Grey-headed bulbul (Pycnonotus priocephalus) was sighted recently by C. Subramanian at Siruvani in Coimbatore Forest Division.
According to Mr. Subramanian, a bird watcher, the bulbul is endemic to Western Ghats and is not found anywhere else in the world. Though known for its presence in Siruvani Hills, this is perhaps the first time that the bird has been observed and photographed.
He added that the bird was listed under near-threatened species by BirdLife International and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2010.
Habitat destruction, particularly over-harvesting of Ochlandra reed-bamboos- the most preferred nesting site for the species, was one of the reasons for decline in its population.
Therefore the sighting of the bird in Siruvani forest assumes significance and further surveys are necessary to ascertain their breeding in the locality.
Keywords: Grey-headed bulbul, Siruvani, Coimbatore Forest Division
