The Margalla Hills National Park is a beautiful natural reserve located in the Margalla Hills range in Pakistan. It is situated on the outskirts of Islamabad, the country’s capital. The park spans an area of approximately 17,386 hectares and is known for its diverse nature, which makes it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.
The Margalla Hills offer a breathtaking landscape of rolling hills, dense forests, and rocky outcrops. The park has various plant species, including pine, oak, and shrubs. These plants provide a natural habitat for diverse wildlife, reptiles, and birds.
Visitors to the Margalla Hills National Park can engage in various recreational activities such as hiking, trekking, and birdwatching. The park offers several well-marked trails that cater to different difficulty levels, allowing both beginners and experienced hikers to enjoy the area’s scenic beauty.
One of the most popular hiking trails in the park is Trail 3, which leads to the Daman-e-Koh viewpoint. Visitors can witness stunning panoramic views of Islamabad and the surrounding areas from this vantage point. Other notable trails include Trail 5, Trail 6, and Trail 8, each offering unique charm and natural wonders.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Margalla Hills National Park holds cultural and historical significance. The Margallah Hill is also famous for its archaeological sites, including the ancient Buddhist monastery of Saidpur, which dates back to the Gandhara civilization.
Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or someone interested in history and culture, the Margalla Hills National Park offers a captivating experience that showcases the region’s natural splendor and rich heritage.
These are just a few examples of the rich bird and wildlife diversity in the Margalla Hills National Park. Exploring the park's trails and observing these fascinating natural habitats provide a truly rewarding experience to nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
The ashy drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus)
The Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus) is a bird species found in the Margalla Hills National Park and other regions across Asia. It belongs to the drongo family (Dicruridae) and is known for its distinctive appearance and behavior.
The Ashy Drongo measures about 28-30 centimeters long and has predominantly dark gray to black plumage. It has a slender body with a slightly forked tail and a small, curved beak. The eyes of the Ashy Drongo are typically bright red, which adds to its striking appearance.
During the breeding season, which typically occurs from April to June, Ashy Drongos build cup-shaped nests in the forks of tree branches. The nests are constructed using twigs, grass, and other plant materials and are often decorated with lichens for camouflage. The female lays 2-4 eggs, which both parents incubate. After hatching, the parents actively care for the chicks, bringing them food and protecting them from potential predators.
The Ashy Drongo is a migratory species, and some populations undertake long-distance journeys to escape harsh winter conditions. They are known for their strong flying abilities and can cover vast distances during migration.
In the Margalla Hills National Park, the Ashy Drongo can be observed perched on treetops, making aerial sallies to catch insects, or engaging in playful interactions with other birds. Its elegant appearance, melodious calls, and acrobatic flight make it a delightful bird to encounter in the park’s natural habitat.
This bird species is highly vocal and has a wide repertoire of calls. Its vocalizations include a variety of musical whistles, trills, and mimicry of other bird species. The Ashy Drongo is known for its natural ability to call other birds, which it uses to establish territories and communicate with its flock.
Ashy Drongos are insectivorous birds and primarily feed on a diet of insects, such as flies, beetles, ants, and termites. They are skilled aerial hunters, catching insects on the wing with impressive agility and precision.
The Blue Tthroated Barbet (Psilopogon Asiaticus)
Blue-throated Barbets primarily feed on fruits, berries, and insects. They have a strong beak to crack open hard-shelled fruits and nuts. In addition to their diet, they also do a great job for seed distribution, as they consume fruits and deposit the undigested seeds in different locations.
The Blue-throated Barbet (Psilopogon asiaticus) is a bird species in various parts of Asia, including the Margalla Hills National Park. It is a member of the barbet family (Megalaimidae) and is known for its vibrant plumage and distinct call.
The Blue-throated Barbet is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring around 25 centimeters in length. It has a stout body with a large head and a short neck. The most striking feature of this bird is its colorful plumage. It has a predominantly green body with a blue throat patch, a red forehead, and a yellow crown. The bill of the Blue-throated Barbet is thick and powerful, which it uses to excavate nest cavities in trees.
