The other day, I noticed a shimmer of purple over a mess of Hyptis suaveolens (pignut) plants. Latching onto one, a purple sunbird was dipping into its purplish flowers for nectar. Given the size of these blooms, it was a difficult manoeuver. With a finely curved beak and an appropriately designed tongue, the sunbird was however equipped for it.
Among other birds that are largely defined by the peculiar form and function of their bills, are the Eurasian spoonbill and the glossy ibis. These birds play a meaty role in Chennai’s natural history. In these parts, the spoonbill is known as the “ karandii vaayan” (translation: “the spoon-mouthed”). It may sound like a jibe, but it also suggests easy familiarity. It’s the same with the glossy ibis, which is called “ milir udal aruval mookan ” (translation: “the sickle-nosed with a shimmering body”), drawing attention to its sickle-shaped beak and iridescent wings that come alive in certain lighting conditions. And also when it flares its wings. With the right play of sunlight, this bird can be a riot of chestnut, green and purple. However, in most lighting conditions, it appears to be predominantly black.
With a resident population of these birds documented at the Pallikaranai marsh over the last few years, they can’t be strictly called winter visitors to Chennai. During winter, their numbers go up, increasing their presence here. This fact has to be emphasised as I recently came across an old checklist of Pallikaranai birds that called the glossy ibis a “winter visitor”. And, the Eurasian spoonbill was missing from it.
“Around 200 glossy ibises can be found through the year in Pallikaranai. During the nesting season, which is from November to March, their numbers may be over 400. Through the year, around 50 spoonbills can be found at the Pallikaranai marsh. During the nesting season, it will be around 70. These birds are breeding residents of Pallikaranai, a fact that has been adequately documented over the last eight years,” says KVRK Thirunaranan, founder of The Nature Trust which documents bird sightings and movements for the Conservation Authority of Pallikaranai Marshland, established by the Forest Department.
Due to its small numbers, the spoonbill however remains a rare sight in Chennai. During the North-East monsoon, it can be seen at the Perumbakkam wetland foraging for fish in shallow waters.
Before last week’s showers, I watched a siege of spoonbills shadowing painted storks as the latter were fishing in their characteristic one-leg-jiggle on the southern section of the Perumbakkam wetland, bordering on Classic Farms Main Road. With the water level having risen, the spoonbills and the other birds have abandoned this section, for now.
Field Notes is a weekly column about the resident and
winter-visiting birds of Chennai
