— Rare Migratory Bird Seen for the First Time in Central India
Chandrapur (Mohammad Suleman Baig) :
A rare and exciting discovery has been made in the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) and Chandrapur district. For the first time, the Brown-breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa muttui) — a shy and uncommon migratory bird — has been seen in this region.
The bird was spotted on the morning of October 21, 2025, by Rundan Katkar (Forest Range Officer & Wildlife Researcher), Dharmrao Aatram (Tourist Guide), and Satyapal Kannake from Zari, while they were birdwatching on the Zari–Peth road in Tadoba. They saw the bird near a small stream, making it the first record of this species in Tadoba and the Chandrapur district.
The Brown-breasted Flycatcher is usually found in southern India, especially in the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, and it breeds in northeastern India. Finding it in central India is very rare, which makes this sighting important for wildlife researchers and bird lovers.
The bird is about 14 cm long and has a brown breast, gray wings, and large black eyes. It is known for being quiet and cautious, so spotting it in the wild is not easy.
With this discovery, the total number of bird species recorded in Tadoba has reached 304. Across the entire Chandrapur district, Rundan Katkar has so far recorded 337 bird species, showing that the area is becoming an important place for birds and biodiversity.
Tadoba’s forests, famous for their tigers, are also home to a wide range of birds and other wildlife, proving that the region plays a key role in protecting nature and biodiversity in India.
