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New Indian Express
29-04-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
Bird diversity slightly up in Kottayam
KOTTAYAM: In a significant development, a survey report has revealed that the bird diversity in Kottayam town has increased slightly from previous years. The survey, conducted by the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) in collaboration with bird watchers, experts and junior naturalists, identified 47 species of birds. 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.
The Hindu
26-04-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
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
