Visakhapatnam: The great backyard bird count (GBBC-2025) has documented 249 bird species across Andhra Pradesh. These are the preliminary results of the GBBC, with the complete results to follow in April. The exercise, one of the largest birding events in the world, was conducted between Feb 14 and 17. A total of 1,084 species have been recorded in India.
The Rose-ringed Parakeet led the tally, with 220 birds recorded at the Veterinary Colony in Vijayawada, reflecting how well this adaptable species thrives in urban environments. Equally notable was the Rosy Starling, reported with 200 birds along Mantralayam Road in Madhavaram. These high counts suggest that some species are well-established and may even be expanding their local populations.
Chittoor contributed 169 species to the count, the highest among all districts, followed by Anantapur with 145 species. Visakhapatnam secured third place with 138 species identified across 99 hotspots.
In terms of bird species hotspots, the IISER Tirupati–Yerpedu campus leads with 135 species, followed by Boni Lake with 87 species. The water body adjacent to Vizag airport and Badvel big tank (Badvel Pedda Cheruvu) recorded 77 species. Other significant hotspots include Bhimavaram wetlands (70 species), Mirthipadu wetlands (51 species), and Peepal Grove School (50 species). The Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary has 47 species, with Gitam Deemed University rounding out the list with 46 species.
Water-associated species also featured prominently during the survey. The Eurasian Coot, noted in Medapuram, and birds like the Wood Sandpiper in Anantapur indicate healthy wetland and lake ecosystems. Similarly, coastal and waterfront areas, including the Thimmapuram beachfront in Visakhapatnam and various reservoirs, offered habitats for the Eastern Cattle Egret and other water birds.
Vivek Rathod, a birdwatcher from Vizag who contributed to the exercise, said they covered various places in Vizag, such as the water bodies near the airport, Boni Lake, Kambhala Cheruvu, etc. “The state is home to diverse avifauna, including a mix of common, migratory, and exotic species. These statistics and data could be vital for planning conservation efforts and understanding ecological balance. Further studies can explore how urbanisation and natural habitat protection efforts impact the conservation of bird species,” Rathod said.
The survey further documented species common to urban landscapes, such as the rock pigeon and house crow. Meanwhile, natural habitats continued to support species like the Painted Stork in bird sanctuaries and the lesser-known Lesser Whistling Duck near the Vizag airport water bodies.
Other notable sightings included migratory waterfowl such as the Eurasian Wigeon and Garganey at Kallumarri Cheruvu and Sriharikota Road. The Mirthipadu wetlands hosted the Streaked Weaver and Tricoloured Munia. Rarities like the Pacific Golden Plover and Tibetan Sand Plover were spotted at Sunrise beach near Yanam.
Other sightings were majestic raptors such as the Oriental Honey Buzzard and the white-bellied Sea Eagle. Agile falcons, including the Peregrine and red-necked falcons, were also sighted. Complementing these impressive birds were smaller, vibrant species like the Eastern Barn Owl, Eurasian Hoopoe, Indian Paradise Flycatcher, and White-bellied Drongo.
BIRDIE TRAILS
Top eBirders, sorted by the number of observed species, are led by Rayis TR from IISER Tirupati with 147 species
Kayala Ashok Kumar and Siva T, both with 106 species, follow closely
Top districts by bird species count include Chittoor (169 species), followed by Anantapuram (145), and Visakhapatnam (138)
Other top districts include East Godavari (108 species), Kadapa (106), and Vizianagaram and West Godavari (both 84 species)
Prakasam has 77 species, while Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore and Krishna have 67 and 65 species, respectively
In terms of bird species hotspots, IISER Tirupati–Yerpedu campus leads with 135 species, followed by Boni Lake with 87 species
Wetlands at Boni Lake, Mirthipadu, and along Sunrise beach in East Godavari, as well as forested and rural sites, have emerged as critical refuges for both resident and migratory birds
Species such as Whimbrel and Bar-tailed Godwit highlight the significance of the region as a key stopover on migratory routes, bridging continents and seasons
