1. LIFE AND WORK Of SALIM ALI
Shokit Amin Poswal
School of Basic and Applied
Sciences.
CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF PUNJAB,10 April 2014 1

2. SALIM ALI
Name:- Salim Moizuddin Abdul Ali.
Birth:- 12 November, 1896.
Born In: Khetwadi, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Parents: Moizuddin and Zeenat-un-nissa.
Guardians: Amiruddin Tyabji and Hamida Begum.
Family:-Sulaimani Bohra Muslim family.
Nationality:- Indian.
Profession:-Ornithologist and Naturalist.
Awards:- Padma bhushan, Padma Vibhushan
Known as:- "Birdman of India" Source: The Times Of India Group (BCCL)
Dated:- 01/01/197510 April 2014 2

3. FIRST STEP
• First prize: Our Animal Friends.
• Interested in books on hunting.
• Encouraged by foster-father
Amiruddin Tyabji.
• Yellow-throated Sparrow (Petroia
xanthocollis) event (1908) as the
turning point.
• Salim was introduced to the
serious study of birds by W. S.
Millard, secretary of Bombay
Natural History Society (BNHS).
• Journey of collection and study
begins.
Source: comics book written by Amar
Source: J.M.Garg , 22 March 2007
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4. FIRST NOTE ON BIRDS BEHAVIOUR
First note Salim Ali made
concerned to a hunting
experience at Khetwadi
stable.
Observation made was on a
female sparrow.
First behavioural study.
After 60 year it was
published in Newsletter
for Birdwatchers more or
less in its original form.
10 April 2014 Source: The illustrated weekly of India, July 14, 1985
4

5. EDUCATION
Primary: Bible and Medical Mission Girls High
School at Girgaum.
Matriculation: Bombay University (1913).
Left studies and went to Burma.
Returned to India (1917) he decided to continue
formal studies.
Commercial law and accountancy at Davar's
College of Commerce.
B.Sc Zoology: at St. Xavier's College. (under Prof.
J.P.Mullan and Prof E. Blatter).
Special Training: Berlin University Zoological
Museum, Prof. Ervin Stresemann
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v411/n6834
/images/411136ab.0.jpg
Prof. Ervin Stresemann
Source: http://www.mu.ac.in/
Bombay University
5

6. Babur
1526-30
Recognise similarity between Quail (Coturnix ypsilophora)
of India and Central Asia.
Akbar
1556-1605
Drongo, Dicrurus paradiseus. A convincing mimic,
Capture notes of other animals .
Jahangir
1605-1627
Hatching of Sarus crane (Grus antigone) eggs.
A O Hume
1873-1899
Edited a highly popular journal “Stray
Feathers” Stopped after 11 volumes.
Dharma
kumarsinhji
(1952)
The ecology of Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps).
Book “Birds of Saurashtra” (1954)
Dr. Salim Ali
1896-1987
His editing save the JBNHS, one of the premier journals on
natural history of Southeast Asia. Wrote many books on
birds.
ORNITHOLOGY IN INDIA
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7. INTERESTS
Salim Ali have a passion about
studying birds in detail.
Salim Ali had interests in playing
cricket and hunting.
Fascinated by motorcycles having
Sunbeam, Harley-Davidsons
(three models), and others.
Ali was not very interested in the
systematics and taxonomy of
birds.
His interest was in studing
"living bird in their natural
environment."
10 April 2014
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/vintage-cars-classics-
india/264491d1263372293-nostalgic-automotive-pictures-including-our-
familys-cars-salim-ali-.jpg
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8. SALIM ALI’S WIFE TEHMINA
Dec. 1918, Salim Ali married Tehmina, a learned scholar from
England.
Tehmina help him to improve his English prose.
Bird watcher and his script editor .
In 1939, Tehmina died suddenly after minor surgery.
Her death was one of the greatest tragic experiences of
Salim Ali, but, perhaps it drove him deeper into the world of
birds.
source:Thattekad Bird Sanctuary photographs
The Black-rumped Flameback
Woodpecker, first collected in Kerala
by Ali, is named after his wife,
Tehmina
Dinopium benghalense tehminae.
10 April 2014
Source: The fall of a sparrow
8

