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Date of Publication: 21 October 2011

ISSN 0973-1407Editor Emeritus: Zafar Futehally

Editor: Aasheesh Pittie

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Editorial BoardMaan Barua, Anwaruddin Choudhury

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Indian BIRDS

Front Cover:MaskedBoobyimmature.Photographer:A.K.Raju

ContentsGuest Editor: Praveen J.

Observing oceanic birds in Sri LankaRex I De Silva

Some Observations from Lakshadweep and the Laccadive Sea off KeralaMike Prince

Significant pelagic bird sightings from off-shore waters of the Malabar coast, southern IndiaPraveen J., Dipu Karuthedathu, Muhamed Jafer Palot, Mike Prince & Sathyan Meppayur

A note on pelagic bird sightings off the Mulki coast of southern IndiaM. Shivashankar, S. Subramanya, D. Karuthedathu, & A. Shivaprakash

Sighting of Parasitic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus in Little Rann Of Kachchh, GujaratPrasad Ganpule

Swinhoe’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma monorhis and other pelagic birds from the Thrissur coast, Kerala

Vivek Chandran A., Praveen J., P. P. Sreenivasan, P. O. Nameer & Dilip K. G.

White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus from Kerala, South IndiaMuhamed Jafer Palot

Parasitic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus at Kannur coast, south-western IndiaC. Sashikumar, C. K. Vishnudas, S. Raju, P. A. Vinayan & V. A. Shebin

Bridled- Sterna anaethetus and Sooty- Sterna fuscata Terns from Thrissur coast, KeralaP. O. Nameer & P. P. Sreenivasan

A bibliography of pelagic ornithology from South Asia: 1847–2011Aasheesh Pittie

Sighting of the Sooty Tern Sterna fuscata near Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, IndiaHumayun Taher, Umesh Mani, K. B. Rao & Nilay Raha

Ring recoveries of Lesser Crested Tern Thalasseus bengalensis along the Maharashtra coast, IndiaRaju Kasambe & Vaibhav Deshmukh

Marine Important Bird Areas (IBA) Programme in IndiaRaju Kasambe

Pelagic birding off India’s western coast: a first person accountS. Subramanya

Photo Gallery

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observing oceanic birds in sri LankaRex I De Silva

De Silva, R. I., 2011. Observing oceanic birds in Sri Lanka. Indian BIrds 7 (3): 58–62.Rex I De Silva, Seabird Watch, 31 Dampe, Madapatha 10306, Sri Lanka. Email: reefcomber@gmx.com

Observing and studying oceanic birds has recently become popular with both professional ornithologists and recreational birders. Nevertheless there are a few

observational considerations that serve to differentiate this aspect of ornithology from general birding.

Oceanographic factors that influence sea-birdsThe study of oceanic birds is best made with due attention to, and in consideration of, oceanographic factors such as, winds, currents, temperature differences in the sea and the seasonal upwelling of nutrients as well as the presence or absence of freshwater influx. In the Sri Lankan context, the two most important oceanic phenomena are the southwest monsoon (c. May–September), and northeast monsoon (c. November–March). Wind and current patterns change with each monsoon and these have their effects on marine life in general and seabirds in particular. A consequence of the southwest monsoon is upwelling of deep nutrient rich water off the west coast of Sri Lanka in May, with the intensity of upwelling increasing progressively off the western and southern coasts as the monsoon progresses. By July the upwelling increases greatly off these coasts, with some upwelling occurring off the south-eastern coast as well (Vinayachandran et al. 2004; Shree Ram & Rao 2005). This encourages blooms of plankton, which greatly increase oceanic productivity providing ample nourishment for seabirds and other predators. During the southwest monsoon, winds and ocean currents around Sri Lanka move in a predominantly easterly and north-easterly direction. It is likely that the greatly enriched oceanic productivity and favourable winds during May–September/October influence the high density of seabirds and also facilitate the seabird mass-migration.

The northeast monsoon period brings calm seas to the western and southern coasts. It is during this period that boat-based study is best carried out. Lesser Noddies Anous tenuirostris, Black Noddies A. minutus, flocks of Wilson’s Storm Petrels Oceanites oceanicus, and many other species are relatively common in November (see below).

The northeast monsoon period is a rather bleak one for shore-based observations of pelagics on the western and south-western coasts. Due to the prevailing calm weather, boat-based observations will reveal many species of shearwaters, petrels, boobies, and tropicbirds. These species may be observed only a few kilometers out at sea, however, the most visible birds are the various species of terns, which congregate around fishing boats in large numbers.

MethodologyComments on the observational methodology for the study of

oceanic birds, which follow, are based on my personal experience as observer of seabird Watch (sri Lanka) since 1981. I broadly categorise the observation of seabirds into two classes. They are (1) land-based observations, and (2) observations at sea. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. (1) Observing from land can be carried out either at sea level

or from an elevated site. The advantages of land-based observations include:The ability to carry out observations at almost any time, •including during monsoon storms where observations can be made in inclement weather when most small craft would not venture out to sea. As land-based observations can be carried out from either •sea level or an elevation it can be the more versatile method of the two. For example observing from sea level is best when it is required to monitor populations and movements of large numbers of birds between shoreline and horizon, as well as for point counts. This method is ideal, for instance, in observing the seabird mass-migration. However, it is sometimes necessary to observe from a height (cliff top or high rise building) for example, when watching birds such as Wilson’s Storm-petrels, etc., which stay very close to the surface, as these birds can often be hidden by the waves when observed from sea level.

When using either of the foregoing methods the seabird Watch (sri Lanka), whenever possible, uses a three-man team with one observer at a telescope, another using binoculars, and the third acting as timekeeper and recorder. These roles are rotated at intervals.The main disadvantages of land-based observation are: In general it requires the birds to come to the observer.

Birds flying at a distance, and small birds, cannot often •be viewed in detail. Birds flying beyond the horizon are obviously not visible.When observing from an elevation only a relatively small •elliptical patch of ocean, subtended by the field-of-view of the instrument, can be viewed at any one time and birds occurring outside this ellipse will not be seen.

(2) Observations from a boat can have advantages over land-based observations as outlined below.The observer can go out to where the birds are. Birds can be •observed beyond the horizon visible from land.In general birds can be observed from close up and can •therefore be studied in greater detail.

Nevertheless, there are several constraints when observing from a boat. These are outlined below.

Observing from a boat can be difficult or impossible in rough •weather. This restricts such observations from the western and southern coasts to the northeast monsoon period or to occasional, relatively calm days during the southwest monsoon. This is a great disadvantage in Sri Lanka as the

De Silva: Oceanic birds in Sri Lanka 59

major seabird activity, namely, the seabird mass-migration occurs during the height of the southwest monsoon when the seas are frequently rough, preventing small craft from venturing out to sea.In general, telescopes cannot be used as, even in a calm •sea, there is some motion in the vessel which makes it very difficult to hold a telescope steady on the targeted birds; hence, one has to rely mainly on binoculars. It might be argued that using a boat obviates the need for a telescope but actual observation refutes this, as birds sometimes prefer to keep at a distance from a boat.

Ideally, whenever possible, a combination of land and sea-based observation will provide the best results.

EquipmentEquipment considerations will vary somewhat between land and sea-based observing, but one common denominator is usage of good binoculars. For land-based studies binoculars of 10x–12x magnification are best. Whereas, for observing at sea binoculars producing 7mm exit pupils (e.g., 7x50, 9x60, etc.) will be advantageous as a large exit pupil will help to keep the subject in view in an unsteady boat. Of course stabilised binoculars will be even better if their high cost is not a constraint. “Zoom” binoculars generally provide relatively poor images and are best avoided.

When observing from land a good telescope is the sine qua non although hand held binoculars could supplement the telescope when birds are flying relatively close to shore. The ideal telescope should provide high resolution (preferably with diffraction-limited optics), high contrast, high throughput, and absence of gross optical aberrations. This would imply a good spotting-scope or (ideally) a small apochromat or semi-apochromat astronomical telescope with an erecting eyepiece. The telescope should always be used on a sturdy and vibration-free tripod. Also useful are sharp-cutoff optical filters (such as Y44, W12, etc.), and polarizers which, when attached to the telescope objective or eyepiece, can be of some use in penetrating haze. A GPS unit, and a sighting or orienteering compass are useful accessories, as are tally counters, maps, and hydrographic charts.

Finally a good field guide is an absolute necessity. Whereas general country and regional guides are useful, I have found Harrison (1983) to be of great use in identification of difficult species.

Comments on selected seabirdsWhite-headed Petrel Pterodroma lessonii. I observed this species on three occasions off the coast of Colombo in September 1990 (De Silva 1992). It is not clear if this was a single bird observed on three separate occasions or different birds. It is difficult to account for this species in tropical waters as it is a resident of sub-Antarctic and Antarctic waters and is seldom seen north of 30° south.Soft-plumaged Petrel P. mollis. I observed this species off the coast of Colombo on four occasions in September 1988 (De Silva 1989a). This species is also a resident of cool temperate and sub-Antarctic waters, and like the White-headed Petrel is seldom seen north of 30° south. As both this and the preceding species were observed in September (although in different years), I speculate, that in September conditions are conducive for these two species to enter the sub-polar low belt and then be carried by westerly high belt winds into the sub-tropical highs

and thence northwards to be picked up by southwest monsoon winds which could bring them to Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, I must emphasise that at present this is conjecture.

Barau’s Petrel P. baraui was first recorded from Sri Lanka by me in September 1991. Since then there have been a few more sightings of the species, mostly in September.

Flesh-footed Shearwater Puffinus carneipes leave their breeding grounds in south-western Australia in May to commence a post-breeding dispersal that takes them on an extensive migration northwards into the Indian Ocean. They return to their breeding grounds towards the latter part of the southwest monsoon when they fly southwards along the western coast of Sri Lanka and can be observed from land (De Silva & Perera 1994). Their distinctive form of dynamic soaring is an ornithologist’s delight.

Wedge-tailed Shearwater P. pacificus. This relatively common species can be seen frequently off the western coast during the southwest monsoon, although there are records at other times of the year, as well as from the eastern coast. In my opinion this and the Flesh-footed Shearwater compete for the title of the ‘commonest’ shearwater in Sri Lanka.

Audubon’s Shearwater P. lhermieneri. I first recorded it from Sri Lanka in 1982. I suggested that the bird seen by me probably belongs to the race bailloni. A further sighting of bailloni was made in October 2007 (Pepper & Hettige 2008). Recently there have been a few sightings in April from the north-western coast, of another sub-species P. l. persicus which is sometimes treated as a separate species, the Persian Shearwater P. persicus.

Streaked Shearwater Calonectris leucomelas. This is a rare species in Sri Lankan waters known from two specimens, and a very few sightings. The most recent sighting was of 25+ birds in April from deep water off Kalpitiya (08º17’N 79º35’E) (de Silva Wijeyratne 2010).

Jouanin’s Petrel Bulweria fallax was first recorded, based on a specimen, from Sri Lanka in 1978 (Kotagama 1979). Since then there have been several sightings of the species off the south-eastern and south-western coastal regions. A related species, Bulwer’s Petrel B. bulwerii is known from several sightings, mainly off the western coast of Sri Lanka.

Wilson’s Storm-petrel Oceanites oceanicus. After breeding in the Antarctic, Wilson’s Storm-petrels migrate and disperse widely, with many of the birds spending the southwest monsoon period in our coastal waters. The birds always keep about 2 km or more from land and, although rather plentiful, are very difficult to see from shore, as they are small dark birds that keep close to the

Fig. 1. Soft-plumaged Petrel Petrel mollis.

Benght D

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sea surface. Nevertheless, they are easily seen if one ventures a few kilometers out to sea in a boat. However, in November, at the beginning of the northeast monsoon when the sea is very calm, the birds approach close to the shore and can easily be observed using land-based methods, especially if the observation site is at an elevation.

Black-bellied Storm-petrel Fregetta tropica. There is a single sighting of this species from the western coast in October 2007 (Pepper & Hettige 2008).

Swinhoe’s Storm-petrel Oceandroma monorhis appears to be an occasional visitor to our coastal waters during the southwest monsoon. It is occasionally seen in the company of flocks of Wilson’s Storm-petrels.

Red-billed Tropicbird Phaethon aethereus. This is the commoner of the two species of tropicbirds visiting Sri Lanka. It is a regular visitor to the western and southern coasts during the southwest, and early part of the northeast monsoon. Nevertheless the species has not been seen off the western coast during the seabird migration.

White-tailed Tropicbird P. lepturus visits Sri Lanka during the southwest monsoon when they are seen occasionally. Sightings have also been made at other times of the year. The species has not been recorded during the seabird migration. It is less common than the preceding species.

Red-footed Booby sula sula. This is a visitor, in very small numbers, to our western and southern coasts. The seabird Watch (sri Lanka) has a few records of this species during the southwest monsoon, and I have sighted and been able to closely approach two specimens while diving off the western coast during December/January (northeast monsoon). While scuba diving off the western coast, I once saw a Red-footed Booby plunge in to a depth of c. 12 m to prey on a school of sardines (Amblygaster sp.).

Brown Booby s. leucogaster. This is probably the commonest

of our boobies and the Seabird Watch has many sightings of the species during the southwest monsoon. I have also observed the species on many occasions while on diving expeditions (De Silva 1995). Like other boobies this species feeds voraciously on flying fish (Cypselurus sp., Exocoetus sp., Hirundichthys sp., etc).

Masked Booby s. dactylatra. The Seabird Watch has not observed this species during the seabird mass-migration. There are, however, numerous sightings from both the western and eastern coasts.

Great- Fregata minor and Lesser- F. ariel Frigatebird. Great- and Lesser- Frigatebirds are occasional visitors to the Sri Lankan coast, mainly during the southwest monsoon. Both species are present as non-breeders in the Maldives (c. 600 km. east of Sri Lanka) and monsoon winds probably assist their passage to Sri Lanka.

A few records exist of the Christmas Frigatebird F. andrewsi being sighted on our western coast during the southwest monsoon. Nevertheless the same winds, which assist their congeners from the Maldives to our coast, would severely hinder the Christmas Island species from travelling c. 3,600 km against the strong head- and cross- winds which it would encounter on its journey from Christmas Island to Sri Lanka. Hence, I suspect that most records of this species from our western coast are misidentifications of the Greater- and Lesser- Frigatebirds (De Silva 2011).

Brown Skua Catharacta (antarctica) lonnbergi. Brown Skuas are regular visitors to Sri Lanka’s western coastal waters during the southwest monsoon (De Silva 1989b, 2003). This species, which is a visitor from the Southern Ocean, is particularly common when the seabird migration is at its peak. Skuas, being kleptoparasites, chase migrating Bridled Terns sterna anaethetus and other seabirds forcing them to relinquish their catch. They will often grab a tern’s wing, thereby unbalancing and, forcing it to drop its catch, which is then picked off the sea surface by

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Fig. 2. Flesh-footed Shearwater Puffinus carneipes, and juvenile Masked Booby sula dactylatra, September 2010.

Indian BIRDS Vol. 7 No. 3 (Publ. 21 October 2011)60

the skua. I showed (De Silva 1994) that Brown Skuas occurring in Sri Lanka (and the northern Indian Ocean) originate from New Zealand and the sub-polar islands of Amsterdam, Crozet, Heard, Prince Edward, etc. The Brown Skua, and its congener the South Polar Skua C. maccormicki regularly visit Sri Lankan waters in small numbers (De Silva 1989; Simpson & De Silva 1990) although they appear to be grossly under-observed by Sri Lankan ornithologists.

Pomarine Jaeger stercorarius pomarinus is another kleptoparasite that visits the western coast of Sri Lanka during the southwest monsoon (De Silva 1986). Unlike the Brown Skua, the Pomarine comes to Sri Lanka from the far north. It too parasitizes migrating seabirds but unlike its congener, the larger and less maneuverable Brown Skua, on forcing a tern to relinquish its catch, the more agile Pomarine will often seize the falling prey in midair. Pomarine Jaegers breed in the far north during summer (which coincides with the southwest monsoon in the tropics). However there is a presence of the species in the Indian Ocean throughout the year (Harrison 1983). It is possibly these individuals that are seen during the seabird migration. The birds are probably more visible during this period as they concentrate along the migratory route in order to prey on terns. I suspect that during the northeast monsoon they disperse widely since food is not easily obtainable, hence, they are not seen as frequently. (A note on identification: Pomarine Jaegers are best identified by the elongated, twisted spoon-shaped middle tail streamers. Unfortunately many of the birds seen in Sri Lanka have their “spoons” broken off.)

Brown Noddy Anous stolidus. This is the commonest of our noddies. It is primarily a pelagic species, which is moderately abundant during the southwest monsoon. The birds are often forced close to land, by storms and squalls, when they can be observed from shore. Brown Noddies occur in the entire Bay of Bengal and also the Indonesian region. However, as most sightings are during the southwest monsoon, I suspect that our birds arrive wind-assisted from the Maldive Islands.

Black Noddy A. minutus. The Black Noddy (De Silva 1992) is probably more common than records suggest. The birds are commonest during the early part of the northeast monsoon, but there are also a few sightings during the southwest monsoon.

