What is the name of the long tail bird in India?

India is home to a diverse array of bird species, many of which possess distinctive long tail feathers. These elongated tail plumes can serve a variety of functions for different bird species, from attracting mates to helping with flight control and maneuverability. Some of the most iconic and recognizable long tail birds found in India include peacocks, paradise flycatchers, drongos, and Indian rollers.

Peacock

One of the most instantly recognizable of India’s native birds is the majestic peacock. The peacock is India’s national bird and males are known for their iridescent blue-green plumage and extravagant tail feathers that can span up to 5 feet in length. Their scientific name is Pavo cristatus. Peacocks inhabit a wide range of habitats across India including forests, grasslands, and human settlements. When courting females, male peacocks will spread their long tail feathers into a distinctive fan shape and shake them to attract a mate. Their tail feathers are also thought to intimidate rivals and predators. Beyond their ornamental purpose, the peacock’s elongated tail likely helps them with balance and steering while flying through dense vegetation. With their brilliant plumage and iconic calls, peacocks are a ubiquitous and culturally significant bird in India.

Paradise Flycatcher

Paradise flycatchers are medium-sized insectivorous birds that migrate across India and other parts of Asia. There are two species found in India – the Indian paradise flycatcher and the rufous-tailed paradise flycatcher. The most distinctive feature of the male paradise flycatcher is its extremely long tail feathers that can measure up to 46 cm, around twice the length of its body. The tail ribbon of the Indian paradise flycatcher is white, while the rufous-tailed paradise flycatcher has a rufous colored tail. It is believed that the male’s elongated tail helps it maneuver quickly when catching insects on the wing. The tail also likely helps attract females during courtship displays. When perched, the male paradise flycatcher often coils its tail into a spiral shape. Paradise flycatchers prefer forest edges and open woodland habitats across India.

Indian Roller

Also known as the blue jay, the Indian roller is a common and widespread bird found across the Indian subcontinent. Their scientific name is Coracias benghalensis. Indian rollers are crow-sized birds with brilliant blue wings and a distinctive elongated central tail feather. The tail can measure up to 8 inches in length. Indian rollers inhabit open forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas. During courtship flights, males display their bright plumage and elongated tail feathers to potential mates. The tail may help with aerial agility and sharp turns when hunting insects. Indian rollers often perch conspicuously on power lines and poles along roadsides. Culturally, they are considered the messenger bird of Lord Vishnu in Hindu mythology.

Black Drongo

The black drongo is a common resident bird found in open habitats across much of India. Also known as king crow, it gets its name from the prominent forked tail found on males. The outer tail feathers are significantly elongated, measuring up to 8.5 inches. The tail allows drongos to make sharp aerial maneuvers when catching insects on the wing. When perched, the black drongo often fans its tail and erects the neck feathers. This distinctive posture is used for communication and displays. The long tail also likely helps signal territorial boundaries and attract mates. Black drongos are aggressive and fearless birds, often mobbing much larger predators that enter their territory. They are distinguished by their glossy black plumage and acrobatic flight.

Common Tail Morphology

Many of India’s native bird species with elongated tails share some common morphological adaptations. The tail feathers themselves tend to be relatively narrow, symmetric, and stiffened with reduced barbicels and barbules compared to other body feathers. This helps the tail maintain its ribbon-like shape for displays. The feathers also tend to be reinforced at their base where they emerge from the skin for added structural support. Birds like the peacock have specialized tail covert feathers that cover and protect the elongated tail feathers when at rest. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the tail are often enlarged or strengthened to allow for greater control and fanning motions. Aerodynamically, the elongated tails reduce drag on the trailing edges of the tail fan, which compensates for the increased weight. The tails act as rudders and brakes to enhance aerial agility and steering.

