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The species is widely distributed, with several populations breeding in Europe and Asia and migrating to tropical regions in Asia and Africa. They are usually seen on open marshy ground or meadows where they walk solitarily or in pairs along the ground, capturing insects that are disturbed. Like other wagtails, they frequently wag their tail and fly low with undulations and they have a sharp call that is often given in flight. They forage singly or in pairs on meadows or on shallow water marshes. They also use rocks in water and will often perch on trees.

My first shots of this widespread resident breeding bird in the tropical and sub-tropical parts of the Indian Subcontinent. Though I am not proud of this shot I am happy to add one more new species to my collection. Clicked in the Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary through which we had driven on the way home. It was in the afternoon but due to the thick vegetation the light was very poor. We expected to see elephants or bisons or other wonderful wildlife every time we took a sharp turn, of which there were plenty. Sadly this little beauty was one of the few things we caught sight of as we did not have the time to take a break and go for a trek.

This dove is also known by the names of Green Dove and Green-winged Pigeon. The Common Emerald Dove is the state bird of the Indian State of Tamil Nadu. This is a common species in rainforest and similar dense wet woodlands, farms, gardens, mangroves and coastal heaths. The Common Emerald Dove is a stocky, medium-sized pigeon, typically 23 to 28 centimetres in length. The back and wings are bright emerald green. Emerald doves usually occur singly, in pairs or in small groups. They are quite terrestrial, often searching for fallen fruit on the ground and spending little time in trees except when roosting. They eat seeds and fruits of a wide variety of plants.

Clicked on the way the Western Ghats where I had been for a road trip. These birds are also called the Spotted Turtle Dove, Chinese Dove, Mountain Dove, or Lace-necked Dove and is a pigeon which is a resident breeding bird in the Indian Subcontinent. It is a close relative of the Laughing Dove. Spotted Doves eat grass seeds, grains and other vegetation. They are fairly terrestrial, foraging on the ground in grasslands and cultivation.

I was waiting for the Orioles to show up as this is the time of year when they are seen in large numbers. I had been seeing them around the place for a few weeks now but did not get a chance to get clear shots. This one was clicked from the bedroom window. One of the most beautiful birds that visit my backyard. This bird is a female. The species was once considered to be a subspecies of the Eurasian Golden Oriole, but has been elevated to a full species on the basis of differences in morphology, plumage, calls and the fact that the two do not intergrade. The Indian Golden Oriole inhabits a range of habitats including open deciduous forests, semi-evergreen forests, woodland, forest edge, mangroves, open country with scattered trees, parks, gardens orchards and plantations.

Was lucky to get some good shots of this rather friendly bird. They are not easy to capture as they are pretty active. These small warblers are also called the White-browed Prinia.