New survey finds 43 grassland and endangered bird species in Kaziranga

A breeding colony of Finn’s weaver spotted in Kaziranga’s Kohora Range. (Image: Special Arrangement)

Under Assam's expansive skies, where tall grass sways to the monsoon breeze, a silent find has delighted bird enthusiasts and researchers equally.

A recent census of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, spanning March and May this year, has shown an impressive range of grassland bird species. It logged 43 species, of which some are endangered or vulnerable.

Officials released the report on Monday, marking a key step in understanding these lesser-seen birds of the Brahmaputra floodplains.

The Bengal florican, critically endangered, was among the birds sighted. So were the endangered Finn’s weaver and swamp grass babbler. Six other species were marked as vulnerable, including the black-breasted parrotbill and bristled grassbird.

Officials described the presence of a breeding colony of Finn’s weaver as a major highlight. The bird, locally called tukura chorai, is known for weaving intricate nests atop trees. Its return to breed is seen as a strong sign that Kaziranga’s grasslands are thriving.

Kaziranga spans over 1,100 square kilometres and includes a patchwork of forests, wetlands, and grasslands. Until now, its wet grassland birds had never been systematically studied.

Sonali Ghosh, director of the national park, said the study is important because such wet habitats are rarely surveyed across India. She compared the species richness of Kaziranga’s grasslands to those in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

These instruments facilitated round-the-clock surveillance in out-of-way locations without disturbing the birds. The payoff: improved detection of secretive and shy birds.

The Kohora Range in Kaziranga was a standout in the results. Here, researchers detected a breeding population of the Finn's weaver, marking the range as an important bird habitat.

Assam's Environment Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary hailed the findings as a reminder of how much is yet to be discovered in India's rich grassland ecosystems.