Migratory Bird Returns to Same Sri Lankan Garden for Four Years Straight
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📰 The quick summary: A migratory Asian paradise flycatcher has returned to the same garden in Sri Lanka for four consecutive years, highlighting the remarkable site fidelity behavior of migratory birds and encouraging local bird watching efforts.
📈 One key stat: Over 4,000 Sri Lankan birders have joined eBird, submitting nearly 120,000 checklists and recording 459 species – demonstrating the growing popularity of citizen science in tracking bird movements.
💬 One key quote: “The bird first appeared on Nov. 2nd in 2023 and returned on the Nov. 1st, 2024 — almost the same date, sticking to the same schedule,” Moditha told Mongabay.
1️⃣ The big picture: A male Asian paradise flycatcher with distinctive markings has returned to the same garden in Colombo, Sri Lanka, for the fourth consecutive year. Bird enthusiast Moditha Kodikarachchi identified the recurring visitor by three white dots on its black head, naming it Barat after its Indian origins. This behavior demonstrates what scientists call site fidelity – the remarkable ability of migratory birds to return to the exact same locations year after year. The phenomenon has sparked interest among Sri Lankan birders, boosting participation in citizen science platforms like eBird which help track birding patterns.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: The flycatcher’s consistent return provides tangible evidence of the importance of urban gardens as critical habitats for migratory birds. Such predictable migration patterns offer scientists valuable data for understanding avian behavior and the impacts of environmental changes. This particular case has inspired more Sri Lankans to engage in birdwatching, with over 4,000 locals now contributing to eBird’s global database. The growing interest in birdwatching strengthens conservation efforts through citizen science, allowing everyday people to contribute meaningful ecological information. Garden observations prove that even busy urban areas can serve as important sanctuaries for migrating species.
3️⃣ What’s next: World Migratory Bird Day observed this May promoted the theme “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-friendly Cities and Communities,” encouraging more urban habitat preservation. Conservationists hope cases like Barat’s will inspire more homeowners to maintain bird-friendly gardens as critical resting grounds. Continued use of technology platforms like eBird will help scientists track migration patterns and identify areas needing protection.
Read the full story here: Mongabay – A migrating flycatcher returning to the same Sri Lankan garden sparks interest in birders
