Balodabazar. Bird lovers and environmentalists have received heartening news from the Barnawapara Sanctuary. The presence of the rare Orange-breasted Green-Pigeon (Treron bicinctus) was recorded during a recent bird survey conducted in the sanctuary. The rare bird was sighted by a team consisting of birders and wildlife photographers Raju Verma and Pratik Thakur, along with experts from Karnataka, Bihar, and Odisha. The team achieved a major breakthrough when a pair of birds was found perched in a tree directly above them, allowing for detailed photography and recording before they flew off. This sighting is significant for wildlife lovers because this species has been seen in the area after a long gap of several years. Historically, the bird’s presence had been recorded in Barnawapara before, when it was sighted by renowned ornithologist A.M.K. Bharose in 2015-16. Since then, this species had been missing from here, but its return is now considered a major achievement in wildlife conservation. Found in India and parts of Southeast Asia, this bird primarily feeds on figs and other succulent forest fruits. It is considered a resident species, adapting its movements to local seasonal changes. Its presence has been recorded from time to time in other forests of Chhattisgarh, but its return to Barnawapara demonstrates the resilience of the ecosystem.
The survey team identified this bird based on its distinctive physical characteristics. The Orange-breasted Green-Pigeon’s blue-grey neck, yellow-green head, and lower body make it distinctive. Its red legs and grey-grey central tail feathers clearly distinguish it from the more commonly seen Yellow-footed Green-Pigeon (Hariyal). The male bird was specifically identified by the dark orange patch on its chest. The capture of this species after many years is not only a matter of excitement for photographers but also a strong testimony to the bird-friendly environment and diversity in the sanctuary.
