Rare owl spotted at Parambikulam

COIMBATORE: A rare bird species, Peninsular Bay Owl, was spotted at the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, nearly 60 km from here, recently.

Biologically called ‘phodilus badius ripley’, this bird can be seen in the wet evergreen forests. It was spotted only twice earlier - one in 1978 at Nelliampathy, adjacent to Parambikulam sanctuary, and the other at Thattekad Bird Sanctuary at Ernakulam in Kerala in 1995, it is claimed.

The recent photograph of the bird, which was perhaps the third-ever since the bird was spotted for the first time, was taken by Sashi, an eco-tour coordinator at the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, during one of his treks in the sanctuary in daylight.

Speaking to The New Indian Express here on Monday, Sashi said it was the rarest of the birds, endemic, as well as an endangered species among the over 266 bird species seen at Parambikulam.

“The photograph now taken will be kept for records here. Also, it will be sent to the Bombay Natural History Society,” he said, and added that there were only two specimens of the bird available and there was also no detailed record of it.

Describing the bird, he said, “It is a small, dainty, chestnut bay or chocolate brown owl with short ear-like tufts. Its forehead and facial disc are vinous pink surrounded by white ruff.”

He added, “actually, I was in search of a few other birds, when I accidentally spotted it. When I freeze-framed it many times, it started to open its eyes partially as it could have felt some disturbance.”

It would be of much interest to bird watchers, he said.