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 Common Crow

Common name:   Common Crow

Scientific name: Euploea core

Tamil name: வெண்புள்ளிக் கருப்பன்

Description: A glossy black butterfly with brown undersides, white markings on the wings, and white body spots.

Distribution: South Asia and Australia.

Behaviour:  A nectar feeder, it has a bitter taste due to plant toxins, making it unappealing to predators.

More Info: IUCN

Glad-eye Bushbrown

Common name: Glad-eye Bushbrown

Scientific name: Mycalesis patnia

Tamil name: பெரூங்கண்ணன்

Description: The butterfly has dark brown wings with yellow lines and small black spots on the forewings. Its underside is yellow with silver spots. Females have a larger yellow patch on the forewings and no spots on the hindwings.

Distribution: Southern India and Sri Lanka.

Behaviour: These butterflies feed on fruits, decaying matter, and flowers, flying between shrubs and basking in the sun.

More Info: Wikipedia

Common Leopard

Common name: Common Leopard

Scientific name: Phalanta phalantha

Tamil name: சிறுத்தை

Description: A medium-sized butterfly with tawny wings marked with black spots. Its underside is glossier, with a purple sheen in the dry season.

Distribution: Asia, Africa, Oceania and Southeast Asia.

Behaviour: Loves sunlight, active flier, feeds on flower nectar, and often seen mud-puddling.

More Info: LearnButterflies

Tropical Fruit Piercer

Common name: Tropical Fruit Piercer

Scientific name: Eudocima phalonia

Tamil name: கனியில் துளைக்கும் பூச்சி

Description: It has reddish-brown forewings with dark specks, an orange abdomen, and bright orange hindwings with a black spot and border.

Distribution: Asia, Africa and Australia.

Behaviour: The fruit-piercing moth is a nocturnal species that uses its strong proboscis to pierce fruit and suck out juices, often damaging crops.

IUCN Category: Vulnerable

More Info: Wikipedia

Great Indian Hornbill

Common name: Great Indian Hornbill

Scientific name: Buceros bicornis

Tamil name: பெரிய இருவாயன்

Description: Kerala’s state bird has a yellow and black casque. Males have black markings, while females are smaller with bluish-white eyes and a reddish casque back.

Distribution: South and Southeast Asia.

Behaviour: Social, loud birds, mostly herbivorous but occasionally eat small animals. They catch prey, toss it in the air, and swallow it.

IUCN Category: Vulnerable

More Info: IUCN

Bengal Tiger

Common name: Bengal Tiger

Scientific name: Panthera tigris tigris

Tamil name: புலி

Description: This large wild cat is India’s national animal. It has a yellow-orange coat with black stripes, a white belly, and an orange tail with black rings.

Distribution: South Asia and southwestern China.

Behaviour:IIt is a strong, agile predator that defends its territory, hunts quietly, and swims well.

IUCN Category: Endangered

More Info : IUCN

Asian Elephant

Common name: Asian Elephant

Scientific name: Elephas maximus

Tamil name: யானை

Description: The largest land mammal in Asia, it has a twin - domed head, long trunk with a fingerlike tip, and depigmented grey skin. Males have tusks, females often have small tushes or none.

Distribution: Asia.

Behaviour: Social and intelligent, they live in female-led herds and are herbivores.

IUCN category: Endangered

More Info: IUCN

 Small Asian Mongoose

Common name:  Small Asian Mongoose

Scientific name: Herpestes javanicus

Tamil name:  சாம்பல் கீரி

Description: It has a slender body, an elongated head with a pointed snout, and feet with five toes and long claws

Distribution: South Asia and Southeast Asia

Behaviour: Highly active during the day, they are swift hunters, opportunistic feeders, and known for their burrowing habits

IUCN category: Least Concern

More Info: IUCN

Common Cerulean

Common name: Common Cerulean

Scientific name: Jamides celeno

Tamil name: புங்க நீலன்

Description: A small butterfly with pale bluish-white wings, black borders, and a filamentous tail. The underside is greyish brown with white bands and a black spot speckled with metallic blue.