Courtship Displays

One of the primary functions of elongated tails in Indian birds is for use in courtship displays to potential mates. When fanned into their distinctive shapes, the tails become striking visual signals that can attract attention at a distance. The peacock’s train is arguably the most iconic example. Males will orient their tail toward females and shake or vibrate the feathers to mesmerize prospective mates during breeding season. Puffed-up body plumage further enhances the visual impact. The tails and displays indicate the male’s fitness. Paradise flycatchers may rapidly open and close their coiled tails, showing off the figure-eight ribbon shape in an energetic dance. Physical strength is needed to support the long tail during sustained fanning. Females assess these qualities when selecting a suitable mate.

Agility and Maneuverability

The elongated tails of birds like the paradise flycatcher and Indian roller provide aerodynamic benefits that enhance their flight performance. The ribbon-like shape reduces drag and allows for quick, nimble motions to catch flying insects, especially around cluttered vegetation. During pursuits, the birds can spread their tails to steer and act like a rudder, facilitating tight turns and rapid stops. The tail also expands the lift surface area, helping to generate aerodynamic forces needed for agility. This becomes advantageous for species that hawk insects on the wing. The drongo’s forked tail works like a control surface to adjust pitch and yaw for added maneuverability. So in addition to visual signaling roles, the specialized tails aid in survival through improved aerial versatility.

Territorial Displays

Many elongated tail birds like the Indian roller and drongo are fiercely territorial, especially when breeding. They chase away or mob intruders in elaborate aerial pursuits. The exaggerated tails play an important role in territorial displays besides courtship. When perched on prominent outlooks, males will often fan and pivot their tails in an agitated fashion facing the perimeter of their domain. This helps signal occupancy of their home range and ward off encroaching rivals. The white tail plumes of the paradise flycatcher are also conspicuous when flashed during boundary patrol flights. Again, the tails enhance the visual signature of displays through their size and dynamic motions. This further communicates dominance and that a territory is occupied by healthy breeding birds.

Cultural Symbolism

Given their iconic stature and ubiquity, many Indian birds with long elegant tails feature prominently in regional culture and mythology. The peacock has great religious significance in Hinduism and is associated with deities like Lord Krishna. Peacock motifs and themes are ubiquitous in Indian art, architecture, textiles, and folklore. Black drongos earned the moniker of king crow through their aggressive behavior. They are respected for fearlessly mobbing larger predators like hawks to defend their territories. Indian rollers are thought to be the earthly messengers of the preserver Lord Vishnu, relaying fortune and misfortune. Their calls are interpreted as omens. The birds’ elegant tails undoubtedly contributed to their ascension in Indian culture over the centuries.

Threats and Conservation

Although still widespread, some of India’s iconic long-tailed bird species face increasing threats from habitat loss, pesticides, hunting, and the wildlife trade. As human settlements continue expanding, open habitats preferred by birds like rollers and drongos are declining. The bright blue plumage of Indian rollers in particular makes them vulnerable to capture for the pet trade and exhibition. Peacocks are protected in India, but remain poached for their train feathers. As apex insectivores, elongated tail birds help control pest populations like locusts that can damage crops. Their decline can disrupt ecosystems. Community education and added legal protections may help conserve these culturally important birds into the future.

Conclusion

The elongated and ornamental tail feathers of birds like the peacock, paradise flycatcher, Indian roller, and drongo make them some of the most visually impressive avian species found in India. Beyond their beauty, the specialized tail morphologies serve important functions from courtship and territorial displays to improving flight maneuverability and agility when hunting insects. These charismatic birds have also attained cultural significance through religion, folklore, and mythology over the centuries. Protecting their natural habitats will be key to preserving India’s avian heritage. Their beauty and behaviors provide a valuable connection to nature for many across the subcontinent.

Threats to Long-Tailed Birds

• Habitat loss from development
• Use of pesticides reduces insect prey
• Hunting and trapping for meat, pets, medicine
• Climate change impacts on migration patterns
• Expansion of human settlements

Cultural Roles of Long-Tailed Birds

• Peacock is national bird of India, important in Hindu religion
• Peacock motifs used in art, textiles, architecture
• Indian Roller considered messenger of fortune and luck
• Black Drongo respected for fearlessness in defending territory
• Birds appear in folklore, stories, poetry over centuries