Nilambur: Birdwatchers were in for a rare treat after a Malayan Night Heron, locally known as Kattu Kokk, was spotted at Kakkadampoyil. The species, which is largely nocturnal, is rarely seen during the day. The bird was photographed by Abdullah Parambatta, a birdwatcher and wildlife photographer.

According to eBird, a global bird information portal, this is the first photographic record of the species from the district. While  an injured Malayan Night Heron had earlier been found drifting in floodwaters, this is the first instance of the bird being sighted living in its natural habitat in the area.

Larger than the Indian Pond Heron or Kula Kokku, the species has a relatively short neck and bill. Adult birds are characterised by a black, crown-like tuft of feathers on the head and their bodies are generally brown in colour. Bird researcher Dr Divin Murukesh said that the sighting of the species in Kakkadampoyil, a major tourist destination, highlights the ecological significance of the region.