Distribution: Asia

Behaviour: Males absorb minerals from damp soil, while wing patterns mislead predators, aiding escape. This species also exhibits seasonal polyphenism.

More Info: LearnButterflies

Black – hooded Oriole

Common name: Black – hooded Oriole

Scientific name: Oriolus xanthornus

Tamil name: கருந்தலை மாங்குயில்

Description: The male has bright yellow plumage with a black hood, wings, and tail centre. The female is duller in color, with a black hood and greenish underparts.

Distribution: South and southeast Asia.

Behaviour: These are shy, diurnal birds with an omnivorous diet, feeding on insects and fruits.

IUCN category: Least Concern.

More Info: IUCN

Red-wattled Lapwing

Common name: Red-wattled Lapwing

Scientific name: Vanellus indicus

Tamil name: செம்மூக்கு ஆள்காட்டி

Description: AThese birds have brown wings, a black head, neck, and bib, and a white patch from the belly to the crown. They feature a black-tipped red bill, red facial wattles, and yellow legs.

Distribution: Asia.

Behaviour: These birds are always alert, loudly warning others of danger. They use clever tricks like distraction displays to protect their nests.

IUCN Category:  Least Concern

More Info: IUCN

Malabar Parakeet

Common name: Malabar Parakeet

Scientific name: Psittacula columboides

Tamil name: நீலப் பைங்கிளி

Description: The blue-winged parakeet has a grey body, blue wings, and a yellow tail. Males have a red bill; females, black. Both have a black neck ring.

Distribution:  Endemic to the Western Ghats.

Behaviour: Terrestrial and nomadic, they nest in tree holes. Chicks are sometimes trapped for trade.

IUCN Category:  Least Concern

More Info: IUCN

Oriental White-eye

Common name: Oriental White-eye

Scientific name: Zosterops palpebrosus

Tamil name: வெள்ளைக்கண்ணி

Description: It is a small bird with yellow-olive upperparts, a white eye-ring, and a yellow throat, giving it a charming look.

Distribution: Asia 

Behaviour: Active and social, it forages in flocks for insects, nectar, and fruit, builds cup-shaped nests, and helps drive away predators.

IUCN Category:  Least Concern

More Info: IUCN

White-throated Kingfisher

Common name:   White-throated Kingfisher

Scientific name:  Halcyon smyrnensis

Tamil name:  வெண்மார்பு மீன்கொத்தி

Description: A striking bird with a bright blue back, chestnut head and belly, and a white throat and breast. It has a large red bill and legs.

Distribution: Asia, Africa, and Western Asia.

Behaviour:  Hunts fish, insects, and small reptiles; perches prominently before diving to catch prey.

IUCN category: Least Concern

More Info:  IUCN

Indian Robin

Common name: Indian Robin

Scientific name: Copsychus fulicatus

Tamil name: கருஞ்சிட்டு

Description: The male is mainly black with a white shoulder patch that varies in visibility and chestnut undertail coverts. The female is brownish above, lacks the white stripe, and is greyish below.

Distribution: South Asia.

Behaviour: These non - migratory birds are diurnal and prefer open habitats, often seen running along the ground.

IUCN category: Least Concern

More Info: IUCN

White-throated Kingfisher

Common name:   White-throated Kingfisher

Scientific name:  Halcyon smyrnensis

Tamil name:  வெண்மார்பு மீன்கொத்தி

Description: A striking bird with a bright blue back, chestnut head and belly, and a white throat and breast. It has a large red bill and legs.

Distribution: Asia, Africa, and Western Asia.

Behaviour:  Hunts fish, insects, and small reptiles; perches prominently before diving to catch prey.

