Ground BeetleAnthia sexguttataNot EvaluatedA large black ground beetle of the drier parts of South Asia. It runs fast over open ground hunting other insects and can spray a defensive fluid when handled.
Six-Spotted Zigzag LadybirdCheilomenes sexmaculataNot EvaluatedA common Indian ladybird beetle with highly variable black and orange markings, used widely as a biological control agent against aphids.
Small SkimmerOrthetrum taeniolatumLeast ConcernA medium sized dragonfly with a powdery blue abdomen in mature males. In India it favours rocky streams, where it perches on stones in the sun.
Southern BirdwingTroides minosLeast ConcernA huge swallowtail endemic to the Western Ghats and the state butterfly of Karnataka. Females glide slowly above the forest canopy in search of Aristolochia vines.
Southern DufferDiscophora lepidaNot EvaluatedA dull-brown crepuscular satyrine of Western Ghats forests, active in dim light.
Southern House MosquitoCulex quinquefasciatusLeast ConcernThe whining brown mosquito breeding in dirty drains and biting at night.
SpanglePapilio protenorNot EvaluatedA common woodland swallowtail of the Himalayas and northeast hills, gliding slowly along shaded forest streams.
Spanish DancerHexabranchus sanguineusNot EvaluatedA large, vivid red nudibranch of Indian Ocean coral and rocky reefs, active mainly at night.
Spot SwordtailGraphium nomiusNot EvaluatedA fast flying swallowtail with slender tails, common along forest paths and streams.
Spotted LocustAularches miliarisNot EvaluatedA large grasshopper with dark wings dotted with yellow. The bright colours warn predators away. It is found from India to Indochina and feeds on coffee and other plants.
Staff SergeantAthyma selenophoraNot EvaluatedA sergeant butterfly of forest streams and clearings, found in the Himalaya, the northeast and the hills of the Western Ghats such as Coorg.
Stoll's Jewel BugChrysocoris stolliiNot EvaluatedA dazzling jewel bug found on shrubs and crops throughout much of India.
Stone MantisHierodula tenuidentataNot EvaluatedA robust praying mantis native to scrub and forest habitats of India.
Stream GloryNeurobasis chinensisLeast ConcernA striking damselfly of clear hill streams, the male flaunting brilliant metallic-green hindwings during display.
Stream RubyHeliocypha bisignataLeast ConcernA small jewel damselfly with ruby and violet markings that breeds only in shaded rocky streams of southern India.
Striped Blue CrowEuploea mulciberNot EvaluatedA crow butterfly whose male is washed with shining blue, while the female is browner with white streaks. In India it is found in the eastern Himalaya and the northeast.
Striped TigerDanaus genutiaNot EvaluatedA common orange milkweed butterfly of Indian gardens and scrub whose caterpillars feed on toxic latex plants.
Tailed JayGraphium agamemnonLeast ConcernA green-spotted swallowtail that rarely sits still, beating its wings even while feeding at flowers. Common in gardens and forests across southern and eastern India.
Tamil LacewingCethosia nietneriLeast ConcernBright orange lacewing butterfly endemic to the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka.
Tamil YeomanCirrochroa thaisNot EvaluatedAn orange Western Ghats butterfly named the state butterfly of Tamil Nadu.
Tasar SilkmothAntheraea paphiaNot EvaluatedA large wild silkmoth of India's deciduous forests, farmed on arjun and sal trees for tasar silk.
Tawny CosterAcraea terpsicoreNot EvaluatedA bold, leisurely orange-and-black nymphalid of open scrub and grassland across India. Its larvae feed on passionflower vines, making it distasteful to birds.
Tawny MimePapilio agestorNot EvaluatedA swallowtail of the mime group Chilasa with bluish-grey forewings and a chestnut hindwing. It may mimic the chestnut tiger, a distasteful butterfly.
Tawny RajahCharaxes bernardusNot EvaluatedA robust rich-orange charaxes of forest canopies, famed for its fast, aggressive flight.
Telescope SnailTelescopium telescopiumNot EvaluatedA large mangrove snail of Indian estuaries, harvested locally for food and easily known by its steeply tapering shell.
Textile ConeConus textileNot EvaluatedA patterned venomous sea snail of Indian reefs that harpoons prey with a hollow, toxin-loaded tooth.
Three-spot Grass YellowEurema blandaNot EvaluatedA small yellow butterfly named for three black spots in the forewing cell on the underside. It is widespread in India, and its pale green eggs hatch in about three days.
Three-spot Swimming CrabPortunus sanguinolentusNot EvaluatedA swift-swimming edible crab of Indian coastal waters, supporting an important fishery.
Tiger CowrieCypraea tigrisNot EvaluatedA large sea snail of Indo-Pacific reefs, found in Indian waters around the Andamans and Lakshadweep.
Tiny Grass BlueZizula hylaxNot EvaluatedOne of the smallest butterflies, a speck of blue hovering over garden grass.
