Rare Rustic Bunting Spotted for the First Time in Delhi NCR

A rare sighting of the rustic bunting at Najafgarh Jheel has marked a milestone for birdwatching in the National Capital Region. The passerine, scarcely recorded in India, was photographed and confirmed by local birders during a routine morning survey.

A Landmark Sighting at Najafgarh Jheel

Local guide Ram Kumar Rawat first noticed the unfamiliar bird perched on a juliflora bush. After capturing photographs, he consulted fellow birders, who returned with him to confirm the identification. The group observed the bird for nearly half an hour, establishing the species as the rustic bunting — previously unrecorded in the region.

Distribution and Migration Patterns

The rustic bunting breeds in northern Palearctic wet coniferous woodlands and normally winters across East and Southeast Asia. Its appearance in India is uncommon, with only a few records from the Himalayas, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh and Kashmir over recent years. Experts suggest unusual winter conditions may be altering migration routes.

Expert Insights on Changing Movements

Bird Count India specialists noted that colder-than-usual weather may have pushed the species outside its regular wintering range. Similar unusual sightings, including a hawfinch in Jim Corbett and various displacements in southern India, point to broader climatic influences on migration. Observers emphasise the rarity of the species within a 100 sq km radius of Delhi NCR.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The rustic bunting has been reclassified from ‘vulnerable’ to ‘near threatened’ in the 2025 IUCN update.
• The species shows altitudinal migration and breeds in northern Palearctic regions.
• Earlier Indian records include sightings in Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh and the Kashmir region.
• NCR’s first record was made at Najafgarh Jheel, highlighting its ecological value.

Importance of Urban Wetlands

Conservationists stress that this rare observation strengthens the case for preserving Najafgarh Jheel and similar urban wetlands. Such habitats provide essential stopover points for migratory birds and help sustain biodiversity within rapidly expanding city landscapes.