The Chhari-Dhandh Conservation Reserve in Gujarat’s Kutch district has become a popular spot for birdwatchers due to the seasonal presence of the rare Grey Hypocolius. This bird, known locally as Maskati Latoro, is a limitedly distributed species in India and attracts attention for its elusive nature. The Grey Hypocolius breeds in arid regions of Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan before migrating to India for the winter.
The bird, which is mostly found in parts of Kutch, particularly favors arid scrub forests, desert landscapes, and nearby farmlands. Birdwatchers note that the Grey Hypocolius arrives in the Fulay scrub forest between October and November and stays until March or April. It is often seen in small flocks feeding on ripe berries of Salvadora persica and flower petals and berries of the Tankara plant.
Chhari-Dhandh is recognized as a reliable site in India to observe the Grey Hypocolius, attracting birdwatchers and wildlife photographers worldwide during the winter season. Apart from this rare bird, the reserve is also known for sightings of the White-naped Tit, an endemic species to India. The wetland, declared Gujarat’s first Conservation Reserve in 2008, supports a diverse avian population, including globally threatened and near-threatened bird species.