Juvenile Lesser Noddies are sometimes confused with this species (see below). Black Noddies are species of the tropical Atlantic- and Pacific- Oceans. The closest populations to Sri Lanka occur in the area around the Philippine Islands. As the first sighting was in November, I speculate that it could be a bird from the Philippine population, which was assisted in its passage to Sri Lanka by northeast monsoon winds.

Lesser Noddy A. tenuirostris. The Lesser Noddy was first recorded from Sri Lanka in November 1978 (De Silva 1979, 1998). There have been many sightings of the species subsequently. There has been some confusion in Sri Lanka regarding this species as some juvenile Lesser Noddies have dark lores, which are sharply demarcated from the white cap. This has, on occasion, misled some birders into erroneously identifying the birds as ‘Black Noddies.’ However, there is really no cause for confusion as on close inspection it may be seen that the lores, while dark, are lighter than those of the Black Noddies enabling one to clearly see the black triangular markings in front of and behind the eyes, which are characteristic of these variant juvenile Lesser Noddies, but are not visible in the Black Noddy (De Silva 1998). Lesser Noddies breed in the Maldives from where the birds seen in Sri Lanka probably come.

Bridled Tern sterna anaethetus. The exact status of this species in Sri Lanka is enigmatic. Henry (1955) considered it to be a winter visitor. I consider it to be primarily a passage migrant (De Silva 1990) and there is some evidence that the species may breed in small numbers on islets off the north-western coast. Perhaps it is all of these: winter visitor, passage migrant, and occasional breeder. The Bridled Tern is the main component of the southward mass migration of seabirds, which takes place each year off the western coast of Sri Lanka during the southwest monsoon. The birds migrate over a broad front parallel to the coastline. When migrating they usually fly at low altitude and in stormy weather may actually fly in the troughs between waves. In the early stages of migration the birds are mostly adults but, as the migration intensifies, the number of juveniles progressively increases. (De Silva 1987, 2003). I devised a simple method for estimating the flight-speeds of migrating Bridled Terns and found these to vary between 13 and 26 kmph with a mean of

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Fig. 3. Bridled Tern sterna anaethetus, April 2011.

De Silva: Oceanic birds in Sri Lanka 61

approximately 19 kmph. These figures are tentative and should be confirmed or modified in the light of new studies. It is estimated that in peak years as many as 400,000 Bridled Terns fly within sight of land during daytime. It is important to note that recent taxonomic revisions have assigned the dark brown-backed terns to the genus Onychoprion. Hence the Bridled Tern now becomes Onychoprion anaethetus (Australian Government 2011; Gill & Wright 2008), and the birds visiting the western Indian Ocean, India, and Sri Lanka are reassigned to the sub-species O. a. fuligula (Australian Government 2011).

In addition to Bridled Terns other species also participate in smaller numbers in the seabird migration. Hence, during my thirteen-year study of the phenomenon, in addition to the normal methods of identification, I used a simple technique for rapid recognition of Bridled Terns. In still air, and mild breezes, Bridled Terns flap their wings twice per second. Among Sri Lankan terns, this wing-beat frequency is unique to Bridled Terns; hence, I used this as a supplementary guide to identification. After some practice, it becomes a rather effective technique for separating Bridled Terns from their congeners, especially in difficult conditions. However a caveat; it is only useful in poor light if the birds are within 300 m from the observer. In conditions of good visibility the technique can be extended to identify Bridled Terns flying up to a kilometer or so away. The technique is, of course, not infallible and is totally ineffective in strong winds when Bridled, Sooty, and other terns tend to glide.

Sooty Terns s. fuscata. Sooty Terns form a small proportion of the seabird migration being largely outnumbered by Bridled Terns. Sooty-, and Bridled- Terns often fly together in mixed flocks. Whereas the juveniles of both species are distinctive and easily separated in the field, in less-than-ideal conditions, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate the adults of the two species from each other. In some years many Sooty Terns are found dead inland. The reason for this mortality remains a mystery. As already mentioned the dark brown-backed terns are now assigned to the genus Onychoprion hence, the Sooty Tern becomes O. fuscata (Australian Government 2011; Gill & Wright 2008).

A mass-migration of marine species? It is interesting to note that concurrent with the seabird migration, I also observed, during the southwest monsoon, what appears to be, a southward movement of scalloped hammerhead sharks sphyrna lewini, and also a possible southward migration of humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae (De Silva 2000). Whether this indicates that a mass-migration of several groups of marine animals including sharks, seabirds, whales, and possibly other species, occurs during the southwest monsoon, I leave for other researchers to determine.

Concluding remarksDespite an increased interest in seabirds in recent years, Sri Lanka’s marine avifauna continues to be under-observed. A majority of observations are from the southern and south-western coastal waters, hence, there is great need for more information from the eastern and northern seas. There is wide scope for more intensive studies of pelagic species and the oceanographic factors that influence them. Many questions remain unanswered about seabird migration; e.g., what is the ultimate destination of the migrating terns, and what return route do they use? What factors influence birds from the south temperate- and sub-polar- regions

to visit Sri Lanka? Properly equipped and prepared observers can seek answers to some of these mysteries and add greatly to the knowledge of our marine avifauna.

AcknowledgementsI thank Prof. S. W. Kotagama for commenting on the manuscript. Many thanks to Benght Danielsson for his image of a Soft-plumaged Petrel. Finally I thank the Guest-Editor of Indian BIrds for inviting me to write this paper.

ReferencesAustralian Government. 2011. Onychoprion anaethetus. Biodiversity Spe-

cies Profile and threats database. http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.

pl?taxon_id=814#names (Accessed 5 August 2011).De Silva, R. I., 1979. A new addition to the sea-birds of Sri Lanka [Anous

tenuirostris worcesteri (McGregor)]. Loris 15 (1): 28–29.De Silva, R. I., 1986. A short note on the Pomarine Skua (stercorarius

pomarinus). Loris 17 (4): 174–175.De Silva, R., 1987. Observations on the mass migration of Bridled Tern

sterna anaethetus off Colombo. Ibis 129 (1): 88–92.De Silva, R. I., 1989a. Seabird notes from Sri Lanka 1988. sea swallow

38: 61–62.De Silva, R. I., 1989b. Identity of Skuas Catharacta in Sri Lanka. Cormo-

rant 17 (1&2): 79–81.De Silva, R. I., 1990. The seabirds of Sri Lanka (an annotated check-list).

Ceylon J. sci. (Biol. sci.) 21 (1): 28–33.De Silva, R.I., 1992. Recent sightings of new species from Sri Lanka. Mal-

koha. (Unnumbered): 4De Silva, R.I., 1992. First sight record of a Black Noddy Anous minutus

from Sri Lanka. Loris 19 (5): 175–176.De Silva, R.I., 1994. Identity of the Home Ranges of Brown Skuas Cathar-

acta antarctica lonnbergi (AVEs sTErCOrArIIdAE) collected in the Northern Indian Ocean. Cey. J. sci. (Biol sci) 23 (1): 52-55.

De Silva, R. I., 1995. A short note on the Brown Booby sula leucogaster plotus in Sri Lanka. Loris 20 (4):192-193

De Silva, R. I., 1998. The Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris – after 20 years. Ibid. 21 (6):232-237

De Silva, R. I., 2000. Notes on a possible mass-migration of marine spe-cies off the West Co[a]st of Sri Lanka. Ibid. 22 (4):39-47

De Silva, R. I., 2003. The mass migration of Bridled Terns (sterna anaethe-tus) off the coast of Sri Lanka 1981-1994. Ibid. 23 (3&4):25-31

De Silva, R. I., 2011. Comments on Sri Lanka’s Marine Avifauna with a note on observing the seabird migration. sathsamudra. 1: 6–10.

De Silva, R. I., & Perera, L., 1994. Shearwater migration off the coast of Sri Lanka. Loris 20 (3): 97–100.

de Silva Wijeyratne, G., 2010. Off to see seabirds, sunday Times Plus. May 16, 2010. p. 6.

Gill, F. & Wright, M., 2008. IOC English names of Birds Project (Version 1.1). http://www.worldbirdnames.org/n-shorebirds.html (Accessed 5 August 2011)

Harrison, P., 1983. seabirds: an identification guide. 1st ed. London & Wellington: Croom Helm Limited & A.H. and A.W. Reed Ltd.

Henry, G. M., 1955. A guide to the birds of Ceylon. 1st ed. London: Ox-ford University Press.

Kotagama, S. W., 1980. A further addition to the seabirds of Sri Lanka Bulweria fallax. Loris 15: 171.

Pepper, T., & Hettige, U., 2008. A first record of Black-bellied Storm-petrel Fregetta tropica in Sri Lankan waters. BirdingAsIA 10: 92.

Shree Ram, P. and Rao, L.V.G., 2005. Upwelling features near Sri Lanka in the Bay of Bengal. Proc. Natl. sym. HACPO. Andhra Univ. Pub. 30-33.

Simpson, M. N., & De Silva, R. I., 1990. Seabirds observed around Co-lombo, Sri Lanka. sea swallow 39: 65–67.

Vinayachandran, P. N., Chauhan., P., Mohan, M., & Nayak, S., 2004. Bio-logical response of the sea around Sri Lanka to summer monsoon. Geophysical research Letters. 31: 4 pps.

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Having been brought up and lived most of my life within a few kilometres of the coast in England, my time living in Delhi and Bangalore has been disappointingly devoid of

coastal or pelagic birding! It was with much excitement therefore that I joined the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) camp in Lakshadweep in February 2008. Whilst this was not particularly a birding visit, instead concentrating on the rich marine life of the archipelago through a combination of snorkelling and diving, I was particularly keen to visit the spectacular tern breeding colonies (Pande et al. 2007) and to see whether I could find any interesting pelagic species on the long ship journey across the Laccadive Sea from Kochi, Kerala.

As it was, we were unlucky with strong winds making the ship ride, aboard the MV Amindivi, very unpleasant for most people on board, and the weather played havoc with our schedule when we finally got there. It was not possible to visit Pitti Island (the main nesting colony), we were delayed for three days on the return journey, and we were unable to do much snorkelling or scuba-diving when there, because of the choppy seas.

In seven days based on Kavaratti Island I recorded just 18 species in total. Long periods of sea-watching from the island with a telescope produced very few birds except for a few distant, and usually unidentifiable, terns and noddies. The ship journeys there and back took a total of 59 hours and, considering I spent virtually all of the 35 daylight hours actively watching for birds, there wasn’t much to see. My effort did at least produce a couple of notable sightings including Jouanin’s Petrel Bulweria fallax and several Pomarine Jaegers stercorarius pomarinus.

Species notesThe full species list from Lakshadweep (plus some records from offshore Kerala waters just outside Kochi itself and from the ship in Kochi harbour) is below. Lakshadweep records are from Kavaratti unless otherwise indicated. Species indicated with an asterisk were recorded from Lakshadweep. Harrison (1985), Rasmussen & Anderton (2005), and Svensson et al. (1999) were all referred for identification aid.

All observations were made between departure from Kochi on 5 February 2008 and return there on 13 February 2008. Lakshadweep observations were between 6 February 2008 and 12 February 2008, both dates inclusive.

Jouanin’s Petrel Bulweria fallax * One possible was seen not far from Bangaram Island on the outbound journey on 6 February 2008 and another very worn bird was photographed between Kavaratti and Agatti on the return journey on 12 February 2008 (Fig. 1). Whilst Bulwer’s Petrel B. bulwerii was not completely ruled out, this bird had a shorter tail and was a bit bulkier than I would expect Bulwer’s to be (not having seen either species before),

and the pale upperwing band I believe was not as obvious. The photographed bird was clearly in mid moult: the outer two primaries were old whilst the inners were new, and the tail and secondaries were also in the process of being replaced.

Rasmussen & Anderton (2005) consider Jouanin’s Petrel to be a “regular visitor off W[est] coast”, although there are very few confirmed records from the mainland. Lainer (2004) quotes just one record despite “regular seabird watches”, although this was of a passage of 342 birds in just 90 minutes in September 2001. There is just one record from Kerala, of a storm-blown bird found exhausted at Marari beach in July 2009 and presumed this species (Sashikumar et al. 2011). It seems likely that regular observations from the coast, or offshore, should produce more sightings.Western Reef-Egret Egretta gularis Up to 100, in both light and

dark plumage morphs, seen at Kochi.Grey Heron Ardea cinerea * One seen flying over Kavaratti.Indian Pond-Heron Ardeola grayii * Two seen on 7 February

2008.Osprey Pandion haliaetus Two in Kochi harbour on 13 February

2008.Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus * Two seen briefly at the

southern end of Kavaratti on 10 February 2008.Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus * One on 8 February

2008.Greater Sand Plover C. leschenaultii * Two sand plovers only

seen distantly on 8 February 2008 were thought to be this species.

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus * One or two on two dates.Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia * One on 8 February

2008.Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos * Up to six daily.

some observations from Lakshadweep and the Laccadive sea off KeralaMike Prince

Prince, M., 2011. Some Observations from Lakshadweep and the Laccadive Sea off Kerala. Indian BIrds 7 (3): 63–65.Mike Prince, GA Regency Alandon, 2 Ware Road, Frazer Town, Bangalore 560005, Karnataka, India. Email: mike@bubo.org

Fig. 4. Jouanin’s Petrel Bulweria fallax, February 2008.

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Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres * Up to eight on 7 February 2008 and 8 February 2008.

Pomarine Jaeger stercorarius pomarinus Some very good views of skuas were had within three hours from Kochi on both journeys. More than 50% of the birds seen were identified as Pomarine, and most of the unidentified birds were probably also this species. I confirmed at least 17 on the outbound journey and 29 on the return (Fig 2 & 3).

Birds were seen in a variety of immature and non-breeding plumages, whilst several adults had developed the diagnostic “spoons”, or elongated, spoon-shaped, central tail feathers. Several birds were in active primary moult. Otherwise identification was based primarily on structure, with birds appearing relatively heavy-bodied and with long and broad “arms”, and with a generally powerful and direct flight lacking the more buoyant movement shown frequently by Parasitic Jaeger s. parasiticus. Due to the age and plumage variation I found plumage features themselves not so useful for identification; on most birds the pale-based under primary coverts were not very obvious, so the oft-quoted double white patch as an identification feature was rarely clear. Instead most showed extensively white bases to the primaries and inner secondaries. The vast majority were light morphs, or light/intermediate immatures, with just one or two dark morphs seen. More photographs are available for viewing online (Prince 2011).

The majority of sightings were within a few kilometres of the fishing fleet from Kochi, with birds undoubtedly attracted by the feeding flocks of terns that were congregating there. Birds were seen between about 3 km and 30 km from the coast. Although Sashikumar et al. (2011) list just three other sightings from Kerala it should be presumed that Pomarine Jaegers are regular winter visitors in good numbers, and more frequent watches from land should produce further sightings.Parasitic Jaeger s. parasiticus One adult was seen on the return

journey on 13 February 2008 about 10 km from Kochi, and a very pale immature that was concluded, based on field impression as well as responses to photographs taken, to be probably this species (Fig. 4).

The adult was just seen briefly, although the long, pointed central tail feathers were clearly seen. The immature bird was suspected to be Parasitic on structure: it appeared slimmer and lighter-bodied with a slightly finer bill, thinner-based wings and generally less powerful “jizz.” The head and underparts were strikingly pale with just an ill-defined upper breast band/neck collar. There was a little broad barring on the axillaries but a

total lack of barring on upper- and under-tail coverts. Whilst the whiteness and coldness of the head and underparts can suggest Long-tailed Jaeger s. longicaudus, the under-tail coverts would be expected to show some barring, even taking into account the possible effect of bleaching under the tropical sun. There is no hint of a darker trailing edge to the upperwing, as shown by adult (at least) Long-tailed. Also field views suggested Parasitic or Pomarine based on structure and flight, whereas Long-tailed’s lighter flight could have expected to be more obvious. Olsen & Larsen (1997) note the, “tendency for dark bars on underwing and undertail coverts to disappear on very pale Arctic Skuas” which could well be the case for this individual.

Opinion was sought on the identity of this bird via a posting on the Oriental Birding email discussion group, and responses received favoured all three potential species! This really indicates the difficulty of identifying jaegers, immature in particular, based on photos alone and without the benefit of field views. On reflection and taking into account received comments I feel it is most likely a Parasitic Jaeger, probably a 2nd winter bird, and at the extreme pale end of plumage variation.

Interestingly whilst Sashikumar et al. (2011) lists no other records of this species, Praveen et al. (2011 see this issue) recorded several during the pelagic surveys off the Kannur coast, further north in Kerala. Madsen (1988), in his observations from northern Karnataka between September and December, recorded 50 jaegers in total; although most of his observations were unidentified, “all appeared to be Arctic Skuas [Parasitic Jaegers]”. It seems unlikely that the relatively short geographical distance between these and my observations could be a factor in the different occurrence of the two species. The timings of the sightings could suggest that Parasitic is seen more regularly on passage whilst Pomarine is more regular as a wintering species, but further observations would be required to test this hypothesis. Unidentified jaeger sp. Nine on the outbound journey and 30

on the return. These were mostly more distant birds: on very few of the better seen birds did I have reasons to suspect that they may not have been Pomarine.