IUCN category: Least Concern

More Info:  IUCN

Little Grebe

Common name: Little Grebe

Scientific name:  Tachybaptus ruficollis

Tamil name: முக்குளிப்பான்

Description: It is a small water bird with a pointed bill and a fluffy rear. It has dark upperparts, rufous neck and cheeks, and pale underparts.

Distribution: Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania.

Behaviour:  A skilled swimmer and diver, it is active during the day and feeds on fish and aquatic invertebrates.

IUCN category: Least Concern

More Info: IUCN

Barn Swallow

Common name: Barn Swallow

Scientific name:  Hirundo rustica

Tamil name:  தகைவிலான்

Description:It has steel-blue upperparts, reddish face and throat, a blue breast band, off-white underparts, and a forked tail with white spots.

Distribution: Europe, Asia, Africa, America, and Oceania

Behaviour:  Highly social and migratory, they feed on flying insects and communicate with cheerful warbles and sharp alarm calls.

IUCN category: Least Concern

More Info: IUCN

Common Sergeant

Common name: Common Sergeant

Scientific name: Athyma perius

Tamil name: சார்ஜெண்ட்

Description: Males have black wings with white bands, while females are darker brown. The underside is ochre yellow with bold black-bordered white markings.

Distribution: South and Southeast Asia

Behaviour: They are swift, territorial fliers that feed on flower nectar and are also drawn to ripe fruits for their sugary juices.

More Info: LearnButterflies

Clipper

Common name:  Clipper

Scientific name: Parthenos sylvia

Tamil name: கட்டழகன்

Description: The upper wings of this butterfly are black and bluish-grey with white patches, while the underside is paler, with shades of white, green, or purple.

Distribution:  South and Southeast Asia.

Behaviour: This butterfly flies fast with stiff wings, alternating between short glides and quick wing beats

More Info: LearnButterflies

Blackvein Sergeant

Common name:  Blackvein Sergeant

Scientific name: Athyma ranga

Tamil name: கருஞ்சிரை சார்ஜெண்ட்

Description: It has dark velvety wings, black in males and dark brown in females, with distinct white spots.

Distribution: Asia

Behaviour: They are powerful fliers with a swift, skittish flight and often settle on the ground or low plants

More Info: LearnButterflies

Common Rose finch

Common name: Common Rose finch

Scientific name:  Carpodacus erythrinus

Tamil name:  செங்கூம்பலச்சில்லை

Description: It has a stout, conical bill. Males are rosy - red on the head, breast, and rump with dark wings, while females and young birds are yellowish-brown with a buff underside.

Distribution: Asia and Europe.

Behaviour:   Melodious and agile, this migratory bird is often seen foraging on the ground for fruits, seeds, and insects

IUCN category: Least Concern

More Info: IUCN

Indian Paradise-flycatcher

Common name: Indian Paradise-flycatcher

Scientific name: Terpsiphone paradisi

Tamil name: வேதிவால் குருவி

Description: These birds have glossy black heads and bills. Males have long central tail feathers and can be rufous or white, while females are short-tailed with rufous wings and a black head.

Distribution: Asia.

Behaviour: These insectivores are often seen alone or in pairs, catching insects’ mid-air or from foliage. 

IUCN category: Least Concern

More Info: IUCN

Asian Elephant

Common name: Asian Elephant

Scientific name: Elephas maximus

Tamil name: யானை

Description: The largest land mammal in Asia, it has a twin - domed head, long trunk with a fingerlike tip, and depigmented grey skin. Males have tusks, females often have small tushes or none.

Distribution: Asia.

Behaviour: Social and intelligent, they live in female-led herds and are herbivores.

IUCN category: Endangered

More Info: IUCN

 Peninsular Rock Agama

Common name:  Peninsular Rock Agama

Scientific name:   Psammophilus dorsalis

Tamil name:  தென்னிந்திய பாறையோந்தி

Description: This lizard has a slightly flattened body, a large head, sharp ridges above the eyes and a long tail with keeled scales. Adult males have swollen cheeks and a thickened tail base, while females lack these features.

