The 26 kmsq Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary in the City Beautiful is now a home to many new birds’ species, which were not found in the region earlier.
The ongoing birds’ survey by Avian Habitat and Wetland Society and UT Forest and Wildlife Department has found more than 10 birds’ species, sighted for the first time in the sanctuary and the Inter-State capital region of Chandigarh.Specially, the summer season brings about a whole host of bird species in the region.
Barred Buttonquail (Turnix suscitator) is amongst the avian species sighted for the first time in the forest area in and around Chandigarh during the ongoing survey of birds’ species. As per the survey report, the bird species - Barred Buttonquail was spotted in the month of August last year in Nepli periphery. The Barred Buttonquail feeds on insects and seeds.
This bird species is found in most habitats except dense forest and desert. Within South Asia, Barred Buttonquail is known by many local names, including Sansorai in Assam, Gulu in Bengal, Kalada (male) and Pured (female) in Telugu, Ankadik (male) and Kurung kadik (female) in Tamil, Bala watuwa in Sri lanka among other names.
Other birds’ species spotted for the first time are now breeding in the sanctuary and Inter-State capital region of Chandigarh, are little Tern (Sterna albifrons), Savanna Nightjar (Caprimulgus affinis), Paddyfield Warbler (Acrocephalus agricola), Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis), Moustached Warbler (Acrocephalus melanopogon), Desert Warbler (Sylvia nana), Yellow-browed Tit (Slyviparus modestus) and Wedge-tailed green pigeon (Treron sphenura).