A significant milestone in ornithological documentation was achieved on December 22, as the Black-headed Bunting (Brambling in English), a rare and irregular winter visitor to Nepal, was recorded in Chitwan district for the very first time. With this addition, the total number of bird species identified in the district has reached 666, highlighting Chitwan's remarkable biodiversity.

The observation was made during a birdwatching expedition in the Meghauli area of western Chitwan. A team of naturalists from Meghauli Serai, a Taj Safari, including Santosh Basnet, Ashwin Gurung, Swastika, and Sandip Mahato, documented a juvenile individual of the species in a field near the hotel premises. The sighting was further corroborated by Hathan Chaudhary, President of Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN), and Manish Limbu, President of the Meghauli Ghatgai Nature Guide Association, who also observed the bird in the same area later in the day.

Historical Context and Conservation Significance

The Black-headed Bunting was first recorded in Nepal in 1971 by R.L. Fleming Jr. during winter in the Rara-Jumla region. Subsequent sightings have been sporadic, with records from the Annapurna Conservation Area in 1993, 1996, 2003, 2004, and 2022. The species has also been documented in the Makalu Barun National Park twice in 2005 and in Rara National Park the same year. These records are prominently listed in Nepal's Red Data Book of endangered birds.

New Insights into Habitat Range

According to Chaudhary, this sighting represents a noteworthy finding as the species, typically observed at altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 4,100 meters above sea level, was recorded at its lowest altitude ever in Nepal-143 meters. This discovery provides new insights into the ecological adaptability and distribution of the species, underscoring the importance of continued monitoring and conservation efforts in the region.

Acknowledgment

The collaborative effort of local naturalists and conservation organizations in documenting this rare visitor reflects a shared commitment to preserving Nepal's rich avian diversity.