Alappuzha: The Malabar Whistling Thrush has been recorded in Alappuzha district for the first time. The species, known for its melodious, human-like whistles, was spotted in the Muttathiparambu region of Thanneermukkom. With this, the total number of bird species documented in the district has risen to 324.

Members of Birders Ezhupunna, a local birdwatching collective, captured photographs and audio recordings of the bird. The team that confirmed the sighting included K R Yadukrishnan, K R Harikrishnan and S Abhirami.

The normal habitats of the Malabar Whistling Thrush are the banks of the rivers and streams in the forests of the Western Ghats. The bird is an expert in making whistling musical sounds. Approximately the same size as a common myna, the Malabar Whistling Thrush has a shiny, bluish-black appearance. There are blue bands on its forehead and back, which also have a shine. Male and female birds cannot be easily distinguished from each other.

The bird makes its melodious whistles during early mornings and the evening, earning it the nickname ‘whistling schoolboy.’