Migratory bird from Central Asia sighted

KOZHIKODE: Paddyfield warbler (Acrocephalus agricola), a migratory bird, has been spotted at the paddy fields in Thamarassery. This is the first confirmed report of its sighting from the state. The birds were spotted by Mujeeb Panchili, a bird watcher hailing from Kaithapoyil in December 2011. Similar to Blyth’s Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus dumetorum), this bird has ruffle tinge on its back, rump and sides of breast. The bill is shorter than that of Blyth’s and it also has a dark tip with pale lower mandible. Its pale supercilium is broad, long-edged dark above and extended well behind the eye. Aside from this, its dark eye stripe also is prominent and extended behind the eye alongside the eyebrows. Paddyfield wabbler’s throat is white in colour and the under part whitish, with buffish breast and flanks. It has pinkish brown legs and feet.“This is the first confirmed report of Paddyfield warbler sighting from Kerala. Though there has been reports earlier that Paddyfield warbler was sighted from the state, they had no authenticity. This  migratory bird which comes mainly from central Asia is difficult to identify as there are a number of species similar to the one spotted at Thamarassery,” said C Sasikumar, ornithologist.This passerine bird species is commonly found in low vegetation in the pastures, reeds and paddy fields. Like most warblers, Paddyfield warbler is insectivorous and breeds in temperate regions of central Asia. In winter, the species normally migrates to Indian sub continent. “This is the first sighting of this species from Kerala substantiated by photographs. I saw the birds in a damp paddyfield with four of them searching for food along with Blyth’s Reed warbler and White rumped Munia. They were usually foraged at the base of the plants, occasionally perching on the stalks. During this time I was able to photograph two individual birds of the species during the time of observation,” said Mujeeb Panchili.