Corbett is regarded as one of the
true bird parks of the world. Out of the 2,060 species and subspecies of birds
recorded in the Indian subcontinent, over 600 species/subspecies of birds have
been recorded from Corbett at one time or another. This number is greater than
the total number of bird species found in Europe and represents around one fourth
of the available diversity found in India. Out of the 69 species of raptors
found in India, 49 can be seen in Corbett making it a striking element of the
local avifauna. The reserve, which covers 520 sq. kms. is not less than a paradise
for bird-watchers. European bird-watchers are some of the keenest visitors to
the reserve during winters when the bird diversity is at its peak.
India's first and finest park spread over 520 sq. kms. along the banks of the
Ramganga river, just 300 kms. northeast of Delhi in the foothills of the Himalayas
is the Corbett National Park. Established initially as Hailey National Park
on August 8, 1936, in honour of Sir Malcolm Hailey, then governor of the United
Provinces, the name was changed to Ramganga National Park in 1952. In 1957,
it was finally named as Corbett National Park in honour and memory of the latc
Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter, naturalist-turned-author and photographer
who had helped in setting up the park and demarcating its boundaries.
Birds which can be spotted at the banks of River Ramganga on the outskirts of
Corbett Park include Brown Fish Owl, Himalayan Kingfisher, Brown Dipper and
Plumbeous/White-Capped Redstarts. One can also see Little/Staty backed Forktails
and Mountain/Rufousbellied Hawk-Eagles here. Inside Corbett Park, Blue Whistling
Thrush and Red Jungle Fowl are immediate possibilities. But with some efforts
one can spot Oriental White-eye, Jungle Owlet, Alexandrine Parakeet, Himalayan
Swiftlet, Lesser Fish-Eagle or even Great Thick-knee, Stork-billed Kingfisher
and many more. Mammals include Tiger, Indian Elephant, Chital, Sambhar, Muntjack
(Barking Deer), Hog Deer and Common Langur. A trip to these magnificent Sanctuaries
will also take you through Jaipur (Pink City) and Agra (City of Taj) which will
add the experience of Indian culture, heritage, history and hospitality to your
memories.
With elevations in the Park ranging from 400m to 1210m there is a rich diversity
in habitat. Animals of the Himalayas and those of peninsular India can both
be seen here and over 50 mammal and 25 reptile species have been recorded at
Corbett. Among the predators are the tiger, leopard, diverse species of lesser
cats and the dhole - the wild dog.
There are antelopes (nilgai and ghoral) varieties of deer (hog deer, sambhar,
chital or spotted deer and barking deer), the primates (rhesus and langur) and
other animals like jackals, foxes, civets, wild boar, sloth bear, black bear
and a range of reptiles including the cobra, python and two species of crocodile.
The rare fish eating, long snouted gharial and the more robust mugger can be
seen basking along the sand banks and pools of the Ramganga. The river which
is also noted for its sporting fish, the mighty mahaseer and the malee is popular
with anglers.
Corbett is the home of 580 species of birds including water fowl, 17 types of
woodpecker, raptors like the Pallas fishing eagle, harriers and kites, peafowl,
kalij pheasant, the rare chir pheasant, red jungle fowl, minivets, shrikes,
cuckoos, drongos and barbets. A fine reservoir on the river formed with the
building of a dam at Kalagarh now attracts diverse species of water birds -
both local and migratory. With its avian variety Corbett is a marvellous location
for bird watchers also.
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