Chennai: Pallikaranai marsh is alive with the flutter and calls of native birds now that migratory visitors have taken flight. In recent weeks, native species have been engaging in their breeding rituals across the wetland.
According to Chennai forest officer V A Saravanan, a wide range of birds, including pied myna, purple heron, lesser and fulvous whistling ducks, Indian spot-billed duck, purple and common moorhens, egrets, and common kites, were observed beginning their breeding activities.
Among these, the Indian pied myna is drawing attention. Birder K V R K Thirunaranan says that this species, once rarely seen in the area, showed a promising rise in numbers. First recorded in the marsh in April 2018 as just a pair, the pied mynas have now grown to more than 15, with expectations of the population reaching 30 this season. This breeding season, their nests can be spotted near human settlements.
Originally found in more often in Andhra Pradesh, the Indian pied myna gradually expanded its range into Tamil Nadu’s wetlands over the past decade. Now they are seen in flocks as large as 30. However, unlike the more assertive common myna, the pied myna is known for its reserved nature.
Breeding season of the Indian pied myna spans a longer period than many native birds, lasting from March through Sept. Similarly, this time a large number of black kites were also recorded in the marshland, which is a surprise, said Thirunaranan.