Natural History

Introduction:- The term Natural History has come to stand for all that concerns living animals from the lowest type to man himself. Chief object of Odisha State Museum is to help the visitors or readers to see and learn as much as possible about the birds and mammals that are under display in Natural History Section of the Museum. The specimens, vertebrate and invertebrate find place in two spacious halls one of which is exclusively meant for display of mammals in decorated dioramas and the other is beautified with the colourful birds of Indian and Foreign origin.

	Peacock The peacock, the national bird of India, live in mountainous forests and low land jungles. Being one of the most beautiful and colourful birds it is frequently kept as an ornamental species. This bird is held in high esteem by the Hindus.When the weather is cloudy the peacock spreads its feather vertically and starts dancing in rhythemic steps as a damsel. It is a feast to the eyes to see the peacock dancing. Peacock is... Read More
	Cassowary Cassowary is a colourful bird. Its head has a large swollen casque. The neck is naked and has skinfold. The wing feathers lack a vane and the black shaft look like porcupine quills. The innermost of the three toes has a powerful slender claw which is -used as a weapon. Cassowary can run at a speed of over 3 miles per hour and is also a good swimmer. The native land of the cassowary is Australia. This is a most... Read More
	Birds of Prey The birds of prey (which are mostly nocturnal) have large forwardly directed eyes surrounded by disc of rapiating feathers, The four toes of the strong feet are all provided with sharp claws and the fourth toe is reversible being turned forwards or backwards at will. In flight these birds are peculiarly noiseless, their plumage being extremely soft. The birds of this variety exhibited here in different showcases are... Read More
	Duck In general ducks are smaller than geese, with shorter neck and narrow wings. They are usually more aquatic in their habit and their flight is characterized by more rapid wing beats.
	Pelican The peculiarity of pelican is the large pouch in the lower mandible.There is an old lower mandible consists oftwo flexible arches, which support the large elastic pouch of naked membrance serves as an ideal landing net for scooping up fishes.It crouches in its tree with its head back and opened beak up and makes and noise like the clapping up men's hands whenever it is excited.Mute Swan is the swan of the stately homes of... Read More
	Flamingo Flamingo the inhabitant of Chilika, is a majestic and graceful bird with deep pink quill feathers on the back. When standing on the ground or wading in a shallow pool the flamingo appears to the eyes an ungainly looking bird. Though its body is quite small it has a long neck and a pair of long legs. While flying, it spreads its wing wide apart..