When the forests of Jharkhand echo with chirping and fluttering wings, there’s one man who listens closely—Pannalal Mahato. The moment he calls out in the language of birds, dozens of them respond instantly. In these quiet woods, Pannalal isn’t just an observer; he’s a trusted friend of the winged creatures.
A Farmer Turned Bird Whisperer
Living in Saraiya Kundru village in Ramgarh district, Pannalal is a farmer by profession. But for the last 27 years, without any government support, he has been studying birds and protecting them. His journey began in childhood, when he loved imitating bird sounds and spending hours in the forests.
As he grew older, this passion became his life’s mission. Today, he can imitate the sounds of over 40 bird species and recognize more than 100 species just by their calls. From peacocks and cuckoos to crows and jungle fowl—Pannalal speaks their language.
“Birds Have Feelings Too”
Pannalal believes birds express emotions just like humans.
“Sometimes they are happy, other times scared or angry. Their mood can be understood from their sounds and how they fly,” he says. “Even with my eyes closed, I can tell which bird is calling. If I see a bird every day and one day it’s missing, I know something is wrong.”
His bond with birds is so deep that he dresses in green—shirt, hat, even shoes—so they feel he’s one of them. He spends hours in the jungle, patiently listening, observing, and talking to his feathered friends.
A Guardian of the Forest
Pannalal’s work goes beyond observation. He treats injured or sick birds, feeds them, and releases them back into the wild once they heal. He has even set up hundreds of artificial nests to bring back sparrows in his village.
From Sikidiri Valley in Ranchi to Hundru, Rajrappa, Kuju, and Banadag in Ramgarh, he roams freely through forests, mapping bird movements and migration patterns. His mind holds a mental calendar—he knows which bird comes in which season and at what time.
Spreading Awareness
Pannalal doesn’t keep his knowledge to himself. He visits schools and colleges, teaching children about bird species, their habits, and the need for conservation. Teachers recall the amazement on students’ faces when they saw him call out and have birds come flying down to him.
“I feel proud when I see people becoming sensitive to wildlife,” he says.
Awards Don’t Matter, Trust Does
Pannalal has received many awards, but for him, the biggest reward is the trust of the birds.
“When they sit on my palm without fear, when they come flying to me at one call—that is my greatest achievement,” he says with a smile.
This is not just the story of a man and birds. It’s a story of devotion, patience, and love for nature—a reminder that when humans care, the wild responds with trust.
