Rare Bird Sighting in Arunachal Pradesh: A Significant Addition to India's Avifauna

A remarkable event has unfolded in the Namdapha National Park & Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, with the first-ever recorded sighting of a pin-tailed parrotfinch. This elusive species, often referred to as the 'ghost bird,' is now the second confirmed sighting in India, marking a significant addition to our nation's avian diversity.

The Ghost Bird's Arrival

The sighting occurred on the morning of 6th January, during a birding expedition led by Binanda Hatibaruah. The team, which included Lt Gen Bhupesh Goyal, Mistu Basu, and Vinod Gupta, spotted a flock of white-rumped munias, a common bird in the area, feeding on bamboo flowers. Goyal noticed a few unusual birds in the flock, with an orangish-red belly, later confirmed to be pin-tailed parrotfinches.

Characteristics of the Pin-Tailed Parrotfinch

The male pin-tailed parrotfinch is leaf green with a blue face, a reddish belly, and a long, pointed tail, measuring approximately 15 cm. Females have a faded blue face, faded green upper parts, and lack the red belly coloration, being about 12 cm in size. These birds are known for their sudden appearances in large flocks when paddy harvest or bamboo flowering is ready, before vanishing and reappearing with the next crop.

Implications for the North East Region and India

The pin-tailed parrotfinch is primarily found in South East Asian countries such as Borneo, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Myanmar. Its second sighting in India, in Mizoram in 2025, and now in Arunachal Pradesh, suggests that these border states may provide ideal habitats for this species. As more people take up birding, there is a growing likelihood of more sightings, potentially expanding our understanding of the pin-tailed parrotfinch's range.

Future Prospects

Lt Gen Bhupesh Goyal, a member of the sighting team, encourages bird enthusiasts to keep an eye out for this species, especially during bamboo flowering seasons. As more eyes look out for birds, we can expect more new species to be added to India's avifauna, enriching our biodiversity and providing opportunities for research and conservation efforts.

Conclusion

The sighting of the pin-tailed parrotfinch in Arunachal Pradesh is a testament to the rich biodiversity of our region and the importance of conservation efforts. As we continue to discover new species, it is crucial to protect their habitats and promote sustainable practices to ensure their survival.