Kanhangad: The avian wealth of the district has grown richer with the sighting of a Gadwall duck (Mareca strepera) in the paddy polders of Udinoor. The rare visitor was spotted by birdwatcher Shyam Puravangara.

According to data recorded on the eBird platform, which logs observations from birdwatchers, the total number of bird species reported from the Kasaragod district has now risen to 413, with four new species added his year alone. From the Udinoor polders alone, where the Gadwall duck was sighted, as many as 173 species have been recorded so far.

The Gadwall duck typically measures 46 to 56 cm in length, with a wingspan extending from 78 to 90 cm. Its wings feature a distinctive faded grey tone.

These birds spend their breeding season in the northern regions of Europe and Asia, as well as in central North America. They are usually found in open waterbodies and marshy areas where vegetation grows densely.