The term “Indian nightingale” is often associated with melodious singing. To determine the correct answer, let’s carefully analyze each of the four options given and understand why one is correct.
A. Streptopelia
Streptopelia is a genus of birds that includes doves, such as the Eurasian collared dove and laughing dove. These birds are common in India and have a soft, cooing call. While their calls are pleasant, they are not known for complex or melodious songs. Therefore, Streptopelia is not the Indian nightingale.
B. Pavo
Pavo refers to the peacock (specifically Pavo cristatus), which is the national bird of India. Peacocks are admired for their colorful feathers and courtship displays, but their call is loud and harsh, not melodious. Hence, even though the peacock is significant in Indian culture, it is not called the Indian nightingale.
C. Columba
Columba is a genus that includes pigeons, such as the rock pigeon (Columba livia). Pigeons are commonly seen in cities and towns, and like doves, their cooing is gentle but not considered musical or complex. Thus, Columba is also not the Indian nightingale.
D. Eudynamis
Eudynamis is a genus that includes the Asian koel (Eudynamis scolopaceus), a bird known for its distinct and melodious calls, especially in spring and summer. The koel’s song is often heard in Indian poetry and music. Because of its beautiful singing, the koel is commonly called the “Indian nightingale.” This bird is especially known for its sweet “kuhu kuhu” call and is admired across the Indian subcontinent.
The Asian koel (Eudynamis scolopaceus) is rightly known as the Indian nightingale due to its melodious voice. Its song marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated in Indian literature, making it the best fit among the options given.
Common Doubts of Biology
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