KANCHANPUR: The ‘Madana Chanchar’, scientifically known as Turdus bubul (Grey-winged Blackbird), has been recorded for the first time in Shuklaphanta National Park, a biodiversity-rich protected area in the Terai.
The species is typically found in mid-hill and mountainous forests, making its presence in the plains a notable event from a conservation perspective.
The bird was documented during a field survey conducted by a team of ornithologists from the Bird Conservation Society of Nepal, including Hirulal Dagoura, Dilip Chand Thakuri, Suman Chaudhary and Dr. Bikal Pandey. According to the team, this is the first official record of the species within the park.
Although the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the species as “Least Concern” globally, ornithologist Dagoura said its occurrence in Shuklaphanta is locally rare and significant.
The species generally inhabits humid forests in the mid-hills and Himalayan regions, usually at elevations between 1,800 and 2,700 meters. While it may descend to lower altitudes during winter, its sighting in the Terai plains is considered unusual.
“Though globally common, its presence in Shuklaphanta is rare at the local level,” Dagoura said. “This may indicate changes in environmental conditions or shifting migration patterns.”
The Madana Chanchar measures about 28–29 centimeters in length. The male is black with brownish markings on its wings and has a bright yellow beak, while the female is brown with a lighter yellow or brownish beak.
Experts suggest that the appearance of a species usually confined to mountainous regions, from Nepal to northern Vietnam, in the Terai could reflect the impacts of climate change or broader ecological shifts.
The new record has further enriched Shuklaphanta’s avian diversity and may strengthen its reputation as an important destination for birdwatching and ornithological research.
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