289 birds identified in Bandipur bird census

In all, 289 types of birds were identified during the three-day bird census held at Bandipur National Park limits from February 5 to 7.

Around 81 volunteers, along with the Forest department personnel, took part enthusiastically in identifying the birds and documenting it.

Several rare birds like Bar-headed geese, Crested treeswift, Northern pintail, Stork-billed kingfisher, Black-capped blue kingfisher, Verditer flycatcher and many others were identified.

According to sources, for the first time, a Great Hornbill has been spotted at Bandipur forest. Besides, two more rare birds were also spotted.

Bandipur project director S R Natesh said that Dr Salim Ali had identified 134 birds during the bird census in 1939. Later, 179 birds were identified in 1974 and 225 birds in 1977. "In 1998, 123 birds were identified," he said.

"The bird census conducted for 2020-21 has identified 289 birds," he added.