Heuglin’s Gull Larus heuglini A few near Kochi. About five large white-headed gulls seen near Kochi were probably “Steppe Gull” L. (heuglini) barabensis (taxonomy dependent).

There are few confirmed records of this form from Kerala (Sashikumar et al. 2011), probably due to a combination of taxonomic and identification confusion. Rasmussen & Anderton (2005) consider barabensis to be “common in winter from

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Fig. 2. An adult Pomarine Jaeger Stercorarius pomarinus, February 2008. Fig. 4. Probable Parasitic Jaeger stercorarius parasiticus, February 2008.

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Pakistan to at least Goa” although Lainer (2004) treats all “large white-headed gulls” as Herring Gull L. argentatus, a taxonomic view now more generally disregarded. At Purathur estuary in Malappuram district, Kerala, on 26 November 2009, there were approximately 1500 large gulls of which 70% were considered to be barabensis, and 30% heuglini (pers. obs.).Pallas’s Gull L. ichthyaetus One outbound and about five on the

return, all near Kochi.Brown-headed Gull L. brunnicephalus A few near Kochi.Black-headed Gull L. ridibundus Many near Kochi.Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica One in Kochi on the

outbound journey, and two on the return.Lesser Crested Tern Thalasseus bengalensis * About 150 near

Kochi on the outbound journey and 300 during the return; seen on a few occasions in Lakshadweep, with no more than 20 per day.

Great Crested Tern T. bergii * One near Kochi on the outbound journey and four on the return; seen on a few occasions in Lakshadweep, with no more than 15 per day.

Common Tern sterna hirundo About 30 were seen approaching Kochi on the return journey.

Little Tern s. albifrons About 100 seen at Kochi, not well enough to differentiate conclusively from Saunders’s Tern s. saundersi.

Bridled Tern s. anaethetus* Just one bird seen briefly between Kavaratti and Agatti in a small feeding flock containing Sooty and other terns.

This species is not present in large numbers like Sooty Tern s. fuscata (just about 20 birds seen in March 2006 as opposed to more than 15,000 Sooty; Pande et al. 2007) so it is not surprising that I did not record more. Noting more recent records from the pelagic surveys (Praveen et al. 2011 see this issue), and its known mass migration south in late summer (De Silva 1987), suggests that few would be present at this time of year anyway.Sooty Tern s. fuscata* Just two seen between Agatti and Kavaratti

on the outbound journey and about ten on the return.Sooty Tern is a very common breeder on some islands within

the Lakshadweep archipelago (Pande et al. 2007). At this time of year birds would have been present at the breeding colonies, so it is somewhat surprising that I did not manage to record more, with the main breeding colony on Pitti Island just 24 km from Kavaratti.Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus About 40 at Kochi.Brown Noddy Anous stolidus* On the outbound journey seen

between Bangaram, Agatti and Kavaratti: about 800 in total including a feeding flock of 300; on the return journey about 150 seen. Just one sighting of 60 from Kavaratti itself (Fig. 5).

This species is a common breeder according to Pande et al. (2007) so my sightings within the archipelago were to be expected. Unidentified tern sterna sp.* From Kavaratti about 300

presumably Lesser or Large Crested were seen on one day, otherwise about 50 seen around the islands and a similar number approaching Kochi.

Blue Rock Pigeon Columba livia* A small flock of feral birds seen regularly.

Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea* Fairly common on Kavaratti. Interestingly crows Corvus sp. are apparently recent colonisers, and some islands have koels but no crows (Deepak Apte pers. comm.), so if this is true one wonders what species they parasitise?

Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis* Not seen by me, but one was seen by another observer at Agatti airport.

Unidentified swift Apus sp.* One seen battling against the strong winds and blown further out to sea on 8 February 2008 was probably a House Swift A. affinis.

Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus* Fairly common and the only small passerine recorded.

House Crow C. splendens * Up to 13 seen on Kavaratti.

AcknowledgementsIt was an enjoyable trip despite the setbacks and thanks go to my fel-low participants (who found my birding antics quite amusing considering the almost complete lack of birds most of the time) and to BNHS for their organisation, in particular to Dr. Deepak Apte and Isaac Kehimkar for their guidance and companionship on the trip. Thanks also to the several people who responded via email to discuss identification of the problematic pale jaeger.

ReferencesDe Silva, R., 1987. Observations on the mass migration of Bridled Tern

Sterna anaethetus off Colombo. Ibis 129 (1): 88–92.Harrison, P., 1985. seabirds: an identification guide. revised ed. London:

Christopher Helm.Lainer, H., 2004. Birds of Goa. A reference book. Mapusa, Goa: The Goa

Foundation.Madsen, S. T., 1990. Skuas Stercorarius sp. on the west coast. Journal of

the Bombay Natural History Society 87 (2): 297.Olsen, K. M., & Larsson, H., 1997. Skuas and Jaegers. A Guide to the Skuas

and Jaegers of the World. Mountfield: Pica Press.Prince, M., 2011. Skuas (Jaegers) off Kochi, Kerala; February 2008. http://

www.flickr.com/photos/mikeprince/sets/72157626762977993/ (Accessed 20 July 2011).

Rasmussen, P. C., & Anderton, J. C., 2005. Birds of South Asia: the Ripley guide: field guide. 2 vols. 1st ed. Washington, D.C. and Barcelona: Smithsonian Institution and Lynx Edicions.

Sashikumar, C., Praveen J., Palot, M. J., & Nameer, P. O., 2011. Birds of Kerala: status and distribution. 1st ed. Kottayam, Kerala: DC Books.

Pande, S., Sant, N. R., Ranade, S. D., Pednekar, S. N., Mestry, P. G., Kharat, S. S., & Deshmukh, V., 2007. An ornithological expedition to the Lak-shadweep archipelago: Assessment of threats to pelagic and other birds and recommendations. Indian Birds 3 (1): 2–12.

Svensson, L., Mullarney, K., & Zetterström, D., 1999. Collins bird guide. London: Harper Collins.

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Fig. 5. Brown Noddy Anous stolidus, February 2008.

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Date Timings Start PointNo of

ObserversDistance from the coastline

Direction

18 September 2010 0800–1600 hrs Azheekal 16 5–15 km SW19 September 2010 0600–1500 hrs Azheekal 18 15–30 km NW

3 April 2011 0800–1600 hrs Chombala 6 5–10 km NW4 April 2011 0700–1730 hrs Azheekal 15 20–40 km SW5 April 2011 0700–1600 hrs Azheekal 10 20–40 km NW28 May 2011 0915–1600 hrs Azheekal 5 15–45 km NW29 May 2011 0600–1430 hrs Azheekal 4 10–35 km SW

Offshore trips from the western coast of India have been few and hence our knowledge about the birds of our seas is limited. KeralaBirder and Malabar Natural History Society

(MNHS) jointly organised three offshore expeditions during 2010-2011 off the coasts of Malabar, from Azheekal, Kannur district (11º56’59”N, 75º18’58”E) and Chombala, Vatakara, Kozhikode district (11º33’98”N, 75º35’35”E) in northern Kerala (Table 1). Except for one (Chombala Harbour), all the surveys were initiated at Azheekkal estuary, where the two major rivers, Kuppam, and Valapattanam, empty into the sea. This is also a major fish landing centre in north Kerala. The continental shelf in this area

extends c. 80 km (45 nautical miles) (Courtesy: Google Earth); our observations were not in the deep sea, and hence, this was not strictly a pelagic survey (Bailey 1968). A total distance of approximately 75 km along the coastline was covered during the surveys covering the offshore of Vatakara, Kozhikode district in the south to the coast of Kanhangad in Kasaragod district in the north (Fig. 1).

About 32 birdwatchers from Kerala and Karnataka participated in these surveys and this large number of observers in the boat ensured at least two people on the lookout always, even during the hottest parts of the day. Birds were observed using binoculars

or with the naked eye; though spotting scopes were rendered useless on the boat, at least two photographers were always quick to pounce and snap most of the birds. If the birds were floating in the sea, the engines of our boat were switched off and it was navigated slowly near the birds in a wide circle that allowed closer observation and images. Birds were identified using Harrison (1985, 1996), Grimmett et

al. (1998), Kumar et al. (2005), and Rasmussen & Anderton (2005). Identifications were later compared and confirmed from the photographs taken.

Significant sightingsFlesh-footed Shearwater Puffinus carneipes: Considered a scarce but regular summer visitor to the Arabian Sea between March and October (Rasmussen & Anderton 2005); but till date only one wind-blown specimen has been collected on the Malabar coast (Palot 2008). We found it to be exceedingly common in September, and fairly common in May. The bird was however absent during April. In September, birds were following shoals of mackerel rastrelliger sp. in loose flocks even within 10 km of the coast. A raft of 75 birds (Fig. 2) seen on 18 September 2010 is probably the second largest congregation observed on the Arabian Sea (De Silva & Perera 1994; Van Den Beg et al. 1991). It is of interest that fishermen call this bird ‘Ayila Kakka,’ meaning “mackerel-crow” in Malayalam.

significant pelagic bird sightings from off-shore waters of the Malabar coast, southern IndiaPraveen J., Dipu Karuthedathu, Muhamed Jafer Palot, Mike Prince & Sathyan Meppayur

Praveen J., Karuthedathu, D., Palot, M. J., Prince, M., & Meppayur, S., 2011. Significant pelagic bird sightings from off-shore waters of the Malabar coast, southern India.Indian BIrds 7 (3): 66–69.

Praveen J, B303, Shriram Spurthi, ITPL Main Road, Brookefields, Bangalore 560037 Email:paintedstork@gmail.comDipu Karuthedathu, #301, Jaya Emerald, Maruthinagar, Bangalore 560075, Karnataka. Email:dipu_k@yahoo.comMuhamed Jafer Palot, Zoological Survey of India, Western Ghat Regional Centre, Kozhikode 673006 Email:palot.zsi@gmail.comMike Prince, GA Regency Alandon, 2 Ware Road, Frazer Town, Bangalore 560005 Email:mike@bubo.orgSathyan Meppayur, Malabar Natural History Society, Susheela Mandir, B.G. Road, Nadakkavu Post, Kozhikode 673011.

Email:satyanmpr@gmail.com

Table 1. Details of Offshore Trips

Fig. 1. Map of pelagic expedition.

Indian BIRDS Vol. 7 No. 3 (Publ. 21 October 2011)66

Wedge-tailed Shearwater P. pacificus: This is a new record for Kerala (Sashikumar et al. 2011), but has been reported sporadically from the eastern Arabian Sea (Rasmussen & Anderton 2005). Our observations indicate that this bird could be easily overlooked as Flesh-footed Shearwater in the sea and could escape detection. One of the shearwaters photographed on 28 May 2011 was identified later as this species – the thinner beak, less contrast of the black tip on the otherwise paler grey beak, slightly elongated head and the longer tail that projects beyond the wings at rest are field marks which separate the species from its congener (Fig. 3). Wings are apparently held well-forward in bow-shape but this feature is tricky in the field, presumably dependent on wind conditions, and hence should be used with caution. From a good view of the underside in flight, the legs fall short of tail tip. This single bird was seen approximately 30 km from the coast in a mixed fishing flock comprising two Flesh-footed Shearwaters, a Wilson’s Storm-petrel Oceanites oceanicus, and several Bridled- sterna anaethetus and Sooty- s. fuscata Terns.Persian Shearwater P. persicus: About 40 birds seen on two days in April (4-5 April 2011) including a flock of 23 floating on the sea, which is perhaps the largest congregation recorded from the western coast of India (Fig. 4). Seperation of this species from Audubon’s Shearwater P. Iherminieri, with which it has been lumped for long, is complicated; however the presence of dark axillaries separates it from the latter. The birds were mainly seen near the trawlers, feeding on the leftovers along with Bridled- and Common- s. hirundo Terns. Their feeding method was similar to dabbling ducks - immersing their head in the water for few seconds and picking up the fish while swimming leisurely. While feeding, the wings were frequently held open for maintaining the

balance. Ours is the second record of this species from Kerala, the first being more than a century ago (Ferguson & Bourdillon 1903-1904). The birds might have been on spring passage from the warmer equatorial waters to their breeding islands near the Arabian, and Makran coasts. Local fishermen call this bird ‘Matthi Kakka,’ meaning “sardine-crow” in Malayalam. Wilson’s Storm-petrel Oceanites oceanicus: Generally considered a spring to fall visitor off the western coast of India, and a common “pelagic, but less often inshore” (Rasmussen & Anderton 2005). However, there have been just two previous reports from the coasts of Kerala, in 1957 (Philips 1957), and 1987 (Sashikumar et al. 2011). During this survey, two sightings of single birds in flight were noted on 28 May 2011 and on both occasions the clear white rump and lack of white in the under parts were clearly seen. On a close view, it was possible to note the extension of the toes beyond the tail. The first sighting was a lone bird at a distance of 20 km from the coast while the second sighting was among a mixed fishing flock of birds comprising of numerous Bridled- and Sooty- Terns, and Wedge-tailed- and Flesh-footed- Shearwaters c. 30 km from the coast (Fig. 5). Both birds were flying in an erratic manner, flying close to the waves, and resembled a House Swift Apus affinis. It has been noted previously that this species is present in large numbers during some years, and totally missing in others from the coasts of southern India (Philips 1957).Masked Booby sula dactylatra: Three sightings during September, and none recorded during April–May. One of the birds was a juvenile which looked not unlike an adult Brown Booby s. leucogaster but could be told apart by the white

Fig. 2. Flesh-footed Shearwater Puffinus carneipes, September 2010.

Fig. 3. Wedge-tailed Shearwater Puffinus pacificus, May 2011. Fig. 5. Wilson’s Storm-petrel Oceanites oceanicus, May 2011.

Fig. 4. Persian Shearwater Puffinus persicus, April 2011.

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collar and upper breast which does not meet the brown of the back and upper-wing. Another bird was an older immature with brown speckling on its head, neck and forewing was seen on both outings in September. All the birds were seen alongside swimming group of gulls Larus sp. It is regularly wind-blown onshore, every monsoon (Sashikumar et al. 2011).Parasitic Jaeger stercorarius parasiticus: Considered a vagrant to the western coast of India by Rasmussen & Anderton (2005); with just two sightings off the Kerala coast from the Lakshadweep Sea (Prince 2008). Its congener and potentially confusable Pomarine Jaeger s. pomarinus has been observed more frequently (Sashikumar et al. 2011). During these trips, several jaegers were observed on all days during September (Fig. 6) and April and all birds which were positively identified were of this species. The birds were seen pirating food from Common- and Crested- Terns Thalasseus sp. Some of the chases lasted up to a minute, and occasionally two jaegers ganged up on a single tern. Interestingly, Bridled Terns were never chased, though they were present in good numbers at the same locations – much in contrast to prior observations (De Silva 1987). It is surprising that these offshore trips failed to record Pomarine Jaeger. Bridled Tern sterna anaethetus: Though there is a reported mass-migration along the western coast of India and Sri Lanka (Rasmussen & Anderton 2005; De Silva 1987), there have been only three records of this bird from the Kerala coast; two were wind-blown recoveries, way back in 1978 and 1979, while the third was a sighting in 1987 (Sashikumar et al. 2011). This is one species which was recorded on all days of the pelagic survey and must rank as one of the commonest bird species of our offshore waters. On 19 September 2010, at least 100 birds were recorded flying south, singly or in small loose flocks, all of them between 15-30 km from the coast, indicating a distinct south-bound migration. A massive 500 strong fishing flock was recorded on 5 April 2011. The birds were seen in groups of 30-100 scattered in an area of approximately 1 km2 and were actively feeding, fluttering over the water, and diving to the surface to pick up fish. It regularly followed fishing trawlers and congregated near the by-catch which was thrown away by the vessels. Areas with good

number of Bridled Terns always had associated pelagic birds like skuas and shearwaters. Our sightings also included several birds in juvenile and transitional plumages.Sooty Tern s. fuscata: Though this tern is reported wind-blown more often than the previous one, there has been a general paucity in sightings during these offshore trips. Two juveniles and two adults were recorded on 28 May 2011 and about 70 birds, including one dead bird floating in the sea, were recorded on 29 May 2011. Confusion with the previous species exists for birds seen far from the boat.

In summary, three gull species and eight tern species were recorded during these surveys (Table 2). Numerous Common Terns seen possibly include two subspecies. One bird photographed in September was in breeding plumage and sported a full black cap, long black bill and legs indicating the race longipennis (Fig. 7). A flock of birds photographed in April had dark wash on their under-parts, black beak and reddish legs (Fig. 8) indicating possible minussensis. Most of the Crested Terns Thalasseus sp. seen far out at sea were Great Crested Terns T. bergii. Lesser Crested Terns T. bengalensis were seen closer to the coast.

Besides birds, movements of butterflies such as crimson rose Atrophaneura hector, common rose A. aristolochiae, great eggfly Hypolimnas bolina, lime butterfly Papilio demoleus, common crow Euploea core, dark blue tiger Tirumala septentrionis, common grass yellow Eurema hecabe, common emigrant Catopsilia pomona, and tawny coster Acraea terpsicore were noticed during the survey, some of them as far as 30 km from the coast. Large scale migration of the global skimmer dragonfly Pantala flavescens was also noted during September. Sightings of dolphins were frequent and the species was confirmed from photograph as Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphin sousa chinensis.

