The correct option is (d).
Explanation
Ladakh is a cold desert located in the Great Himalayas. Despite its harsh climate and sparse vegetation, it supports a variety of avifauna, many of which are migratory species adapted to high-altitude environments.Analysis of Bird Species:
- Robins: Various species of robins are sighted in the region. They are listed as common birds in the Ladakh ecosystem in standard geographical texts regarding life in cold deserts. (Correct)
- Redstarts: These are small passerine birds often found in the rocky terrain of Ladakh. They are explicitly mentioned as common avifauna in the region. (Correct)
- Tibetan Snowcock: This is a bird of the pheasant family, specifically adapted to the high-altitude rocky slopes of the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau. It is a characteristic species of the Ladakh region. (Correct)
- Hoopoe: The Hoopoe is a distinctive bird with a "crown" of feathers. It is commonly sighted in Ladakh during the summer months as a migratory visitor. (Correct)
Key Takeaway: The cold desert of Ladakh is home to specific bird species such as Robins, Redstarts, Tibetan Snowcock, Raven, and Hoopoe, many of which migrate to the region during warmer months.