2 weeks Ago
Chennai: A bird known for staying out of sight was spotted by a group of bird watchers at a lake in Kancheepuram district. The spotted crake , known for its secretive nature and affinity for wetland habitats, had not been recorded in the Chennai region for some years, experts said. The recent sighting was confirmed by K V R K Thirunaranan, a naturalist, who credited birders Gouthaman and Palani Andavan for their observation and documentation.
The spotted crake has been documented in Tamil Nadu only a few times, with the last known records of sightings coming from Salem and Hosur more than a decade ago. The new record adds valuable insight into the migratory patterns and habitat preferences of this reclusive species, he said. The small, migratory bird undertakes a journey from Europe and Russia to India during the winter months.
Its rare appearance in Kancheepuram has excited the ornithological community. Senior ornithologist Santharam, who is also a member of the Madras Naturalists' Society, said there was no prior record of the spotted crake in Chennai's wetlands. "It's a very shy bird.
They prefer to remain away from human eyes," he said. Sightings of the bird, however, are recorded more in North India compared to the South, he said. He said in Feb 2020 at the Bharatpur Sanctuary in Rajasthan, he observed and photographed the bird as it emerged from its cover.
"It was visible only for a couple of minutes," he said. The sighting underscores the ecological significance of Tamil Nadu's wetland ecosystems, which provide vital stopovers for several migratory birds. Experts said the sighting is a reminder of the rich and often overlooked biodiversity that thrives on Chennai's periphery.
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