Hyderabad: Just days after a flock of 120 Indian Skimmers, an endangered species, was spotted in Telangana, another rare bird has captured the attention of wildlife enthusiasts. A greater racket-tailed drongo was recently spotted near a waterfall in Mahabubabad.
“It is not an usual sighting for a bird typically found in the forests of the Northeast, Western Ghats, and parts of Central India,” said Sriram Reddy, from Hyderabad Birding Pals, who spotted the bird on March 31.
The discovery sparked excitement among birdwatchers while also underscoring Telangana’s potential as a haven for migratory and uncommon species. Known for its long, ribbon-like tail and extraordinary vocal abilities, the drongo is a master of mimicry. “It can accurately reproduce the calls of various birds, including babblers, mynas, and even raptors like the crested serpent eagle. In this instance, the drongo mimicked a junglefowl so precisely that even we were momentarily misled. This ability allows the bird to outcompete rivals and manipulate mixed-species flocks for its advantage,” said Reddy.
Gopal Krishna Iyer, an ornithologist, said that with its mix of wetlands, grasslands, and forested regions, Telangana has the potential to become a significant birding destination if conservation efforts are prioritised. “Over the years, we saw a significant change in migration patterns due to urbanisation. There is a need to integrate biodiversity conservation into urban planning and development projects. Birds are often overlooked when it comes to conservation efforts. Protecting their habitat is crucial for maintaining ecological balance,” Iyer added.
“While this sighting adds to Telangana’s growing list of avian visitors, we also need to plant native tree species and protect existing forests to support bird populations,” said Vinay Machala, a birdwatcher.