two small water bodies. Water from the Karanji lake is pumped inside the aviary in the form of a stream while the used water is discharged into the lake. It has about 40–50 birds of 17 species. Hornbills, peacocks, white-peacocks, turkeys and black swans are some of the birds found in this aviary. This aviary was temporarily closed in the year 2006 to prevent the break-out of bird flu. Butterfly park The butterfly park has been created on a small island within the Karanji lake. About 45 species of butterflies have been identified here. With the help of a botanist, appropriate species of host plants and nectar plants essential for the breeding of butterflies were selected and planted within the island. These plants have also been brought from hillstations and other regions like Malnad. Regional Museum of Natural History The Regional Museum of Natural History was inaugurated on 20 May 1995. The broad objectives of the Museum are: Depict floral, faunal and geological wealth of the southern region of India. Depict ecological interrelationship among plants and animals with emphasis on conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Provide facility for school children on curriculum-based studies in biology and geology with emphasis on environmental aspect. Develop programs for masses to create environmental awareness Birds Some of the common migratory birds found here are grey pelican, painted stork, ibis, cormorant, egret, etc. which nest on trees in the islands present in the lake. Recent survey of birds have indicated 147 species. Indian peacocks and peahens are the most common birds present here, given that it is the National bird of India. Herons, Asian open bill storks, egrets, red wattle lapwing, sandpipers, rose ringed parakeet, black drongo, brown shrike, red-whiskered bulbul, booted warbler, sunbird and greenish warbler are some of the other species of birds found here. See also Mysore City lakes Mysore East Image gallery Notes External links Mysore Nature| Karanji Lake Mysore Nature| Karanji Lake | Bird Checklist Mysore Nature| Karanji Lake | Butterfly Checklist Karanji Lake Lakes of Mysore Aviaries