UPSC Prelims 2022 Q47: Environment & Ecology – Biodiversity & Conservation
Which of the following is not a bird ?
- (a) Golden Mahseer
- (b) Indian Nightjar
- (c) Spoonbill
- (d) White Ibis
Answer: (a) Golden Mahseer
Explanation
Spotting the odd one out
| Option | What it is | Bird? |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Golden Mahseer | Large freshwater fish (*Tor putitora*) of Himalayan rivers | No |
| (b) Indian Nightjar | Nocturnal bird that hunts insects at dusk | Yes |
| (c) Spoonbill | Wading bird with a spoon-shaped bill | Yes |
| (d) White Ibis | Black-headed ibis, a wading bird of wetlands | Yes |
The Golden Mahseer is called the 'tiger of the water' by anglers.
It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is the state fish of several Himalayan states.
Answer: (a) Golden Mahseer.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The Golden Mahseer is a freshwater fish, not a bird.
- (b) Incorrect. The Indian Nightjar is a nocturnal insect-eating bird.
- (c) Incorrect. The Spoonbill is a wading bird named for its flat, spoon-like bill.
- (d) Incorrect. The White Ibis (black-headed ibis) is a wetland wading bird.
Key point
Golden Mahseer is an Endangered Himalayan freshwater fish; nightjar, spoonbill and ibis are birds.
Remember
Mahseer = fish, the 'tiger of the water'.
Common mistakes
- Being misled by 'Golden', which sounds like a bird name such as golden oriole.
- Not knowing the nightjar is a bird because it is rarely seen in daylight.
- Confusing mahseer (fish) with mynah (bird) because of the similar sound.
Exam tip
For 'which is not' questions, classify every option. One clear outlier usually stands out.
Sources
- IUCN Red List — Tor putitora (Golden Mahseer)
- Bombay Natural History Society — Birds of the Indian Subcontinent