New bird species spotted in Saptari

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, May 26: A new bird species for Nepal, ‘Short-tailed Shearwater’, has been recorded at the pink tower in the Koshi Barrage in Saptari District.

Nepali ornithologist Anish Timsina first observed the bird swimming in the Koshi Barrage reservoir from the pink tower at 9:06 am on May 3, 2025, during a birdwatching activity.

According to a press release issued by Nepalese Ornithological Union on Sunday, the bird was seen swimming downstream with the water current, searching for food. It was also observed cleaning its wings and body and after drifting about 70 metres downstream, it would fly back upstream. This behaviour repeated continuously for around 30 minutes during the observation.

To confirm the bird’s identity, ornithologist Timsina submitted photographs and detailed notes to the eBird platform on May 5, 2025. “We studied the submitted information, consulted with both national and international ornithologists, and reached a conclusion based on the evidence,” said Dr. Tulsi Subedi, Chairperson of Nepal Bird Record Committee. 

The bird observed by ornithologist Timsina has been identified as the Short-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna tenuirostris). In Nepali, it has been named Chhoto-puchhre samundri chara, the statement said.

This species belongs to the order Procellariiformes and the family Procellariidae. I

t is a resident and breeding species in countries such as Australia, Antarctica, Canada, Costa Rica, Fiji, Japan, India, New Zealand, Russia, Sri Lanka, South Korea and others. It is believed to have reached Nepal roaming, Dr. Subedi said.

With this addition, the total number of bird species recorded in Nepal has reached 900. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations and sincere thanks to ornithologist Timsina for his valuable contribution in documenting a new bird species for Nepal,” he added.