ANGUL:Falcated duck, a rare bird species, was spotted by a team of forest officials in the water reserve of Samal Barrage at Talcher during a survey last week.
The team, led by Regional Chief Conservator of Forest, Angul circle, Anup Nayak, spotted the Falcated duck among a group of birds in the water body.
It is a migratory bird and hails from northern hemisphere, said Nayak. “This is for the first time in the State that this rare species of bird has been spotted,” said Nayak, who is also a member of International Union of Conservation of Nature and Natural resources (IUCN).
The photograph of the bird taken at the barrage was sent to renowned ornithologist Tim Insikkipp who confirmed the bird as Falcated duck, a threatened bird species in the world, said Nayak.
The team also counted 21 waterfowls in barrage besides the Red Crested Pochards and Pintail ducks, Gadwall, Garganey, Cotton Teal, Lesser Whistling Teal, Shoveller, Common Pochard, Asian Openbill, Ferruginous Duck, Eurasian Wigeon and a solitary Osprey, Egrets, Herons and Cormorant.
The water body is strategically located between two hills of Anantpur and Kanheijena and is a major attraction for the winged guests.