Nagpur: In a rare occurrence, a Malabar whistling thrush, also known as the whistling schoolboy for its human-like melodic whistling calls, was observed in a forested area on the outskirts of Amravati city. This marks the first documented sighting of the species in an urban setting in the region.
Discovery During a Nature Walk
Wildlife photographer Amey Namdeo Thakare, along with senior wildlife researcher Dr. Swapnil Sonone and researcher Shantanu Patil, recorded the sighting during a routine nature walk a few days ago. Thakare initially dismissed an unfamiliar call, assuming such a bird would not be found in an urban area. However, as the call grew closer, he investigated and spotted the distinctive thrush.
Habitat and Behavior
The Malabar whistling thrush typically inhabits dense, moist forests of the Western Ghats and stream valleys of Melghat. It is renowned for its flute-like whistle and is seldom seen outside dense forests. Although previously recorded in parts of Melghat with perennial water sources and thick vegetation, its appearance in Amravati surprised both experts and bird enthusiasts.
Researchers noted that the sighting is significant due to the bird's specific habitat preferences. Its presence in an urban forest underscores the ecological importance of green spaces within city limits, providing refuge for species typically confined to remote wilderness areas.
