Why in News?
A rare Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata) was spotted in Chandu village, Gurugram, marking an unusual birding record for the Delhi-NCR region. The species had last been recorded in the region in September 2019 near the Najafgarh area.
About Sharp-Tailed Sandpiper
- Scientific name: Calidris acuminata
- It is a medium-sized wader with a distinctive cap and patterned plumage.
- During the breeding season, adults develop a rich chestnut-coloured cap, white eye-ring and heavily marked underparts.
- It breeds in the tundra regions of Russia and winters mainly in Australia and New Zealand.
- It is commonly associated with freshwater marshes and coastal mudflats, although it may also occur inland.
Migratory Significance
The Chandu sighting may be linked to the bird's migration route through the Central Asian Flyway. India is not a regular destination for this species, so it may have temporarily stopped in the region to rest or feed during migration.
