Sirkeer Malkoha Spotted First Time in Uttarkashi

The rare Sirkeer Malkoha (Taccocua leschenaultii), a bird species usually confined to the plains of Uttarakhand, has been recorded for the first time in Uttarkashi district. The sighting was made earlier this month by a forest department team from the Upper Yamuna Forest Division near Barkot, marking a significant addition to the region’s avifaunal records.

Unusual Sighting in Higher Altitudes

According to officials, the bird was observed and documented through photographs in areas surrounding Barkot. The Sirkeer Malkoha is typically known to inhabit dry scrub forests and open woodlands below 1,000 metres. Its presence in the higher reaches of Uttarkashi is therefore considered unusual and noteworthy from an ecological and scientific perspective.

Species Profile and Habitat Preference

Forest Range Officer Rawai Shekhar Singh Rana described the Sirkeer Malkoha as a long-tailed, olive-brown bird with a distinctive curved red beak. The species is generally elusive and prefers warmer, low-altitude habitats. Its unexpected appearance in the Barkot area suggests possible shifts in habitat use, which researchers believe merit closer investigation.

Climate Change Link and Research Significance

Officials indicated that the bird’s movement towards upper regions may be linked to broader environmental and climatic changes. Birds are regarded as sensitive indicators of climate change due to their rapid response to alterations in temperature and habitat. The timing and location of this sighting therefore hold particular importance for ongoing biodiversity and climate-related studies in the Himalayan region.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Sirkeer Malkoha (Taccocua leschenaultii) is typically found below 1,000 metres.
• Birds are key bio-indicators of climate and environmental change.
• Uttarkashi district lies in the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot.
• Forest departments document rare sightings to aid conservation planning.

Expanding Avian Diversity in Uttarkashi

Uttarkashi district has recorded nearly 370 bird species so far, reflecting its rich and diverse ecosystems. The addition of the Sirkeer Malkoha further expands this list and strengthens the case for intensified conservation and research efforts. Forest officials noted that the presence of other rare or previously unrecorded bird species in the district cannot be ruled out, underlining the ecological importance of continued monitoring and habitat protection.