26-04-2025
Modest rise in bird diversity recorded in Kottayam town
Kottayam sees a slight increase in bird diversity. A survey in the Kottayam urban area on Saturday recorded 47 bird species, up from 40 species documented last year.
Among the new additions this year were the oriental honey buzzard and the plum-headed parakeet—birds that are rarely seen in urban environments. The number of bird nests at the nesting colony near Nagampadom Stadium also showed a notable rise compared to the previous year.
Around 600 nests were observed across nine trees, housing species such as the oriental darter, little cormorant and Indian cormorant. In contrast, fewer than 100 nests were recorded across just four trees last year. The resurgence of the nesting colony is credited to the increased community support from local traders and the general public.
Commonly sighted birds
The most commonly sighted birds in the city included the white-cheeked barbet, common myna, various species of crows, racket-tailed drongo, black drongo, and rock pigeon. Waterbirds like purple heron, oriental darter, and grey-headed swamphen were also recorded.
The survey team divided the city into five sectors, with the highest number of bird sightings reported on the CMS College campus, followed by Eerayil Kadavu. Other surveyed locations included the Nagampadom Stadium area, the Collectorate premises, and the PWD Rest House.
Organised by the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES), the survey saw the participation of around 40 volunteers, including bird watchers, experts, and junior naturalists. The initiative was led by Punnen Kurian Venkadath, secretary of TIES
