Amitava Ray

Birds are a class of warm-blooded vertebrates known as Aves. They share several unique characteristics, including feathers, beaks without teeth, hard-shelled eggs, a high metabolic rate, a four-chambered heart, and a lightweight yet robust skeleton. These features make them a diverse and fascinating group of animals. Birds inhabit various ecosystems worldwide, from the tiny bee hummingbird, measuring 5.5 cm, to the towering ostrich, which can reach lengths of 2.8 m. There are approximately 10,000 bird species globally, with over half of them belonging to the passerine, or perching, group. India, one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, boasts a rich array of ecosystems, including islands. The country can be divided into four biodiversity hotspots, each with its own unique plant and animal life. These include deserts, high mountains, highlands, tropical and temperate forests, wetlands, grasslands, and riverine landscapes. India is home to several notable biodiversity hotspots, including the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, the Indo-Burma region, and Sundaland, including the Nicobar Islands. These areas are characterized by high levels of endemism, with numerous species found nowhere else.