Why in the News?
A Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica) — a rare migratory passerine bird — was spotted for the first time in the National Capital Region (NCR) at Najafgarh Jheel (Delhi–Gurugram border) on 28 November 2025.
About Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica)
General Features
- Passerine bird, slightly larger than a sparrow.
- Distinctive markings:
- Males: black head + reddish breast band
- Females: reddish flank streaks
Breeding Range
- Breeds across the northern Palearctic region.
- Prefers wet coniferous woodlands.
Migration Pattern
- Winters in SE Asia & East Asia (Japan, Korea, eastern China).
- Shows altitudinal migration.
- Extremely rare visitor to India; usually recorded only in:
- Northeast India
- Himalayan belt (Ladakh, Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh)
Status in India
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- Very few sightings historically: Ladakh (2023, 2024), Arunachal Pradesh (2025), Kashmir (2022) and Jammu & Kashmir’s Kangan (2022 — fifth record for India).
- First Ever Record for Delhi NCR
-
- Sighted at Najafgarh Jheel, confirming its first occurrence within a 100 sq km NCR radius.
IUCN Status
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| Consider the following: (2014)
1. Bats 2. Bears 3. Rodents The phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in which of the above kinds of animals? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 only (d) Hibernation cannot be observed in any of the above |
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