Distribution: Southern India.

Behaviour: Known for its cryptic coloration, this lizard basks on rocks and feeds on insects.

IUCN category: Least Concern

More Info: IUCN

Oriental Magpie - Robin 

Common name: Oriental Magpie-Robin 

Scientific name:  Copsychus saularis

Tamil name:  குண்டுக்கரிச்சான்

Description: Males have black upperparts and a white shoulder patch, while females have greyish-black upperparts and greyish-white underparts.

Distribution: Indian subcontinent and southeast Asia.

Behaviour: These insectivores are highly territorial and are often seen bathing in rainwater on leaves.

IUCN category: Least Concern

More Info: IUCN

Cloud-Forest Silverline

Common name: Cloud-Forest Silverline

Scientific name: Cigaritis meghamalaiensis

Tamil name: கிளவுட் ஃபாரஸ்ட் சில்வர்லைன்

Description: The female has reddish-orange wings with black markings, while the male has bright blue wings with dark edges and a metallic copper sheen with silver lines.

Distribution: Endemic to Meghamalai hills.

Behaviour: This butterfly spends most of the year as a caterpillar. It lives at higher elevations, flies slowly, and is rarely seen as it’s easily preyed upon.

More Info: Wikipedia

Orange-headed Thrush

Common name:  Orange-headed Thrush

Scientific name:  Geokichla citrina

Tamil name:   வரிமுகப் பூங்குருவி

Description: The adult male has an orange head and underparts, grey upperparts and wings, and white under tail coverts.

Distribution: Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

Behaviour: A shy, secretive bird with a swift flight. When disturbed, it remains motionless until the threat passes.

IUCN category: Least Concern

More Info: IUCN

 Black Drongo

Common name:  Black Drongo

Scientific name:  Dicrurus macrocercus

Tamil name:   கருங்கரிச்சான்

Description: A glossy black bird with a deep forked tail and strong wings. It sits upright on wires or branches and is known for its agility in flight.

Distribution: Asia.

Behaviour: Bold and aggressive; often chases away larger birds. Feeds on insects and small prey.

IUCN category: Least Concern

More Info: IUCN

 Black Drongo

Common name:  Black Drongo

Scientific name:  Dicrurus macrocercus

Tamil name:   கருங்கரிச்சான்

Description: A glossy black bird with a deep forked tail and strong wings. It sits upright on wires or branches and is known for its agility in flight.

Distribution: Asia.

Behaviour: Bold and aggressive; often chases away larger birds. Feeds on insects and small prey.

IUCN category: Least Concern

More Info: IUCN

Indian Giant Squirrel

Common name: Indian Giant Squirrel

Scientific name: Ratufa indica

Tamil name: மலை அணில்

Description: One of the largest squirrels, it has a striking coat in shades of maroon, brown, and cream, with a long, bushy tail that aids in balance.

Distribution:  Endemic to India.

Behaviour: They are omnivorous, make high-pitched alarm calls similar to monkeys, and are known for their long leaps.

IUCN category: Least Concern

More Info:  IUCN

Nilgiri Langur

Common name: Nilgiri Langur

Scientific name: Trachypithecus johnii

Tamil name: கருங்குரங்கு

Description: A striking black-coated monkey with a reddish-brown to gold head, long tail, and white sideburns. Male langurs are slightly larger than females.

Distribution: Endemic to the southern Western Ghats.

Behaviour: They live in female-led groups, using distinct calls for distress, warning, and alarm.

IUCN category: Vulnerable

More Info: IUCN

Oriental Garden Lizard

Common name: Oriental Garden Lizard

Scientific name: Calotes versicolor

Tamil name: ஓணான்

Description: This lizard varies in colour from brown to greyish-olive, often with dark bands and a yellow side stripe.

Distribution: Asia.

Behaviour: They are solitary and diurnal, feeding on larvae and small insects. They swallow prey whole after stunning it by shaking..

