32 bird species documented on St. Aloysius university campus during CBC - 2026

St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University) documents 32 bird species during the 2026 Campus Bird Count, highlighting urban ecological diversity and nesting activity.

In all, 32 bird species were documented on the 37-acre campus of St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University) in the heart of the city during the Campus Bird Count – 2026.

The bird count was conducted for four days from February 13 as part of the nationwide Great Backyard Bird Count organised by Bird Count India in collaboration with eBird. The survey involved systematic observation and documentation of avian diversity across different habitat patches within the campus.

Among the species recorded were common urban and woodland birds such as Rock Pigeon, Greater Coucal, Asian Koel, and Asian Palm Swift. Raptors, including Black Kite and Brahminy Kite, were observed soaring and perching within the campus. The presence of the Little Cormorant and Eastern Cattle Egret further reflected the ecological connectivity of the campus landscape, a release from the university said on Tuesday.

Tree-dwelling species such as White-throated Kingfisher, White-cheeked Barbet, Malabar Flameback, and Rose-ringed Parakeet were also documented. Migratory and seasonal visitors, including the Ashy Drongo and Green Warbler, were recorded during the count period.

Significantly, several nesting birds were observed across the campus, indicating active breeding activity. Nests of the Red-whiskered Bulbul were documented, and the Indian Golden Oriole — a seasonal breeding visitor to peninsular India — was also observed utilising suitable habitat within the campus.

The gardens and tree cover further supported insectivorous and nectar-feeding birds such as Common Tailorbird, Grey-breasted Prinia, Pale-billed Flowerpecker, and sunbird species, including Purple-rumped Sunbird, Purple Sunbird, and Loten’s Sunbird. Other notable species recorded were Chestnut-tailed Starling, Common Myna, Jungle Myna, Orange-headed Thrush, Oriental Magpie-Robin, and White-rumped Munia.