Winter migratory birds visit Nilgiris in large numbers, buntings recorded for first time

Winter migrant birds to the Nilgiris have been arriving in large numbers over the last few weeks, bringing excitement to bird-watchers in the district, who have documented a few first-time visitors.

Chandrasekar Das, an ecologist from Keystone Foundation and avid bird-watcher said he had recorded two bunting species for the first time this year.

“The Grey-necked Bunting was observed in Kotagiri, while the Black-headed Bunting was sighted in Masinagudi. These discoveries mark significant additions to the district’s avifaunal list. In addition to these rare first-time sightings, a number of regular winter migrants have also appeared in the hills,” he said.

Mr. Das said these species include the Eurasian Wryneck, Kashmir Flycatcher, Pin-tailed Snipe, Whiskered Tern, Indian Blue Robin, and Blue Rock Thrush, along with several other seasonal visitors.

Murali Moorthy, another bird-watcher in the Nilgiris said many birds of prey, including the Greater spotted eagle and the Steppe Eagle have been documented in greater numbers this year when compared to previous years. “All the way from the deeper reaches of Russia, the Steppe Eagle has been recorded to carry even small mammals and drop them from a great height and later eat the meat. It’s truly exciting to see such an amazing raptor make its way to the Nilgiris to avoid the Russian winter,” said Mr. Murali.

The greater numbers could be indicative of harsher winters in the birds’ home range or better availability of food here. He has also recorded Northern pintails and booted warblers in the Nilgiris this winter.