🌧️ Monsoon and Birds: A Fascinating Look at Nature’s Feathered Friends
The monsoon season transforms the world around us — the skies turn grey, trees glow green, and the earth comes alive. But have you ever wondered how birds behave during the rainy season? From nesting to singing, the rainy season plays a special role in the lives of our feathered friends.
Let’s explore how birds adapt, survive, and even thrive during this magical time of year.
🐣 1. Monsoon: A Season of Nesting and New Life
For many birds, the monsoon season is breeding time. The rains bring an abundance of food — insects, worms, seeds — making it easier to feed their young. Birds such as pigeons, mynas, sparrows, and even the Indian koel start building nests as soon as the first rains arrive.
They choose sheltered spots like:
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Tree branches with thick leaves
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Rooftops and window corners
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Holes in walls or tree trunks
These nests protect their eggs and chicks from both the rain and predators.
🍽️ 2. Food Abundance in the Rain
Monsoon showers awaken the soil. Earthworms, insects, and small creatures come out — and for birds, that means mealtime!
Insect-eating birds such as:
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Drongos
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Swallows
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Kingfishers
…become more active, flying low to snatch their prey. Egrets and herons are often seen near flooded fields, patiently hunting fish and frogs.
🕊️ 3. Taking Shelter from the Rain
While some birds enjoy a light drizzle, most seek shelter during heavy downpours. Birds are clever in choosing safe places:
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Under large leaves
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Inside dense trees
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Rooftops and house corners
They fluff up their feathers to trap air and stay warm. You’ll often see birds sitting quietly, waiting for the rain to pass.
🎶 4. Singing in the Rain
Have you ever heard birds singing just before or after a rain? That’s no coincidence.
During the monsoon, many birds:
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Sing louder to attract mates
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Use songs to mark territory
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Celebrate the freshness of the environment
The Asian koel is especially known for its sweet, echoing call that often signals the arrival of the monsoon.
☀️ 5. After the Rain: Sunbathing and Preening
Once the rain stops, birds come out to dry their wings and clean themselves. You may see them:
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Sunbathing with wings stretched
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Preening feathers using their beaks
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Splashing in leftover puddles for a quick bath
This helps them stay clean, dry, and healthy.
🔍 6. Common Birds Seen During Monsoon in South Asia
Here are some birds you can spot during the rainy season:
| Bird Name | Behavior in Monsoon |
|---|---|
| Asian Koel | Sings loudly to attract mates |
| House Sparrow | Nests under roofs and window corners |
| Indian Myna | Feeds on insects and fruits |
| Drongo | Hunts flying insects |
| Egret & Heron | Forages in water-logged fields |
| Parrot | Seen in noisy flocks during early rain |
🌱 7. Conservation Tip: Help Birds During Monsoon
You can make a difference!
Here’s how:
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Put out a covered bird feeder
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Place a dry nest box in a tree or balcony
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Avoid cutting trees during this season
Birds bring balance to our ecosystem — let’s help them thrive.
📝 Final Thoughts
The monsoon isn’t just about rain — it’s a time of renewal, life, and harmony in nature. Birds, with their songs and survival instincts, remind us of how beautiful and resilient life can be.
Next time it rains, don’t just run inside. Look around. Listen.
You might just hear the joyful voice of a bird — celebrating the magic of the monsoon.