In a rare treat for bird enthusiasts in coastal Karnataka, a Lesser Flamingo — a species typically seen in sub-Saharan Africa and western India — was spotted for the first time in Udupi on Friday morning.
The lone bird was sighted near the Malpe estuary by birder Bhavani Rammohan, who immediately shared a photograph with Mohith Shenoy of the Manipal Birders’ Club to confirm the identification. The flamingo was seen again on Saturday, drawing several birdwatchers eager to document the unusual visitor.
“What makes this even more remarkable is the location — a small pond near an ice factory, hardly a habitat one associates with migratory birds,” Shenoy said. “Bhavani was surprised and wanted to know if the species is found here. This is not a place one would expect them.”
The Lesser Flamingo is considered an uncommon visitor to peninsular India’s eastern and southern coasts. In the country, its stronghold remains Gujarat, where the Little Rann of Kutch serves as its main breeding and wintering ground. During non-breeding months, they disperse to parts of Maharashtra and occasionally inland wetlands in northern India.
Earlier this month, a Greater Flamingo was also reported in Bengaluru, sparking curiosity in the birding community about unusual movements of the species this season. With the winter birding season beginning along the coast, several waders have already arrived. Birders say the sighting of a Lesser Flamingo at Malpe adds to the excitement, and many hope the rare visitor lingers a few more days.