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Recently Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus), one of the longest migrating small birds has been sighted by bird watchers in Vellayani-Punchakkari wetlands.

Details

• Fairly common to common summer migrant from winter grounds in Africa. Found in wooded habitats, from mixed forest to willow thickets in open country.
• It is the longest migrating bird in the 10 gms Warblers weight category. 

Who identified the bird?

• Nirmal George, an associate professor in pharmacology, and the programme officer of the National Service Scheme (NSS) unit of Sree Gokulam Medical College & Research Foundation, Venjaramoodu, was the first person to ever spot the bird in India during one of his expeditions.
• He has identified nearly 163 species of birds and photographed over 100 across the state, from districts including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam.

Vellayani-Punchakkari wetlands

The Punchakkari wetlands, a birding hot spot on the outskirts of the capital city, are playing host to the spot-billed pelican.

Source: The Hindu