Why in the News
A recent bird survey in Silent Valley National Park recorded 192 bird species, highlighting the park’s rich avian biodiversity.
Key Findings
- Survey dates: March 6 to 8, 2026
- Organisers:
- Kerala Forest Department
- Malabar Natural History Society
- Participants: About 85 birdwatchers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- Covered both core and buffer zones of the park.
Important Observations
- Total species recorded: 192 bird species
- Rare migratory birds: Asian house martin and Western house martin.
Endemic Western Ghats species recorded:
- Nilgiri laughingthrush
- Black-and-orange flycatcher
- White-bellied treepie
- Nilgiri pipit
- White-bellied blue flycatcher
- Nilgiri sholakili (Nilgiri blue robin)
About Silent Valley National Park
- Located in Palakkad.
- Part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.
- Known for tropical evergreen forests and high endemism.
| [2020] With reference to India’s biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Graychinned minivet and White-throated redstart are: (a) Birds (b) Primates (c) Reptiles (d) Amphibians |

