NEWS – Manjula Desai, a birdwatcher from Bengaluru, along with a dedicated team of birders, spotted the elusive long-billed bush warbler in Ladakh’s Suru Valley—marking its first confirmed sighting in India since 1977.

HIGHLIGHTS

A Rediscovery at 3,200 Metres

• The bird was sighted at an altitude of 3,200 metres, in the cold, rugged terrain of Ladakh.
• Known for its skulking behaviour and remote habitat, the warbler is notoriously difficult to find.
• This sighting has significant ecological importance and was even discussed in the Rajya Sabha, emphasizing biodiversity conservation.

About the Species

• Scientific name: Locustella major
• Distribution: India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, China
• Conservation Status: Near Threatened (IUCN)

• Major threat: Habitat degradation due to overgrazing and land-use change
• Vocal during June to late July, the warbler was easier to track due to its distinctive clicking song.