The Pale Rockfinch or Sparrow (Carpospiza brachydactyla) is the latest addition to the list of Indian birds. The bird is a native of Middle East and Central Asia and has been recently recorded wintering in the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.
The bird which prefers its natural habitat of tropical dry shrub and grasslands, was discovered by four bird experts, including Jugal Tiwari, on January 27th, 2012. “I came across two flocks, and my estimate was there were not less than 250 in number. The flock landed 20 metres away from me. They were vocal, emitting double musical call notes. Many birds were feeding in rocky areas, so it was difficult to locate them on the ground,” said Tiwari.
Jugal Tiwari runs the Centre for Desert and Ocean (CEDO) based in Kutch, which promotes ecotourism, nature education and wildlife conservation in Gujarat.
Media coverage of the discovery: New sparrow species sighted in Kutch
Also read about the species sighting in Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary, Churu district, Rajasthan.
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The Pale Rockfinch or Sparrow (Carpospiza brachydactyla) is the latest addition to the list of Indian birds. The bird is a native of Middle East and Central Asia and has been recently recorded wintering in the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.