9. As guide lecturer
In 1926, he took
assignment as guide
lecturer at Prince of
Wales Museum for Rs
350 a month.
Dealing with blind students
of the Victoria Jubilee
School for the Blind.
10 April 2014
Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/4e/Salim_Ali_1927.jpg
9

10. SINGLE EVENT WITH GREATEST PLEASURE
His work on nesting habit of
baya weavers (Ploceus
megarhynchus salimali).
Done after his return from
Germany 1931.
He and his wife moved to
Kihim, a coastal village
near Mumbai.
Study the breeding of
the Baya Weaver and
discovered their mating
system of sequential
polygamy.
http://www.manojcsindagi.in/gallery/main.php10 April 2014 10

11. Literary career
Salim Ali was a prominent writer, he
penned number of books, scientific
studies, and research papers.
Books
 Handbook of the Birds of India &
Pakistan (1964-1974).
 Common Indian Birds (1968).
 Hamare Parichit Pakshee (1969).
 Bird Study in India (1979).
 The Great Indian Bustard (1982).
 A Pictorial Guide to the Birds of the
Indian Subcontinent with Dillon
Ripley, Bombay: OUP (1983)
 The Fall of a Sparrow (1985).
 The Book of Indian Birds (1996).
Source: In company of birds
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12. THE BOOK OF INDIAN BIRDS
A wise old Chinese proverb “One picture is
worth 10,000 words”
In 1941, with 56 coloured plates depicting
296 species
Birds described in term of size,
distribution, habits, food and nesting.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/THE-BOOK-OF-INDIAN-BIRDS-SALIM-
ALI-1972-Bombay-Natural-History-Society-/251299290013
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13. Terminology of Bird’s parts and plumage
Source: The book of indian birds by Salim Ali.
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14. Dillon Ripley & Salim Ali
Dillon Ripley (Secretary of
the Smithsonian Institution from
1964 to 1984) is a close friend of
Salim Ali,
They are joint authors of “Handbook of
the Birds of India and Pakistan"
published in 1964 - 1974.
This book has 10 volumes describing
more then 2000 birds species and
sub-species of indian subcontinent.
This book laid the foundation of indian
bird life.
Source: In the company of birds
S. Dillon Ripley & Salim Ali
10 April 2014 Source:http://www.nhbs.com/handbook_of_the_bird
s_of_india_and_pakistan_tefno_17355.html
14

15. MEASUREMENTS
Under museum diagnosis the
measurements given for
wing, bill, tarsus and tail by
this standard method.
Wing:- Carpal joint to longest
feather.
Bill:-By help of divider with
one end at culmen and
other at tip of beak.
Tarsus:- Knee joint to base of
middle toe.
Tail:- End of body to tip of
longest feather.
10 April 2014
Standard method of measuring birds
Source: Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan15

16. THE FALL OF A SPARROW
Salim record his evolution from a
young school boy to a celebrated
ornithologist.
It contains memorable bits about
Salim’s life, his influences, his
travels and his activities.
The journey in search of some bird,
Afghanistan, Flamingo city, and
Bharatpur.
The entertainment value of bird
watching.
10 April 2014
Ali, Salim. The Fall of A Sparrow. Delhi: OUP, 1985.
16

17. SYSTEMATIC BIRD SURVEYS
• The places where he did
Surveys
1.Burma(Myanmar)
2.Dehra Dun(Uttarakand)
3.Travancore(Kerela)
4.Bahawalpur(Pakistan)
5.Eastern Himalayan
6.Afganisthan
7.Tibet
8.Kutch
Wrote Regional Guides of
many regions.
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18. Malabar Trogon
Harpactes fasciatus
Most colourful bird identified
and studied by Salim Ali.
Described as a
"bird with a play of colours".
Generally silent.
Trogon is known for its musical
calls.
10 April 2014 18
Source::
http://ibc.lynxeds.com/files/pictures/MalabarTrogon4528.jpg

