102 bird species documented during Campus Bird Count 2026 at Mangalore University

Mangalore University's Campus Bird Count 2026 recorded 102 bird species, including the Sri Lankan Frogmouth and Flame-throated Bulbul.

The Campus Bird Count (CBC) - 2026 conducted by Mangalore University in its campus in Mangaluru documented 102 bird species.

Significantly, the nocturnal Sri Lankan Frogmouth was sighted and Western Ghats endemic species Flame-throated Bulbul was recorded during the survey, according to M. S. Mustak, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Applied Zoology at the university.

The survey was conduced for four days from February 13. It was organized by the department in collaboration with the Natural History Association as part of the global Great Backyard Bird Count, coordinated in India by Bird Count India. The university has been actively participating in this citizen science initiative for the past nine years, he said.

Systematic bird observations were conducted across wooded patches, open fields, and water bodies within the campus using standardized point count and transect methods. The approach ensured careful documentation of species presence, abundance, and habitat associations, Mr. Mustak said.

Among the commonly recorded species were Purple Sunbird, Red-whiskered Bulbul, Golden Oriole, Black-hooded Oriole, Black Drongo, Vernal Hanging-Parrot, and Asian Green Bee-eater. The nesting behaviour of the Pale-billed Flowerpecker was a notable observation.

Shikra | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT