Thiruvananthapuram: For a second time, ornithologists spotted a Black-headed Bunting (Emberzira Bruniceps) in Punchakkari. First time, they were spotted in Punchakkari and Kattampally wetlands, Kannur in 2008-09. Wildlife photographer P.B. Biju was second time lucky when he got the photographs of the birds. They breed in central Asian countries like Iran and generally move to wetlands close to dry areas of western Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Maharasthra, Goa and Andhra Pradesh
“They have probably been attracted to the grass and paddy cultivation around Punchakkari. They might have strayed in from Tamilnadu. Last time, when we spotted them here, they were here for few days,” said Mr Biju. Types of Black-headed Bunting birds are found in Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Laoas and China. Massive decline in the sightings of bunting species has also been reported across the country. This bird is 15 cm long and the breeding male has bright yellow underparts, chestnut upperparts and a black hood. The female is a washed-out version of the male, with paler underparts, a grey-brown back and a greyish head.
