The rare Chinese Rubythroat bird, also known as the Krishna-waksh Ratokonth, has been sighted for the first time in Kanchanpur, Nepal, marking a significant discovery in the region’s birdwatching history. The bird was spotted in the Nakaya wetland area of Belauri Municipality-7, Kanchanpur.
The sighting was made by a team of experts, including bird specialist Hirulal Dagora from the Nepal Bird Conservation Union (BVCN), along with Suban Chaudhary and Mahananda Joshi from the Shuklaphanta Nature Guide Association. According to Dagora, this bird, typically found in the Himalayan regions, migrates to the Terai area as winter sets in and temperatures drop. However, it is rarely seen in the plains, making this discovery in Kanchanpur even more remarkable.
“This bird migrates to the Terai region during the cold months, but it is rarely observed here. This is the first time it has been sighted in Kanchanpur, and it is an extremely rare occurrence for this area,” Dagora explained. He added that there are no prior records of this bird being seen in the region.
The Chinese Rubythroat is found across several countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, and Thailand. It migrates from the Himalayas to the Terai during winter, reaching as far as Assam in India. In the summer, it breeds in the higher altitudes of the Himalayas, nesting in dense trees and shrubs, where it lays eggs and raises its young.
The male Chinese Rubythroat has a distinctive white forehead, with slate gray wings and a tail with a white tip and black coloration. Its throat and chest feature a black area with a red patch in the center. The female is characterized by blue-gray coloration, with a white throat.
“This bird is often seen alone or in pairs during the breeding season. It feeds on small insects and spiders, which it shares with its young,” added Dagora. As the weather in the Terai cools down, the bird will likely return to its original habitat in the higher altitudes.
The bird is typically found at elevations between 2,500 and 2,700 meters above sea level. The growing interest of local communities in conserving wetland areas and a reduction in hunting activities have led to the increased sighting of rare bird species like the Chinese Rubythroat in the region.
This discovery highlights the importance of preserving natural habitats and underscores the role of local conservation efforts in protecting endangered wildlife.
