Rare Sirkeer Malkoha Spotted for First Time in Uttarkashi District

The rare Sirkeer Malkoha (Taccocua leschenaultii), a bird usually confined to the plains of Uttarakhand, has been recorded for the first time in Uttarkashi district.
The sighting was made earlier this month by a forest department team from the Upper Yamuna Forest Division near Barkot, marking an important addition to the region’s avifaunal records.

Also Read

Rare Sirkeer Malkoha Spotted for First Time in Uttarkashi District

Unusual Sighting in Higher Altitudes

Forest officials confirmed that the bird was observed and documented through photographs in areas around Barkot. The Sirkeer Malkoha is normally found in dry scrub forests and open woodlands below 1,000 metres.

Its presence in the higher altitudes of Uttarkashi is therefore considered ecologically unusual and significant from a scientific standpoint.

Species Profile and Habitat Preference

According to Forest Range Officer Rawai Shekhar Singh Rana, the Sirkeer Malkoha is a:

Long-tailed bird
Olive-brown in colour
Equipped with a distinctive curved red beak

The species is known to be elusive and generally prefers warm, low-altitude habitats, making its appearance in Barkot particularly noteworthy.

Climate Change Link and Research Significance

Officials indicated that this upward movement may be linked to environmental and climatic changes. Birds are considered sensitive bio-indicators because they respond quickly to shifts in temperature and habitat conditions.

The sighting is therefore important for:

Climate change studies
Biodiversity monitoring
Long-term ecological research in the Himalayan region

Expanding Avian Diversity in Uttarkashi

Uttarkashi district has recorded nearly 370 bird species, reflecting its status as part of a Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. The addition of the Sirkeer Malkoha strengthens the case for:

Enhanced conservation efforts
Continuous ecological monitoring
Protection of diverse forest habitats

Forest officials noted that more rare or previously unrecorded species could be discovered with sustained research.

Exam-Oriented Key Facts

Sirkeer Malkoha is usually found below 1,000 metres altitude
First recorded sighting in Uttarkashi district
Observed near Barkot by forest officials
Birds act as bio-indicators of climate change
Uttarkashi has recorded around 370 bird species

Question & Answer

Q1. Which bird species was recorded for the first time in Uttarkashi district?
(a) Great Hornbill
(b) Himalayan Monal
(c) Sirkeer Malkoha
(d) White-throated Kingfisher
Answer: Sirkeer Malkoha

Q2. The scientific name of the Sirkeer Malkoha is:
(a) Cuculus canorus
(b) Taccocua leschenaultii
(c) Psittacula krameri
(d) Buceros bicornis
Answer: Taccocua leschenaultii

Q3. Sirkeer Malkoha is typically found below which altitude?
(a) 500 metres
(b) 800 metres
(c) 1,000 metres
(d) 1,500 metres
Answer: 1,000 metres

Q4. Birds are considered important indicators of which phenomenon?
(a) Soil erosion
(b) Climate change
(c) Seismic activity
(d) Ocean currents
Answer: Climate change

Q5. Uttarkashi district is located in which state?
(a) Himachal Pradesh
(b) Jammu & Kashmir
(c) Uttarakhand
(d) Sikkim
Answer: Uttarakhand

🔗 Other Useful Links:
📌 Latest Government Job Vacancies
📌 Latest Exam Results
📌 Free Mock Tests