Tobacco GrasshopperAtractomorpha crenulataNot EvaluatedA slender green grasshopper with a pointed head. It feeds on tobacco, vegetables and garden plants and is common in fields across India.
Transverse LadybirdCoccinella transversalisNot EvaluatedThe red-and-black ladybird patrolling garden plants for aphids to eat.
Travancore DaggerheadIdionyx travancorensisData DeficientA small dragonfly with emerald green eyes and a metallic green thorax. It perches in shaded forest close to hill streams in Kerala and nearby hills.
Travancore Torrent DartEuphaea cardinalisLeast ConcernA stout damselfly of fast forest streams. Males have a red abdomen and dark tips to the hindwings and display to rivals from rocks in the current.
Tricoloured Marsh HawkOrthetrum luzonicumLeast ConcernA medium sized skimmer of marshes, ditches and slow streams across much of India. Males perch on stems at the water's edge.
Tropical Carpenter BeeXylocopa latipesNot EvaluatedOne of the world's largest bees, glossy black with iridescent wings, drilling nest galleries into dead timber. A loud, important pollinator.
Two-striped JumperTelamonia dimidiataNot EvaluatedA common leaf-dwelling jumping spider of Indian forests and gardens with keen, forward-facing eyes.
Two-tailed SpiderHersilia savignyiNot EvaluatedA flat, bark coloured spider found from Pakistan and India to the Philippines and common in southern India. It sits pressed against tree trunks, where it is well camouflaged.
Varicose Wart SlugPhyllidia varicosaNot EvaluatedA vivid blue-and-yellow nudibranch of Indian reefs, defended by pungent chemicals.
Wandering Violin MantisGongylus gongylodesNot EvaluatedAn ornate stick-like mantis of southern India that sways gently to imitate a wind-stirred twig.
Wasp MothEuchromia polymenaNot EvaluatedA day-flying tiger moth with orange-spotted black wings. It is found in India and Southeast Asia and visits flowers in daylight.
Wessel's Tiger OrnamentalPoecilotheria tigrinawesseliData DeficientA striking arboreal tarantula from the Eastern Ghats, marked with bold tiger-like bands.
White DragontailLamproptera curiusNot EvaluatedA tiny swallowtail with clear wing panels and long streaming tails that feeds in fast darting hovers over damp stream sand.
White Orange TipIxias marianneNot EvaluatedA chalky-white butterfly with an orange patch on black forewing tips. It is found from the northwest Himalaya through the plains to central, western and southern India.
Windowpane OysterPlacuna placentaNot EvaluatedA flat bivalve of shallow muddy bays whose paper-thin shells are collected for lampshades, windows and craftwork.
Xenobolus carnifexXenobolus carnifexNot EvaluatedA robust dark millipede of southern India, sometimes swarming into homes during the monsoon.
Yam HawkmothTheretra nessusNot EvaluatedAn olive-brown hawkmoth with a golden-yellow abdomen and green-tinged thorax. Its larvae have been recorded on Amaranthus among other plants.
YamflyLoxura atymnusNot EvaluatedA bright orange lycaenid butterfly ranging across peninsular India, the northeast and the Andaman and Nicobar islands.
Yellow Bush DartCopera marginipesLeast ConcernA delicate yellow-legged damselfly common around weedy ponds and streams across India.
Yellow CosterAcraea issoriaNot EvaluatedA yellow, leathery-winged butterfly with black veins. In India the race anomala lives in the western Himalaya and the nominate race in the eastern Himalaya.
Yellow Fever MosquitoAedes aegyptiLeast ConcernThe dengue mosquito with striped legs breeding in stored household water.
Yellow GorgonMeandrusa payeniNot EvaluatedAn ochre-yellow swallowtail with hooked forewings. In India it is found in the eastern Himalaya, including Buxa Tiger Reserve, and in the northeast.
Yellow Orange TipIxias pyreneNot EvaluatedThe yellow butterfly with a flaming orange wingtip common in dry gardens.
Yellow PansyJunonia hiertaNot EvaluatedA bright orange yellow butterfly of open scrub and grassland found across the Indian plains.
Yellow Paper WaspPolistes olivaceusNot EvaluatedA yellow and brown social wasp that builds open paper combs under eaves and on shrubs. The wasps hunt caterpillars to feed their larvae.
Yellow-tailed Ashy SkimmerPotamarcha congenerLeast ConcernA common dragonfly of ponds, canals and marshes. Males have a bluish grey body with a yellow patterned tip to the abdomen and often perch on dry twigs.
Zebra BlueLeptotes pliniusNot EvaluatedThe small striped blue butterfly darting around garden plumbago and hedges.
Zebra Mantis ShrimpLysiosquillina maculataNot EvaluatedOne of the largest mantis shrimps, boldly barred in brown and cream, on Indo-Pacific sand flats.