Jungle Folk: Indian Natural History Sketches

Delight in a lively tour of India’s feathered residents, where the author turns his eye away from the famed lions and tigers to celebrate the “lesser fry” of the jungle. From chatty mynas and boisterous babblers to the silent grace of herons and the flamboyance of pittas, each sketch captures a distinct personality, inviting listeners to hear the jungle’s hidden chorus. The tone is witty and observant, making the natural world feel both approachable and richly textured.

The book reads like a conversational field journal, weaving humor with keen scientific insight as it introduces unforgettable characters such as the cunning crow, the regal king bird, and the oddly majestic hornbill. Readers will discover vivid anecdotes about striking plumage, surprising behaviors, and the quirky adaptations that set Indian birds apart from their western counterparts. It’s a charming invitation to notice the small, vibrant lives that animate the subcontinent’s forests and fields.