STATE BIRD, ANIMAL & TREE OF ANDAMAN

Now, for a change, dear friends, let me introduce to you all the State Bird, State Animal and the State Tree of the gorgeous Andaman & Nicobar Islands:

“Andaman Wood Pigeon” –State Bird

Andaman Wood Pigeon is an endemic bird, which is found only in the Andaman and Nicobar group of islands. This bird is of the size of a domestic pigeon with longer tail. This bird has whitish head with checkerboard pattern on neck. The upper parts are dark slate grey in colour and under parts are pale blue grey. Metallic green sheen on upper side and reddish bill with yellowish tip and purplish red orbital skin are identification characters. The bird lives in dense broadleaved evergreen forest.

“Dugong” –State Animal

Dugong, an endangered marine mammal, also known as Sea Cow, is the only strictly marine mammal, which is herbivorous. It mainly feeds on sea-grass and other aquatic vegetation. Dugong is distributed in shallow tropical waters in Indo-Pacific Region. The animal is about three-meter length and weighs about 400 kg. In India, Dugong is reported from Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Within the A&N Islands, Dugong has been reported from Ritchie’s Archipelago, North Reef, Little Andaman and parts of Nicobars.

“Andaman Padauk ”–State Tree

Andaman Padauk is a tall deciduous tree found only in the Andaman Islands. It grows up to the height of 120 feet. The timber is highly prized for making furniture. Burr and Buttress formation adds charm to the tree and is used in making unique furniture.