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Portraits of Indian Birds: Capturing Nature's Wings

byKaran SolankiBased in Mumbai; Travels across India for filmmaking projectsStarts from₹20,000 per 8-hour shiftView full gallery

From the vibrant Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher in the Western Ghats to massive Flamingo flocks in Mumbai, I capture the raw, quiet, and daily lives of birds in their natural habitats.

A female Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher with a fresh kill for her chicks. The monsoon in the Western Ghats is a time of frantic activity for these birds, and capturing this fleeting moment of parental duty is what I live for.

Another portrait of the "star of the season," the Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher. The vibrant colors against the lush green background make it one of the most beautiful subjects to film in the Indian forest.

A wider view of the Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, showing its small size in the vastness of the green forest. It's a jewel of the Western Ghats.

A juvenile Greater Flamingo strikes a classic pose in the golden morning light. Photographing these birds at dawn allows me to capture their quiet, intimate moments.

The soft light of dawn reflects beautifully on the water as this young flamingo wades. These are the moments of tranquility I seek to capture.

A flamingo preens its feathers, with its reflection creating a perfect mirror image. These behavioral shots tell a story of the bird's daily life.

A portrait of a juvenile flamingo, its plumage yet to turn bright pink. This shot was featured in an article about my work, highlighting the beauty of Mumbai's winter visitors.

This looks like a loving embrace, but it's actually a territorial fight between two juvenile flamingos over feeding grounds. My films often explore these complex animal behaviors.

The unreal sight of thousands of flamingos in the wetlands of Mumbai. Witnessing these massive flocks take flight is a truly breathtaking experience that I feel privileged to document.

A flock of flamingos in monochrome, just before they migrate for the monsoon. The black and white format emphasizes their elegant forms and the serene atmosphere of the wetlands.

About The Avian World: Portraits of Indian Birds

I don't just photograph birds, I document their behavior. Whether it is the intense focus of a Kingfisher during the monsoon in the Western Ghats or the territorial disputes of juvenile flamingos in Navi Mumbai's wetlands, my work focuses on the candid interactions that happen when people are not looking.

Mumbai-based ethical wildlife photography specialist — Approved by the tribe
K

Karan Solanki

Based in Mumbai; Travels across India for filmmaking projectsStarts from ₹20,000 per 8-hour shift

I'm Karan. I have been fascinated by wildlife since I was a kid, rescuing snakes alongside my dad. Now, I use my camera to tell the stories of the incredible birds and creatures that share our world, from the Western Ghats to Mumbai's wetlands.

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This flamingo struck a pose that looked straight out of a fashion magazine. Caught mid-groom, its crossed legs and elegant posture against the deep blue water created a moment of accidental high fashion in the wild.61
A flamingo in flight, coming straight towards the camera. Seeing them soar with their wings spread wide is a breathtaking sight. This shot captures the power and elegance of their flight against a clear blue sky.
A pair of flamingos resting while floating on the water. This is a common behavior that helps them conserve energy. The calm water and soft light make for a serene and beautiful wildlife photograph.
In a large flock, sometimes a few individuals stand out. Here, a pair of flamingos in the background form a heart shape with their necks, creating a focal point in the bustling crowd.

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A splash of color! This Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, with a fresh catch, is a testament to the vibrant life found in India's forests. The rich greens of the background make its rainbow plumage pop even more.93
The perfect Holi bird! The Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher displays a whole spectrum of colors. This photo, taken at Karnala Bird Sanctuary, captures the essence of the festival of colors in a single, beautiful creature.
I can almost hear this photo. An Indian Pitta, known for its loud, distinctive call, singing its heart out. Capturing this behavior required patience and being in the right place at the right time.

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The Common Kingfisher, a familiar gem photographed in my suburban Mumbai backyard. This blue-blooded royalty is calm and composed, a true inspiration with its icy eyes and dagger-like beak.19
A successful hunt. The Common Kingfisher with a tiny fish glistening in its beak, water drops like pearls on its water-repellent plumage. It is a sight to behold.
The glorious Golden Oriole, a bird I called 'Mango-bird' in my childhood. This dazzling beauty visits my window in Mumbai, its melodies and bright color a joyful company as I work.
The Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, an endearing and vividly plumaged bird, peers through the green foliage. It loves shaded tree-cover, where it flits about energetically in a perennial hunt for insects.

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A pair of Sarus Cranes standing tall in a lush green wetland. These elegant birds are a symbol of the healthy ecosystems I strive to document.15
Two Black-necked Storks, a vulnerable species, stand together in a dry marshland. Capturing pairs and their interactions is a key focus of my project work.
A flock of Lesser Flamingos feeding in the shallow coastal waters. This wide shot captures the social nature of these birds and the scale of their habitat.
A Northern Shoveler surfaces from the water, its iridescent green head covered in droplets. This close-up reveals the textures and colors often missed from a distance.

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The piercing golden eyes of a Spotted Owlet. This intense close-up portrait, taken in Pune, captures the grace and mystery of this nocturnal hunter.57
A Common Kingfisher, glistening with water droplets, perches on a new wooden branch. We replaced an old rusty rod to give this beautiful resident a more natural and comfortable spot to rest.
A Red-whiskered Bulbul perches on a branch, its striking red cheek patch and jaunty crest on full display. These birds are a vibrant presence, even in urban jungles.
A Brown-headed Barbet at its nest, a testament to parenthood in the wild. I watched as it tirelessly flew back and forth, bringing food to its hungry chicks.

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Tushar TandelWorkshops in Navi Mumbai & Pune; Expeditions to Gir, Jaisalmer & Western Ghats
The Common Green Magpie, seen here in Latpanchar, India, is a skilled predator. The chewed leaves are evidence of its hunt for caterpillars, a reminder that even the most beautiful birds are part of a complex food web.30
A Grey-lored Broadbill gathers nesting material in Manas National Park, Assam. Both the male and female work together to build their intricate, pendulous nests high in the trees, a testament to their cooperation.
The Shoebill Stork, with its prehistoric look, is famous for standing motionless for hours while hunting. This intense stare, captured in Uganda, gives a glimpse into the patience of this unique predator.

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More from Wildlife & Conservation Filmmaking by Karan Solanki

FeaturedMy Passion for SnakesWildlife in the City: Rescue & CoexistenceConservation in Focus: Stories from the FieldCoastal & Marine EncountersBeyond Snakes: Lizards, Frogs & AmphibiansThe Art of the Shot: Technique & PerspectiveSmall Wonders: Insects & InvertebratesMy Journey as a Filmmaker & Rescuer

More services by Karan Solanki

Wildlife PhotographyUrban Wildlife Rescue & Management
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