Birds' Favourite Trees

The below is an extract from Salim Ali 'The Book of Indian Birds', chapter 'Bird Watching'. I was fascinated by his advice and decided to make a positive identification of the birds' favoured trees with their fruit and flowers.



Bird Watching by Salim Ali
Favoured Trees


"Banyan and Peepul trees when in ripe fruit attract a multitude of birds of many species from far and wide and offer excellent opportunities to the bird watcher. A lively scene presents itself as party after party arrive, all eager to gorge themselves on the abundance spread around.

Banyan Tree

Banyan Tree Figs

There is a great deal of noise and chatter as the visitors hop from branch to branch in their quest. Bickering and bullying are incessant, but no serious encounters develop since every individual is much too preoccupied with the main business in hand. Such gatherings are ideal for studying the natural dispositions and ‘table manners’ of the various species.

Peepul Tree

Peepul Tree Figs

Some of the most charming and enjoyable venues for bird watching are certainly afforded by the Silk Cotton, Coral Flower, or Flame-of-the-Forest (Butea) trees in bloom. Their particular attractiveness lies in the fact that the trees, or the branches bearing the gorgeous flowers, are bare and leafless at this season, allowing a clear and unobstructed view of the visitors.

Silk Cotton Tree

Silk Cotton Tree Flower

Almost every small bird of the surrounding countryside flocks to the blossoms for the sake of the sugary nectar which they produce in such abundance. Riot and revelry prevails throughout the day, but especially in the mornings, and there is constant bullying, hustling and mock fighting amongst the roisterers.

Coral Flower Tree

Asian Pied Starling Feeding on Nectar
of Coral Tree Flower

A pair of good binoculars multiplies the pleasures of bird watching many-fold, and is indeed an indispensable item of the watcher’s equipment."

Flame of the Forest Tree (Butea)

Flame of the Forest Tree Flower