Unveiling the Marvel: North American 'Laughing Gull' Spotted for the First Time in Kasaragod, Kerala
In a remarkable and unprecedented sighting, the Chittari estuary in Kasaragod district, Kerala, has become the first location in India to witness the presence of the North American 'Laughing Gull.' This momentous discovery was made by C. Srikanth, a passionate bird lover and school teacher, who not only spotted the bird but also managed to capture it through his lens.
 |
| North American 'Laughing Gull' bird seen for the first time in the country in Kasaragod, Kerala |
The Arrival of a Unique Visitor
The 'Laughing Gull,' renowned for its distinctive laughter-like sounds, undertook an extraordinary journey of thousands of kilometers from North America to the coastal region of Kerala. Typically found along the Atlantic coast of North America, the Caribbean, and northern South America, the sighting in Kasaragod marks a significant deviation from their usual migratory routes.
Characteristics of the Laughing Gull
Srikanth described the bird as having a black upper body, black legs, a long hooked beak, and a distinctive dark spot on the back of the head, confirming its identity as a laughing seagull. Known for their opportunistic carnivorous habits, these gulls feed on a variety of prey, including fish, shellfish, crabs, mollusks, insects, birds' eggs, and young birds.
Collaboration with Ornithology Experts
Upon making this extraordinary discovery, Srikanth reached out to J Praveen, chief editor of Indian Birds, Journal of South Asian Ornithology, and sought the expertise of bird enthusiasts, including G Jinu, John Garrett, Adent Kiely, and Hans Larsen. The collective confirmation from these seasoned bird experts added scientific validation to the rare sighting.
Role of Technology: e-Bird Application
The dissemination of this remarkable discovery was significantly facilitated by the e-Bird application, a dedicated platform for collecting scientific bird information. This digital tool played a pivotal role in swiftly sharing the news within the ornithological community and beyond. The addition of the Laughing Gull brings the total number of bird species found in India to an impressive 1,367, with Kasaragod district contributing 400 species to the state's overall count of 554.
Srikanth's Rich Bird Watching Experience
C. Srikanth boasts an impressive 20 years of bird-watching experience, demonstrating his keen eye for rare and elusive bird species. His previous encounters include the sighting of The Asian House Martin in Paithalmala, Kannur. Notably, Kasaragod district had witnessed the spotting of nine rare bird species, including the majestic Egyptian vulture, in the previous year.
In conclusion, the appearance of the North American 'Laughing Gull' in Kasaragod, Kerala, stands as a testament to the region's biodiversity and its allure for diverse migratory bird species. Srikanth's discovery, supported by the collaborative efforts of ornithology experts and propelled by technological tools like the e-Bird application, adds another feather to India's rich avian tapestry.
