Birds of the Indian Subcontinent: Behaviour & Portraits
India is home to over 1,300 bird species. Through my lens, I aim to show not just their beauty, but their daily struggles, family bonds, and the unique stories they share with us.
This is the Bengal Florican, a critically endangered bird native to the Indian subcontinent. I was fortunate to spot this rare bird walking along a path in Manas Tiger Reserve. It is a reminder of the unique species that can only be found in special places like North East India.
The Silver-breasted Broadbill is another beautiful and rare bird that you can find in Manas Tiger Reserve. Its bright colours stand out against the green foliage. Exploring these remote forests allows us to see such incredible species up close.
Here, an Indian Grey Hornbill carries a garden lizard in its beak. During the breeding season, the male is a devoted husband, feeding his female partner while she is sealed inside a tree cavity with her eggs. I captured this moment in Delhi as crows were trying to steal his food.
The male Indian Grey Hornbill is perhaps the most devoted husband in the avian world. For about 70 days, he is the sole provider of food for the female and chicks inside the nest cavity. This photo shows him in flight, bringing a meal to his family.
This Crested Serpent Eagle has caught a pair of toads that were mating. What makes this image special is that even with prey in its talons, the eagle was trying to snatch another meal from a crow on the opposite bank. It shows the endless struggle for survival in the wild.
Yellow-wattled Lapwings are ground birds whose habitats are disappearing due to development. They are known for their unique courtship behaviour. I photographed this pair in the dry wilderness of Chhattisgarh, a habitat that is vital for their survival.
Our country has 12 species of parakeets. The most common is the Rose-ringed Parakeet, which can mimic human speech. This image from Delhi shows their social nature and the strong emotional bonds they form, much like humans.
Many people have heard that Koel chicks are raised by crows, but few have seen it. Every year in Delhi, I witness this behaviour. Here, a young Asian Koel chick is being fed by its foster crow parents, a true wonder of nature.
Who would think that such a wildlife spectacle exists in the heart of Mumbai? This video shows the thousands of pink flamingos that visit Bhandup Creek. A boat ride here is not just a journey, it is an escape into a hidden paradise.
About Birds of the Indian Subcontinent
When I photograph a bird, I look for a story that goes beyond a pretty picture. Take the Indian Grey Hornbill, for instance. Many do not know the male acts as a devoted provider, sealing his partner in a tree cavity for nearly 70 days and feeding her solely through a slit. I spent months waiting in Delhi to document this specific survival behaviour, showing the truth behind these birds often seen in our city parks.
My work is about documentation. Whether I am trekking through the Manas Tiger Reserve to spot a critically endangered Bengal Florican or watching the familiar crows of Delhi raise Asian Koel chicks, my goal is the same: to bust myths with facts. Nature is not just about the rare; it is about the behaviour that happens right in front of us if we only take the time to watch.
Fine Art Prints
Every photograph I offer as a print is a piece of archival history. These are not mass-produced images. My prints use museum-grade Giclée technology on 250+ GSM cotton rag paper, certified to last 75 years without fading. When you bring one of these into your home or office, you also get a physical story card. This card explains the cultural or natural backstory of the image—whether it is a Neelkanth (Roller) seen as a symbol of Lord Shiva or a tigress family during Navratri.
Licensing and Documentation
Beyond art prints, I provide high-resolution digital licensing for publications and conservation campaigns. My files come with full IPTC metadata, ensuring that the scientific and locational context remains intact. From the dry wilderness of Chhattisgarh where I tracked Yellow-wattled Lapwings to the hidden flamingo spectacles in Mumbai’s Bhandup Creek, my collection is a result of patience, travel, and a deep, desi passion for our wild heritage. If you are looking for authentic bird behaviour documentation for a project or a statement piece for your wall, I am happy to guide you through the collection.
Vinod Goel
I am a retired civil servant who traded the office for the jungle. My photography is about documentation—busting myths and showing the real lives of our avian neighbours, from the rare Bengal Florican to the common crows in our backyards.
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