This species is predominantly arboreal, spending much of its time perched on tree branches. It is often seen in pairs or small groups, and its presence is usually announced by its loud and distinctive call. The Call of the Blue-throated Barbet is a series of loud, repetitive “tuk-tuk-tuk” notes, which can be heard echoing through the forest.
During the breeding season, typically from February to June, the Blue-throated Barbet engages in courtship displays to attract a mate. The male performs a ritualistic show, bobbing its head and calling loudly while fluffing its feathers. Once a pair has formed, they work together to excavate a nest cavity in a tree trunk. The female lays 2-4 eggs, which both parents incubate. After hatching, the parents care for the chicks by bringing them food and protecting them until they fledge.
Encountering the Blue-throated Barbet in the Margalla Hills National Park can be a treat for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Its vibrant colors, distinctive call, and fascinating behaviors make it a delightful addition to the avian diversity of the park.
Common myna (Acridotheres tristis)
The Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) is a bird species native to South Asia, including Pakistan and the Margalla Hills National Park. It is a member of the starling family (Sturnidae) and is known for its adaptability, social behavior, and vocal abilities.
The Common Myna is a medium-sized bird, measuring around 23 centimeters. It has a robust body with brownish-gray plumage, a black head, and a bright yellow beak. Its legs and feet are also yellow. One distinguishing feature of the Common Myna is the patch of bare, bright yellow skin behind each eye, which becomes more prominent during the breeding season.
These birds are very adaptable and can be found in various habitats, including urban areas, agricultural fields, and wooded regions. They are known for their ability to thrive in human-altered environments and often form large, noisy flocks.
Common Mynas are highly social birds usually found in pairs or small groups. They are excellent vocal mimics and can imitate various sounds, including human speech, other bird calls, and environmental noises. Their ability to mimic sounds has earned them popularity as pets in some regions.
In terms of diet, Common Mynas are omnivorous. They feed on various food items, including insects, fruits, seeds, and human food scraps. They are opportunistic foragers often seen hopping and pecking on the ground for food.
During the breeding season, which typically occurs from March to July, Common Mynas engage in courtship displays. The males display their plumage, sing loudly, and perform aerial acrobatics to attract females. Once a pair forms, they nest in tree cavities, buildings, or other suitable locations. The female lays a clutch of 4-6 eggs, which both parents incubate. After hatching, both parents actively care for the chicks, bringing them food and defending the nest from potential threats.
The Common Myna is a familiar sight and sound in the Margalla Hills National Park. Their vocal mimicry, gregarious nature, and adaptability make them an interesting and sometimes entertaining addition to the avian diversity of the park.
Freshwater Crab Species
- Thai Micro Crab (Limnopilos naiyanetri): This tiny crab species is native to Thailand and is also called the “False Spider Crab.” It has a unique flattened body shape and is often kept in aquariums due to its small size.
- Green Crab (Sesarma spp.): Green crabs belong to the genus Sesarma and are found in various coastal and freshwater habitats worldwide. They have a greenish coloration and can adapt to both freshwater and brackish water environments.
- Marbled Crayfish (Procambarus virginalis): Although not a crab, the marbled crayfish is worth mentioning as it is a freshwater crustacean that resembles a crab. It is known for its ability to reproduce through parthenogenesis, allowing populations to grow rapidly. Originally from Florida, it has become an invasive species in various parts of the world.
These are just a few examples of the diverse freshwater crab species across different regions. Each species has its unique characteristics and adaptations to thrive in freshwater habitats.
Freshwater crabs are crustaceans that inhabit freshwater ecosystems such as rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands. Here are a few examples of freshwater crab species:
- Red-clawed Crab (Potamon potamios): The European freshwater crab is found in various parts of Europe and Western Asia. It has a reddish-brown shell and typically dwells in freshwater bodies with slow-moving or stagnant water.
