Sirkeer Malkoha Spotted in Uttarkashi for First Time, Signals Ecological Shift

Rare Lowland Bird Recorded at Higher Altitudes in Uttarakhand’s Himalayas

In a noteworthy development for Himalayan biodiversity studies, the rare Sirkeer Malkoha has been recorded for the first time in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The sighting was made earlier this month by a forest department team from the Upper Yamuna Forest Division near Barkot, marking a significant addition to the district’s avifaunal records.

Unusual Sighting at Higher Elevation

Forest officials confirmed that the bird was photographed in areas surrounding Barkot. The Sirkeer Malkoha is usually confined to dry scrub forests and open woodlands of the plains and foothills, typically below 1,000 metres above sea level. Its appearance in the higher reaches of Uttarkashi, which forms part of the middle Himalayas, is therefore considered ecologically unusual and scientifically important.

Species Profile and Habitat Preference

According to Rawai Forest Range Officer Shekhar Singh Rana, the Sirkeer Malkoha is a long-tailed, olive-brown bird distinguished by its curved red beak and secretive behaviour. The species is generally elusive, preferring warmer and drier low-altitude habitats. Its detection in Barkot suggests a possible change in habitat use or dispersal behaviour.

Possible Climate Link and Research Value

Forest officials believe the movement of the species towards higher altitudes may be linked to changing climatic conditions. Birds are recognised as sensitive bio-indicators, often responding quickly to shifts in temperature, vegetation and food availability. Such range extensions are therefore closely studied by ecologists to understand the ecological impacts of climate change in fragile Himalayan ecosystems.

Important Facts for Exams

• Sirkeer Malkoha ( Taccocua leschenaultii ) usually occurs below 1,000 metres

• Birds act as bio-indicators of climate and environmental change

• Uttarkashi lies within the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot

• Forest departments document rare sightings for conservation planning

Expanding Avian Diversity in Uttarkashi

With nearly 370 bird species already recorded, Uttarkashi is emerging as a significant centre of avian diversity. The addition of the Sirkeer Malkoha strengthens the case for intensified biodiversity monitoring, long-term research and habitat protection in the region, as more such range shifts may emerge in the coming years.