Asian Waterbird Census records 1,310 birds at Delhi zoo

The Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) conducted by the National Zoological Park in Delhi on Monday, National Bird Day, recorded a total of 1,310 birds across 18 species in the zoo’s wetlands.

Of the 1,310 birds, 930 are Painted Storks.

The exercise was carried out in coordination with ecologist and ornithologist T.K. Roy, AWC State Coordinator (Delhi), Wetlands International South Asia, and volunteers from universities and NGOs.

Other species included Little Grebe, Little Cormorant, Black-crowned Night Heron, Indian Pond Heron, Little Egret, Large Egret, Red-naped Ibis, Indian Spot-billed Duck, Common Teal, Northern Shoveler, Red-wattled Lapwing, Common Sandpiper, White-breasted Waterhen, Common Moorhen, Rosy Pelican, Small Blue Kingfisher and White-breasted Kingfisher.

“The census successfully highlighted the presence of a rich assemblage of resident and migratory waterbird species at the National Zoological Park. Such initiatives play a vital role in strengthening awareness about avian conservation and in supporting national and international biodiversity monitoring programmes,” said Sanjeet Kumar, zoo director.