- Indian Freshwater Crab (Ghatiana atropurpurea): This species is endemic to the Western Ghats region in India. It is known for its dark purple or black coloration and is typically found in fast-flowing streams and rivers.
- Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocheir sinensis): Native to rivers in East Asia, particularly China, this crab has distinctive hairy claws, which resemble mittens. It has been introduced to other parts of the world, including Europe and North America.
Jungle Babbler (Argya Striata)
The Jungle Babbler (Argya striata) is a bird species native to the Indian subcontinent, including Pakistan. It belongs to the Leiothrichidae family and is known for its gregarious nature, noisy calls, and social behavior.
The Jungle Babbler has a robust build of approximately 20 centimeters long. It has a brownish-grey plumage with darker streaks on its upperparts and a pale underbelly. A distinct patch of bare, bright yellow skin surrounds the bird’s eyes. Its beak is stout and slightly curved.
As the name suggests, Jungle Babblers are primarily found in forested habitats, including dense forests, scrublands, and gardens. They are highly social birds and usually live in small groups known as “troops.” These troops consist of several individuals, often seen foraging together, hopping, and running on the ground for food.
Jungle Babblers are known for their constant chattering and various vocalizations. Their calls include melodious whistles, chirps, and a variety of chattering sounds. They are highly communicative with each other, maintaining contact through vocal cues as they forage and move through their habitat.
These birds have an omnivorous diet, feeding on various food items such as insects, seeds, fruits, nectar, and even small vertebrates. They are known to raid fruit orchards and can be opportunistic feeders, adapting to their environment.
During the breeding season, typically between February and June, Jungle Babblers build cup-shaped nests in bushes or trees. The nest is constructed using twigs, grass, and other plant materials, and several troop members participate. The female lays 3-5 eggs, which both parents incubate. After hatching, the young babblers are cared for by the entire troop, participating in feeding and protecting them.
Encountering a troop of Jungle Babblers in their natural habitat can be a delightful experience. Their energetic behavior, constant chattering, and social interactions make them a charming addition to the avian diversity of the region.
Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus Saularis)
The Oriental magpie robin scetific name “Copsychus saularis” is a small passerine bird that belongs to the family Muscicapidae. It is also known by other names, such as the Asian magpie-robin or simply the magpie-robin. This species is widely seen in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
The Oriental magpie robin is known for its striking appearance and melodious song. The males have glossy black plumage with white patches on the wings and belly, while the females are generally duller in color, with grayish-brown plumage. Both genders have a long tail that is often held upright.
These birds inhabit various habitats, including gardens, forests, and urban areas. They are known for their adaptability and can be found in rural and urban environments. Oriental magpie robins are territorial and defend their territories by singing loudly and engaging in aggressive displays.
The song of the Oriental magpie-robin is a series of musical notes that are rich and varied. Males often sing from prominent perches to attract mates and establish their territory. Their vocalizations are known for their clear, flute-like quality and can be heard throughout the day.
Oriental magpie robins primarily feed on insects, spiders, and small vertebrates. They are active foragers and can be seen hopping on the ground or flying low to catch their prey. These birds also eat fruits and nectar, especially during the non-breeding season.
Breeding season for Oriental magpie robins varies across their range but typically occurs from February to July. The male performs elaborate courtship displays, including spreading wings and tail, while singing to attract a mate. The female builds a cup-shaped nest using twigs, grass, and other plant material, usually in a tree or shrub. The female alone incubates the eggs and cares for the chicks.
The Oriental magpie-robin is considered a species of least concern regarding conservation status, as it has a wide distribution and stable populations. However, habitat loss and fragmentation due to urbanization and deforestation threaten their long-term survival.
Overall, the Oriental magpie-robin is a charismatic bird known for its beauty, melodious song, and adaptability to various environments. Observing and hearing in the wild is a delight, bringing joy to birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
These are just a few examples of the rich bird and wildlife diversity in the Margalla Hills National Park. Exploring the park’s trails and observing these fascinating natural habitats provide a truly rewarding experience to nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
