Black-orange flycatcher
A comprehensive bird survey conducted in Silent Valley National Park documented 192 bird species, highlighting the remarkable avian diversity of the region. The survey, which took place from March 6 to 8, covered both the core and buffer zones of the national park.
During the survey, participants recorded rare migratory species such as the house martin and the house martin. About 85 bird watchers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu participated in the exercise.
White-bellied Blue Flycatcher
Assistant Wildlife Warden VS Vishnu, who coordinated the initiative, said it was the first time that such a large-scale survey was conducted in the entire national park.
The survey was jointly organized by the Kerala Forest Department and the Malabar Natural History Society (MNHS). The team documented 20 bird species endemic to the Western Ghats, including the White-bellied Thrush, Black-orange Flycatcher, White-bellied Woodpecker, Nilgiri Warbler, Blue-bellied Flycatcher and Nilgiri Sholakili.
Nilgiri Thrush
The researchers also recorded evidence of breeding in about 11 species, including the Sri Lankan Frogmouth (Mackachikada), Indian Night Spring (Rachukk), Bronze Dronga (Lalithakaka), Malabar Trogon (Theekaka), Crimson Sunbird (Cheruthenkili), Purple Sunbird (Manjathenkili), Malabar Kozh Gray (Manjathenkili), Malabar Malabar Gray Pigeon (Pokana).
Although bird surveys were previously conducted in different parts of the park, this was the first survey to cover all 21 forest camps, including high-altitude sites like Poochipara, Koomban, Sispara, Meenbhani and Walakkad.
Asian house martin
Among the camps, Anavaayi recorded the highest number of species (95), followed by Thathengalam (94), Uppukandam (93) and Keeripara (92). The survey also noted a healthy diversity of birds of prey, including nocturnal predators such as owls and barn owls.
Nilgiri blue robin
Silent Valley National Park Wildlife Warden G. Harikrishnan Nair started the survey. The survey teams were led by Deputy Conservator of Forest KE Bijumon and MNHS representatives Jafer Palot, Sathyan Meppayur and Naveenlal Payyeri, besides Mr. Vishnu.
Published – March 9, 2026 7:39 PM IST
