Chapter 4.32 - Water-loving birds in the Epics

[Full title: Water-loving birds—Sarasa (Crane), Balaka (Heron), Cakora (Partridge), Sharari (Teal) and Cataka (Cuckoo)]

Sarasas appear almost everywhere in literature. They are seen along with the descriptions of various lakes, rivers, monasteries and natural scenes. The river banks are described charming due to the presence of the majestic Sarasa cranes. We read thus:

“In the vicinity of Shringaverapura, Rama the mightily armed one, reached the Ganga, the principal consort of an ocean, which was rendered noisy by sarasas.”^[1]

The hole in the Rishyamukamountain had cranes. Swans and Sarasa cranes were coming out of it by having been coloured themselves because of the pollen of the lotus flowers.^[2]

The particular place Rikshabila was said to be in the Vindhya Ranges of mountains. Ashokavana was melodious due to the calls of Sarasa cranes.^[3]

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna is said to have seen these birds on the plains of the Himalayas.^[4] The rivers like Mandakini, Yamuna and Ganga are aid to have been inhabited by the Sarasa cranes.

Sarasa cranes enjoy special attention in the Sanskrit epic poetry.

In the Ramayana, the Prasravana Mountain and Kishkindhanagara are referred to thus:

“With their water shrouded in mist and the cranes inhabiting them, discernible by their cries, the streams are perceptible at this time only through their banks with their sands wet with frost.”^[5]

This is the area of River Godavari and it suggests the starting of the Hemanta season.

“Today I shall take the offender’s life with my deadly arrows, even as aSarasa drains off the milk mixed up in water while heartily drinking it.”

Surprisingly the quality of differentiating milk from water is attached to the Sarasa crane.

“Vividly perceiving the sky to be clear and free from lightning and clouds, crowded with the Sarasa birds and resonant with their cries and illuminated with lovely flight.”^[6]

This is the area of River Godavari and it suggests the beginning of the Hemanta season. The Kharademon says to Shurpanakha.

Rama said to himself,

“In what way does that youthful lady of mine, whose voice resembles the notes of a crane, nay, who diverted herself in the hermitage with the cries of cranes uttered with the intention of calling their mates divert herself now?”^[7]

“Overjoyed to ear the ears of fully ripe paddy, a charming row of cranes takes its flight across the sky with a dashing speed like a knotted garland carried by the wind.”^[8]

These are birds found in the lotus ponds and they are called lotus birds. Description of this bird can be seen in many places.^[9] Sarasas, balakas, cakoras, shararis and catakas are all water-loving birds. They are of different colours—white, black, blue and other colours. They have various spots on their bodies. They reside only in water and love cool shades. It is a pleasure to watch as they often engage themselves in playful activities. Leaping in various styles is their favourite activity. Spring and summer are their mating seasons. They have a special liking for lotus ponds and lakes. The females lay eggs and hatch them. They nurture their young ones with great care and affection. The small ones develop wings in two months' time and they start their efforts to fly. Cranes are of different kinds. Some of them are described here.

One variety is called Pushakara (Eastern Common Crane). They are slightly white at their throat, chest and tips of the wings. They look brilliant. Their main body colour is blue. They have long beaks and they love to flaunt their wings often. They fly fast in the sky. They move in flocks and like to dwell in lotus lakes and ponds. Their mating desire intensifies at nightfall and this is indicated by their soft tones. They can't tolerate the heat of the sun. They need very little sleep.

Another variety is Sarasa (Indian Sarus Crane). They are black with white and red spots on their chests and wings. They have small nostrils and tiny feet. Their nails have a golden tinge. They are fond of diving in water especially during midday. They like to be with their mates most of the time. They like to reside in lotus ponds and lakes. Their mating season is spring. They are very soft to touch and have a melodious voice. It is a pleasure to watch them sporting in water bodies.

Third variety is called Balaka (Gray Heron): They aregray in colour with red bills. They have long legs. They are bulky with sprawling wings. They are fond of lotus bulbs and lotus stalks. During the day they are busy catching small fish and moving playfully in water. They mate only at night.

Fourth variety is known as Saranga (A Variant Gray Heron): They are blue or black with white spots. They are small in size. They have long legs and long beaks. They like to move in flocks and fly fast in the sky. They like to stay in and near water and they prefer shady places. They often hunt small water creatures. They are strongly built.

5^th variety is Cakora (Chuko Partridge). They are blue and black. They are decorated with varied spots. Their wings are elongated and tiny and they have fat bellies. They like to sleep during the day. They love moonlight. They prefer to stay with their mates. They are frightened by thunder and don't sleep at night.

6^th variety is Brihatcakora (Painted Partridge). They are tall. Their bodies are black or blue with white colour on the throat, wings and sides. This colour combination gives them an elegant look. They love the moonlight. They wander with their spouses in the nights. They prefer to spend time on the mountain slopes. Sometimes they like to stay near the seashore. They make their nests in the trees nearby their favourite spots. They can remain hungry and thirsty for long. During the day they make their 'krenka sound' but in the night they are quiet. They are docile by nature. They stay away from the smell of flesh. They are easily trainable.

The 7^th variety is called Sharari (Lesser Whistling Teal). They have dark red colour. This colour is more prominent on their beak, feet and end of wings. Their beaks are long. They have crests on their heads. They have beautiful eyes. Their wings are short but beautiful. They prefer to be near water. They live in the nests made on the trees on the river banks. Their diet consists of flesh and fruits. They chuckle melodiously and hunt small water creatures. They love to roam during the day time and sleep at nights. They are docile.

The 8^th variety is Ati (Cotton Teal).They are comparatively small. They can be black or white or a mixture of both.Buttheirbeaks, feet and tip of the wings are of a different colour. They have very tiny beaks. With their widespread wings they look elegant. They like to stay in water and are scared to move away from their familiar spot. They keep on chuckling. They are timid by nature and they prefer to stay most of the time in the nests during the rainy season. They subsist on fruits and have a special love for the flesh of swamp dear. They like remain in flocks.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Valmiki Ramayana .II.50.26a

[2]:

Ibid.IV.49.8

[3]:

Ibid.VII.42.12a

[4]:

Mahabharata .3.39.18.9

[5]:

Valmiki Ramayana .III15.22

[6]:

Ibid.IV.28.1

[7]:

Ibid.IV.29.7

[8]:

Ibid.IV.30.47a

[9]:

Ibid., 1.35.8, 2.15.34, 2.50.19, 26, 2.55.31, 3.11.3,6, 3.16.16,24, 4. 13.8, 4.17.21, 4.29.1, 4.30.5, 40,42,47, 63, 4.50.9, 15, 5.14.24, 7.31.21, 7.42.12