Winter migratory birds visit Nilgiris in large numbers, buntings recorded for first time — UPSC Current Affairs | December 7, 2025
Winter migratory birds visit Nilgiris in large numbers, buntings recorded for first time
Winter migrant birds have been arriving in the Nilgiris, with first-time sightings of Grey-necked and Black-headed Buntings. Increased numbers of raptors like the Steppe Eagle have also been observed, highlighting the region's importance for biodiversity and avian migration, relevant for UPSC GS3 Environment and Ecology.
Overview Over the last few weeks, the Nilgiris have witnessed a significant influx of winter migrant birds, exciting bird-watchers and ecologists in the district. Several first-time visitors have been documented, adding to the region's rich avifauna. Key Developments First-Time Sightings Chandrasekar Das , an ecologist from Keystone Foundation , reported the sighting of two bunting species for the first time in the Nilgiris: Grey-necked Bunting: Observed in Kotagiri . Black-headed Bunting: Sighted in Masinagudi . These sightings represent significant additions to the district's bird species list. Regular Winter Migrants In addition to the rare sightings, several regular winter migrants have also been observed, including: Eurasian Wryneck Kashmir Flycatcher Pin-tailed Snipe Whiskered Tern Indian Blue Robin Blue Rock Thrush Increased Raptor Sightings Murali Moorthy , another bird-watcher, noted an increase in the number of birds of prey, such as the Greater spotted eagle and the Steppe Eagle , compared to previous years. The Steppe Eagle , migrating from as far as Russia, has been observed exhibiting its hunting behavior of carrying small mammals and dropping them from great heights before consuming them. Possible Reasons for Increased Numbers The increased numbers of migratory birds could be attributed to: Harsher winters in their home range. Better availability of food in the Nilgiris. Other species recorded this winter include Northern pintails and booted warblers . UPSC Relevance This news is relevant to the UPSC Civil Services Exam , particularly under GS Paper 3 (Environment) and GS Paper 1 (Geography) . It highlights issues related to biodiversity, migratory patterns, and environmental factors influencing wildlife. Potential Exam Questions Discuss the ecological significance of the Nilgiris as a habitat for migratory birds. Analyze the factors that influence the migration patterns of birds, with specific reference to the species mentioned in the article. Evaluate the potential impacts of climate change on migratory bird populations and their habitats. Important Facts Date of Publication: December 07, 2025 Location: Nilgiris Key Species: Grey-necked Bunting, Black-headed Bunting, Steppe Eagle, Northern Pintails, Booted Warblers Key Individuals: Chandrasekar Das, Murali Moorthy