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Rare Migratory Bird Spotted on Tamil Nadu Coast
21 Mar
Summary
- Red-backed shrike, a rare migratory bird, sighted along Tamil Nadu coast.
- Confirmed sightings in Tuticorin and observations from Chennai recently.
- Researchers identified the bird via photographs and field notes.
A rare long-distance migratory bird, the red-backed shrike, has been recorded along the Tamil Nadu coast, with confirmed sightings in Tuticorin and recent observations from Chennai. This species, usually found in northwestern India, is considered a 'vagrant' in peninsular India due to limited sightings in the south.
Researchers from the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) documented the bird on November 2, 2025, in Tuticorin. They identified it by its distinctive plumage, including a grey crown, black mask, and chestnut back. The bird was observed perched on a twig near salt pans, a habitat suitable for such passerine migrants.
Further observations of the red-backed shrike were noted in Adyar on November 6 and in December 2025, indicating a sparse presence along the east coast. Ornithologists suggest that continuous monitoring of coastal habitats could reveal more information about passage migrants and vagrants to India.
