It provides details of bio-geographic regions where the species are found, their conservation status, historical relevance, differences in subspecies, distinguishing traits, and preferred habitats.
Of the 78 species, three species have not been recorded in the last few decades.
They are mentioned in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
They are
Manipur Bush Quail, listed as ‘Endangered’ with its last recorded sighting in 1907;
Himalayan Quail, listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ with its last recorded sighting in 1876;
Jerdon’s Courser, listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ with its last confirmed sighting in 2009.
The Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Parakeet, Ashambu Laughing Thrush and the White-bellied Sholakili are recorded in the country’s bio-geographic hotspot, the Western Ghats.
25 bird species are endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Nicobar Megapode, Nicobar Serpent Eagle, Andaman Crake, and Andaman Barn Owl are only found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Four species of birds are endemic to the Eastern Himalayas, and one each to the Southern Deccan plateau and central Indian forest.
Of the 78 endemic species, 25 are classified as ‘Threatened’ by the IUCN.
Three species (Bugun Liocichla; Himalayan Quail; Jerdon’s Courser) are listed as ‘Critically Endangered’.
Five of the endemic birds in India are categorised as ‘Endangered’, and 17 as ‘Vulnerable’, while 11 are categorised as ‘Near Threatened’ on the IUCN Red List.