IUCN Category:  Least Concern

More Info: IUCN

Black-headed cuckooshrike

Common name: Black-headed Cuckooshrike

Scientific name: Lalage melanoptera

Tamil name: கருந்தலை குயில்கீச்சான்

Description: The male has a dark slaty-gray head, neck, and upper breast, with pale grey and white underparts.

Distribution: South and Southeast Asia.

Behaviour:  Primarily insectivorous, it is known for its clear whistling song and strictly arboreal behaviour.

IUCN Category:  Least Concern

More Info: IUCN

Great Indian Hornbill

Common name: Great Indian Hornbill

Scientific name: Buceros bicornis

Tamil name: பெரிய இருவாயன்

Description:Kerala’s state bird has a yellow and black casque. Males have black markings, while females are smaller with bluish-white eyes and a reddish casque back.

Distribution: South and Southeast Asia.

Behaviour: Social, loud birds, mostly herbivorous but occasionally eat small animals. They catch prey, toss it in the air, and swallow it.

IUCN Category: Vulnerable

More Info: IUCN

 Jungle Babbler

Common name:   Jungle Babbler

Scientific name:  Argya striata

Tamil name:   காட்டுச் சிலம்பன்

Description: Jungle babblers are brownish-grey with a yellow bill. They have a mottled throat and breast, and the tail is slightly rufous in some populations..

Distribution:  South Asia.

Behaviour:  They are known for their distinctive calls and for mobbing potential predators like snakes. They also act as sentinels when foraging.

IUCN category: Least Concern

More Info: IUCN

Common Banded Awl

Common name: Common Banded Awl

Scientific name: Hasora chromus

Tamil name: கமலாங்கர்

Description: This butterfly is dark vinaceous-brown, with males having unmarked wings and females featuring two yellowish-white discal spots. The hindwings have a hidden black tornal patch, visible briefly after hatching.

Distribution: Asia and Australia

Behaviour: It has a rapid, whirring flight and often flies around bushes in bright sunlight.

More Info: Wikipedia

Common Banded Peacock

Common name: Common Banded Peacock

Scientific name: Papilio crino

Tamil name: நீலமயில் அழகன்

Description: This butterfly is blackish brown with a bright bluish-green band on its wings. Its hindwings feature a red eyespot with a black centre, while the underside is brown with yellow speckles.

Distribution: India and Sri Lanka.

Behaviour:  This fast-flying butterfly usually forages in trees but is sometimes drawn to bright ground flowers. It uses mimicry for self-defence.

More Info: Wikipedia

Common Lascar

Common name: Common Lascar

Scientific name: Pantoporia hordonia

Tamil name: லஸ்கர்

Description: They have a black upper side with orange markings. The underside is chestnut-brown with paler, broader markings and fine brown lines

Distribution: Asia

Behaviour: Adults are non-toxic and highly alert. They are often observed feeding on flower nectar and puddling on moist ground.

More Info: Wikipedia

Common Albatross

Common name: Common Albatross

Scientific name: Appias albina

Tamil name: பருபலா வெள்ளையன்

Description: It has pale yellow or white wings. Males have faint black wingtips, while females show a bold black diagonal band. The underside is dull yellowish, often with a pinkish tint.

Distribution: South and Southeast Asia.

Behaviour: It is known for mud-puddling, fluttering among flowers, and basking in sunlight with its wings open.

More Info: Wikipedia

Red-whiskered Bulbul

Common name: Red-whiskered Bulbul

Scientific name:  Pycnonotus jocosus

Tamil name:  செம்மீசை சின்னான்

Description:  A medium-sized songbird with brown upperparts, whitish underparts, and bright red cheek patches. It also has a prominent black crest on its head.

Distribution: Asia.

Behaviour:  Active during the day, these birds feed mainly on fruits and insects and are known for their loud, melodious calls.

