Nagpur: Probably for the first time, a Malabar whistling thrush, also known as whistling schoolboy due to its human-like, melodic whistling calls, was observed at a forested area on the periphery of Amravati city.Wildlife photographer Amey Namdeo Thakare, along with senior wildlife researcher Dr Swapnil Sonone and wildlife researcher Shantanu Patil, documented the sighting during a routine nature walk a few days ago. Thakare mentioned he initially ignored an unfamiliar call, thinking such a bird would not appear in an urban area. As the call got closer, he investigated and spotted the Malabar whistling thrush.Typically found in dense, moist forests of Western Ghats and stream valleys of Melghat, the species is known for its melodious, flute-like whistle and is rarely seen outside dense forests. Although it has been recorded in parts of Melghat with perennial water sources and thick vegetation, its appearance in Amravati surprised experts, enthusiasts.Researchers said the sighting is notable due to the bird’s habitat preferences, and its presence in an urban forest highlights ecological importance of green spaces within city limits.
