A group of avian experts has recently launched ‘Birds of India’ (www.birdsofindia.org), a peer-reviewed online resource for nature enthusiasts.
Databases such as orientalbirdimages.org (for pictures) and ebird.org (for species lists) are often used by avid bird watchers.
The new website combines bird images and species-specific information in an attempt to offer a one-stop resource.
Users can contribute images of birds by registering on the website.
“We hope that this website on Indian birds will make the basic information freely available to any bird enthusiasts, and also cater to the research needs of the community as it is built on a peer-reviewed process,” said ornithologist C.K. Vishnudas, who is the editor of the website.
Documenting diversity
“Apart from profile images of various species, we are looking for images that reveal the biology, diversity and classification and natural history of a species.”
So far, the website has 569 species pages on Indian birds and received 7000 hits after its inception three months ago, he said . Good numbers of birders across the country are contributing to the website, he added .
“The website is a vast project that draws upon the expertise of a large number of ornithologists, naturalists and advanced birders. As a result, this website is truly a consortium, with members from all over the country,” said Krushnamegh Kunte, assistant professor, National Centre for Biological Sciences, who initiated the project.
The website is a sister concern of the online resources such as Butterflies of India, Moths of India, Cicadas of India, Odonata of India, Reptiles of India and Amphibians of India websites, which are designed to disseminate comprehensive information on various aspects of the biology of Indian faunas.
