Pakistan is home to a diverse range of bird species due to its varied landscapes and climates. From the high mountain ranges of the Himalayas in the north to the arid deserts of Balochistan in the west, Pakistan provides habitats for both resident and migratory birds.
House Sparrow
The most ubiquitous and common bird across the landscapes of Pakistan is the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus). This small bird is found in association with human habitation in all major cities, towns, and villages of Pakistan. Its total population is estimated to be around 26 million, making it the most abundant bird in the country.
Some key facts about House Sparrows in Pakistan:
- They are found everywhere from Karachi to Skardu, and from Gwadar to Lahore.
- Abundant in urban and rural human settlements, they live around houses, in gardens, around livestock sheds, and around croplands.
- They are small birds, 12.5–14.5 cm long and weighing 24–39.5 g.
- The male has a grey crown, black bib, white cheeks, and a chestnut mantle. The female is pale brown overall.
- Omnivorous, their diet consists of grains, seed, fruits, berries, insects, scraps, and trash around human habitation.
- Breeding season is April to September. They build cup nests in crevices and holes, and lay 3-5 eggs.
- Originally native to Europe, northern Africa, and central Asia, they have been introduced worldwide by humans.
Due to their close association with humans, House Sparrows are found in all major cities of Pakistan like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Multan etc. Their large numbers near human settlements outnumber all other bird species.
Common Myna
The Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) is another bird that can be seen commonly across Pakistan. It is an abundant resident bird found in cities, towns, villages, farmlands, and open scrub forests.
Some key facts about Common Mynas in Pakistan:
- Total population estimated around 15 million.
- Ranges from 23–26 cm long and weighs 82–143 g.
- Identified by chocolate brown body, black hooded head, bare yellow patch behind the eyes.
- Omnivorous, feeds on insects, fruits, grains, small vertebrates, scraps.
- Native to Asia with an expansive range from Iran, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and eastward.
- Nest in cavities in trees, buildings, and crevices. Breed March to September.
- Commensal with humans, found in cities, villages, and around cultivation.
The Common Myna thrives around human habitations in Pakistan’s urban centers as well as rural agricultural landscapes. They are sighted across the country from Gilgit to Karachi and are regionally the second most common bird after House Sparrows.
Pigeons and Doves
Pigeons and doves collectively form another group of birds that are ubiquitous across the landscapes of Pakistan. The three most common species are Rock Pigeon, Laughing Dove, and Eurasian Collared Dove.
Some key facts about pigeons and doves of Pakistan:
- Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) is found in settlements across the country. Total population around 10 million.
- Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis) is found in dry scrublands and deserts. Population around 7 million.
- Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) is present across cultivated landscapes. Population around 5 million.
- Pigeons and doves are grain and seed eating birds and hunted for meat.
- Laughing Doves and Collared Doves are native breeders. Rock Pigeons were introduced from Europe.
- All three species are found across Pakistan from the southern coast to the foothills of Himalayas.
With a collective population of over 20 million, pigeons and doves are highly abundant and visible birds across rural and urban Pakistan. Along with House Sparrows and Mynas, they form the trio of most ubiquitous bird families of the country.
Crows and Jungle Crows
Crows and Jungle Crows are highly adaptable birds that thrive around human settlements as well as forests and woodlands of Pakistan. The House Crow (Corvus splendens) and the Large-billed Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) are two common crow species of the country.
Some key facts about crows of Pakistan:
- House Crows found across villages, towns, and cities of Pakistan. Total population around 7 million.
- Large-billed Crows more distributed across forests, woodlands, and agricultural areas. Population around 5 million.
- Omnivorous, feed on trash, carrion, grains, small animals, and insects.
- Build nests on trees and man-made structures. Breeding season March to June.
- Highly adaptable birds tolerant of human settlements.
- Considered pests around airports and urban areas due to scavenging habits.
Crows are a familiar sight across Pakistan’s urban and rural landscapes. They thrive around human habitation but are also found in wooded areas. Next to House Sparrows, they are among the most successful avian urban adapters in the country.
Common Birds of Prey
Many birds of prey like hawks, eagles, kites, harriers, and falcons are found across Pakistan. They are apex predators that help regulate populations of small mammals, birds, and insects in the country’s varied ecosystems.
Some common raptors of Pakistan include:
- Black Kite (Milvus migrans) found widely across wooded and open areas. Population around 100,000.
- Shikra (Accipiter badius) small woodland hawk, common in forests. Population around 250,000.
- Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) winters in Pakistan’s forests and woodlands. Population around 15,000.
- Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) open country and agricultural area raptor. Population around 45,000.
- Lagger Falcon (Falco biarmicus) falcon of arid and desert landscapes. Population around 25,000.
These birds of prey are found across forests, deserts, and open country habitats. They help control rodent and snake populations across these ecosystems.
Other Common Birds
Many other resident and migratory bird species inhabit the diverse landscapes of Pakistan. Some other common birds include:
- Rock Bunting (Emberiza cia) found across open mountain slopes. Population around 85,000.
- Western Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava) small passerine, common in wetlands. Population around 75,000.
- Isabelline Shrike (Lanius isabellinus) drier open scrub breeder. Population around 65,000.
- Indian Silverbill (Euodice malabarica) small finch of dry country and grasslands. Population around 90,000.
- Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis) breeding summer visitor. Population around 55,000.
In addition to the species mentioned above, Pakistan hosts over 660 bird species in its varied habitats. The avian diversity includes endemic species like the Sind Sparrow and Green Bee-eater, as well as numerous winter migrants from Central Asia and Europe.
Summary
To summarize, the House Sparrow is the most abundant and common bird found across Pakistan. Some other ubiquitous species include the Common Myna, Rock Pigeon, Laughing Dove, House Crow, and Large-billed Crow. These are sedentary birds that thrive in association with human habitation in cities, towns, villages, and agriculture areas across the country. Pakistan also hosts various birds of prey, waterbirds, and migratory species that utilize the diverse ecosystems of the country for breeding and wintering.
Conclusion
With its climatic and habitat diversity, Pakistan is home to a rich diversity of avian life. The most successful of these species in terms of abundance and distribution are those well-adapted to human settlements like the House Sparrow, Common Myna, Rock Pigeon, and crows. These commensal birds are found from Karachi to Gilgit, and thrive in close proximity to human habitation across the country. Beyond human landscapes, Pakistan also provides critical ecosystems for endangered endemics, migratory raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds that help make it an important bird habitat in South Asia.