Ethno-Ornithology of Lepshas of Sikkim

Book excerpt: Ethno-ornithology is the study of the relationship between people and birds. This book makes an in-depth study of ethno-ornithological traditions of the Lepchas—an aboriginal group of people of North-East India. Bringing to light the Lepcha bird nomenclature, it describes in detail the place of birds in Lepcha myths of origins and their importance in the day-to-day lives of the Lepcha people. Taking note of Lepcha views on the birds, it also presents behaviour of different birds as depicted in Lepcha folktales, songs and dances.