Gandhinagar, Feb 10 (NationPress) The seasonal arrival of the rare Grey Hypocolius has transformed the Chhari-Dhandh Conservation Reserve in Gujarat’s Kutch district into a premier global hotspot for birdwatchers, attracting an increasing number of international tourists and ornithologists to this wetland every winter.

The Chhari-Dhandh, which has recently been designated as a Ramsar site, is home to an impressive variety of avian species, with over 283 bird species documented in and around the wetland.

Among these, the Grey Hypocolius (Hypocolius ampelinus), known locally as Maskati Latoro, garners special attention due to its limited distribution in India and its elusive behavior.

This small, pale-grey passerine breeds in the arid regions of Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan before migrating south during the winter months. In India, its presence is primarily noted in parts of Kutch, where it has been recognized as a regular winter visitor since 1990.

Ornithologists have observed that this species prefers arid scrub forests, desert landscapes, and adjacent farmland.

Birdwatchers report that the Grey Hypocolius typically arrives at the Fulay scrub forest from October to November and stays until March or April.

It is generally seen in small flocks, primarily feeding on the ripe berries of Salvadora persica, known locally as Piloodi or Khari Jar, along with flower petals and berries from the native Tankara plant.

The bird is identifiable by its unique squeaky calls. Historical records indicate that two specimens of the Grey Hypocolius were collected from the Great Rann of Kutch at Kuar Bet in March 1960.

The species was subsequently rediscovered in the area in January 1990, when ornithologist S. N. Varu spotted a female near Fulay village in the Banni grasslands.

“Chhari-Dhandh is regarded as the most dependable site in India to observe the Grey Hypocolius, which explains why birdwatchers and wildlife photographers from around the globe visit this area during the winter months,” stated local wildlife photographers, noting that the Ramsar designation is expected to heighten international interest.

In addition to the Grey Hypocolius, the wetland is also recognized for sightings of the White-naped Tit (Machlolophus nuchalis), a species endemic to India.

Established as Gujarat’s first Conservation Reserve in 2008 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Chhari-Dhandh continues to benefit from ongoing conservation efforts by the state government, which have bolstered the protection of this wetland. It supports 11 globally threatened and nine near-threatened bird species, underscoring its significant conservation value.