Himalayan News Service

Chitwan, February 2

Three new species of birds have been spotted in the district of Chitwan in the last few days, the Bird Education Society (BES) said.

"Black-throated tit, buff bard babbler and yellow-legged gull have been spotted in Chitwan," bird specialist Hem Subedi said. Of 861 bird species recorded nationwide, 512 have been found in Chitwan.

Among the three bird species, black-throated tit and buff bard babbler are 10.5 cm tall. They are found in altitude ranges of 1400-2700m and 3250-4300m respectively. Yellow-legged gull is believed to have migrated from Europe.

According to the Bird Education Society, bird specialists Hari Tamang and Hem Subedi first spotted black-throated tit and buff bard babbler in the forests of Kaule, Siddhi and Shaktikhor VDC along the Mahabharat region.

The duo claimed to have spotted 137 bird species while trekking along the region, adding that 16 of the new species found in Chitwan were on the verge of extinction.

Likewise, yellow-legged gull, listed under the water duck category, was spotted near the Rapti river.

The specialists claim that several bird species found in Chitwan are yet to recorded.