IUCN category: Least Concern

More Info: IUCN

Indian Peafowl

Common name: Indian Peafowl

Scientific name: Pavo cristatus

Tamil name: மயில்

Description: It is India’s national bird, with shiny blue-green feathers. Males have long tails with eye-like spots to attract females.

Distribution: Native to South Asia and introduced to Australia, the Bahamas, New Zealand, and the USA.

Behaviour:  Males fan their tails to attract females and eat seeds, insects, and small reptiles.

IUCN category: Least Concern

More Info: IUCN

Spotted Dove

Common name: Spotted Dove

Scientific name: Spilopelia chinensis

Tamil name: புள்ளிப்புறா

Description: This is the spotted dove. It has a rosy-buff underside, grey head, and a black-and-white spotted collar around its neck.

Distribution: Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

Behaviour: Often seen in pairs or small groups, it searches the ground for seeds, its soft cooing bringing a calm presence.

IUCN Category:  Least Concern

More Info: IUCN

Indian Giant Squirrel

Common name: Indian Giant Squirrel

Scientific name: Ratufa indica

Tamil name: மலை அணில்

Description: One of the largest squirrels, it has a striking coat in shades of maroon, brown, and cream, with a long, bushy tail that aids in balance.

Distribution:  Endemic to India.

Behaviour: They are omnivorous, make high-pitched alarm calls similar to monkeys, and are known for their long leaps.

IUCN category: Least Concern

More Info:  IUCN

Sambar Deer

Common name: Sambar Deer

Scientific name: Rusa unicolor

Tamil name: கடமான்

Description: This large deer has a dark brown to yellowish coat, a thick mane and paler underparts. Males have antlers, while females lack them.

Distribution: South and Southeast Asia.

Behaviour: They hide in water and bark to warn the herd when threatened.

IUCN: Vulnerable

More Info: IUCN

Tufted Gray Langur

Common name: Tufted Gray Langur

Scientific name: Semnopithecus priam

Tamil name: ஹனுமான் குரங்கு

Description: Large, pale monkeys with grey fur, black faces, and a tuft of grey hair. They have pale hands, feet, and long tails for balance.

Distribution: South and southeast Asia.

Behaviour: Solitary and nocturnal, rock pythons are mainly terrestrial but excellent climbers and swimmers. They are strict carnivores, oviparous, and rarely attack even when threatened.

IUCN category: Near threatened.

More Info: IUCN

Lion-tailed Macaque

Common name: Lion-tailed Macaque

Scientific name:  Macaca silenus

Tamil name: சிங்கவால் குரங்கு

Description: A unique primate with a black body, silver-white mane, and a tufted tail. It has dark eyes and an agile build.

Distribution: Western Ghats.

Behaviour: Arboreal and shy, these macaques live in small groups, communicating through vocalizations and body language.

IUCN category: Endangered

More Info: IUCN

Rustic

Common name: Rustic

Scientific name: Cupha erymanthis

Tamil name: செம்மன் சிறகன்

Description: It is a light yellowish brown butterfly with a prominent yellow discal band on the forewing and black markings near the edges.

Distribution: South and Southeast Asia.

Behaviour: This non-toxic butterfly has an active flight pattern and helps in plant pollination

More Info: Wikipedia

Peacock Pansy

Common name: Peacock Pansy

Scientific name: Junonia almana

Tamil name: மயில் வசீகரன்

Description: It has orange-yellow wings with bold black-ringed eyespots on both forewings and hindwings. The underside is brownish with wavy lines and faint markings

Distribution: Asia.

Behaviour: It basks in sunlight, mimicking an orange-faced owl to scare predators. This butterfly is highly territorial and actively drives away intruders.

More Info: IUCN

Malabar Whistling Thrush

Common name: Malabar Whistling Thrush

Scientific name: Myophonus horsfieldii

Tamil name: சீகாரப் பூங்குருவி

Description: Large blackish thrush with shiny blue; males have bright blue forehead and shoulders, females are duller.

Distribution: India

Behaviour: Once popular cage birds for their tune-learning ability, they are omnivorous and often found alone or in pairs near humans.

