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UPSC Prelims 2020 · Environment · Species Watch
With reference to India's biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Graychinned minivet and White-throated redstart are
- (a) Birds
- (b) Primates
- (c) Reptiles
- (d) Amphibians
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (a) Birds
Ceylon frogmouth, coppersmith barbet, grey-chinned minivet and white-throated redstart are all birds.
The idea
The last word of each name is the clue. Frogmouth, barbet, minivet and redstart are all names of bird groups.
Ceylon frogmouth: a night bird of the Western Ghats with a very wide mouth → Coppersmith barbet: a small green city bird with a “tuk-tuk” call → Grey-chinned minivet: a bright forest bird of the Himalaya and North-East → White-throated redstart: a bird of the high Himalaya
Why the others are wrong
(d) “Frogmouth” pulls towards frogs, but it is a night bird with a wide mouth.
The trap
“Frogmouth” sounds like an amphibian.
Also know
India has about 1,300 kinds of birds. UPSC often tests odd names like these, so read lists of species in the news with their group in mind.
🔒 Coppersmith barbet (“tuk-tuk” call) and Ceylon frogmouth (Western Ghats, nocturnal) are birds.