Can You Guess Which Bird Never Sets Foot On Earth?

Did you know there’s a bird that never touches the ground? Just like people who are so happy they feel as if their feet don’t touch the ground, the Hariyal Bird truly lives this experience. This unique bird astonished scientists when they discovered that it spends its entire life among the trees, never setting foot on the earth.

What is the Hariyal Bird?

The Hariyal Bird, also known as the Green Pigeon , is the only bird in the world that never sets foot on the ground. Native to the Indian subcontinent, this bird resembles a pigeon in shape but has a striking appearance with its vibrant green and yellow plumage accented by grey stripes. Apart from India, it is also found in Pakistan, Nepal, Burma, China, and Sri Lanka. It prefers to live in tall trees and never descends to the ground, making it a truly unique species.

Why Does the Hariyal Bird Never Touch the Ground?

The Hariyal Bird thrives in treetops, where it builds its nests. It drinks dew from leaves and fruits to quench its thirst, using its strong beak to do so. It feeds on various trees like Peepal, Banyan, Fig, and Sycamore, sourcing all its food without ever needing to descend. The bird’s preference for tree-dwelling life has puzzled researchers, but it is likely an adaptation that ensures its survival.

A Long-Lived, Tree-Dwelling Bird

Hariyal Birds are known for their impressive lifespan, which can stretch up to 26 years. While they are often described as shy and lethargic, this behavior might explain why they prefer the safety and comfort of their treetop homes. These birds are also quite large, growing up to three feet long, and are often spotted sitting high up in trees. Interestingly, the female Hariyal Bird is said to be even more lethargic than the male.

This fascinating bird holds a special place in Indian culture as the state bird of Maharashtra, though it is also found in other regions like Uttar Pradesh.

A Vegetarian Bird with Unique Colors

Hariyal Birds are pure vegetarians, feeding primarily on fruits, plant shoots, and grains. They inhabit evergreen and deciduous forests, where their distinctive coloring makes them easy to recognize. With a mix of light green, grey, and yellow stripes, the Hariyal Bird is a vibrant sight in the treetops. Its eyes are blue, encircled by a pink ring, further adding to its unique appearance.

A Fascinating Bird-Watching Experience

The Hariyal Bird is just one of many extraordinary bird species that make our planet so diverse and beautiful. These creatures bring color and life to our skies, feeding on fruits and drinking water with their colorful beaks. If you ever get the chance to go bird-watching, be sure to look out for the Hariyal Bird. Its refusal to touch the ground makes it a rare and intriguing species, one that is well worth capturing in a photograph.

Next time you hear about a bird that never sets foot on the ground, you’ll know it’s the Hariyal Bird, a true wonder of nature.