AcknowledgementsSincere thanks to Dr Dinesh Cheruvat, Deputy Director of Fisheries and sub-inspector Venugopal P.K. for all the logistical planning for these trips – without whom none of these sea trips would have materialised. Many

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Fig. 6. Parasitic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus, April 2011.

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SpeciesSeptember 2010 April 2011 May 2011

18 19 2 3 4 28 29

Flesh-footed Shearwater Puffinus carneipes 500 100 0 0 0 12 40Wedge-tailed Shearwater P. pacificus 0 0 0 0 0 1 0Persian Shearwater P. persicus 0 0 0 40 40 0 0Wilson’s Storm Petrel Oceanites oceanicus 0 0 0 0 0 2 0Masked Booby sula dactylatra 2 1 0 0 0 0 0Parasitic Jaeger stercorarius parasiticus 7 5 3 15 10 0 0Unidentified Jaegers stercorarius sp. 8 5 0 5 6 0 1Bridled Tern sterna anaethetus 4 100 10 300 650 100 70Sooty Tern s. fuscata 0 0 0 0 0 4 70Total 521 211 13 360 696 119 181

Common Tern s. hirundo √ √ √ √ √ √Gull-billed Tern Gefochelidon nifotica √ √Great Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii √ √ √ √ √ √Lesser Crested Tern T. bengalensis √ √ √ √ √ √Sandwich Tern T. sandvicensis √ √ √Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida √ √ √ √ √Heuglin’s Gull Larus heuglini √ √Brown-headed Gull L. brunnicephalus √ √Common Black-headed Gull L. ridibundus √

Fig. 7. Common Tern s. h. longipennis. September 2010.

Fig. 8. Common Tern s. h. minussensis(?). April 2011.

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Table 2. Summary of observations on birds during the offshore trips

board debates, excellent photographs and overall great company.

ReferencesBailey, R. S., 1968. The pelagic distribution of sea-birds in the western

Indian Ocean. Ibis 110 (4): 493–519.De Silva, R. I., 1987. Observations on the annual mass migration of Bri-

dled Tern sterna anaethetus of the coast of Colombo. Ibis 129 (1): 88-92.

De Silva, R. I., & Perera, L., 1994. Shearwater migration of the coast of Sri Lanka. Loris 20 (3): 97–100.

Ferguson, H. S., & Bourdillon, T. F., 1903. The birds of Travancore, with notes on their nidification. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 15 (2): 249-264.

Ferguson, H. S., & Bourdillon, T. F., 1904. The birds of Travancore, with notes on their nidification. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 15(3): 455-474.

Grimmett, R., Inskipp, C., & Inskipp, T., 1998. Birds of the Indian subcon-tinent. New Delhi: Oxford University Press.

Harrison, P., 1985. seabirds: an identification guide. Revised ed. London: Christopher Helm.

Harrison, P. 1996. seabirds of the World. A photographic guide. London: Christopher Helm.

Kumar, A., Sati, J. P., Tak, P. C., & Alfred, J. R. B., 2005. Handbook of Indian wetland birds and their conservation. 1 ed. Kolkata.: Director, Zoo-logical Survey of India.

Neelakantan, K. K., 1981. The Brownwinged Tern (sterna anaethetus): an addition to the birds of Kerala. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 78 (1): 167–168.

Palot, M. J., 2008. Occurrence of Flesh-footed Shearwater Puffinus car-neipes on the Kozhikode coast, Kerala. Indian Birds 4 (2): 73.

Prince, M., 2008. Skuas (Jaegers) in India. Oriental Birding. http://groups/yahoo.com/group/orientalbirding/message/9845 Februay 17th 2008. [Accessed on 3 June 2011.]

Rasmussen, P. C., & Anderton, J. C., 2005. Birds of south Asia: the ripley guide: field guide. 2 vols. 1st ed. Washington, D.C. and Barcelona: Smithsonian Institution and Lynx Edicions.

Sashikumar, C., Praveen J., Palot, M. J., & Nameer, P. O., 2011. Birds of Kerala: status and distribution. 1st ed. Kottayam, Kerala: DC Books.

van den Berg, A. B., Smeenk, C., Bosman, C. A. W., Haase, B. J. M., van der Niet, A. M., & Cadée, G. C., 1991. Barau’s Petrel Pterodroma baraui, Jouanin’s Petrel Bulweria fallax and other seabirds in the northern Indian Ocean in June–July 1984 and 1985. Ardea 79 (1): 1–14.

thanks to our birding companions Ajay Shekar, Anush Shetty, Arun C.G., Ashwini Kumar Bhatt, Atanu Mondal, V.C. Balakrishnan, K.G. Bimalnath, Guruprasad Timmappur, Jayan Thomas, Jayaram Jahgirdar, Khaleel Cho-vva, E.Kunhikrishnan, Praveen E.S., Rajaneesh Suvarna, P.C. Rajeevan, A.K. Raju, Sachin Shurpali, Sandeep Das, C. Sashikumar, Shashank Dalvi, Shyam, H. Sreekumar, S. Subramanya, Vijay Ramachandran, Vinay Das, Vinayakumar Thimmappa and Vivek Chandran for sharp spotting, on-

Praveen et al.: Malabar coast 69

The first ever pelagic bird survey along the south-western coast of India was conducted off Kannur, Kerala, in September 2010. Encouraged by the sightings of Masked

Booby sula dactylatra, Parasitic Jaeger stercorarius parasiticus, Flesh-footed Shearwater Puffinus carneipes, etc., during that trip (see Praveen et al. 2011 in this issue), two similar pelagic trips were organised off Mulki on the Karnataka coast, situated 20 km north of Mangalore city. This note provides details on the pelagic birds sighted during these surveys.

MethodologyBoth the surveys were conducted off Mulki by employing small boats. During the first trip, we did not venture out deep into the sea, but travelled along the coast. During the second survey, two fishing boats were employed and we ventured as far as 12 km into the sea. Details of these trips are given in Table 1, and the route marked in Fig. 1. The birds were usually identified visually with binoculars and efforts were also made to take photographs of birds seen and the same were examined later to ascertain the identity of birds seen.

Significant sightingsSix pelagic bird species were sighted during the two trips. The details of our sightings are as follows:

Persian Shearwater Puffinus persicus One bird was sighted about 10 km off the coast of Mulki on 4 April 2011. Two more individuals were sighted near Kaup Paar Island, about 8 km off the coastline on the same day. On both occasions, the birds were seen close to groups of Bridled- sterna anaethetus and Little- s. albifrons Terns and they flew away without giving much opportunity to observe. The species was identified later by their photographs (Fig. 2), where the pale brown upper parts and extensive white undertail coverts were considered as pointers.

Parasitic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus Only one individual of this species was seen on 4 April 2011. This was near Kaup Paar Island about 10 km off Mulki coast. The bird gave only a very little time to observe as it flew away along the direction we were moving and disappeared. The bird was later identified using photographs (Fig. 3) where the long pointed central rectrices were considered as a pointer.

Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus Around 40-50 of these birds were observed during the entire trip on 4 April 2011. Once we observed a gathering of 25-30 birds feeding on fish. There have been only three records of this tern from Karnataka (Madsen

A note on pelagic bird sightings off the Mulki coast of southern IndiaM. Shivashankar, S. Subramanya, D. Karuthedathu, & A. Shivaprakash

Shivashankar, M., Subramanya, S., Karuthedathu, D. & Shivaprakash, A. 2011. A note on pelagic bird sightings off Mulki coast, southern India. Indian BIrds 7 (3): 70–71.

M. Shivashankar, Sarasvath nagar, Karkala 576117, Karnataka, India. Email: shivanayak@gmail.comS. Subramanya, PHT Scheme, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore 560065, Karnataka, India.

Email: subbu.subramanya@gmail.comDipu Karuthedathu, #301, Jaya Emerald, Maruthinagar, Bangalore 560075, Karnataka, India. Email: dipu_k@yahoo.comA. Shivaprakash, # 478, 3rd Cross, 8th Main, H Block, Ramakrishna Nagar, Mysore 570002, Karnataka, India.

Email: adavanne@gmail.com

Date DurationNo of

ObserversDistance from the coastline

Direction

29 Jan. 2011 0830-1300 hrs 8 08-10 km NW04 Apr. 2011 0800-1730 hrs 14 10-12 km NW & SW

Fig. 1. Route map of the pelagic trip.

Table 1. Details of pelagic trips

Indian BIRDS Vol. 7 No. 3 (Publ. 21 October 2011)70

1988; Madyastha & Madyastha in prep.) and hence the present sighting of this large group is interesting.

Sooty Tern S. fuscata One bird was sighted on 4 April 2011 as one of the boats was heading out to sea at the mouth of Mulki River. Previous records from Karnataka were all of wind-blown birds recorded from the coastal region on three separate instances (Madyastha & Madyastha in prep.).

Other seabirds sighted during the two trips, are presented in Table 2.

Details on the occurrence of pelagic bird species off Karnataka coast are very few. Much of the available records come from the wind blown species records of Anon. (1966), Madyastha (1988), Madsen (1988, 1990), and Madyastha & Madyastha (in prep.). Thus, the two pelagic surveys off the Mangalore coast have helped in understanding the occurrence of pelagic birds out

in the open sea. The sightings of Persian Shearwater and Parasitic Jaeger, are the first records of their pelagic presence in the state.

We consider the sighting of the Persian Shearwater, to be significant as this is a rare record of the species for Karnataka. Karnataka Bird Checklist (Praveen 2011) contains a reference to Audubon’s Shearwater P. lherminieri and we presume that, this record could have been of P. persicus, which was earlier considered as one of the populations of Audubon’s Shearwater, but now considered to belong to a separate persicus clade (West Indian Ocean): P. l. persicus which breeds on Khuriya Muriya Islands (Arabian Sea) and ranges throughout the Arabian Sea (Wikipedia 2011).

Unfortunately, the pelagic bird distribution off the coast of Karnataka is still sketchy. A proper understanding of the pelagic bird movements, their seasonality, status and ecologies can only be better understood by carrying out regular concerted surveys and also find reasons for the same, as for example, the seasonal dynamics of fish availability in the Arabian Sea off Karnataka coast.

The two pelagic surveys indicate that if ventured deeper into the sea (more than 10 km), there are good chances of sighting the pelagic birds. These trips also stress the difficulty in identifying the species on such off-shore trips and the importance of photographs for successful identification.

AcknowledgementsThe authors wish to thank Miss. Kavitha, who helped to make first trip possible. Thanks are also due to Smt. Girija, Dr Krishna Mohan, Neethi, Ashiwini Kumar Bhat, Vinay Kumar Thimmappa, Anush Shetty, Ramit Singhal, Sachin Shurpali, Atanu Mondal, Rajneesh Suvarna, Jayaram Jah-girdar, Dijiraj Nair, Yonus, and Prem Anand for being part of the two trips and for helping in sighting and photographing birds.

ReferencesAnonymous. 1966. Recovery of ringed birds. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc.

62: 564–565. BirdLife International. 2011. Species factsheet: Puffinus persicus. Re-

trieved June 28, 2011 from http://www.birdlife.org.Grimmett, R., Inskipp, C., & Inskipp, T., 1998. Pocket guide to the birds of

the Indian subcontinent. New Delhi: Oxford University Press.Madsen, S. T., 1988. Some birds in the marine and estuarine systems of

Uttara Kannada, Karnataka. Newsletter for Birdwatchers 28 (3-4): 10–12.

Madsen, S. T., 1990. Skuas stercorarius sp. on the west coast. Journal of the Bombay Natural History society 87 (2): 297.

Madyastha, N.A. and Madyastha, A.N., (in prep). Pelagic vagrents in Dak-shina Kannada – Udupi.

Madhyastha, N. A., 1988. First report of Masked Booby, Sula dactylatra, from the shores of coastal Karnataka. Journal of the Bombay Natural History society 84 (2): 433–434 (1987).

Praveen, J., 2008. Karnataka Birds: Information Compiled for V2. Post-ed on January 28, 2008 from BngBirds http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bngbirds/message/13411.

Praveen, J., 2010. First Pelagic Bird Survey in Kerala: Report. Posted on September 27, 2009 from KeralaBirder <http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/keralabirder/message/5362> .

Rasmussen, P. C., & Anderton, J. C., 2005. Birds of south Asia: the ripley guide. 2 vols. Washington, D.C. & Barcelona: Smithsonian Institution & Lynx Edicions.

Wikipedia. 2011. Audubon’s Shearwater. Retrieved June 25, 2011 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_Shearwater.

Date Species No.29 Jan 2011 Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia 3

Brown-headed Gull Larus brunnicephalus 34 April 2011 Osprey Pandion haliaetus 1

Brown-headed Gull Larus brunnicephalus 2Great Black-headed Gull L. ichthyaetus 2Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica 2Lesser Crested Tern Thalasseus bengalensis 6Great Crested Tern T. bergi 6Little Tern sterna albifrons 15Common Tern s. hirundo 1White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster 1

Shiv

asha

nkar

MSh

ivas

hank

ar M

Fig. 2. Persian Shearwater Puffinus persicus.

Fig. 3. Parasitic Jaeger stercorarius parasiticus.

Table 2. Other coastal and sea birds seen during the two trips

Shivashankar et al.: Mulki coast 71

On 27 September 2009, at 1600 hrs, I went to the western most point of the Little Rann Of Kachchh near Venasar village (23°08’N, 70°56’E), which is c. 45 km from Morbi,

Rajkot district, Gujarat.This is a coastal lagoon with a freshwater lake on one side.

The area is quite large and is usually flooded till the month of February.

I was observing birds at the coastal lagoon and saw hundreds of Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus along with good numbers of Pallas’s Gulls L. ichthyaetus, Caspian Terns sterna caspia, etc.

I then observed a large bird in flight, which I could not identify. It had a white belly with a darker breast band, long wings of dark brownish colour, and darker patch on head. It had slightly elongated tail feathers. Its flight was fast. I then saw that a similar bird, which had an overall darker brown colour i.e., the underparts and upperparts including head were of similar colour, joined it. The beak, long wings, the flight jizz, and the overall structure of the birds were different from other birds in the area, and did not seem like either a tern or a gull.

The birds flew in from the sea towards the fresh water lake and then went out towards the sea. The total observation time was about one minute.

I took photographs of both the birds, and from Grimmett et al., (1998) identified one as a pale phase of an adult Parasitic Jaeger stercorarius parasiticus (Fig. 1), and the other as either a

juvenile or a dark-phase bird.The pelagic Parasitic Jaeger is reported from the coast of

Pakistan, and off the western coast of Sri Lanka (Kazmierczak 2000). There are a handful of records from the western coast of India during winter. It is reported from Colaba Point, Mumbai (Sinclair 1977), and from Gokarn, Karnataka (Madsen 1990).

The only previous record of the Parasitic Jaeger from Gujarat is of a possible juvenile bird from Diu, which was identified tentatively as this species or a Pomarine Jaeger s. pomarinus (Mundkur et al. 2009). The present record is the first photographic documentation of the species from Gujarat.

ReferencesGrimmett, R., Inskipp, C., & Inskipp, T., 1998. Birds of the Indian subcon-

tinent. London: Christopher Helm, A & C Black.Kazmierczak, K., 2000. A field guide to the birds of India, sri Lanka, Paki-

stan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and the Maldives. London: Pica Press / Christopher Helm.

Madsen, S. T., 1990. Skuas stercorarius sp. on the west coast. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 87 (2): 297.

Mundkur, T., Naoroji, R., & Shetgaonkar, A., 2009. Sighting of a juvenile skua at Diu. Flamingo 7 (3&4): 5–6.

Sinclair, J. C., 1977. Sight records of unusual birds from Colaba Point, Bombay, Maharashtra. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 73 (3): 530–531.

sighting of Parasitic Jaeger stercorarius parasiticus in Little Rann of Kachchh, GujaratPrasad Ganpule

Ganpule, P., 2011. Sighting of Parasitic Jaeger stercorarius parasiticusin Little Rann of Kachchh, Gujarat.Indian BIrds7 (3): 72.Prasad Ganpule, C/o Parshuram Pottery Works, Opp. Nazarbaug Station, Morbi 363642, Gujarat, India.

Email:prasadganpule@yahoo.com

Pras

ad G

anpu

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Fig. 1. Parasitic Jaeger stercorarius parasiticus.

Indian BIRDS Vol. 7 No. 3 (Publ. 21 October 2011)72

Information on oceanic birds of India is scanty. Although it is known that several migratory species visit Indian seas, a comprehensive list of species, their distribution and abundance

are found lacking. The off-shore bird surveys held in the Malabar region (see Praveen et al. pp. 66–69 in this issue) had resulted in sightings of pelagic birds like the Flesh-footed Shearwater Puffinus carneipes and Parasitic Jaeger stercorarius parasiticus. Taking note of the fact that no such survey was ever undertaken in central Kerala, an off-shore bird survey was jointly organised by KeralaBirder, Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN), and Cochin Natural History Society (CNHS) in the Laccadive Sea off Chavakkad, Thrissur (10°30’N, 76°02’E) on 31 July 2011. A fishing boat took the team 42 km into the sea. Birds were observed using binoculars (8x40 & 10x50), and photographed with digital cameras equiped with zoom lens (400 mm & 600 mm).

