For the first time in 58 years, a new bird species — Bugun Liocichla — has been found in Mainland India.

For bird lovers it is a treat, an addition to the total count of Indian bird species which stands at 1226.

It was avid birdwatcher Ramana Athreya, a Pune-based radio astronomer, who found the new species.

He furnished irrefutable photographic evidence, sound recordings of the bird’s song on tape and two feathers which were deposited with the Bombay Natural History Society, Mumbai.

Lt Gen Baljit Singh (retd) has talked to Athreya about the exciting new find that has created a buzz among ornithologists and nature lovers in India and abroad.