The city of Amravati has officially welcomed a new avian ambassador. The coppersmith barbet, a small but vividly coloured bird known for its distinctive call, has been declared the official city bird following a successful public engagement campaign.
How Amravati Chose Its Feathered Symbol
The selection process was a democratic exercise led by the Wildlife Environment Conservation Society with support from the Amravati Municipal Corporation. The initiative was part of the broader Majhi Vasundhara Abhiyan 6.0 campaign aimed at fostering environmental consciousness.
An online poll was open for citizen participation from November 18 to 29. Voters had six feathered candidates to choose from, all species commonly sighted in the Amravati region. The shortlist, curated in consultation with local bird researchers and nature groups, included:
- Malabar grey hornbill
- Coppersmith barbet
- Hoopoe
- Spotted owlet
- Shikra
- Greater coucal
The poll saw enthusiastic engagement, with a total of 5,445 citizens casting their votes. The results were clear: the coppersmith barbet emerged victorious with 1,414 votes. It was followed by the greater coucal (1,032 votes), the Malabar grey hornbill (998 votes), the hoopoe (796 votes), the spotted owlet (655 votes), and the shikra (551 votes).
The winner was formally announced in a ceremony attended by Municipal Commissioner Soumya Sharma, senior police officials, and civic authorities. Jayant Wadatkar, secretary of the Wildlife Environment Conservation Society, made the declaration.
Meet the Winner: The Vibrant Coppersmith Barbet
So, what makes the coppersmith barbet special? This bird is a familiar yet often hidden resident of Amravati's green spaces. Roughly the size of a sparrow, it packs a visual punch with its green wings, pale speckled belly, and brilliant red and yellow patches on its forehead and throat. Its short, thick bill and pink legs add to its unique appearance.
Its most famous trait is its call—a persistent, metallic "tuk-tuk" that echoes through neighbourhoods, reminiscent of a coppersmith tapping metal. This sound often betrays its presence high in the treetops where it stays concealed.
Ecologically, the bird plays a crucial role. It feeds primarily on fruits, especially from banyan, umbar, and peepal trees, making it an important agent for seed dispersal. This habit helps maintain and regenerate tree cover in urban and semi-urban landscapes.
A Symbol for Urban Conservation
The selection of the coppersmith barbet is more than just a symbolic gesture. Bird experts highlight that its steady presence across Amravati's gardens, old trees, and open spaces is a direct indicator of the city's remaining green cover.
By choosing a fruit-dependent species, the campaign underscores the importance of conserving native, fruit-bearing trees. These trees are vital for supporting not just the barbet but a wider spectrum of urban biodiversity. The move aims to inspire citizens and policymakers alike to protect and enhance these natural habitats within the city's fabric.
The successful poll demonstrates a growing public interest in local wildlife and sets a positive precedent for other cities to engage their communities in similar conservation-focused initiatives.