The weather was cloudy with occasional showers and the sea was calm. The following salient observations were made during this trip, which lasted for about eight hours (0800–1600 hrs).

Wilson’s Storm-petrel Oceanites oceanicus: At least a hundred individuals were seen, flying either solitarily or in small groups, typically just above the water, dipping into it occasionally. This species was readily identified by the white rump and dark upper, and under parts, with legs trailing behind the tail. Care was taken to check as many individuals as possible for the presence of other potential storm-petrels with white rumps like, White-bellied- Fregetta gralleria or Black-bellied- F. tropica Storm-petrel. Considered a non-breeding visitor off the western coast of India, Sri Lanka, Lakshadweep, Maldives, and Chagos, it breeds in the sub-Antarctic region in the Southern Ocean (Rasmussen & Anderton 2005). Birds arrive in Indo–Sri Lankan waters in May and stay for approximately six months (Phillips 1955). Though it is

swinhoe’s storm-petrel oceanodroma monorhis and other pelagic birds from the thrissur coast, KeralaVivek Chandran A., Praveen J., P. P. Sreenivasan, P. O. Nameer & Dilip K. G.

Vivek Chandran, A., Praveen, J., Sreenivasan, P. P., Nameer, P. O., Dilip, K. G., 2011. Swinhoe’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma monorhis and other pelagic birds from the Thrissur coast, Kerala.Indian BIrds7(3): 73–74.

Vivek Chandran A., 36/473, Punkunnam, Thrissur, Kerala, India. Email:avivekchandran@gmail.comPraveen J,B303, Shriram Spurthi, ITPL Main Road, Brookefields, Bangalore – 560037. Email:paintedstork@gmail.comP P Sreenivasan, B-27, Guruvayur Dewasom Staff Quarters, Puthanpally (PO), Tamarayur, Thrissur, Kerala. India.

Email: sreenivasangvr@gmail.comP O Nameer, Department of Wildlife Sciences, College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, Kerala. India.

Email:nameerpo@gmail.com Dilip K G, Department of Sociology, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, Ernakulam 683574, Kerala, India.

E-mail:drdilipkg@yahoo.com

Fig. 1. Swinhoe’s Storm-Petrel Oceanodroma monorhis, July 2011.

Vivek Chandran

Vivek Chandran et al.: Thrissur coast 73

reported to be a straggler off the Kerala coast, with just two former reports (Sashikumar et al. 2011), it is grossly under-reported as mass migrations have been reported from the coasts of India and Sri Lanka (Robertson 1994). Fishermen call them, ‘karivandu,’ Malayalam for ‘black beetle,’ because they are prominently black and fly around restlessly like bees.

Swinhoe’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma monorhis: While carefully observing the Wilson’s Storm-petrels, a single bird was observed that did not show a white-rump. It was squabbling with two Wilson’s Storm-petrels, and appeared slightly larger than them. This bird was photographed and later, on closer scrutiny of the photographs, revealed a moderately forked tail, and feet that did not project beyond its tail. The whole body appeared sooty-brown with the head lighter than the rest of the body (Fig. 1). Its upper-parts showed small pale shafts on the primary coverts (Fig 2). The dark rump and forked tail eliminates all regular and hypothetical storm-petrels of the region except for the Matsudaira’s Storm-petrel O. matsudairae. ‘Our’ bird differs from this species by its smaller size (slightly larger than Wilson’s), shorter tail, and lack of extensive pale flashes on the upper primaries. Swinhoe’s Storm-petrels breed in the north-west Pacific and are reported as a non-breeding visitors to the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Past sightings from the Andamans, and Lakshadweep require confirmation (Rasmussen & Anderton 2005). This might be the first confirmed sighting of the species from India territory.

Flesh-footed Shearwater Puffinus carneipes: About 1,000 birds were seen in two large congregations, one of them at least 500 strong, and many smaller flocks. This is the only large, dark shearwater in our region with a heavy dark-tipped pale bill. It breeds in the South Indian Ocean and Australasia, and ranges in the Pacific-, and Indian- Oceans. It is thought to be a regular visitor from March to October, at least from Lakshadweep to western Sri Lanka (Rasmussen & Anderton 2005). About 500 birds in a day, with more than 80 birds in one congregation, were seen on an earlier pelagic trip off Kannur coast in September 2010 and this was reported to be the largest congregation from

the country (Sashikumar et al. 2011). However, the 500 strong congregations in this survey, surpass that count. It is known by the local name ‘Oolikakka,’ which in Malayalam means ‘diving crow.’ The large congregations were seen near fishing boats that had cast nets around shoals of fish. The birds were in a noisy feeding frenzy. Evidently, they were taking advantage of the fishing activity and also benefited from the by-catch thrown into the ocean by fishermen.

Apart from these key species, a jaeger stercorarius sp., was seen resting on floating vegetation but flew off before our boat approached it, remaining unidentified. Around 40 Bridled Terns sterna anaethetus, and 15 Sooty Terns s. fuscata were also encountered, including juveniles of both species. Three Crested Terns Thalasseus sp. were also observed, flying higher than the other pelagic birds.

AcknowledgementsWe would like to thank all the participants of the pelagic survey: S. Pras-anth, Ginu George, Manoj, Jai Jacob, Vishnupriyan, Basil Peter, Praveen E.S., P.M. Kochupaul, Shijin, C.V. Manojkumar, Praveen P. Mohandas, Asha and V. Ayappan.

ReferencesPhillips, W. W. A., 1955. Wilson’s Petrel [Oceanites oceanicus (Kuhl)] in

Indo–Ceylon waters, with special reference to the 1954 southward migration. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 53 (1): 132–133.

Rasmussen, P. C., & Anderton, J. C., 2005. Birds of south Asia: the ripley guide: field guide. 2 vols. 1st ed. Washington, D.C. and Barcelona: Smithsonian Institution and Lynx Edicions.

Robertson, A. L. H., 1995. Occurrence of some pelagic seabirds (Pro-cellariiformes) in waters off the Indian subcontinent. Forktail 10: 129–140 (1994).

Sashikumar, C., Praveen J., Palot, M. J., & Nameer, P. O., 2011. Birds of Kerala: status and distribution. 1st ed. Kottayam, Kerala: DC Books.

Fig. 2. Swinhoe’s- & Wilson’s- O. oceanicus Storm-Petrels, July 2011.

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On 18 January 2010, a tropicbird (Phaethontidae) was caught at Palavayal (12°31’N, 75°41’E; c. 240 m above MSL) about 84 km NE of Kannur town in northern Kerala.

The bird was being mobbed by crows. Though no external injuries were visible, it was in an exhausted condition and was reluctant to fly. In captivity it took sardines sardinella sp., and small anchovies Anchoviella sp., and was administered glucose water for quick rejuvenation. By 20 January, it recuperated well and in the evening of the same day it was released at Palavayal. It flew off westwards, towards the sea.

I identified the bird as an immature White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus (Harrison 1996; Grimmett et al. 1998; Kumar et al. 2004). It had predominantly white plumage with black wing tips (Fig. 1). The characteristic wing pattern (the diagonal black bars on the upper wing were faintly visible) and the contrasting black tips of the primaries were diagnostic; black outer primaries were in contrast with the white primary coverts. Tail feathers were complete and each feather had a black spot near the tip. Central white tail steamers were half-grown. Black patches around the eyes were distinct. The upper parts of the body, especially around the nape and back, were barred or mottled. The throat and upper-breast were pure white. Bill was pale yellow with a dark tip and legs were blackish.

There have been only three known instances of this species occurring from mainland India. A pair of birds in flight at Rameshwaram, Tamilnadu on the south-eastern coast of India on 1 April 1989 (Balachandran 1992), a bird caught alive from River Barrak [=Barak] well inland, in Cachar on 9 April 1877 (Hume 1877; Rasmussen & Anderton 2005), and a single bird seen by

Lindsay J. McDougall, flying close to the beach at Kovalam, Kerala on 2 March 2006 (Sashikumar et al. 2011). According to Ali & Ripley (1983), the species breeds in Mascarene, Seychelles, Maldives, Andaman, and Cocos-Keeling Islands.

The present record is the second report of the White-tailed Tropicbird from the west coast. Interestingly, this is yet another instance of the species getting wind-blown far inland. The nearest seacoast is about 50 km away at Ezhimala. The recorded site (Palavayal) is very close to Karnataka state, adjoining the Mundroth range of forests in the Brahmagiri part of southern Western Ghats.

Earlier, the related Red-billed Tropicbird P. aethereus was also recorded from Kerala’s coast on three occasions: Kollam district in June 1982 (Krishnan 1991), Kozhikode district in November 2003 (Palot 2003), and Kannur district in March 2007 (Sashikumar et al. 2011). These records show that the tropicbirds, which breed in the oceanic islands of the Indian Ocean, are vagrant visitors to the Kerala coast.

AcknowledgementsThe author is grateful to the Director, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata and the Officer-in-Charge, Western Ghat Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, Kozhikode for facilities and encouragement. Thanks are also due to Shri. Suresh Palavayal for the photograph and help rendered during the field visit.

ReferencesAli, S., & Ripley, S. D., 1983. Handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan

together with those of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and sri Lanka. Compact ed. Delhi: Oxford University Press.

Balachandran, S., 1992. Occurrence of White or Longtailed Tropic-bird Phaethon lepturus on the South-East coast of India. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 88 (3): 441–442.

Grimmett, R., Inskipp, C., & Inskipp, T., 1998. Birds of the Indian subcon-tinent. 1st ed. London: Christopher Helm, A & C Black.

Harrison, P. 1996. seabirds of the world. A photographic guide. London: Christopher Helm.

Hume, A. O., 1877. Notes. stray Feathers 5 (5&6): 495–502.Krishnan, O. G., 1991. Red-billed Tropic Bird Phaethon aethereus Linnaeus

from Neendakarai, Kerala. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 87 (3): 449.Kumar, A., Sati, J. P., Tak, P. C., & Alfred, J. R. B., 2005. Handbook of Indian

wetland birds and their conservation. 1 ed. Kolkata.: Director, Zoo-logical Survey of India.

Palot, J., 2003. Occurrence of Redbilled Tropic Bird, Phaethon aethereus at Kozhikode, Kerala. Malabar Trogon 1 (4): 2–3.

Rasmussen, P. C., & Anderton, J. C., 2005. Birds of south Asia: the ripley guide. 2 vols. 1st ed. Washington, D.C. and Barcelona: Smithsonian Institution and Lynx Edicions.

Sashikumar, C., Praveen J., Palot, M. J., & Nameer, P. O., 2011. Birds of Kerala: status and distribution. 1st ed. Kottayam, Kerala: DC Books.

White-tailed tropicbird Phaethon lepturus from Kerala, south IndiaMuhamed Jafer Palot

Palot, M. J., 2011. White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus from Kerala, South India.Indian BIrds7 (3): 75.Muhamed Jafer Palot, Zoological Survey of India, Western Ghats Regional Centre, Kozhikode 673006, Kerala, India.

Email:palot.zsi@gmail.com

Fig. 1. Immature White-tailed Tropicbird at Palavayal, January 2010.

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Palot: White-tailed Tropicbrid 75

As part of the Malabar Ornithological Survey, organised along the lines of the Travancore-Cochin Ornithological Survey 2009 (Sashikumar et al. 2011), and sponsored by the

Forests and Wildlife Department, Kerala, an offshore expedition was organised to survey the diversity of pelagic birds off the Malabar Coast on 24 and 28 January 2011. The survey team, consisting of the authors and two forest department personnel, surveyed the sea off Kannur in northern Kerala, starting from Azhikkal fishing harbour, in a motor boat, entering the sea through the river mouth at Azhikkal estuary (11°57’N, 75°22’E), where the Valapattanam and Kuppam rivers have their confluence at the Lakshadweep (Arabian) Sea. The survey started around 0900 hrs on both days, and concluded by 1400 hrs.

On 24 January, at 1000 hrs, one km offshore, we spotted a large group of Brown-headed- Larus brunnicephalus and Black-headed- L. ridibundus Gulls circling around the fishing boats. While observing the flock we noticed a brown bird chasing some of the gulls. We approached the flock as close as possible to have a good look at the bird. Soon, another similar bird was seen chasing the gulls. It landed near our boat, and despite the swaying boat, we managed to take some photographs of this bird. It was well camouflaged in its low flight over the water and the gulls seldom realised its presence until it was close to them. Once it reached the flock of gulls they flew off the water, and the bird chased selected individuals, probably those who had recently gorged on food—a typical case of kleptoparasitism.

Description Upper parts grey-brown, brownish cap, an indistinct brown breast, faint bands on flanks band and barred upper and under tail-coverts. Under parts whitish. Distinctly pointed central tail feathers were clearly visible. In flight, we could see the dark primaries with white, “flash”.

On 28 January 2011, on our trip from the same location, we saw a single bird of the same species, around 1200 hrs, 2 km from the shore, again around a flock of gulls.

From our field observations and from the photographs, this seabird was identified as Parasitic Jaeger stercorarius parasiticus, a pale morph adult in winter plumage. This species was earlier recorded from the same area during a pelagic bird survey organised by Malabar Natural History Society and KeralaBirder on 25 and 26 September 2010 (see Praveen et al. 2011, pp.

66–69 in this issue).Parasitic Jaeger (aka Arctic Skua or Parasitic Skua) breeds

north of Eurasia, North America, and Scotland, and winters in the whole of the southern oceans; in South Asia it occurs, “probably regular off Pakistan coast in non-breeding season; sighted as a vagrant elsewhere along the coasts. Only specimen traced for entire region is from Mekran Coast …” (Rasmussen & Anderton 2005; Jones et al. 2008). Parasitic Jaeger is a colonial breeder in islands of northern hemisphere along with other skuas. Some of the recent studies in Scotland (Jones et al. 2008) show that the breeding of the species is affected by the presence of, and predation by, Greater Skua s. skua, and the UK population of breeding s. parasiticus has seen a sharp decline of around 37% since 1980 (Furness & Ratcliffe 2004).

Considering rarity of the species within Indian waters, we consider these sightings important. A regular sea-board monitoring programme off the coast of Kerala and elsewhere in India will give more insight into the wintering population and feeding ecology of the less known seabirds.

AcknowledgementsWe express our sincere gratitude to Shri T. M. Manoharan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and the staff of Forests and Wildlife Department, Government of Kerala for initiating and supporting the Malabar Ornitho-logical Survey and Dr Dinesan Cheruvat, Deputy Director, Mappila Bay Fisheries Complex, Department of Fisheries, Government of Kerala, Kan-nur for logistic support.

ReferencesFurness, R. W., & Ratcliffe, N., 2004. Arctic Skua stercorarius parasiticus.

Pp. 160–172. In: seabird populations of Britain and Ireland. Mitch-ell, P. I., Newton, S., Ratcliffe, N., & Dunn, T., (eds). London: T & AD Poyser.

Rasmussen, P. C., & Anderton, J. C., 2005. Birds of south Asia: the ripley guide. 2vols. 1st ed. Washington, D.C. and Barcelona: Smithsonian Institution and Lynx Edicions.

Sashikumar, C., Vishnudas, C. K., Raju, S., Vinayan, P. A., & Kannan, S., 2011. On the status of Lesser Fish-Eagle Ichthyophaga humilis in southern Kerala. Indian BIrds 7 (1): 7–9.

Jones, T., Smith, C., Williams, E., & Ramsay, A., 2008. Breeding perfor-mance and diet of Great Skuas stercorarius skua and Parasitic Jae-gers (Arctic Skuas) s. parasiticus on the west coast of Scotland. Bird study 55: 257–266.

Parasitic Jaeger stercorarius parasiticus at Kannur coast, south-western IndiaC. Sashikumar, C. K. Vishnudas, S. Raju, P. A. Vinayan & V. A. Shebin

Sashikumar, C., Vishnudas, C. K., Raju, S., Vinayan, P. A., & Shebin, V. A. 2011. Parasitic Jaegerstercorarius parasiticusat Kannur coast, south-western India.Indian BIrds7 (3): 76.

C. Sashikumar, Sree Nilayam, Pattanur P O, Kannur 670595, Kerala, India. Email:csashikumar@gmail.com

C. K. Vishnudas,Vishnu Nivas, Karimkutty P O, Kalpetta 673121, Wayanad, Kerala, India. Email:ckvishnudas@yahoo.co.uk

S. Raju, Kavil Variam, Kodakara, Thrissur, Kerala, India. Email:rajukavil@gmail.com P. A. Vinayan, Pandancheri House, Vemom P O, Mananthavady, Wayanad 670645, Kerala, India. Email: pa.vinayan@gmail.com V.A. Shebin, Valiyaparambil House, Chiramanangad P.O, Thrissur, 680604. Email:shebinashraf@gmail.com

Parasitic Jaeger stercorarius parasiticus off Kannur coast, January 2011.

C. K

. Vishnudas

Indian BIRDS Vol. 7 No. 3 (Publ. 21 October 2011)76

Fig. 2. Sooty Tern sterna fuscata at Kodungallur, June 2011.