IUCN category: Least concern

More Info: IUCN

Heart-spotted Woodpecker

Common name: Heart-spotted Woodpecker

Scientific name: Hemicircus canente

Tamil name: கரும்புள்ளி மரங்கொத்தி

Description: This small woodpecker has a bold black-and-buff look with a large crest. It displays white shoulder patches marked with black heart-shaped spots and barred wings.

Distribution: Asia

Behaviour: They mainly feed on insects and often forage in pairs or join mixed-species flocks.

IUCN category: Least concern

More Info: IUCN

Common Indian Monitor

Common name: Common Indian Monitor

Scientific name: Varanus bengalensis

Tamil name: உடும்பு

Description: This monitor lizard has a long body, slit-like nostrils, and rough, pitted scales. Young ones show bright yellow markings, which fade to a speckled brown or grey in adults.

Distribution: Asia.

Behaviour: These lizards are solitary and mostly ground-dwelling, but are also strong climbers and swimmers.

IUCN Category:  Near Threatened

More Info: IUCN

Stripe-necked Mongoose

Common name: Stripe-necked Mongoose

Scientific name: Herpestes vitticollis

Tamil name: கீரி

Description:  It has a stout body, short legs, and a rusty brown to grey coat. A black stripe runs along its neck, and its short tail is black with a grey base.

Distribution: India and Sri Lanka.

Behaviour: It is a carnivorous and diurnal animal, known for its agility and tree-climbing ability. It typically avoids human habitation.

IUCN Category: Least Concern.

More Info: IUCN

Nilgiri Tahr

Common name: Nilgiri Tahr

Scientific name: Nilgiritragus hylocrius

Tamil name: வரையாடு

Description: Tamil Nadu's state animal has a stocky build with coarse fur and a bristly mane. Males are larger and longer-horned than females.

Distribution:  Native to south India.

Behaviour: Known for their gravity-defying skills, they are expert cliff climbers. They have sharp eyesight and alert others of danger using snorts or whistles

IUCN Category: Endangered

More Info: IUCN

Nilgiri Tahr

Common name: Nilgiri Tahr

Scientific name: Nilgiritragus hylocrius

Tamil name: வரையாடு

Description: Tamil Nadu's state animal has a stocky build with coarse fur and a bristly mane. Males are larger and longer-horned than females.

Distribution:  Native to south India.

Behaviour: Known for their gravity-defying skills, they are expert cliff climbers. They have sharp eyesight and alert others of danger using snorts or whistles

IUCN Category: Endangered

More Info: IUCN

Crested Hawk-eagle

Common name: Crested Hawk-eagle

Scientific name: Nisaetus cirrhatus

Tamil name:  குடுமிப் பருந்து

Description: Also called Changeable hawk-eagles, they have yellow eyes, a strong bill, dark brown upperparts, streaked underparts, a crest, short wings, and a barred tail.

Distribution: South and southeast Asia.

Behaviour:  An agile forest predator with long, powerful legs for swift movement and sharp hunting skills.

IUCN category: Least Concern

More Info: IUCN

Indian Peafowl

Common name: Indian Peafowl

Scientific name: Pavo cristatus

Tamil name: மயில்

Description: It is India’s national bird, with shiny blue-green feathers. Males have long tails with eye-like spots to attract females.

Distribution: Native to South Asia and introduced to Australia, the Bahamas, New Zealand, and the USA.

Behaviour:  Males fan their tails to attract females and eat seeds, insects, and small reptiles.

IUCN category: Least Concern

More Info: IUCN

Indian Peafowl

Common name: Indian Peafowl

Scientific name: Pavo cristatus

Tamil name: மயில்

Description: It is India’s national bird, with shiny blue-green feathers. Males have long tails with eye-like spots to attract females.

Distribution: Native to South Asia and introduced to Australia, the Bahamas, New Zealand, and the USA.

