Bengal's date with kingfisher: Third Sunday every July
Starting today, the third Sunday of every July will also see Bengal birders undertaking a survey to know status and distribution of kingfishers in Bengal.
The decision was taken during the Bengal Birders' Meet on Sunday.
While white-throated kingfisher is the state bird of Bengal, the state is also home to 11 more species of kingfisher.
"The Birdwatchers' Society (BWS) is proud to propose that beginning this year, the week starting from the third Sunday will be observed as 'Kingfisher Census Week' across Bengal. This will focus on documenting the distribution and diversity of kingfishers," said Sujan Chatterjee of BWS.
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"With the white-breasted kingfisher as the state bird of Bengal, it makes perfect sense to dedicate this day of July — when the species is at the peak of its breeding season — to this bird," added Kanad Baidya of the organisation.
"Kingfishers are critical indicators of freshwater ecosystem health. Species that rely on muddy ponds and riverbanks are uniquely adapted, yet they face mounting threats from habitat loss and degradation.
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Targeted conservation efforts are essential to secure their future," said Shuvendu Das, ecologist and BWS member.
Bengal holds the unique distinction of having recorded all 12 species of kingfishers found in India — an ecological honour that makes this initiative all the more significant, said a birder. "As awareness grows, we envision Kingfisher Day evolving into a national movement," added Chatterjee.
The Birdwatchers' Society, in association with eBird and Bird Count India kicked off two-day Bengal Birders' Meet 2025 on Saturday. This year, the meet is being held with over 350 participants. Among speakers are eminent conservationist and ornithologist Asad Rahmani, wildlife ecologist Aparajita Datta, Sundarbans Tiger Reserve deputy field director Justine Jones, DFO Malda Jiju Jasper, Ashwin Viswanathan of Nature Conservation Foundation, Major BS Parihar and IFS Milan Mandal.
Conservation biologist Yong Ding Li joined online.
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