Telangana Gets Its First Pocket Guide to Birdlife

Hyderabad: Finally, Telangana has got its pocket guide on birdlife, a much-needed addition to birdwatching resources. Unlike neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Telangana lacked a concise bird reference for amateurs till now.

This pocket guide fills that gap, offering a compact yet comprehensive look at 252 bird species found in the state. It is designed for beginners and aimed at making birdwatching approachable for students, forest workers, and rural communities.

The book organises bird species by habitat, covering categories like wetland, forest, grassland, and open scrub, allowing readers to easily find birds that match their surroundings. For instance, if someone visits Ameenpur Lake, they can flip to the wetland section to identify water birds found in that habitat.

Species are further categorised by diet such as omnivores or nectar-feeders and by their IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) conservation status, highlighting whether each bird is abundant or critically endangered.

To keep the guide manageable, only common species are included, as rare or similar-looking birds could overwhelm newcomers. This way, beginners can build their foundation by learning about frequently spotted birds before advancing to more complex identifications.

With its user-friendly index, organised structure, and a clear focus on local habitats, the guide is an essential tool for fostering an appreciation for nature and wildlife conservation in Telangana’s next generation of bird enthusiasts.

“This pocket-sized bird guide is a simple way to help students connect with nature. By learning to identify common birds around them, they start noticing and appreciating wildlife. It’s not just about creating conservationists; it’s about building responsible citizens who care for their surroundings.” said Harikrishna, President of Hyderabad Birding Pals.

“Once they form this bond with nature, they’ll naturally take small steps, like planting trees or leaving food and water for birds. We’re distributing around one lakh copies to government schools and colleges in Telangana, hoping to spark this awareness.”