Rare Kashmir Flycatcher spotted at Chemmattamavayal wetlands in Kasaragod

The rare Kashmir Flycatcher, a migratory bird species, has been documented at the Chemmattamavayal wetlands in Kasaragod district.

The sighting, which has drawn national attention from birdwatchers, is considered the first confirmed record of the species from the north Malabar region and further highlights the ecological significance of the area. It is also one of the most significant bird observations reported from Kasaragod district in recent years. With this addition, the total number of bird species documented in the district has risen to 414, according to data available on the eBird platform. Chemmattamavayal is currently recognised as the birding hotspot with the highest number of reported species in the district, with nearly 240 species recorded.

The Kashmir Flycatcher was documented during bird-monitoring activities at Chemmattamavayal by bird-watchers S. Aadithyan from Thiruvananthapuram, Sreelal K. Mohan from Chemmattamavayal, and Rithwik Sunder from Vadakara. The observation attracted widespread attention among ornithologists and bird enthusiasts across Kerala, as the species is considered rare in the State.

Mr. Sreelal said the Kashmir Flycatcher is a small migratory passerine bird belonging to the flycatcher family Muscicapidae. “Measuring about 13 cm in length, the species breeds mainly in the northwestern Himalayan region, especially Kashmir and adjoining areas, before migrating during winter to parts of the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka,” he added.

Mr. Sreelal said that the insectivorous species is listed as globally vulnerable due to habitat loss and declining population trends, making every confirmed record important from a conservation perspective. Before the Chemmattamavayal documentation, the species had been reported in Kerala only from Idukki and Palakkad districts.

Chemmattamavayal wetlands, known for their extensive paddy fields, wetlands, canals, grasslands, and mixed vegetation, provide an ideal habitat for both resident and migratory birds. The region has emerged as a major migratory bird destination in north Kerala and has regularly produced significant records of migratory species.