Sreehari V. S.

Out of the 15 species of terns known from Kerala (Sashikumar et al. 2011), four are pelagic, namely, Bridled- sterna anaethetus, Sooty- s. fuscata, White-

cheeked- s. repressa Tern, and Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris. Reports of pelagic terns from the coast of Kerala are few. Here we report the recent sightings of Bridled, and Sooty Terns from Thrissur district.

Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetusOne exhausted bird was obtained by PPS from Puthenkadappuram beach of Chavakkad (10°34’20’’N, 76°03’25”E) on 21 April 2011, which later died (Fig. 1). This bird was found lying on the beach and was unable to fly. Its wings were soaked with water. On the previous day, PPS had seen a large flock of about 100+ dark terns from the beach, flying far out at sea. There are only two earlier wind-blown records of Bridled Tern from the Kerala coast, both from Poovar, Thiruvananthapuram district, in November 1978, and March 1979 (Neelakantan et al. 1993). Thus the present record, after 32 years, is significant.

Sooty Tern S. fuscataThree individuals were reported on separate occasions from the Thrissur coast during 2011. The first bird was recovered from Azhikode estuary (10°10’28”N, 76°09’45”E) by PON on 22 May 2011 (Fig. 2) and later two different individuals were obtained from Puthenkadappuram beach (Chavakkad) on 13 June 2011,

and 23 June 2011, both by PPS. There are quite a few earlier records of Sooty Tern from

Kerala (Sashikumar et al. 2011). The earliest record was from Malappuram district (Mathew & Shukkur 1974). From the nineties there are two records, one from Thattekad Bird Sanctuary (Sugathan et al. 1996), and the other from Kannur in 1997 (Sashikumar et al. 2011). A bird, which was ringed in Seychelles, was retrieved at Vaakatanam, Kottayam district in 2001 (Sashikumar et al. 2011). In 2008 one bird was obtained from Guruvayoor on 8 October 2008, and two birds, one adult and one immature, from Kadalundi on 17 June 2008 (Sashikumar et al. 2011). Interestingly, in 2011 an unusually large number of Sooty Terns were recovered from the coast of Kerala between May and July (Courtesy: KeralaBirder).

AcknowledgementsWe thank Praveen J. for commenting on an earlier draft of the manu-script.

ReferencesMathew, D. N., & Shukkur, E. A. A., 1974. Notes on a Sooty Tern (sterna

fuscata nubilosas Sparrman) collected near Calicut. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 71 (1): 144–145.

Neelakantan, K. K., Sashikumar, C., & Venugopalan, R., 1993. A book of Kerala birds. Part 1. Trivandrum: World Wide Fund for Nature-India. Kerala State Committee.

Sashikumar, C., Praveen J., Palot, M. J., & Nameer, P. O., 2011. Birds of Kerala: status and distribution. 1st ed. Kottayam, Kerala: DC Books.

Sugathan, R., Jacob, K. C., & Varghese, A. P., 1996. Sooty Tern record from Thattakkadu in the Western Ghats. Newsletter for Birdwatchers 35 (6): 111–112.

Bridled- sterna anaethetus and sooty- sterna fuscata terns from thrissur coast, KeralaP. O. Nameer & P. P. Sreenivasan

Nameer, P. O., & Sreenivasan, P. P., 2011. Bridled- sterna anaethetus and Sooty- sterna fuscata Terns from Thrissur coast, Kerala. Indian BIrds7 (3): 77.

P. O. Nameer, Department of Wildlife Sciences, College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, Kerala. India. Email:nameerpo@gmail.com

P. P. Sreenivasan, B-27, Guruvayur Dewasom Staff Quarters, Puthanpally (PO), Tamarayur, Thrissur, Kerala. India. Email:sreenivasangvr@gmail.com

Fig. 1. Bridled Tern sterna anaethetus at Chavakkad, May 2011.

P. P

. Sre

eniv

asan

Nameer & Sreenivasan: Terns from Thrissur coast 77

IntroductionThis bibliography has been extracted from my larger database, “A bibliographic index to the birds of South Asia.” It comprises papers, popular articles, pertinent books, chapters, published and unpublished reports, trip reports, etc. Books of a general nature, not dealing largely with pelagic ornithology, have been omitted, e.g., country/region handbooks and field guides, family/species monographs, etc. It covers a period of one hundred and sixty-four years, from 1847–2011. A bibliography of this nature cannot pretend to be complete and this is no exception. There are always publications beyond the reach of the bibliographer. A case in point being the various birding trip reports prepared by bird tour operators. However a majority of the published ornithological work on pelagic ornithology is listed here. Accuracy in transcribing is a basic tenet of bibliography and though great care has been taken to ensure it, mistakes may have crept in and pertinent published material inadvertently left out. This is the more likely in that I have not seen all the entries listed below in the original, but have freely taken them secondhand from the ‘References’ or ‘Further reading’ sections of papers and books. I would be grateful if readers sent me citations of material that is missing here.

Authors have been arranged alphabetically and their work chronologically. Multi-author papers have been listed under the name of the senior author. Separate entries have not been inserted for co-authors. Where a title was not given in the original, a suitable descriptive substitute was coined, generally comprising a part of or the complete first sentence, and is placed within brackets.

BibliographyAnonymous., 1966. Notes and comments. NLBW 6 (6): 8.Anonymous., 1970. White-bellied Storm-Petrels, Fregata grallaria, in

north Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea in the summer. sea swallow 20: 41–42.

Anonymous., 1977. Masked Booby. Hornbill 1977 (January-March): 27–28.

Anonymous., 1981. The Christmas Island Frigate Bird. NLBW 21 (8): 2–3.

Anonymous., 1985. Masked Boobies on the West coast. NLBW 25 (7-8): 2–3.

Anonymous., 1990. Recent reports: Sri Lanka. OBC Bull. 11 (May): 47.Anonymous., 1998. Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve, Tamil

Nadu, India.Abdulali, H., 1940. Swifts and Terns at Vengurla Rocks. J. Bombay Nat.

Hist. soc. XLI (3): 661–665.Abdulali, H., 1948. Wilson’s Petrel in India. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 47

(3): 550–551.

Abdulali, H., 1961. The Christmas Island Frigate-Bird, Fregata andrewsi Mathews, in Indian waters - a correction. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 57 (3): 667–668.

Abdulali, H., 1961. Occurrence of the Least Frigate-Bird [Fregata ariel (G.R. Gray)] in Bombay. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 57 (3): 668–669.

Abdulali, H., 1965. The birds of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 61 (3): 483–571 (1964).

Abdulali, H., 1968. A catalogue of the birds in the collection of the Bom-bay Natural History Society-1. Gaviiformes to Ciconiiformes. J. Bom-bay Nat. Hist. soc. 65 (1): 182–199.

Abdulali, H., 1970. A catalogue of the birds in the collection of the Bom-bay Natural History Society-7. Scolopacinae (part), Phalaropinae, Ro-stratulidae, Recurvirostridae, Dromadidae, Burhinidae, Glareolidae, Stercorariidae, Laridae. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 67 (2): 279–298.

Abdulali, H., 1980. A catalogue of the birds in the collection of the Bom-bay Natural History Society. Parts 1–17 — non-Passeriformes. Errata. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 77 (1): 145–148.

Abdulali, H., 1981. Additional notes on Andaman birds. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 78 (1): 46–49.

Abdulali, H., & Ali, S., 1940. Additional notes on the birds of Bombay and Salsette. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. XLII (1): 191–197.

Abdulali, H., & Grubh, R. B., 1983. Pinkfooted Shearwater [Procellaria carneipes (Gould)] in India. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 79 (3): 666–667.

Aitken, E. H., 1887. Mergus merganser. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. II (1): 56.

Alexander, H. G., 1929. Some birds seen in the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean. Ibis 5 (1): 41–53.

Alexander, H. G., 1931. Shearwaters in the Arabian Sea. Ibis 1 (3): 579–581.

Alexander, H. G., 1974. seventy years of birdwatching. 1st ed. Berkham-sted: T. & A. D. Poyser.

Alexander, W. B., 1928. Birds of the ocean. A handbook for voyagers containing descriptions of all the sea-birds of the world, with notes on their habits and guides to their identification. 1st ed. New York; London: G.P. Putnam’s Sons.

Alexander, W. B., 1955. Birds of the ocean. A handbook for voyagers containing descriptions of all the sea-birds of the world, with notes on their habits and guides to their identification. New & Revised 2nd ed. London: Putnam.

Alexander, W. B., 1963. Birds of the ocean. A handbook for voyagers containing descriptions of all the sea-birds of the world, with notes on their habits and guides to their identification. New & Revised 2nd ed. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons.

Ali, R., 1967. The Short-tailed or Red-billed Tropic-Bird (Phaethon aethere-us indicus Hume) at Kihim on the Maharashtra coast. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 63 (2): 437–438 (1966).

Ali, R., 1970. Occurrence of Least Frigate Bird (Fregata ariel iredalei) Mathews in Bombay. NLBW 10 (10): 8.

Ali, R., 1971. Occurrence of Least Frigate Bird (Fregata ariel iredalei Mathews) in Bombay. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 67 (3): 569–570 (1970).

A bibliography of pelagic ornithology from south Asia: 1847–2011Aasheesh Pittie

Pittie, A., 2011. A bibliography of pelagic ornithology from South Asia: 1847–2011. Indian BIrds 7 (3): 78–86.Aasheesh Pittie, P. O. Box 68, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad 500034, India. Email: aasheesh.pittie@gmail.com

Indian BIRDS Vol. 7 No. 3 (Publ. 21 October 2011)78

Ali, S., 1964. Frigate Birds. NLBW 4 (8): 10.Ali, S., & Ripley, S. D., 1968. Handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan

together with those of Nepal, sikkim, Bhutan and Ceylon. divers to hawks. Vol 1. 1st ed. Bombay: (Sponsored by the Bombay Natural History Society) Oxford University Press.

Ali, S., & Ripley, S. D., 1969. Handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan together with those of Nepal, sikkim, Bhutan and Ceylon. Mega-podes to Crab Plover. Vol 2. 1st ed. Bombay: (Sponsored by the Bombay Natural History Society) Oxford University Press.

Ali, S., & Ripley, S. D., 1969. Handbook of the birds of India and Paki-stan together with those of Nepal, sikkim, Bhutan and Ceylon. stone Curlews to Owls. Vol 3. 1st ed. Bombay: (Sponsored by the Bombay Natural History Society) Oxford University Press.

Ali, S., & Ripley, S. D., 1978. Handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan together with those of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and sri Lanka. divers to hawks. Vol 1. 2nd (Hardback) ed. Delhi (Sponsored by Bombay Natural History Society.) Oxford University Press.

Ali, S., & Ripley, S. D., 1980. Handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan together with those of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and sri Lanka. Megapodes to Crab Plovers. Vol 2. 2nd (Hardback) ed. Delhi: (Spon-sored by Bombay Natural History Society.) Oxford University Press.

Ali, S., & Ripley, S. D., 1981. Handbook of the birds of India and Paki-stan together with those of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Ceylon. stone Curlews to Owls. Vol 3. 2nd ed. Delhi: (Sponsored by Bombay Natural History Society.) Oxford University Press.

Ali, S., & Ripley, S. D., 1983. A pictorial guide to the birds of the Indian subcontinent. 1st ed. New Delhi: Oxford University Press.

Ali, S., & Ripley, S. D., 1987. Compact handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan together with those of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and sri Lanka. 2nd ed. Delhi: Oxford University Press.

Ali, S., & Ripley, S. D., 1989. A pictorial guide to the birds of the Indian subcontinent. 2nd impression ed. Bombay: Bombay Natural History Society; Oxford University Press.

Ali, S., & Ripley, S. D., 2001. Handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan together with those of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Ceylon [sic]. Vol 3. 2nd ed. Delhi: (Sponsored by Bombay Natural History Society.) Oxford University Press [Oxford India Paperbacks.].

Ali, S., & Ripley, S. D., 2001. Handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan together with those of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and sri Lanka. Vol 1. 2nd ed. Delhi: (Sponsored by Bombay Natural History Society.) Oxford University Press [Oxford India Paperbacks.].

Ali, S., & Ripley, S. D., 2001. Handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan together with those of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and sri Lanka. Vol 2. 2nd ed. Delhi: (Sponsored by Bombay Natural History Society.) Oxford University Press [Oxford India Paperbacks.].

Ambedkar, V. C., 1988. Migration news. Wetlands & Waterfowl Newslet-ter. 1: 34–36.

Anderson, R. C., 1996. Seabirds and the Maldivian tuna fishery. rasain 16: 134–147.

Anderson, R. C., 2007. New records of birds from the Maldives. Forktail 23 (August): 135–144.

Anderson, R. C., 2009. Do dragonfllies migrate across the western Indian Ocean? Journal of Tropical Ecology 25: 347–358.

Anderson, R. C., & Baldock, M., 2001. New records of birds from the Mal-dives, with notes on other species. Forktail 17: 67–73.

Andheria, A. P., 2001. Pelagic birds on Mumbai shores. NLBW 41 (5): 66.

Ash, J. S., & Shafeeg, A., 1995. The birds of the Maldives. Forktail 10: 3–31 (1994).

Bailey, N., & Bourne, W. R. P., 1963. Some records of Petrels handled in the northern Indian Ocean. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 60 (1): 256–259.

Bailey, R. S., 1968. The pelagic distribution of sea-birds in the western Indian Ocean. Ibis 110: 493–519.

Bailey, R. S., Pocklington, R., & Willis, P. R., 1968. Storm-petrels Oceano-droma spp. in the Indian Ocean. Ibis 110: 27–34.

Baker, E. C. S., 1899. The birds of North Cachar. Part X. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. XII (3): 486–510.

Baker, E. C. S., 1929. The fauna of British India, including Ceylon and Burma. Birds. Vol VI. 2nd ed. London: Taylor and Francis.

Baker, H. R., 1911. The occurrence of a “Booby,” sula cyanops (?) at Can-nanore. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. XXI (1): 272–273.

Baker, H. R., & Inglis, C. M., 1930. The birds of southern India including Madras, Malabar, Travancore, Cochin, Coorg and Mysore. 1st ed. Madras.: Government Press.

Balachandran, S., 1991. Bird records from Mandapam and neighbouring islands, Tamil Nadu. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 87 (3): 456–457.

Balachandran, S., 1992. Occurrence of White or Longtailed Tropic-bird Phaethon lepturus on the South-East coast of India. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 88 (3): 441–442.

Balachandran, S., Rajan, S. A., Balasubramanian, P., Natarajan, V., & Ali, S. Q., 1986. Some storm-blown pelagic birds in Point Calimere. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 83 (2): 436–438.

Ball, V., 1873. List of birds known to occur in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. stray Feathers I (2,3&4): 51–90.

Ball, V., 1875. Notes on some birds observed in the Suliman Hills, West of Dera Ghazi Khan. stray Feathers III (1,2&3): 204–209.

Bearhop, S., Furness, R., & Zonfrillo, B., 1998. Identification of Cathar-acta skuas: variability in juvenile Great Skuas. Birding World 11 (9): 355–360.

Betts, F. N., 1938. The birds of the Laccadive Islands. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. XL (3): 382–387.

Bhat, K. S. H., 2004. July 1964 - a strange visitor from Antarctica. NLBW 44 (4): 60–61.

BirdLife International. 2001. Threatened birds of Asia: The BirdLife Inter-national red data Book. Part A. Vol 1. 1st ed. Collar, N. J., Andreev, A. V., Chan, S., Crosby, M. J., Subramanya, S., & Tobias, J. A. (eds.). Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International.

BirdLife International. 2001. Christmas Island Frigatebird Fregata an-drewsi. In: Threatened Birds of Asia: the BirdLife International red data Book. 1: 104–110. Collar, N. J., Andreev, A. V., Chan, S., Crosby, M. J., Subramanya, S., & Tobias, J. A. (eds.). Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International.

Biswas, B., 1985. Comments on Ripley’s “A Synopsis of the Birds of India and Pakistan” - Second Edition (1982). J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 82 (1): 126–129.

Blanford, W. T., 1898. The fauna of British India, including Ceylon and Burma (Birds). Vol IV. London: Taylor and Francis.

Bluepeace. 1996. Ainumathi dhooni biruveri kamuge thereegai. dhan-fulhi 1996 (September): 4–5.

Bourne, W. R. P., 1960. The petrels of the Indian Ocean. sea swallow 13: 26–39.

Bourne, W. R. P., 1965. Observations of sea birds. sea swallow 17: 10–39.

Bourne, W. R. P., 1966. Observations of sea birds [and review of litera-ture]. sea swallow 18: 9–39.

Bourne, W. R. P., 1966. Observations on islands in the Indian Ocean. sea swallow 18: 40–43.

Bourne, W. R. P., 1967. Observations of sea birds and review of literature. sea swallow 19: 51–76.

Bourne, W. R. P., 1967. Long distance vagrancy in the petrels. Ibis 109: 141–167.

Bourne, W. R. P., 1971. The birds of the Chagos group, Indian Ocean. Atoll research Bulletin. 149: 175–207.

