The survey of coastal birds was conducted as part of the ongoing Green Partnership Programme.

The birds include Flesh-footed Shearwater, Short-tailed Shearwater, Wilson’s Stormpetrel, PomarineSkua, and Bridled Tern. According to P.S. Jinesh, team member, the sighting of Short tailed Shearwater and the unusual presence of PomarineSkua were noteworthy.

The Short-tailed Shearwater is being recorded for the second time on Kerala coast and first time on Alappuzha coast. Unlike the Flesh-footed Shearwater, which is common in Kerala, Short tailed Shearwater is mostly seen in South East Asia and breeds on the Tasmanian coast and off the coast of South Australia. It is shorter in size and has thin, short, dark bills and steeper forehead. The presence of PomarineSkua is also curious. The only specimen of the species was in adult breeding plumage. “Normally it breeds in far north of Eurasia and North America,” Dr Jinesh said.

The largest of the avian populations spotted was that of Flesh-footed Shearwater of which 111 specimens were identified. The survey also found 28 Bridled Tern while one each specimen of other species were spotted.

S. Prasanth Narayanan, A. Al Badush, K. Dipu, E.S. Praveen and AneeshSasidevan led the team.