Bird-watching or "birding" is an activity connected with the visual observation and study of wild birds in their natural habitat. Birding usually attracts the educated, affluent and middle-aged who are interested in wildlife and are keen to travel and spend time outdoors.

The hobby of bird-watching developed mostly in the 20th century in developed countries in the west.

The growth of bird-watching as a scientific sport was aided by the increasing availability of optical aids like binoculars and the spotting scope.

BIRDWATCHING, BIRDWATCHER AND THE CHATHAM ISLAND BIRD

Sálim Moizuddin Abdul Ali was an Indian ornithologist and naturalist, Known as the “birdman of India”. Salim Ali was among the first Indians to conduct systematic bird surveys across India and his bird books helped develop ornithology. He was awarded India's second highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan in 1976. He created the Bharatpur bird sanctuary, and prevented the destruction of what is now the Silent Valley National Park.

Ornithology And Some Of The Famous Indian Ornithologists

Ornithologist

Chatham Island black robin (Petroica traversi)The conservation of this robin is an internationally renowned

success story. In 1980 there were only five black robins in the world, with just a single

breeding pair left. The survival of the species hinged on the

last pair. A desperate and innovative management

regime was quickly put into action that resulted in a

successful population turnaround. This small robin

has pure black plumage and a short, slender bill.

This species is affected by global climate change.

The average life expectancy of a black robin is four years.Black robins spend the majority of their time in the lower branches of the forest away from strong winds, or foraging amongst the leaf litter on the forest floor. They are insectivores; feeding on a wide range of invertebrates including cockroaches, worms and the endemic weta (a type of cricket).

The Black Thrush is a species of bird in the Turdidae family. It was formerly known as the Black Robin. It is found in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.

Today a population of around 250 to 300 birds exists on two small islands: Mangere and Rangatira. The New Zealand Wildlife Service began 'cross-fostering' eggs and young from this remaining pair of robins (known as 'old blue' and 'old yellow') to another species in an effort to increase productivity. This innovative approach was a resounding success; today between 250 and 300 birds are distributed on Mangere and Rangatira Islands and there are plans to introduce a population to the much larger Pitt Island once it has been cleared of pests. This is a remarkable conservation success story and an example of what can be achieved.

Mangere Island Situated to the West of Pitt Island, Mangere is 113ha in area, surrounded by cliffs and rises to 286m at its summit. It was purchased by the Crown in 1966 after having been farmed, which resulted in the widespread clearance of most of the vegetation.

THE CHATHAM ISLANDS

Rangatira (South East Island)Rangatira has been described as one of the world's premier bird islands. Like Mangere, it is a Nature Reserve managed by the Department of Conservation. Purchased by the Crown in 1953.

Rangatira

Mangere

Snow Mountain robin(Petroica archboldi)

Flame robin (Petroica phoenicea)

Orange-billed babbler

SOME OTHER TYPES OF ROBINS