Bourne, W. R. P., 1974. Survey of ornithological work in the Indian Ocean. Journal of the Marine Biologists Association of India 14: 609–627.

Bourne, W. R. P., 1984. Reports of seabirds received in 1973-1977. Part I. sea swallow 33: 37–53?

Bourne, W. R. P., 1985. Reports of seabirds received in 1973-77. Part II. sea swallow 34: 37–45.

Bourne, W. R. P., 1989. Seabird reports received in 1987 and 1988. sea swallow 38: 7–30.

Pittie: Bibliography of pelagic ornithology 79

Bourne, W. R. P., 1996. The larger white-headed gulls wintering around the southern coasts of Asia. sea swallow 45: 86–91.

Bourne, W. R. P., 1996. Observations of seabirds received in 1995. sea swallow 45: 33–46.

Bourne, W. R. P., 1997. The smaller noddies of the Indian Ocean. sea swallow 46: 79–80.

Bourne, W. R. P., 1997. Observations of seabirds. sea swallow 46: 4–25.

Bourne, W. R. P., 1999. Observations of seabirds. sea swallow 48: 6–22.

Bourne, W. R. P., 2000. Observations of seabirds. sea swallow 49: 6–26.

Bourne, W. R. P., 2001. Observations of seabirds. sea swallow 50: 6–17.Bourne, W. R. P., & Dixon, T. J., 1973. Observations of seabirds 1967-

1969. sea swallow 22: 29–60.Bourne, W. R. P., & Dixon, T. J., 1975. Observations of seabirds 1970-

1972. sea swallow 24: 65–88.Bourne, W. R. P., & Radford, M. C., 1961. Notes on observations of sea-

birds received during 1961. sea swallow 14: 7–27.Bridge, E. S., Jones, A. W., & Baker, A. J., 2005. A phylogenetic framework

for the terns (Sternini) inferred from mtDNA sequences: implications for taxonomy and plumage evolution. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 35 (2): 459–469.

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Carboneras, C., 1992. Family Sulidae (Gannets and Boobies). In: Hand-book of the birds of the world. Ostrich to ducks. 1: 312–325, 1 pl. 21 (col. by: F. Jutglar), 9 maps (distribution). del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., & Sargatal, J. (eds.). Barcelona: Lynx Edicions.

Carboneras, C., 1992. Family Gaviidae (Divers). In: Handbook of the Birds of the World. Ostriches to ducks. 1: 162–172, 1 pl. 10 (col. by: A. Jutglar), 4 maps (distribution). del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., & Sargatal, J. (eds.). Barcelona: Lynx Edicions.

Casement, M. B., 1987. Landbirds from ships at sea 1981-82. sea swal-low 36: 46–56.

Casement, M. B., 1990. Bombay notes. sea swallow 39: 70–72.Cave, W. A., 1917. Wilson’s Stormy Petrel O. oceanicus at Colombo. spo-

lia Zeylanica 10 (39): 398.Chandra, K., & Singh, R. K., 2004. Avifauna of Madhya Pradesh and Chhat-

tisgarh. Zoos’ Print Journal 19 (7): 1534–1539.Chapman, S. E., 1982. Notes on seabird reports received 1980-81. sea

swallow 31: 5–24.Chapman, S. E., 1983. Notes on seabird reports received 1981-82. sea

swallow 32: 12–21.Chapman, S. E., 1984. Notes on seabird reports received 1983. sea

swallow 33: 12–21.Chapman, S. E., 1985. Notes on seabird reports received 1984. sea

swallow 34: 46–55.Chapman, S. E., 1986. Notes on seabird reports received 1985. sea

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ceived 1986. sea swallow 36: 32–46.Cheke, A. S., 1966. Notes on sea-birds seen on a journey across the

Indian Ocean. Ibis 108: 628–630.Cheshire, N. G., 1991. [Notes on seabird reports received in 1990.]. sea

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swallow 41: 10–22.Collar, N. J., 2005. Changes in species-level taxonomy of Asian birds in

2004, with other notes. BirdingAsIA 3: 35–40.Cooper, J., 2002. Reviews: Skuas and jaegers. A guide to the skuas and

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Whistler, H., & Kinnear, N. B., 1937. The Vernay Scientific Survey of the Eastern Ghats. (Ornithological section). Part XVI. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. XXXIX (3): 447–463.

Whyte, A., 1877. Ornithological notes taken during a voyage from Ceylon to England. Ibis 1 (2): 148–151.

Wijemanne, A., 1994. Mutwal; Maharagama. CBCN 1994 (September): 98–99.

Wijesinghe, D. P., 1985. On the status of the Fleshfooted Shearwater (Puffinus carneipes) in Sri Lankan waters. CBCN 1985 (January)

Wijesinghe, D. P., 1994. Checklist of the birds of sri Lanka. 1st ed. Co-lombo: Ceylon Bird Club.

Wijeyeratne, G. d. S., 2008. Sea S-E of Mirissa; Hungama 1.4; Kalametiya Sanctuary 1.4; Wirawila Sanctuary 2.4; Kirinda to Great Basses 2.4; Bundala N P 2.4; Kosgoda 4.4; Kalpitiya 8.4; Chilaw sand spit 8.4; Talangama wetlands; Hiyare 22.4; Koggala 26.4; Colombo: Borella 28.4. CBCN 2008 (April): 68–72.

Wijeyeratne, G. d. S., 2009. Colombo: Borella; Talangama wetlands; Kotte marshes 21.2; Sea off Mirissa 28.2. CBCN 2009 (February): 23–24.

Wood, J. D., 1949. Probable Pomatorhine Skua off Burma. Ibis 91: 690.Yahya, H. S. A., & Ahmad, A., 2002. White Tern Gygis alba sighted at Nar-

condam Island, Bay of Bengal, India. Forktail 18: 148–149.

Indian BIRDS Vol. 7 No. 3 (Publ. 21 October 2011)86

On Saturday, 28 May 2011, four members of the Birdwatchers’ Society of Andhra Pradesh (BSAP) were out on a birdwatching trip to an area about 70 km west

of Hyderabad city called Anantgiri Hills. This is a small series of forest-clad hillocks with good tree cover, close to a large temple. Having done some birding in this area, we decided to explore the region further west of this place near a large reservoir called Nagasamundar (aka Kotepally Reservoir). The man-made lake, despite the heat, appeared to be of fair depth close to the dam. The depth appeared to be about 0.6 m at the southern end of the lake where we were standing.

Kotepally Reservoir (17º21’16”N, 77º45’21”E) is located in Ranga Reddy district of Andhra Pradesh and lies about 100 km

west of Hyderabad. From what we could see, the total spread appeared to be between 6 to 8 km2 with the current water level being about 70% of the total spread.

We reached this spot at about 1230 hrs. There were c. 20–25 River Terns sterna aurantia, flying about over the water and occasionally diving for food. While watching these birds, we spotted a tern, which seemed markedly different from the others. We concentrated on this bird and took several photographs for aid in identification. The bird was larger than the River Terns that were flying around—this was the first feature we noted. It appeared to be deep black all over the upperparts and spotless white below. There was a white forehead that extended to just above the eyes. The leading edges of the wings appeared to be white and the tail was deeply forked and edged with white again. Referring to the field guides we were carrying, we tentatively identified the bird as a Sooty Tern s. fuscata. There was initial confusion with the very similar Bridled Tern s. anaethetus but the absence of the white supercilium (marked feature of the Bridled Tern) in the bird we were observing and the upperparts appearing to be uniformly dark (vis-á-vis difference in shade between the dark back and the black head in Bridled), distinguished it readily from the Bridled Tern. Referring to the photograph(s) (Fig. 1) and the field guides, we were able to clinch the identity of the bird as a Sooty Tern.

The Sooty Tern is not known from Andhra Pradesh (Taher & Pittie 1989). According to Ali & Ripley (1987), it is known to breed in considerable numbers in the Laccadive (=Lakshadweep) Islands. It is also reported to breed on the Vengurla Rocks off the western coast of the peninsula, and also in the Andamans (Ali & Ripley 1987). “Vagrants (storm-blown?) have occurred far inland, e.g., Cachar (Assam), Darbhanga (Bihar), Tirunelveli (Tamil Nadu) and in the hill zone of Ceylon,” (Ali & Ripley 1987). Rasmussen & Anderton (2005) give the distribution of this species as, “Breeding visitor—Vengurla Rocks (off S. Maharashtra), Lakshadweep, Chagos and perhaps Maldives … presumably occurs well off W. coast of India. Storm-driven vagrants very rarely occur far inland … ”

Historical records are from Cachar (Baker 1912), Laccadive (=Lakshadweep) Islands—breeding (Betts 1939), Darbhanga (Inglis 1902) and Thattakadu, Western Ghats (Sugathan et al. 1996). Ambedkar (1983) gives a record of a sighting from Point Calimere, and another record from Bombay (=Mumbai) (Ambedkar 1981). There is a record of a specimen collected

sighting of the sooty tern sterna fuscata near Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, IndiaHumayun Taher, Umesh Mani, K. B. Rao & Nilay Raha

Taher, H., Mani, U., Rao, K. B., & Raha, N., 2011. Sighting of the Sooty Tern sterna fuscata near Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India.Indian BIrds7 (3): 87–88.

Humayun Taher, 2-B Atlas Apartments, Road No. 10, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad 500034, Andhra Pradesh, India. Email:humayun.taher@gmail.com

Umesh Mani, 502, Siva Sai Apartments, Road No. 9, West Marredpally, Secunderabad 500026, Andhra Pradesh, India. Email: umeshmani1@gmail.com

K. B. Rao, 88, Vinayaka Nagar, Gachi Bowli, Hyderabad 500032, Andhra Pradesh, India. Email:anandk235@yahoo.comNilay Raha, Vani Nilayam, 6-3-903/A/4/1, 2nd Floor, Surya Nagar Colony, Hyderabad 500082, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Email:nilayraha@gmail.com

K. B

. Rao

Fig. 1. Sooty Tern sterna fuscata near Hyderabad, May 2011.

Taher et al.: Sooty Tern near Hyderabad 87

near Calicut (=Kozhikode) (Matthew & Shukkur 1974), and another recent specimen recovered near Valparai in Tamil Nadu (Robin & Rao 2006). Recent sight records for this decade are from the Lakshadweep archipelago, and Kerala. Mike Prince records two individuals seen off Agatthi and Kavaratti Islands in the Lakshadweep group of islands (Prince 2008). One was found at Kallambalam, Kollam, and another at Kothamangalam, both in Kerala, at the end of May 2011 (Sreekumar 2011). A flock was observed at sea off the coast near Kannur on 28 May 2011 (Praveen 2011).

From the distribution map given in Kazmierczak (2000), there are only a few scattered records of the bird, mostly along the western shores, and very few off the eastern seaboard. This is consistent with the records of the species given above. Ali & Ripley (1987) record the species as being, “A pelagic tern seldom coming to land except in the breeding season … Usually seen in flocks well out to sea.” In a straight line, the nearest coast from Kotepally, where we observed the bird, is approximately 350 km.

This record (vagrant) of the Sooty Tern is an addition to the birds of Andhra Pradesh (Taher & Pittie 1989), and appears to be the farthest inland record of the species for India; the earlier inland record could be of a bird from Cachar (Baker 1912), which is about 125 km. from the sea. Once again, our observation seems to emphasize the cardinal rule of birdwatching: to observe each individual even in a large flock of any species.

AcknowledgementsWe thank Aasheesh Pittie for assistance and help in identifying the bird from our photographs, and for encouraging us to write and send in our sighting for publication.

ReferencesAli, S., & Ripley, S. D., 1987. Compact handbook of the birds of India and

Pakistan together with those of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and sri Lanka. 2nd ed. Delhi: Oxford University Press.

Ambedkar, V. C., 1981. Occurrence of the Sooty Tern (sterna fuscata) in Bombay - an authentic record. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 78 (2): 377–378.

Ambedkar, V. C., 1983. Occurrence of the Sooty Tern (sterna fuscata) at Point Calimere, Tamil Nadu. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 80 (1): 215.

Baker, E. C. S., 1912. The Sooty Tern (sterna fuliginosa) in Cachar. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 21 (2): 684.

Betts, F. N., 1939. The breeding of the Indian Sooty Tern (sterna fuscata infuscata) in the Laccadive Islands. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 40 (4): 763–764.

Inglis, C. M., 1902. Occurrence of the Sooty Tern (sterna fuliginosa) in the Darbhanga district, Tirhut. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 14 (3): 627–628.

Kazmierczak, K., 2000. A field guide to the birds of India, sri Lanka, Paki-stan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and the Maldives. 1st ed. New Delhi: Om Book Service.

Mathew, D. N., & Shukkur, E. A. A., 1974. Notes on a Sooty Tern (sterna fuscata nubilosas Sparrman) collected near Calicut. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. soc. 71 (1): 144–145.

Praveen J., 2011. [keralabirder] Fwd: Kallambalam Sooty … (www.kerala-birder@yahoogroups.com); 2 June 2011.

Prince, M., 2008. [delhibird] Pelagic birding from Kochi to Lakshadweep, India (www.delhibird@yahoogroups.com); 17 February 2008.

Rasmussen, P. C., & Anderton, J. C., 2005. Birds of south Asia: the ripley guide. 2 vols. 1st ed. Washington, D.C. and Barcelona: Smithsonian Institution and Lynx Edicions.

Robin, V. V., & Sudheendra Rao, N. R., 2006. A record of a Sooty Tern sterna fuscata from the Valparai plateau, south India. Indian Birds 1 (6): 142–143 (2005) (With one col. photo on back cover).

Sreekumar, B., 2011. [keralabirder] sootty tern (www.keralabirder@ya-hoogroups.com); 3 June 2011.

Sugathan, R., Jacob, K. C., & Varghese, A. P., 1996. Sooty Tern record from Thattakkadu in the Western Ghats. Newsletter for Birdwatchers 35 (6): 111–112.

Taher, S. A., & Pittie, A., 1989. A checklist of birds of Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad, India: Published by the authors.

Ring recoveries of Lesser Crested tern thalasseus bengalensis along the Maharashtra coast, IndiaRaju Kasambe & Vaibhav Deshmukh

Kasambe, R., & Deshmukh, V., 2011. Ring recoveries of Lesser Crested Tern Thalasseus benghalensis along the Maharashtra coast, India. Indian BIrds 7 (3): 88–89.

Raju Kasambe, A-205, Trimurti Apartment, Tilak Nagar Vidyalaya, Tilak Nagar, Dombivli (East), District Thane 421201, Maharashtra, India. Email:kasambe.raju@gmail.com

Vaibhav Deshmukh, Bazar Peth, Alibag, District Raigad, Maharashtra, India. Email:drvaibhav@gmail.com

According to Ali & Ripley (1987) the Lesser Crested Tern Thalasseus bengalensis is, “Resident? According to Ticehurst [it is] the commonest tern of Karachi Harbour and

coast-line. [It] Occurs commonly along the western and eastern seaboards of India, Andaman and Nicobar Is., and in Ceylon [Sri Lanka] waters practically throughout the year; more abundant between September and end April. Presumptively breeding on the Makran coast (W. Pakistan), Rameswaram Island, Laccadive and Maldive Is. … but no direct evidence as yet.” Rasmussen &

Anderton (2005) state that it, “Breeds towards end of monsoon in Pakistan … [It is] Resident, breeding on small islets on Sind coast, possibly Lakshadweep and Maldives, and reported breeding Orissa coast. [It is a] Winter visitor to coasts of rest of region, from Mekran Coast to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Andamans … and Nicobars.”

We report three instances of ring recoveries of Lesser Crested Terns along the Maharashtra coast, which are significant in understanding the migration pattern of the species.

Indian BIRDS Vol. 7 No. 3 (Publ. 21 October 2011)88

Ring recovery at Arnala Beach, Mumbai: D. P. Bannerjee found a sick Lesser Crested Tern at Arnala Beach, Virar, along the Mumbai coast on 31 December 2009. The exhausted bird had a ring embossed with, “Inform British Museum London, SW-DD08695.” The bird died subsequently. The author (RK) reported the ring recovery to the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). The Ringing Unit of BTO provided the ringing information (Table 1).

Ring recovery at Sindhudurg: A ringed Lesser Crested Tern was found dead at Sindhudurg Fort near the coastal Sindhudurg town in Maharashtra (south of Mumbai) on 11 November 2010. It was widely reported in local newspapers, which gave the ring number as, “ENVIRONMENT TEHRAN DH2377.” This information was given to RK by his friends, Vinod Patil, and Bhau Katdare. RK contacted Hamid Amini, Senior Ornithologist at the Wildlife Bureau of Tehran. The latter provided the ringing details of the tern (Table 1).

Ring recovery at Alibag, Raigad: VD found a dead Lesser Crested Tern at Akshi beach near Alibag, in Raigad dist., Maharashtra on 9 January 2010. It had a ring on its left leg with, “ENVIRONMENT TEHRAN DW07196,” embossed on it. Hamid Amini, Senior Ornithologist of Wildlife Bureau of Tehran once again provided the ringing details of the tern (Table 1).

