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Rhinoptilus bitorquatus

Jerdon's Courser

BirdBest Season: Jan–Dec

Best locations

1

Expert creators

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Field Reports (12 months)

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Jerdon's Courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus) — wildlife photography in India

(c) PJeganathan, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

About this species

Jerdon's Courser is one of the world's most mysterious and rare birds — a strictly nocturnal courser that was believed extinct until its rediscovery in 1986 in the Nallamala Hills of Andhra Pradesh. Only a handful of sightings occur each year, and the species depends on rocky ravine forest along the Krishna River. Discover Jerdon's Courser — one of the world's rarest birds. India's most enigmatic nocturnal bird — expert guide and sanctuary information.

Quick facts

Scientific name
Rhinoptilus bitorquatus
Category / family
Bird · —
Best months to photograph
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Difficulty to spot
Moderate
Best locations
Sri Venkateswara National Park

Field Reports

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No field reports yet for this species.

Best locations for Jerdon's Courser

Reserves and landscapes where our photographers reliably encounter this species, with links to place-specific guides.

Andhra PradeshSri Venkateswara National Park
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When and Where to Photograph Jerdon's Courser

Jerdon's Courser is one of the world's most mysterious and rare birds — a strictly nocturnal courser that was believed extinct until its rediscovery in 1986 in the Nallamala Hills of Andhra Pradesh. Only a handful of sightings occur each year, and the species depends on rocky ravine forest along the Krishna River. Discover Jerdon's Courser — one of the world's rarest birds. India's most enigmatic nocturnal bird — expert guide and sanctuary information.

Plan field days around Jan–Dec: light is often strongest at dawn and dusk, when many mammals and birds are most active. Work with a naturalist who knows local movement patterns — they will position you ethically while improving your odds of a encounter in Sri Venkateswara National Park.

Related species

  • Sarus Crane
  • Malabar Pied Hornbill
  • Western Tragopan
  • Goliath Heron
  • Fire-Tailed Sunbird
  • Andaman Serpent Eagle
  • Jerdon's Minivet
  • White-Rumped Vulture
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