Spiny babbler recorded in Madhesh Province for first time

The spiny babbler, a bird species unique to Nepal and locally known as Kande Bhyakur, has been sighted in Madhesh Province for the first time, according to recent ornithological updates. This marks a significant confirmation of the species' presence across all seven provinces of the country.

Birdwatchers identified four spiny babblers near the Dudhaura stream in Jitpur Simara Sub-Metropolitan City-22, Bara district. Ornithologist Hathan Chaudhary, who led the identification along with Suraj Baral, stated that this sighting confirms the bird's distribution throughout Nepal. "Records already exist from other provinces. This confirms its presence across all seven provinces," Chaudhary said.

The observation occurred on June 4 in a forested area of the Chure range, at an altitude of approximately 443 meters above sea level. The location, within the Namuna Women Community Forest, features a mix of grassland and scrubland with various tree species. Students from the Forestry program at Hetauda Campus also participated in the observation.

This finding is part of ongoing bird surveys conducted jointly by the Nepal Birdwatchers’ Association and the Mithila Wildlife Trust across Madhesh Province's eight districts. While a winter survey ran from mid-January to mid-March, a second phase commenced on June 1, leading to this significant record.

The spiny babbler, belonging to the Leiothrichidae family, has been recorded at elevations up to 1,830 meters. However, the Bara sighting is noted as the lowest-altitude confirmed record for the species. The bird is characterized by its curved black bill, brownish-grey plumage, white streaks, and a loud, melodious call. It typically measures about 26 centimeters and nests in dense scrubland and forest habitats. British naturalist Brian Houghton Hodgson first scientifically described the species in Nepal in 1836.

“

We spotted four spiny babblers there. Records already exist from other provinces. This confirms its presence across all seven provinces.