ConclusionThese recoveries of ringed Lesser Crested Terns from the Maharashtra coast have thrown light on some facts about their migration. All the birds were recovered between November and

January indicating that they migrate towards the Indian coast as soon as their breeding is over. All the birds were ringed as chicks (pullus) as they breed on the islands in the Persian Gulf. Though the breeding status of the species in India remains a question, these records indicate that we do get migratory birds from the Persian Gulf, which travel nearly 2500 km to reach our coasts for wintering (Fig. 1).

AcknowledgementsWe thank Vinod Patil, Bhau Katdare, D. P. Bannerjee, Hamid Amini, and Zahra Elahi-Rad for their help. We also thank Lee Barber, Recoveries Officer, British Trust for Ornithology, Norfolk, for providing ringing data. Thanks to S. Balachandran, BNHS, and Taej Mundkur, Programme Manager-Flyways, Wetlands International Headquarters, The Netherlands for following up the findings with the Iranian ornithologists. Thanks to Noor I. Khan (IBA–BNHS) for help in preparing the migration map.

ReferencesAli, S., & Ripley, S. D., 1987. Compact handbook of the birds of India and

Pakistan together with those of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and sri Lanka. 2nd ed. Delhi: Oxford University Press.

Rasmussen, P. C., & Anderton, J. C., 2005. Birds of south Asia: the ripley guide. 2 vols. 1st ed. Washington, D.C. and Barcelona: Smithsonian Institution and Lynx Edicions.

Ringing Information Recovery Information Findings

Date Location Coordinates Date Location Coordinates Lifespan Distance

27 June 2008Jarim Island South, Baharin and Qatar

26º23’N, 50º28’E31 December 2009

Mumbai 19º27’N, 72º44’EOne year and seven months

2428 km

16 July 2006 Nakhilu Island, Iran 27º49’N, 51º28’E11 November 2010

Sindhudurg 16º02’N, 73º27’EFour years and three months

2599 km

9 August 2009 Nakhilu Island, Iran 27º49’N, 51º28’E 9 January 2010 Alibag 18º37’N, 72º53’E Five months 2400 km

Fig.

1. M

ap s

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ing

mig

ratio

n of

Les

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ed T

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Thal

asse

us b

enga

lens

is.

Table 1. Ring recovery data on three Lesser Crested Terns Thalasseus bengalensis along the Maharashtra Coast, India

89

Marine Important Bird Areas (IBA) Programme in IndiaRaju Kasambe

Kasambe, R., 2011. Marine Important Bird Areas (IBA) Programme in India. Indian BIrds 7 (3): 90.Raju Kasambe, A-205, Trimurti Apartment, Tilak Nagar Vidyalaya, Tilak Nagar, Dombivli (East), Dist. Thane 421201, Maharashtra,

India. E-mail: kasambe.raju@gmail.com

IntroductionIndia has one of the longest shorelines in the world and many pelagic birds are found in Indian waters and along the coast (Singh 2003). It has been documented that as many as 300,000 seabirds are being caught on the hook annually as bycatch (http://www.birdlife.org/action/science/species/seabirds/seabird_calling_card.pdf). Hence, there is considerable international attention for the conservation of pelagic birds. Unfortunately, we do not have much data on the bird mortality by bycatch of longline fishing in Indian waters. Information about our pelagic birds is scanty and is limited to the records of stray pelagic birds blown to the coast by monsoon gales.

BirdLife International’s Important Bird Area (IBA) Programme is a method of identifying the most significant sites for birds globally. These sites, called IBAs, can then form the basis for more detailed conservation planning, and the focus for practical advocacy, action and monitoring. In India, Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) have already identified 466 IBAs with the help of its members and volunteers (Islam & Rahmani 2004).

BackgroundAlthough the identification stage of the Important Bird Area (IBA) programme is currently approaching completion in terrestrial environment; the process is still at an early stage in the marine realm. The process of identification of marine IBAs has already been completed in many countries like Portugal, Spain, Australia, Japan and U.K.

Extending the IBA programme to the oceans, while a logical and significant development, has posed both conceptual and practical challenges. IBAs have formed a significant scientific reference in most of the countries and even in India they are getting recognised as priority sites for conservation. It is therefore appropriate that the IBA selection criteria should be reviewed and, as necessary, adapted, in order to use them to identify marine IBAs in India.

Types of marine IBAs: Osieck (2004) has recognized four types of marine IBAs as described below, that include the different aspects of pelagic birds at-sea activities. It should be noted that there is some overlap between non-breeding (coastal) congregations and areas for pelagic species.1. Seaward extensions to breeding colonies: While, many seabird breeding colonies have already been identified as IBAs, their boundaries have been, in almost all cases, confined to the land on which the colonies are located. The boundaries of these sites can, in many cases, be extended to include those parts of the marine environment which are used by the colony for feeding and social interactions. Such extensions are limited by the foraging range, depth and/or habitat preferences of the species concerned. The seaward boundary is, as far as possible, colony-specific and/or species-specific, based on known or estimated foraging and maintenance behaviour. Pitti Island, Lakshadweep,

for example, holds more than 20,000 terns and noddies is one such site where seaward extension needs to be considered (Islam & Rahmani 2004). 2. Non-breeding (coastal) concentrations: These include sites, usually in coastal areas, which hold feeding and moulting concentrations of water-birds, such as divers, grebes and benthos-feeding ducks. They could also refer to coastal feeding areas for boobies, noddies, shearwaters, etc. Sites like the Burnt Island (Vengurla Rocks), Maharashtra, which are already declared as an IBA (Islam & Rahmani 2004), will qualify this criteria. 3. Migratory bottlenecks: These are sites whose geographic positioning enable the pelagic birds to fly over or round in the course of regular migration. These sites are normally determined by topographic features, such as headlands and straits.4. Areas for pelagic species: These sites comprise marine areas remote from land where pelagic birds regularly gather in large numbers. These areas usually coincide with specific oceanographic features, such as shelf-breaks, eddies and upwellings, and their biological productivity is invariably high.

A workshop on the Marine IBAs was held at Hornbill House, BNHS on 28 September 2010 and a select group of biologists working in the marine environs of India attended this workshop. This workshop aimed at developing the strategies and future action plan towards identification of Marine IBAs with in the geographical limits of India.

We request all the marine biologists and ornithologists working on pelagic birds to join Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN) and share their data on marine birds which will help in the identification of marine IBAs in India. The data shared will be acknowledged in all publications.

AcknowledgementsThanks to Ms. Mayumi Sato, Marine Programme Officer, BirdLife Japan and to Mr. Ben Lascelles, International Officer, Marine IBA, Programme, BirdLife, U.K. for help in writing this article.

ReferencesBirdLife International .2010. Marine Important Bird Areas toolkit: Stan-

dardised techniques for identifying priority sites for the conservation of seabirds at-sea. BirdLife International, Cambridge UK. Version 1.1: May 2010

Islam, M.Z. & Rahmani, A.R. 2004. Important Bird Areas in India. Pri-ority sites for Conservation. Indian Bird Conservation Network, Bombay Natural History Society and BirdLife International (UK). Pp.xviii+1133.

Osieck, E. R. 2004. Towards the identification of marine IBAs in the EU: an exploration by the Birds and Habitat directives Task Force. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. (Internal report). Singh, H.S. 2003. Marine Protected Areas in India. Indian Journal of Marine sciences. 32(3): 226-233.

Wildlife Institute of India .2009. Consultation Workshop on Conservation of Marine Species for Development of Species Recovery Plans and ma-rine Protected Areas in India. 6-7 March, 2009. Resource Material.

Indian BIRDS Vol. 7 No. 3 (Publ. 21 October 2011)90

Pelagic birding off India’s western coast: a first person accountS. SubramanyaSubramanya, S,. 2011. Pelagic birding off India’s western coast: a first person account. Indian BIrds 7 (3): 91–92.S. Subramanya, PHT Scheme, `J’ Block, GKVK, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore 560065, Karnataka, India.

Email: subbu.subramanya@gmail.com

A West-coast Pelagic Birding Trip was held between 2 and 4 April 2011 at Mulki, and Kannur, and what an unforgettable experience it turned out to be! For birders who have never

ventured out to sea, any amount of narration falls short of what I experienced: the boat ride, spending a whole day on a trackless vast expanse of open water seeking birds—and to be swamped by them, and the ultimate experience of watching the high drama of skuas harassing terns, unfolding right in front of me— all this would remain etched in my mind forever.

Over 20 birders from Kerala and Karnataka participated in this pelagic bird survey, jointly organised by the Malabar Natural History Society and KeralaBirder at Kannur in northern Kerala, and by the S. A. Hussain Memorial Trust at Mulki coast in southern Karnataka. We hired boats at both the locations and ventured into the sea from 0730 to 1630 hrs.

While you are out on a pelagic birding trip, forget the fishing boats that are around you. You are alone on the vast sea that affords you a 220 degree view, on your left, right, and centre, as you head out into the sea. The open sea is a habitat that we have never been exposed to, and so its bird dynamics are a new experience. You usually see birds moving around in the distance, and in the next few minutes there is one, or a few, passing by your boat; with the bird and the boat moving away from each other, you get such a short time to identify the birds that you see. If you thought that you missed identifying your bird, don’t be disappointed. Within a short time there are scores of them wandering around your boat, and within the next hour, you may sail close to a mixed fishing party: lo-and-behold, the birds are all there to see. However, there is a problem: while on a seabird watching trip, you are never on a firm surface, like you are during normal birding on terra firma. The rolling and heaving of the boat, as it rides the waves, makes it impossible for you to have a firm footing or hold your binoculars or your camera steady, not to mention, that the birds are in constant motion:—you are heaved up while the boat rides a wave or dipped-down, as it hits a trough. It steadies again and tries to tip over to the other side. As a result, if you are not holding on to something on the boat or seated firm with necessary support: you may even go sailing over-board and may end up giving company to those occasional dolphins that you get to see in the sea. But don’t be disheartened; self-preservation will make you learn the ropes of bird-watching on the high seas. Photographing from a rolling boat riding a choppy sea could well be very challenging. Thus, despite missed chances, the open sea springs many surprises and presents you with plenty of opportunities – so much so that, at the end of the day you are an expert at identifying all those that have been off-limits to normal birders: Thus, the open sea is one of the last frontiers of bird-watching.

Out on this pelagic environment, the birds are constantly

seeking food resources. There are two common sources: one, the fishing boats that use drag-nets, which, as they plough through the waters, churn-up animalcules from the depths on to the surface and you see seabirds foraging in the wake of the boats: gliding and circling effortlessly around them, swooping-down from time to time to pick-up scraps from the water. Sometimes they settle momentarily to gobble down a morsel before catching up with the ship again by seemingly leisurely wing-beats. The second source: shoals of fish. When the birds discover a moving shoal of fish, there are a few birds initially, but within minutes, call it local enchantment, their numbers swell by the second, as the frenzied feeding sends out visual signals far and wide, across the vast open sea, and you see birds arriving in earnest to partake the bounty offered by the sea around you. This is similar to the mixed hunting parties that you come across in the dense wet forests. There are Bridled- and Common- Terns, Greater- and Lesser-crested Terns, shearwaters, and skuas. This only seems to indicate that, thanks to their acute vision, pelagic birds appear to keep an eye on other birds around, are familiar with their behaviour when they come across fish, and rapidly advance miles across the open sea to join-up mixed-fishing flocks. Flocks pursue the shoals of fish, with birds diving from above amidst waves and scooping them up from the surface. The fish are quickly swallowed, head first by manoeuvring it expertly in mid-air, and in a few seconds the bird wheels around to resume its slaughter of the shoal.

In this melee of frenzied feeding, each species has its own feeding technique: Bridled Terns, which are usually found in scattered ones and twos or in small parties, sometimes in large gatherings of 50–100, pick up fish, usually from the surface. Common Terns do not hesitate to plunge into water. Shearwaters, which usually maintain a more close knit group swimming the churning waters – dipping their heads to pick-up fish, often you will see one of these birds patter along the surface of water with its booty to distance itself from the boat, which you have ordered to steer closer for a better look.

The congregation gets more interesting with the arrival of skuas! Skuas are thugs on wings, wreaking a trail of violence across the open seas that they frequent! You rarely see these skuas feeding on their own, as they are given to a life of piracy, call it ‘avian goondaism,’ harassing helpless terns, be they Common-, Lesser-, or Great-crested, that have hunted a fish –chasing them down relentlessly, showing great agility in pursuit—matching the tern’s every move—turning and twisting with them in tandem and at the end of it all, hounding them to give-up any fish held in their beaks or even disgorge the contents of their stomachs, swallowed only a few seconds back, in a bid to escape from the skua. No sooner is the fish voided by the tern, the skua expertly rolls on its wings to catch it a few feet below the departing tern, well before the fish hits the rolling waves below. This drama unfolds right in front

Subramanya: Pelagic birding 91

Indian BIRDS Vol. 7 No. 3 (Publ. 21 October 2011)92

of you, a few meters from your boat, while you stand and watch every move the skua makes and you are stunned by the ways of this tyrannical bully of the high seas. These Parasitic Skuas (also called as Arctic Skua or Parasitic Jaeger), never fail to impress you with their strength and forceful presence and you find that they are unparalleled in their speed and agility in the air, the traits that make them so successful at harrying terns, forcing them to drop the food they are carrying as they race over the sea (Figs. 1–3).

In the morning, birds are on the wing, constantly scanning the surface of waters for food, but in the afternoon, most birds seem to settle down on the water, in twos or in small congregations that may swell to considerable numbers.

One of the most significant aspects of the terns that you would not fail to notice is their predilection to sit on floating debris and riding buoyantly on the wave crests - getting hidden now and again behind the swell (Fig. 4). Often you wonder at their ability to sit on small debris, be it a piece of wood, a chunk of thermocole, or an up-turned sole of discarded footwear, and as we observed, even a discarded tube light! You are amazed at the effortless ease with which these birds ride these pieces of debris: dipping into a trough, riding the crest, never flinching for even a second with the fear of losing balance, appearing as if they are an extension of the debris itself. What is more, they even engage in a copious bout of preening as the debris carries them away from you.

Besides the wonderful birding opportunity that this trip provided, it was also a great meeting ground for birders, some of those who were mere names, I could now put faces to them and shake hands. I had the privilege of meeting some of those whom I had known for well over two decades.

Fig.4.GreaterCrestedTernSterna bergiionthermocoledebris.

Photos:AshwiniKumarBhatFig.2.

Fig.1.

Fig.3.

Shearwaters

Photo Gallery

AK R

aju AK Raju

Prav

een

ESM

ike PrinceRa

jnee

sh S

uvar

naAshw

ini Kumar Bhat

Flesh-footed Shearwater, September 2010.

Wedge-tailed Shearwater, May 2011.

Persian Shearwater, April 2011.

Flesh-footed Shearwater, September 2010.

Wedge-tailed Shearwater, May 2011.

Persian Shearwater, April 2011.

Photo gallery 93

Petrels, Storm Petrels & Boobies

Mik

e Pr

ince

Praveen ESVi

vek

Cha

ndra

nAK Raju

AK R

aju

Sachin Shurpali

Jounain’s Petrel, February 2008.

Swinhoe’s Storm-petrel, July 2011.

Masked Booby, immature moulting to adult plumage, September 2010.

Wilson’s Storm-petrel, July 2011.

Masked Booby, juvenile, September 2010.

Masked Booby, juvenile, September 2010.

Indian BIRDS Vol. 7 No. 3 (Publ. 21 October 2011)94

Jaegers

Mik

e Pr

ince

Ashw

ini K

umar

Bha

tAs

hwin

i Kum

ar B

hat

Mike Prince

AK RajuAK Raju

Pomarine Jaeger adult, February 2008.

Parasitic Jaeger adult, April 2011.

Parasitic Jaeger immature, April 2011.

Pomarine Jaeger immature, February 2008.

Parasitic Jaeger immature, September 2010.

Parasitic Jaeger immature, September 2010.

Photo gallery 95

Dark Terns

Shiv

asha

nkar

MRa

jnee

sh S

uvar

naM

ike

Prin

ceAshw

ini Kumar Bhat

Mike Prince

Mike Prince

Bridled Tern adult, April 2011.

Bridled Tern adult, April 2011.

Sooty Tern adult, February 2008.

Bridled Tern juvenile, April 2011.

Brown Noddy, May 2011.

Sooty Tern juvenile, May 2011.

Indian BIRDS Vol. 7 No. 3 (Publ. 21 October 2011)96

Pale Terns

Shiv

asha

nkar

MAs

hwin

i Kum

ar B

hat

Ashw

ini K

umar

Bha

tAK Raju

Sandeep Das

Sandeep Das

Great Crested Tern, April 2011.

Little Tern, April 2011.

Common Tern, April 2011.

Lesser Crested Tern, September 2010.

Sandwich Tern, April 2011.

Common Tern, April 2011.

Photo gallery 96A

Manufactures of electrical laminations & stampingsPhones: 040-2331 2774, 2331 2768, 2331 2770, Fax: 040-2339 3985, Grams: PITTILAM

Email: hyd2_pittilam@sancharnet.in, Website: www.pittielectricalam.com

For private circulation only.

AK R

aju

Flesh-footed Shearwater