Who is Known as the Birdman of India?

Birds are a fascinating part of nature and studying them helps us understand the environment better. In India, one person dedicated his life to studying and protecting birds, leaving a lasting impact on wildlife conservation. His work has inspired generations to appreciate the beauty and importance of birds in our world. In this article, we will know about the person who is known as the “Birdman of India.”

Father of Birdman of India

Salim Moizuddin Abdul Ali, widely remembered as the “Birdman of India,” was a well-known naturalist and ornithologist. Born on 12 November 1896 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, he made valuable contributions to the study of Indian birds. His research and writings inspired many generations of bird watchers, nature lovers, and environmentalists, making him one of the most respected figures in Indian wildlife history.

Early Life of Salim Ali

Salim Ali was born in Khetwadi, Bombay (now Mumbai). His full name was Salim Moizuddin Abdul Ali. Tragedy struck him early in life as he lost his father at the age of one and his mother at the age of three. After becoming an orphan, his maternal aunt and uncle, Hamida Begum and Amiruddin Tyabji, raised him.

His uncle, a nature enthusiast and hunter, introduced Salim to the beauty of the natural world. This early exposure developed Salim’s love for nature. As a child, Salim showed curiosity about birds. Once, after shooting a sparrow with a yellow patch on its neck, he wondered about its species. This curiosity led him to the Bombay Natural History Science, where Secretary W.S. Millard encouraged his interest in birds.

Challenges and Education of Salim Ali

Salim Ali faced challenges in his education. He struggled with mathematics, which prevented him from completing college. Later, he took a zoology course and worked as a guide at the Bombay Natural History Museum.

Eager to learn more, Salim went to Germany to study birds under Professor Stresemann at the Berlin Zoological Museum. After returning to India, he lost his job due to a lack of funds but remained dedicated to his passion for ornithology.

Books by Salim Ali

Salim Ali wrote several books that became popular among bird lovers:

• The Book of Indian Birds (1941): This book provided detailed information about various Indian birds and became widely popular.
• Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan: Co-authored with S. Dillon Ripely, this book was a result of years of hard work and research.
• The Fall of a Sparrow: This is Salim Ali’s autobiography, where he shared stories of his life and work.

Contributions of Salim Ali to Ornithology

Salim Ali spent over 60 years studying and protecting Indian birds. He conducted bird surveys across the country and worked for the conservation of nature. His efforts helped raise awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife and natural habitats.

Awards and Recognition

Salim Ali received several awards for his work:

• In 1983, he was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.
• He also received an International award of Rs.5 lakh, which he donated to the Bombay Natural History Society.

Death and Legacy of Salim Ali

Salim Ali passed away on 20th June 1987. His remarkable knowledge of birds and his dedication to nature conservation continue to inspire people. He remains a celebrated figure in India ornithology, and his contributions have earned him the title of the “Birdman of India.”