State Birds of India

State Birds of India represent an important component of the country’s ecological identity and natural heritage. Each state and Union Territory has designated a specific bird species as its official avian symbol, reflecting local biodiversity, cultural associations, and conservation priorities. These selections highlight the richness of India’s birdlife, which spans diverse habitats ranging from the Himalayas and wetlands to tropical forests, arid deserts, and coastal ecosystems. State birds often serve as ambassadors for wildlife awareness and environmental protection, drawing attention to the need for safeguarding threatened species and preserving fragile ecosystems.
The concept of state birds forms part of wider efforts to promote regional pride and ecological stewardship. Many of these birds hold cultural significance, appear in folklore, or possess unique biological features that represent the distinctiveness of their respective states.

Significance of State Birds

Choosing an official state bird carries several objectives:

• Promoting wildlife conservation by highlighting species of ecological importance.
• Fostering regional identity through representation of local habitats and cultural associations.
• Encouraging awareness among citizens about native fauna and conservation challenges.
• Strengthening scientific interest in ornithology, biodiversity, and environmental studies.

These birds thus act as symbols of both natural heritage and regional uniqueness.

Overview of State Birds Across India

Each state and Union Territory selects a bird species that reflects its geographical, ecological, or cultural landscape. Below is a comprehensive list of state birds, grouped by region for ease of understanding.
Northern India

• Jammu and Kashmir – Black-necked Crane
• Ladakh – Black-necked Crane
• Himachal Pradesh – Western Tragopan
• Uttarakhand – Himalayan Monal
• Punjab – Northern Goshawk
• Haryana – Black Francolin
• Uttar Pradesh – Sarus Crane

Eastern and North-eastern India

• Bihar – House Sparrow
• Jharkhand – Koel
• West Bengal – White-throated Kingfisher
• Odisha – Indian Roller
• Sikkim – Blood Pheasant
• Meghalaya – Hill Myna
• Assam – White-winged Wood Duck
• Arunachal Pradesh – Great Hornbill
• Nagaland – Blyth’s Tragopan
• Manipur – Mrs Hume’s Pheasant
• Tripura – Green Imperial Pigeon
• Mizoram – Mrs Hume’s Pheasant

Central India

• Madhya Pradesh – Asian Paradise Flycatcher
• Chhattisgarh – Hill Myna

Western India

• Rajasthan – Great Indian Bustard
• Gujarat – Greater Flamingo
• Goa – Flame-throated Bulbul
• Maharashtra – Green Imperial Pigeon

Southern India

• Andhra Pradesh – Indian Roller
• Telangana – Indian Roller
• Karnataka – Indian Roller
• Kerala – Great Hornbill
• Tamil Nadu – Emerald Dove

Union Territories

• Delhi – House Sparrow
• Puducherry – Asian Koel
• Andaman and Nicobar Islands – Andaman Wood Pigeon
• Lakshadweep – Brown Noddy
• Chandigarh – House Sparrow
• Daman and Diu / Dadra and Nagar Haveli – Flame-throated Bulbul

These selections capture the breadth of India’s avian diversity, from cranes and pheasants to hornbills, rollers, and bustards.

Ecological Themes Reflected in State Birds

State birds illustrate several ecological themes relevant to India’s varied landscapes.
Wetland and Grassland BirdsSpecies such as the Sarus Crane and Great Indian Bustard reflect the importance of wetlands and arid grasslands, emphasising habitat conservation in rapidly changing ecosystems.
Forest and Mountain BirdsHimalayan species like the Monal and Tragopan highlight the fragile ecology of high-altitude forests, while hornbills represent the health of dense tropical forests.
Coastal and Island BirdsBirds like the Brown Noddy and Andaman Wood Pigeon signify the unique ecosystems of islands and marine landscapes.
Urban and Agricultural BirdsSelections like the House Sparrow and Koel underscore the need to protect common species facing habitat reduction due to urbanisation.
These themes collectively demonstrate the ecological diversity of the country.

Conservation Concerns and Protection Measures

Several state birds are threatened or vulnerable due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Key examples include:

• Great Indian Bustard: Critically endangered due to habitat loss and collision with powerlines.
• White-winged Wood Duck: Dependent on shrinking wetland forests.
• Blyth’s Tragopan and Western Tragopan: Threatened by habitat fragmentation in mountainous regions.
• Black-necked Crane: Sensitive to disturbances in high-altitude wetlands.

Conservation efforts include:

• Establishment of protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries.
• Habitat restoration programmes focusing on wetlands, forests, and grasslands.
• Community-based conservation initiatives in tribal and rural regions.
• Awareness campaigns through schools, wildlife clubs, and media.

These initiatives support stronger conservation outcomes for species of symbolic value.

Cultural and Traditional Significance

Many state birds appear in folklore, religious symbolism, and traditional practices:

• The Indian Roller is associated with festivals and is culturally revered in several states.
• The Koel is celebrated in Indian poetry and classical literature for its melodious call.
• Hornbills hold ceremonial importance among tribes of the North-east.
• Cranes are symbolic of marital fidelity and appear in classical Indian art.

Such associations reinforce the deep connection between cultural identity and biodiversity.

Contemporary Relevance

In the context of biodiversity conservation and environmental challenges, state birds continue to play an influential role in:

• Inspiring youth to take interest in wildlife.
• Strengthening state-level conservation policies.
• Supporting eco-tourism and birdwatching initiatives.
• Promoting sustainable development practices around natural habitats.