Red-breasted Flycatcher: A 12 cm bird which migrates from Eastern Europe to Hyderabad’s Ameenpur lake

Red-breasted Flycatcher's migration to Ameenpur Lake in Hyderabad delights birdwatchers, thanks to HYDRAA's efforts to restore the habitat.

Red-breasted Flycatcher’s magnificent journey across continents not only defies its size but reminds one of the good old adage - size doesn’t matter, it is attitude that does!

The bird, which roughly measures 12-cm, generally migrates from Eastern Europe to escape the harsh winter there and enjoy the moderate temperatures with abundance of food in South Asia. And, Ameenpur in Hyderabad, Telangana has become some sort of ‘home away from home’ for the little bird.

Interestingly, the lake was once famous for the other breed of migratory birds including the graceful flamingos not long ago, before the environs were destroyed for different reasons to the dismay of the birdwatchers. Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset protecting Agency (HYDRAA) is bringing life back again to the lake, much to the delight of the migratory birds.

“Thanks to the recent action by HYDRAA, the area is now accessible which was earlier walled,” said an avid bird watcher and wildlife photographer Syam Sundar Potturi.

“This flycatcher has been spotted at Ameenpur Lake near the old bird watch point during late October by a couple of regular birders. As it got accustomed to many birders visiting the place for a quick look and pic, it has now become less shy and more approachable,” he says with a big smile.

“Although it is not a rarity, what makes it special is the plumage of male that shows a clear patch of bright colour from the neck below. For the last few weeks many bird photographers visited the place and it has become a hotspot during weekends when most people visit,” Mr. Syam Sundar reveals.

“Yes, Ameenpur Lake itself is still not ready for other visitors like waders as the water is still deep and there is no sloping lakebed essential for those birds to find insects in the slush,” he said.