Rare blue-and-white flycatcher spotted in Kaziranga; Panbari Bird Safari and Roumari-Donduwa vehicle safari set to reopen

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 29, 2025

A significant ornithological discovery has been made in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, as young tourist guides Pallab Prakash Saikia and Utpal Saikia recently spotted a rare Blue-and-White Flycatcher (Cyanoptila cyanomelana) near the Panbari Reserve Forest.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, offering a diverse landscape of wetlands, grasslands, and forests. The park is home to an incredible array of avian species, including several rare and endangered birds, making it an unparalleled destination for bird enthusiasts in India.

This particular sighting of the Blue-and-White Flycatcher, a migratory bird known for its striking plumage, is a testament to Kaziranga’s ecological richness. Males of the species boast vibrant blue upper parts, a contrasting white belly, and a striking black mask, while females exhibit brown upper parts and a white underbelly. The bird breeds in East Asia (Japan, Korea, parts of China, and Russia) and winters in Southeast Asia. This rare sighting underscores Kaziranga’s importance as a crucial habitat for migratory birds.

The discovery gained significant attention, with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressing his excitement on social media.

“Exciting news for Bird Watchers: The Blue-and-White Flycatcher has been spotted in the fringes of @kaziranga, beyond its traditional migratory routes! We are reopening the Birding Safari after 10 years for you to have a glimpse of this beauty. Head to Kaziranga soon!” Sarma posted on X (formerly Twitter).

To celebrate this remarkable discovery and enhance birdwatching tourism, Kaziranga National Park will reopen the Panbari Bird Safari on February 2, 2025, coinciding with World Wetlands Day.

The Panbari Birding Safari holds immense significance due to the trail traverses through forests, wetlands, and grasslands, supporting a wide variety of bird species, including both resident and migratory birds. It is also one of the forest patches with the highest number of butterfly species recorded in the country, the safari aims to promote birdwatching tourism even during the monsoon season and contributing to conservation efforts and raising awareness about wildlife preservation.

With only three vehicles per day, the initiative ensures a sustainable tourism model, providing an exclusive experience for birdwatchers, researchers, and nature enthusiasts.

Additionally, the Roumari-Donduwa Vehicle Safari will also be reopened, offering visitors an opportunity to explore deeper terrains of Kaziranga and witness its diverse wildlife.

With these initiatives, Kaziranga National Park reaffirms its commitment to wildlife conservation, responsible tourism, and preserving India’s rich avian heritage. Birdwatchers, nature lovers, and tourists are encouraged to witness the magic of Kaziranga’s thriving ecosystem firsthand.