In News:

A rare European migratory bird, the Ortolan Bunting (Emberizahortulana), was recently spotted in Baruipur, on the southern outskirts of Kolkata, West Bengal. This marks only the second recorded sighting of the species in the state, with the last being in the Sundarbans in 2014.

About Ortolan Bunting:

• Scientific Name:Emberizahortulana
• Type: Small Palearctic migratory songbird
• Distribution: Native to Europe and parts of Central Asia, extending east to Mongolia and north to the Arctic Circle.
• Migration: The species typically migrates to sub-Saharan Africa during the winter months.

Habitat and Characteristics:

• Preferred Habitat: Open or semi-open agricultural lands, slopes, and grasslands with scattered shrubs; generally avoids dense forests and oceanic climates.
• Altitude Range: Found up to 2,500 metres in suitable habitats.
• Physical Features:
  • Length: 16–17 cm; Wingspan: about 25 cm.
  • Males have a greenish-grey head, yellow throat, and brown-streaked body.
  • Females and juveniles are smaller and duller, with spotted underparts.
  • Possess a conical beak suited for cracking seeds.

Conservation Status:

• IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Despite its status, the Ortolan Bunting faces population decline in parts of Europe due to habitat loss and illegal hunting — particularly in France, where it was once considered a delicacy.

Significance of the Sighting:

• Highlights the importance of citizen-led biodiversity monitoring through platforms like eBird and BirdForum.
• Suggests potential changes in migratory routes, possibly influenced by climatic shifts.
• Reinforces West Bengal’s ecological diversity, which continues to attract rare and migratory bird species.