Guwahati: In a remarkable display of citizen science and enthusiasm for birdwatching, India emerged as a key participant in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). To be held between February 16 to 19, the event will see over a thousand birdwatchers across the country documenting a diverse array of bird species.
With more than one lakh birdwatchers globally participating in the GBBC, India not only secured the second-highest contributing country position last year, but it also discovered the highest number of bird species worldwide.
In 2024, India maintained its strong presence, securing the third position globally for the number of reported species, closely following Colombia and Ecuador. Additionally, it claimed the second spot for the number of uploaded bird lists, trailing behind the United States.
Among the frequently observed birds during the India Bird count were the Himalayan Bulbul in the Himalayas, House Crow in both the north and the south, Red-vented Bulbul in the eastern and central regions, Feral Pigeon in the west, and Plume-toed Swift in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
GBBC not only serves as an enjoyable event for birdwatchers of all levels but also contributes significantly to citizen science. It aids in understanding the status of avian populations in India, providing valuable data for conservation efforts.
Sagarika Gupta, a passionate birdwatcher from Chennai, expressed, “GBBC for me is a way to contribute to the larger good. Something that’s fun but with a purpose. Over the years, it has helped me appreciate the bird life in my immediate surroundings.”
Dibyendu Ash, a naturalist and bird guide from Sikkim, emphasized, “Four days of GBBC is a wonderful exercise where various people can participate and enjoy watching birds. In India, birdwatching is gaining popularity, and events like GBBC offer opportunities to connect more people to nature and birds.”
GBBC in India is coordinated by Bird Count India, an umbrella group of numerous birding, nature, and conservation organisations. Participants are encouraged to list all bird species seen at a particular location over a period of 15 minutes or more during the four days and upload the list to the bird recording platform eBird.
Alongside GBBC, campuses across India also participate in the sister event “Campus Bird Count,” monitoring bird populations in educational and institutional campuses. These areas outside protected zones, like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, are becoming increasingly crucial habitats for wildlife.
Sarabjeet Kuar, a Ph.D. Scholar at the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, shared her experience, saying, “I will always cherish my first Campus Bird Count. The four days proved an unforgettable learning experience and shaped my path in the field of Ornithology.”
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The global GBBC is organized by Cornell University and the Audubon Society in the USA.
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