Mustang / In a landmark discovery for Nepal’s ornithological community, a new bird species, the Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata), has been spotted at an altitude of 3,650 meters in Upper Mustang. The bird was first sighted by wildlife photographer Sanjay Tha Shrestha and nature guide Shankar Tiwari near Lo Manthang in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Mustang district, at 8:58 am on July 12.

The duo promptly reported their find to ornithologists, supporting their claim with detailed photographs and information. Following a thorough verification process involving national and international ornithologists, the bird was confirmed as a new species for Nepal, as announced by Hathan Chaudhary, president of the Nepalese Ornithological Union.

The Nepal Bird Record Committee, which tracks new bird species in the country, played a crucial role in the confirmation. Chaired by Tulsi Subedi, the committee collaborated with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and consulted with various bird experts. Their careful analysis led to the official recognition of the Spotted Flycatcher as a new addition to Nepal’s avian diversity.

In honor of its English name and distinctive head markings, the bird has been named ‘Taludharse Arjunak’ in Nepali. This significant discovery brings the total number of bird species recorded in Nepal to 896.

The Spotted Flycatcher is known for its migratory patterns, with a range that includes Mongolia, China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. It regularly migrates south during the winter months. The presence of this bird in Nepal not only enriches the country’s biodiversity but also highlights the potential for bird tourism.

Wildlife photographer Sanjay Tha Shrestha expressed his excitement about the discovery, stating, “Identifying a new bird species in Nepal is a thrilling experience. This has added enthusiasm for bird tourism and further highlights the rich biodiversity of our country.”

The sighting of the Spotted Flycatcher emphasizes the importance of continued conservation efforts and ongoing research to uncover and protect Nepal’s diverse wildlife.

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• #discovery
• #Muscicapa striata
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• #Spotted Flycatcher
• #Upper Mustang