Gadag: In a first for North Karnataka, a white-naped tit was documented in Kadakola village, nestled in the Kappatagudda hills. A team of bird enthusiasts, including Manjunath Nayak and Sangamesh Kadagad, made the discovery while conducting a study on the region’s flora and fauna.
“We recognized it by its call, tracked it, and spotted it perched on a tree,” the team shared. This medium-sized passerine bird, measuring 12-13 cm, belongs to the tit family Paridae. Endemic to India, it inhabits dry thorny scrub forests and is typically found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, southern Andhra Pradesh, northern Tamil Nadu, and parts of Karnataka. Though previously documented in South Karnataka’s Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, this is the first recorded sighting in the Kappatagudda region.
A Vulnerable Species
Ornithologist Skanda SN from Bengaluru explained that the white-naped tit feeds on insects and nectar from caper berry flowers. Its population is declining due to habitat destruction. The bird relies on cavities made by woodpeckers and barbets in endangered tree species like Indian frankincense, Gum Arabica, and Toothbrush Tree. Exploitation of these trees for firewood and medicinal purposes has made suitable habitats increasingly scarce.
Biodiversity Indicator
Harish N, Sharanu Goudar, and Deputy RFO Sangamesh Neeralagi emphasized the significance of this sighting. “This shy, local migrant bird indicates that Kappatagudda hills maintain rich biodiversity,” they noted. The team plans to upload their findings on the eBird app and Indian Bird Conservation Network for further study.
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