Bird diversity slightly up in Kottayam
This marks a slight increase from the 40 species recorded last year. The survey revealed the presence of rare species such as the oriental honey buzzard and plum-headed parakeet. The survey also noted a significant rise in the number of nests in the heronry near Nagampadam Stadium.
A total of 600 nests were found in nine trees, housing species such as the oriental darter, little cormorant, and Indian cormorant. This is a substantial increase from the less than 100 nests found in four trees last year.
The most commonly sighted birds in the city included the white-cheeked barbet, the common myna, various species of crows, the racket-tailed drongo, the black drongo, and the rock pigeon. Waterbirds like the purple heron, oriental darter, and grey-headed swamphen were also recorded.
The initiative was led by Punnen Kurian Venkadath, secretary of TIES.
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