19. Great Indian Bustard
S. Name : Ardeotis nigriceps
Salim Ali strongly pushed the case of
the Great Indian Bustard to be
choosed as the national bird of
India.
In 1981, Dr Salim Ali assessed the
deteriorating status of the great
Indian bustard.
Book “The Great Indian Bustard” 1982.
The Bombay Natural History Society
embarked on a five-year project to
study the ecology and distribution
of the Great Indian Bustard.
10 April 2014
Source: http://iago80.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/img_2158.jpg
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20. BIRDS MIGRATION
Birds migration a fascinating subject to
Salim Ali.
Bharatpur sanctuary is the focal point of
BNHS for migration studies which Salim
Ali directed during his tenure.
Nearly 250 species are recorded there
including Sibarian crane, duck, geese
and other birds.
Salim Ali at Bharatpur sanctuary
10 April 2014
Every winter the Siberians cranes, and thousands of ducks,
geese and other birds come to Bharatpur escape the bitter
cold of Siberia and central Asia, from here many migrant
dispersed to other part of India.
20
Source: In company of birds.

21. Methodology
 The best way to study the birds migration
is by ringing the birds.
 Collection.
 Particulars of each birds are recoded.
 Marked with aluminium rings.
 The serial number is informed to BNHS.
 When ever the bird is found dead or alive
the finder communicates the details to the
society.
 In this way the bird route and destination
are determined.
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91ABE0/TXf1h9G0abI/AAAAAAAAAFc/VYk06vMXZNk/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9e/Alcippe_cinerea_1.jpg
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22. 10 April 2014
Migration study of Anas crecca.
Commonly known as: Teal
Study Area: Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Financial assistance: WHO
Method: Ringing and recovery.
Areas of Recovery: India, Pakistan,
Bangladesh and Afghanistan on one side
and Russian Territories on other.
OBSERVATIONS
They cross Himalaya during migratory
journey.
Teals are common visitor of Indian
subcontinent from august to april (Ali
and Ripley, 1974)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f0/Common
_Teal_(Anas_crecca)_near_Hodal,_Haryana_W_IMG_6512.jpg
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23. RECOVERY OF BIRDS
Number of birds recovered in Russian territories
and India had Striking difference.
More birds were recovered from Russian territories.
Possible reasons:
Illiteracy and unawareness.
Keeping rings as mementos of duck shooting days.
Delay in postal services.
Illegal shooting without licence.
Wildlife Protection Act 1972.10 April 2014 23

24. IN SEARCH OF BIRDS
In January 1974, Ali visited Great
Rann of Kutch to discover
breeding ground of lesser
flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor).
Some 70 km on camel back over
slippery wet mud.
Found few lesser flamingo among
herds of greater flamingo.
Suspection has been proved when
found with chicks and nests.
First authentic record of their
breeding in Indian sub-continent.
10 April 2014
Source: The illustrated weekly of India, July 14, 1985
Source: Bulletin of the IUCN-SSC/Wetlands International, 2011.24

25. 1953: Awarded with Joy Gobinda Law Gold Medal by
Asiatic Society of Bengal.
1958: Received doctorate degree from AMU.
1958: Honored with Padma Bhushan Award.
1970: Bestowed with Sunder Lal Hora Memorial Medal.
1973: Received honorary doctorate from Delhi
University
1976: Conferred upon with Padma Vibhushan Award.
1978: Received honorary doctorate from Andhra
University.
1986: Received honorary doctorate from Kerala
Agriculture University.
10 April 2014
AWARDS
25

