Lady Amherst

A rather fascinating story behind this unusual bird, named Lady Amherst. I chose this bird, not only for its vibrant colors and beauty, but also because it’s named after a woman called Lady Sarah Elisabeth Amherst. Born in England during the British Era, she was posted to India along with her husband who was appointed the Governor-General of India. Britain declared war on Burma which dragged on for 2 years. Britain won and the King of Burma gifted 2 birds to the Britishers, who gave them to Lady Amherst. She sent these birds to England in 1828, and they got her name. Interestingly, a tree was also named after her and exists today in Bengaluru’s Lal Bagh Gardens.