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Himachal Bird Count Soars: 208 Species Spotted!
10 May
Summary
- 208 bird species recorded across 12 districts in Himachal Pradesh.
- Over 1,500 birdwatchers participated in the Himalayan Bird Count-2026.
- This event marked the most extensive bird documentation in Himachal's history.
The Himalayan Bird Count-2026 in Himachal Pradesh has set a new record, documenting 208 bird species across all 12 districts. This extensive exercise, held on Saturday and announced Sunday, involved over 1,500 birdwatchers, naturalists, students, and officials, marking the highest public participation since the event's inception in 2024. Birders in Kangra recorded the highest diversity with 126 species.
The 2026 edition is the most comprehensive bird documentation to date in the state, building upon previous years. In 2024, 166 species were recorded, increasing to 183 in 2025. The expanded participation, including first-time involvement from Hamirpur and Una districts, contributed significantly to the record count. Mandi and Kinnaur reported the highest checklist submissions.
Officials hailed the results as encouraging, citing the increase in recorded species and active breeding observations as positive indicators for Himalayan ecosystem health. The data generated through platforms like eBird is crucial for understanding bird population trends and informing future conservation strategies in the sensitive region. The growing birding culture is seen as vital for biodiversity conservation and promoting eco-tourism.
