Several wetland bird species recorded during synchronised census in Tiruchi region

Several wetland bird species were sighted and recorded during the Synchronised Wetland Bird Census 2025 that was carried out by the Forest department in different districts in the central region on Saturday and Sunday

Several wetland bird species were sighted and recorded during the Synchronised Wetland Bird Census 2025 that was carried out by the Forest department in different districts in the central region on Saturday and Sunday.

The annual State-wide exercise was carried out involving college students, bird enthusiasts and experts, volunteers, and locals. Ahead of embarking on the initiative, the participants were given an orientation on the ways of conducting the census, how to sight the birds, and identification of species among others.

The exercise launched shortly after the crack of dawn went on for over three to three-and-a-half hours during which the teams armed with binoculars sighted several bird species in the respective wetlands earmarked for them in Tiruchi and other districts in the region.

The census in Tiruchi district covered 20 wetland sites, including Koothaippar, Kiliyoor, Krishnasamudram, Mukkombu, Tiruverumbur, Thuraiyur, Alathudaiyanpatti, Thuvarankurichi and Manapparai.

Over 80 Forest department personnel and more than 100 volunteers, including bird enthusiasts and college students actively participated in the initiative. Twelve sites were surveyed on Saturday and eight on Sunday. The census aimed at monitoring migratory birds, assess bird habitats in lakes, ponds and other waterbodies and ensure the effective management and conservation of wetland birds. 

The recorded data included bird species, their numbers, and wetland quality. The exercise in Tiruchi district was conducted under the guidance of the District Forest Officer S. Krithiga. Some of the bird species recorded during the census in Tiruchi district included Purple Swamphen, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Black-headed Ibis, Grey Heron, Glossy Ibis, Oriental Darter, Little Cormorant and Little Stint, said a Forest Department release. Certificates were distributed by the Tiruchi Forest Division to student and volunteers who actively took part in the census.

In Pudukottai district, the census was carried out in 25 wetlands, including Kavinadu tank, Aariyur tank, Annavasal ‘periyakulam’ and Sirungakulam. Some of the species recorded in Pudukottai district include Eurasion coot, Asian openbill stork, Gullbilled Tern, Little cormorants, Lesser whistling duck and Indian pond heron.