26. MOMENTS WITH BNHS
Salim Ali ensured the survival
of BNHS by seeking help
from J L Nehru.
Dr. Salim Ali was the Society's
first Indian Honorary
Secretary and also served
as its President.
“Conservation of nature,
primarily biological
diversity, through actions,
based on research,
education and awareness.
10 April 2014
Source: http://www.mumbainet.com/travel/images/bnhs.jpg
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27. SALIM ALI VIEW ON BIRD SANCTURIES
“People expect a bird sanctuary like
a glorified zoo, they don’t realize
that a sanctuary is merely a
conserved natural habitat where
birds will come if assured of
adequate food, protection and
nesting facilities”
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28. SALIM ALI THE NATIONAL FIGURE
SACON (Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology) in
Coimbatore.
Salim Ali Bird Interpretation Centre at
Kuriarkutty, Kerala.
Salim Ali National Park in Srinagar, Kashmir.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Panjim, Goa.
A K Mehrotra in his illustrated History of Indian
English Literature, praises him as
“Salim is a sort of writer, whose accounts of
people are no less interesting than those of
birds”.
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29. Dr. Salim Ali National Wildlife Fellowship Award
National Wildlife Fellowship Award for Research/Experimental projects on avian
wildlife (1995) by Ministry of Environment and Forest.
A commemorate to Salim Ali and Inspiration for younger generations aimed at
conservation and development of the rich wildlife heritage of our country.
The fellowship amount is Rs. 20000/- per month and the contingency amount from
Rs. 18000/- per annum to Rs. 1,00,000/- per annum, for a period of two years.
In case, the Awardee is an employee, he/she is entitled to avail the
Fellowship awards along with the salary benefits and other allowances.
Only Indian citizens are eligible for the awards.
The Dr. Salim Ali National Wildlife Fellowship Award is given in an odd numbered
year.
Source: http://moef.nic.in
10 April 2014 29

30. CONCLUSION
Salim Ali scaled new heights in the field of ornithology and,
with his matchless dedication, left behind works of epic
dimensions.
He left his family business under the influence of curiosity for
nature and started journey with a pair of binocular, a
notebook, a pencil and an ample stock of patience and
dedication.
Which shape him into ‘The Grand Old Man of Indian
Ornithology’.
Today if one can identify or differentiate between two birds, it
is all because his accurately illustrated reader friendly birds
books.
He contributed enormously to the development of Indian
Ornithology.
10 April 2014 30

31. References
Ali, S. (1931). The Nesting habits of the Birds of India. Bombay Nat. His. Soc.
34 (4) : 947 - 964
Ali Salim & Humayun Abdulali (1941): The Birds of Bombay And
Salsette. Prince of Wales Museum (Natural History Section), Bombay.
Ali, S. & Whistler, Hugh (1943). The Birds of Mysore. Bombay Nat. His. Soc. 44
(2): 206- 220.
Ali, Salim (1979): Bird Study in India: Its History and its Importance. Oxford
University Press, New Delhi.
Ali, Salim(1979): The Book of Indian Birds. Bombay Natural History Society &
Oxford University Press, New Delhi.
Ali, S. & Ripley, D. (1983): A Pictorial Guide to the Birds of the Indian
Subcontinent. Bombay Natural History Society & Oxford University
Press, New Delhi.
Ali, S. & Ripley, S. D. (1983). Handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan
together with those of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.
Compact ed. Oxford University Press, New Delhi.
10 April 2014 31

32. Ali, S. (1985). The Fall of Sparrow. Oxford University Press, New Delhi.
Ali,Salim (1996): The Book of Indian Birds.( 12th and enlarged centenary
edition) Bombay Natural History Society & Oxford University Press,
New Delhi.
Mehrotra, A.K. ( 2003) An Illustrated History Of Indian English
Literature. Permanent Black Publications, New Delhi.
[MOEF] Ministry of external affairs. 27th March, 2014.
<http://www.moef.nic.in/division/salim-ali-centre-ornithology-and-
natural-history-sacon> Date of access: 27thMarch, 2014.
10 April 2014 32

33. Nandy, Pritish (1985). In search of the Mountain Quail. The Illustrated weekly
of India. 107(10): 8-17
Ripley, S.D. (1961). A synopsis of the birds of India and Pakistan together with
those of Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and Ceylon. (1st ed), Bombay Natural
History Society, Bombay, India.
Ripley, S. Dillon (1982): A Synopsis of Birds of India and Pakistan. Bombay
Natural History Society, Bombay.
Shyamal, L. (2007) Taking Indian ornithology into the Information Age. Indian
Birds.3(4):122-127
[TBI] Tata Building India. 27th March, 2014.
<http://tatabuildingindia.com/NewSite/index.php/
inspiringindians-salim-ali> Date of access: 27thMarch, 2014.
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