Rare European Bird Spotted in India's Jim Corbett National Park: A First for India
Image Source: Internet
A rare sighting has left bird enthusiasts thrilled in Uttarakhand's Jim Corbett National Park. A Hawfinch, native to Europe, North Africa, and East Asia, was spotted by wildlife photographer Prashant Kumar on November 23. The bird was seen in the Dhela tourism zone near Shikari Kuan during a safari. According to Wildlife Institute of India (WII) scientist Suresh Kumar, the Hawfinch is not native to India but can be seen during migration or wandering. Ornithologist Sanjay Sondhi believes the bird may have gotten separated from its flock or lost due to strong winds. Corbett Tiger Reserve director Saket Badola said the forest department is tracking the bird's movement to ensure its safety. The species has been added to Corbett's official bird records, with only a few historical records existing in the Indian subcontinent, both from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Hawfinch, about 18 cm long with a powerful beak, is a rare and globally endangered species. It breeds across Europe and temperate Asia, with many northern populations migrating south in winter. The sighting has generated excitement among ornithologists, researchers, and birdwatchers across the region. Forest teams have been deployed to monitor the bird's movement, and officials are optimistic about the possibility of spotting the bird again. The rare sighting has shed light on the diversity of bird species in India and has sparked a renewed interest in birdwatching in the region.