Behaviour:  Males fan their tails to attract females and eat seeds, insects, and small reptiles.

IUCN category: Least Concern

More Info: IUCN

Bonnet Macaque

Common name: Bonnet Macaque

Scientific name: Macaca radiata

Tamil name: குரங்கு

Description: Bonnet macaques have a swirl of hair on their heads, giving a bonnet-like look. They have greyish to golden-brown fur and pink, hairless faces.

Distribution: South India.

Behaviour: They are social primates that live in groups, groom to bond, and use grinning and clicking to show affection.

IUCN category: Least concern

More Info: IUCN

Bonnet Macaque

Common name: Bonnet Macaque

Scientific name: Macaca radiata

Tamil name: குரங்கு

Description: Bonnet macaques have a swirl of hair on their heads, giving a bonnet-like look. They have greyish to golden-brown fur and pink, hairless faces.

Distribution: South India.

Behaviour: They are social primates that live in groups, groom to bond, and use grinning and clicking to show affection.

IUCN category: Least concern

More Info: IUCN

Indian Leopard 

Common name: Indian Leopard

Scientific name: Panthera pardus fusca

Tamil name: சிறுத்தை

Description: It has a golden-yellow coat marked with black rosettes. Its underparts are white with fading spots, and it has a long, white-tipped tail.

Distribution:  Indian subcontinent.

Behaviour: A big cat of the Indian jungle, it’s an opportunistic hunter, skilled climber, and strong swimmer, often carrying kills up trees and descending headfirst.

IUCN Category: Vulnerable

More Info: IUCN

Common Five-ring

Common name: Common Five-ring

Scientific name: Ypthima baldus

Tamil name: ஐந்து வட்டன்

Description: This brown butterfly has dark wing edges and striking black-and-yellow eyespots—one large on the forewing and smaller ones on the hindwing. The underside is paler with fine brown lines.

Distribution: Asia

Behaviour: It is a non-toxic butterfly that aids in pollination and feeds on a variety of flowers for nectar.

More Info: LearnButterflies

Indian Giant Squirrel

Common name: Indian Giant Squirrel

Scientific name: Ratufa indica

Tamil name: மலை அணில்

Description: One of the largest squirrels, it has a striking coat in shades of maroon, brown, and cream, with a long, bushy tail that aids in balance.

Distribution:  Endemic to India.

Behaviour: They are omnivorous, make high-pitched alarm calls similar to monkeys, and are known for their long leaps.

IUCN category: Least Concern

More Info:  IUCN

Asian Elephant

Common name: Asian Elephant

Scientific name: Elephas maximus

Tamil name: யானை

Description: The largest land mammal in Asia, it has a twin - domed head, long trunk with a fingerlike tip, and depigmented grey skin. Males have tusks, females often have small tushes or none.

Distribution: Asia.

Behaviour: Social and intelligent, they live in female-led herds and are herbivores.

IUCN category: Endangered

More Info: IUCN

Spotted Dove

Common name: Spotted Dove

Scientific name: Spilopelia chinensis

Tamil name: புள்ளிப்புறா

Description: This is the spotted dove. It has a rosy-buff underside, grey head, and a black-and-white spotted collar around its neck.

Distribution: Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

Behaviour: Often seen in pairs or small groups, it searches the ground for seeds, its soft cooing bringing a calm presence.

IUCN Category:  Least Concern

More Info: IUCN

Indian Gaur

Common name: Indian Gaur

Scientific name: Bos gaurus

Tamil name: காட்டெருமை

Description: It is the largest wild cattle species, with a muscular frame, dark coat, white legs, curved horns, and a distinct ridge on its forehead and shoulders.

Distribution: South and southeast Asia.

Behaviour: These herbivores are territorial and mark their space using scent glands. They graze at dawn and dusk, with a deep, resonant call.

IUCN category: Vulnerable

More Info: IUCN

Indian Gaur

Common name: Indian Gaur

Scientific name: Bos gaurus