Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Bird sanctuary in Kerala, India.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is a protected area in Kerala, India, covering about 25 square kilometers of marshland, grassland and tropical evergreen forest along the Periyar River. More than 500 bird species make their home here, including forest dwellers, raptors and species that nest or rest in wetland habitats.
Indian ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali studied the birdlife of this area during the 1950s and documented species rarely found elsewhere in India. His work led to the creation of the sanctuary in 1983, which has since been managed jointly by researchers and local authorities.
Locals call the place Thattekad, derived from Thattaka, the Tamil word for a flat plain lying between river branches and surrounded by forest. Scientists work here year-round, observing how migratory birds from the Himalaya live alongside native species and how insects, amphibians and mammals influence their behavior.
Visitors can use observation towers and walking trails that wind through dense vegetation and open riverside areas, revealing different habitats. The best time to visit runs from October to March, when migratory birds arrive and weather conditions remain comfortable for extended walks.
The sanctuary is home to the Ceylon Frogmouth, a nocturnal species that remains completely still on branches during the day and resembles dry wood through its plumage and body shape. This camouflage protects the bird from predators and makes it nearly invisible to visitors, even when resting just meters away.
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