Rare pale-capped pigeon spotted in Assam’s Dehing Patkai Park

Rare Pale-Capped Pigeon Spotted in Assam’s Dehing Patkai Park. (Image: @cmpatowary/X)

In a quiet corner of Assam’s wild forest, a special bird has made a surprise return. Nature lovers and birdwatchers were thrilled this week as the pale-capped pigeon, a shy forest bird, was spotted in Dehing Patkai National Park. The sighting, shared online by Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, quickly caught the attention of wildlife fans across the country.

A Rare Glimpse of a Secretive Bird
The pale-capped pigeon, known for its ash-grey feathers and pale crown, is rarely seen in the wild. It lives deep in forests and avoids people. Years of deforestation and broken habitats have made it hard to find. That’s why this new sighting in Dehing Patkai is so special. Experts say it shows the park still supports rare and vulnerable species.

Spotted the elusive Pale-capped Pigeon (𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙖 𝙥𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙖) at Dehing Patkai National Park.

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Classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, this rare forest pigeon is found in parts of Northeast India and Southeast Asia.

Dehing Patkai remains a vital refuge for this… pic.twitter.com/Fk4AjXiOlx

— Chandra Mohan Patowary (@cmpatowary) July 19, 2025

Hope and Warnings from the Wild
For researchers, the sighting offers more than just joy. It gives clues about where the species now lives and how many remain. Tracking such birds helps build plans to protect them. Forest Minister Patowary praised the forest team and local photographers who spotted the pigeon. He said the moment reminds us to guard our green spaces for future generations.

Though the park is rich in wildlife, threats remain. Illegal coal mining, forest loss, and unchecked building work put pressure on the land. Environmentalists say strong steps must be taken now before damage becomes too great. The bird’s quiet arrival may inspire fresh efforts for ecotourism and nature conservation in the region.

In the heart of Assam, one rare bird has reminded us all—there is still time to care.