Red-billed Leiothrix – the lipstick bird

March 2023 – Chakki Morh Bhoj Nagar Road

A small but strikingly beautiful bird known for its vibrant plumage, melodious song and active social behavior. The Red-billed Leiothrix, also known as the lipstick bird due to its distinctive striking red bill. It is usually found in small groups of up to 10 birds, which forage together for insects and fruits.

February – 2022 , Chakki Morh – Bhoj Nagar Road

The adult Red-Billed Leiothrix have bright red bills and a dull yellow ring around their eyes. Their backs are dull olive green, and they have a bright yellow-orange throat with a yellow chin; females are somewhat duller than males, and juveniles have black bills. Red-Billed Leiothrix is very active and an excellent singer but very secretive and difficult to see. The song is a somewhat disjointed series of melodious phrases; calls include harsh scolding, chattering, and a repeated “peter-peter”

January 2021 , Chakki Morh – Bhoj Nagar Road

We can spot Red-billed Leiothrix on the Chakki Mor – Bhoj Nagar Road easily in winter season. Chakki Mor is a small village about 30 km from Chandigarh on the National Highway No. 5 (Himalayan Expressway). The famous spot where we can easily spot on this Chakki Mor – Bhoj Nagar road is at Ishwar Dhaba. I visit this place at least thrice every winter to see this beautiful bird.

January 2021 , Chakki Morh – Bhoj Nagar Road

I have taken so many shots of Leothrix, but this bird is so beautiful that every time when I see this bird, I cannot resist myself and start taking more pictures.