Rare Central Asian white stork spotted at Okhla Bird Sanctuary
The sighting of the bird, which may belong to a subspecies with fewer than 2,000 individuals, has attracted photographers and naturalists.
A rare white stork, believed to be a scarce Central Asian subspecies, was spotted at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary on November 1, according to reports by Moneycontrol and The New Indian Express.
The bird was first seen by a birder named Tejaswi and remained at the wetland for three days. Ornithologists suggest the bird could be Ciconia ciconia asiatica, a subspecies that breeds mainly in southern Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
The global population of this subspecies is estimated to be under 2,000. These storks migrate south from their breeding grounds toward wintering areas that reach from Iran to the Indian subcontinent.
White storks are uncommon in the Delhi-NCR region. Previous sightings were recorded at Okhla in March 1992 and February 2005, in Palwal during 2004-05, and near Jewar in March 2019.
Naturalist and wildlife photographer Nikhil Devasar said the sighting is a significant moment for birdwatchers if the subspecies is confirmed. Fellow birder Rohit Sharma noted that the appearance highlights the need to protect urban wetland habitats.
The Okhla Bird Sanctuary is located along the Yamuna floodplains near the Delhi-Noida border and serves as a habitat for migratory birds during the winter season.