Greater Coucal

Unique History : Renowned for the Fort that was built (mediaeval time) by a genius Mewar ruler, Maharana Kumbha, Kumbhalgarh Fort cannot be observed from the southern heights of the Aravalli hills as it is located amidst a girdle. It certainly looks imposing when viewed from the northern road that leads to ancient Ranakpur Jain temples. Bird watchers seek shelter below the fort which is dry deciduous forest with heights, gentle slopes and some open grass patches, rugged as the entire scenario is. Even the 4 x 4 jeeps often pant, slip and slide in reverse direction if not geared appropriately while driving inside the sanctuary.

Speciality Birding : It is good fun bird watching under the balmy shades of trees, getting out of the jeep, which is not permitted but we like to do (as no one is to object), walking on the stony track to evaluate what is in store for us. Some speciality bird species are possible to be spotted here : Green Avadavat, White-napped Tit, Grey Junglefowl, Red Spurfowl, Indian Pitta, European Roller, Grey-breasted Prinia, Zitting Cisticola, Bright-headed Cisticola,
 

White-napped Tit	Common Hawk Cuckoo

Other birds to keep us busy for the day are : Gray Francolin, Jungle Bush Quail, Indian Peafowl, Alexandrine and Plum-headed Parakeets, Brown-headed Barbet, Yellow-crowned Woodpecker, White-belied Drongo, Tawny-belied and Yellow-eyed Babblers, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Tickell's Blue Flycatcher, White-browed Fantail Flycatcher, Sulphur-belied Warbler, Grey-breasted Prinia, Rufous-fronted Prinia, Plain and Ashy Prinias, Hume's Warbler, Brown Rock Chat, Pied Bushchat, Blue Rockthrush, Black-lored Tit, Thick-billed Flowerpecker, White-caped and crested Buntings, Chesnut-shouldered Petronia, Baya Weaver, Indian Siverbill, Common Rosefinch, Minivets etc. Raptors are : Mountain Hawk Eagle, Short-toed Snake Eagle, Crested Serpant Eagle, Jungle and Spotted Owlets,

Wolf Sighting : Kumbhalgarh is dominated by a unique predator - Wolf. Leopard, Indian Fox, Jackal, Hyena etc are around. Sloth Bear often marks its attendance after sun set. Sambar, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Grey Langur, Four-horned Antelope are other mammals. A visit to Ranakpur Jain temples, remarkable sculpture in white marble, is rewarding for birds too : Barbets, Shrikes, Pippits, Larks. We better stay for two nights.