**Salim Moizuddin Abdul Ali**


**Salim Moizuddin Abdul Ali**, popularly known as the *“Birdman of India,”* was one of the country's most influential ornithologists and naturalists. His lifelong dedication to the study and conservation of birds laid the foundation for modern ornithology in India and inspired generations of wildlife researchers and environmentalists.Salim Ali was born on **November 12, 1896**, in **Bombay (now Mumbai)** into a wealthy Muslim family. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by his uncle, **Amiruddin Tyabji**, and aunt, **Hamida Begum**, who lived near the Sewri mudflats – an area teeming with birdlife. This environment played a crucial role in fostering his fascination with birds. A childhood incident proved pivotal: after shooting a bird with an air gun, Salim noticed that the bird looked unusual. His curiosity led him to the **Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)**, where ornithologist **W.S. Millard** helped him identify the bird. This encounter sparked his lifelong passion for ornithology.Salim Ali completed his early education in Mumbai and later traveled to **Germany**, where he studied under the renowned ornithologist **Dr. Erwin Stresemann** at the Berlin Zoological Museum. This formal training helped him develop scientific methods for studying birds, which were largely absent in India at the time. Upon returning to India, he began systematically surveying birds across the country, often under very challenging conditions.

Throughout his career, Salim Ali conducted extensive bird surveys in almost every part of India, including **Kashmir, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Assam, Kerala, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands**, and the **Himalayan region**. Traveling mostly on foot or by bicycle, and often with very limited financial resources, he documented bird species, their habitats, and migration patterns. His work provided the first comprehensive understanding of India's avian diversity.One of Salim Ali's most significant contributions was the creation of **“The Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan”** in collaboration with **S. Dillon Ripley**. This monumental work remains a cornerstone reference for ornithologists and bird enthusiasts. He also authored several popular books, including **"The Book of Indian Birds," "Indian Hill Birds,"** and his autobiography **"The Fall of a Sparrow,"** which made birdwatching accessible and engaging for the general public.Beyond academic research, Salim Ali was a passionate environmental conservationist. He strongly advocated for the protection of forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitats at a time when environmental awareness was very low in India. His efforts played a crucial role in the conservation of important bird sanctuaries such as **Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary)** and the **Silent Valley** in Kerala. He advised the Indian government on environmental policy and collaborated with national and international conservation organizations.

For his contributions, Salim Ali received numerous awards and honors. He was awarded the **Padma Bhushan in 1958** and the **Padma Vibhushan in 1976**, two of India's highest civilian honors. He also received the **BNHS Gold Medal**, the **John C. Phillips Memorial Medal**, and several honorary doctorates from Indian and foreign universities.Despite his achievements, Salim Ali lived a simple and disciplined life. He believed that the study of nature should be approached with patience, humility, and respect. Even in his later years, he continued to write, lecture, and mentor young researchers. His enthusiasm for birds never waned, and he remained an active voice for conservation until the end of his life. Dr. Salim Ali passed away on **June 20, 1987**, at the age of 90, but his legacy lives on. He transformed birdwatching in India from a mere hobby into a scientific discipline and helped create widespread awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation. Today, countless bird sanctuaries, research projects, and environmental movements in India draw inspiration from his pioneering work.In recognition of his immense contributions, **November 12**—his birthday—is celebrated as **National Bird Day** in India. Salim Ali's life is a powerful example of how curiosity, dedication, and a love for nature can bring about lasting change for the planet.



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