Thiruvananthapuram's Great Backyard Bird Count 2026 Records 260 Species
Bird enthusiasts in Thiruvananthapuram have successfully documented around 260 different species of birds during the recent Great Backyard Bird Count 2026. This four-day citizen science initiative, held from Friday to Monday, engaged approximately 900 dedicated volunteers across the city. The event follows a global protocol where participants observe birds for at least 15-minute intervals and upload their findings to the eBird app, a prominent citizen science platform.
Citizen Science in Action: Methodology and Participation
The counting protocol required volunteers to watch birds every 15 minutes and submit their lists through the eBird app from Friday to Monday, with participation allowed on any of these days. Indian birders have been actively involved since the event expanded worldwide in 2013. As the data consolidation process continues, the final species count is expected to increase, reflecting the ongoing efforts of the community.
Building on Previous Success: The 2025 Campus Survey
This year's backyard count is designed to complement the extensive campus exercise conducted in 2025. During that initiative, around 1,000 species of birds were recorded across 10 college campuses in the state capital, accounting for nearly all bird species found in India. The 2025 event saw an impressive turnout of approximately 10,000 volunteers at over 24,000 locations, documenting 1,086 species, which represents nearly 78% of all bird species in the country.
Key Outcomes and Expert Involvement
The outcomes of these bird counting initiatives are substantial and include:
- A comprehensive Bird Register
- A detailed Photo Story and Poster showcasing Bird Diversity
- A compiled document focusing on the Thiruvananthapuram district
Expert birders from WWF-India (World Wildlife Fund) provided crucial technical support and guidance by joining students on each campus during the 2025 survey, ensuring accurate data collection and species identification.
Notable Species Spotted and Future Implications
Among the birds observed in previous counts are species such as the yellow-billed babbler, white-throated kingfisher, spot-billed duck, pale-billed flowerpecker, oriental darter, and jungle owlet. These findings highlight the rich avian biodiversity in the region and underscore the importance of continued citizen science efforts in monitoring and conserving bird populations.
