309 species spotted in bird count

Our Correspondent

Gurugram, January 30

A total of 309 species were spotted during the Haryana Bird Count 2020, a first-of-its kind state-wide avian census. The highest number of species — 213 — were spotted in Gurugram. Birders sighted the Himalayan Swiftlet for the first time in the state.

From January 12 to 19, over 30 teams of over 130 bird watchers carried out the count across the state, including at Sultanpur and Basai in Gurugram. The Forest and Wildlife Department supported the birders with logistic and access to forest areas.

Species spotted include bar-headed geese, Baillon’s Crake, Small Pratincole, Gull-billed Tern, Small Buttonquail, Pale Sand Martin, European Roller, Himalayan Flame back, Brown-fronted Woodpecker, Speckled Piculet, Indian Golden Oriole, Chestnut-tailed Starling, Tricolored Munia, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and Rufous-vented Grass Babbler.

Gurugram DFO Subhash Yadav said the census brought to the fore encouraging figures and revealed the presence of many rare species. “The department has endorsed the survey findings and will use the same for avian conservation initiatives,” he said.

After Gurugram, the highest number of species were spotted in Jhajjar (186), followed by Rewari (161), Faridabad (150) and Sonepat and Yamunanagar (120 each). The data also highlighted noticeable increase in number of species in districts such as Palwal, Yamunanagar, Panipat, Bhiwani and Sirsa. Yamunanagar, which had so far recorded 83 species in the month of January, reported 120 species.

Balbir Kumar Arora of the Bird Count 2020 organising committee said, “It is interesting that the first bird count recorded 309 species but since teams were of different sizes in different districts, this could be the reason more species were spotted in districts such as Gurugram and Faridabad.”

Rewari DFO Sunder Sambharya said the census was conducted by teams of bird watchers with the Forest and Wildlife Department’s support. “We are making a booklet of data and findings which will be the first of its kind in Haryana,” he said.