Home / Environment / Rare Kashmir Flycatcher Sighted in Kerala Wetlands
Rare Kashmir Flycatcher Sighted in Kerala Wetlands
18 May
Summary
- First confirmed record of Kashmir Flycatcher in North Malabar.
- District bird species count rises to 414 with this sighting.
- Globally vulnerable species breeds in Himalayas, winters in Western Ghats.
A significant ornithological discovery has occurred at the Chemmattamavayal wetlands in Kasaragod, Kerala, with the confirmed sighting of the rare Kashmir Flycatcher. This marks the first documented record of the species in the north Malabar region, drawing national attention from birdwatchers and underscoring the area's ecological value.
The sighting has elevated Kasaragod's documented bird species total to 414, according to eBird data. Chemmattamavayal is recognized as the district's premier birding hotspot, having recorded nearly 240 species. Birdwatchers S. Aadithyan, Sreelal K. Mohan, and Rithwik Sunder made the observation during monitoring activities.
The Kashmir Flycatcher, a small, migratory passerine bird, breeds in the northwestern Himalayas, including Kashmir. It undertakes winter migrations to regions like the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka. This insectivorous species is classified as globally vulnerable due to habitat loss and population decline.
Previously, confirmed sightings in Kerala were limited to the Idukki and Palakkad districts. The Chemmattamavayal wetlands, with their diverse habitats including paddy fields and grasslands, offer an ideal environment for numerous bird species, establishing the region as a crucial destination for migratory birds in North Kerala.
