Indian Black bird spotted for the first time in Tiruvannamalai

For the first time, an Indian black bird has been sighted in the Annamalaiyar Hills of Tiruvannamalai, marking a significant moment for bird enthusiasts and conservationists in the region. This species, native to India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, typically resides in mountainous areas above 1,000 feet. While it is common in the Western Ghats, its presence in Tiruvannamalai is rare.
Bird enthusiast Sivakumar, who photographed the bird, explained the importance of this sighting. “Tiruvannamalai’s landscape, once rocky and dry, has transformed over the past three decades into dense mountain forests due to efforts to prevent forest fires and restore the habitat. 
This change has encouraged the arrival of diverse bird species, including the Indian black bird and others like the Nilgiri wood pigeon and the blue-bearded bee-eater.”
The Indian black bird, known for its orange plumage and varying body colors depending on its location, reflects the improved biodiversity in Tiruvannamalai. 
Sivakumar credits coordinated efforts by the district administration, forest officials, and volunteers for reducing human-caused forest fires and promoting reforestation.
Sivakumar, a painter turned birdwatcher, developed a passion for wildlife after collaborating with NGOs to create wildlife art. 
Now, he regularly photographs birds and uploads his sightings to EBird, a global bird watching platform, helping bird enthusiasts worldwide understand Tiruvannamalai’s evolving biodiversity.