- A rare bird species, the Sri Lankan Frogmouth, Batrachostomus moniliger was sighted first time in the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala. Its presence was noticed on the eastern side of the Western Ghats for the first time.
- The Sri Lankan Frogmouth, Batrachostomus moniliger is usually confined to its habitation in the western side of the Western Ghats forests.
- This bird species is a relative of Nightjar, a crepuscular and nocturnal bird breeding in Europe and temperate Asia. Its preferred habitat is a dry and open area with some small trees or bushes.
About The Sri Lankan Frogmouth
- The Sri Lankan Frogmouth is like the Nightjar and eats insects and mainly seeks prey during night time.
- It lays only one egg a year after the mating season in April-May. The nest is made using moss or leaves of soft plants and the bark of the trees. The male bird destroys the nest and flies away with the new born bird.
- The bird has a unique habitat in Sri Lanka and is also believed to be present in the Thattekad bird sanctuary. It is also found in Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra. It was believed that the species had gone extinct in the State after its presence was not noticed for a long period. Ornithologist Sugathan had found it at Thattekad in 1976. (New Source: The Hindu)
