The Mangalore University campus recently hosted its annual bird count, recording a total of 104 bird species from February 14 to 17, 2025. This event, organized by the university’s Applied Zoology department in collaboration with the Natural History Association, is part of the larger Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) organized by Bird Count India. The university has been participating in this initiative for the past nine years, aiming to increase awareness of avian biodiversity and encourage birdwatching and conservation efforts.
Sreepada KS, professor and chairman of the Applied Zoology department, shared that 27 participants, including those from other institutions, took part in the bird count survey. The participants explored a variety of habitats on the campus, such as wooded areas, open fields, and water bodies. Using point count and transect surveys, they systematically recorded bird sightings to provide a comprehensive overview of the species present.
This year’s count saw the addition of three new bird species: the Malabar Flameback (Chrysocolaptes Socialis) in the arecanut plantation, the Baya Weaver (Ploceus philippinus) in the paddy field, and the Large-Billed Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus nitidus) in the shrubby jungle. With these additions, the total bird species recorded on the campus now stands at 157.
Common birds like the Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus), Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus), and Golden Oriole (Oriolus kundoo) were abundant, while migratory species such as the Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus) and Indian Pitta (Pitta brachyura) were also observed.
The bird count has shown a steady increase over the years, from 77 species in 2016 to 114 species in both 2023 and 2024, highlighting the growing diversity of birdlife on the campus.
Read also: