Bengal Leads India in Bird Count for Third Consecutive Year

Bengal Dominates the GBBC for the Third Year

Bengal Leads India in Bird Count for Third Consecutive Year: For the third consecutive year, West Bengal has emerged as the national leader in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), one of the largest citizen-led birdwatching events globally. Held from February 14 to 17, 2025, the event recorded 1,068 bird species across India, with Bengal alone contributing 543 species. This incredible feat highlights Bengal’s rich avian biodiversity and a robust network of dedicated birdwatchers, from the hills of Darjeeling to the wetlands of South 24 Parganas.

Species Highlights and Rare Sightings

This year’s count included rare and notable bird sightings such as the Ibisbill in Jhalong, Spotted Crake in Baruipur, and the Common Starling in Malda. Darjeeling district, though registering fewer species than last year, still led the state with 252 species. Meanwhile, South 24 Parganas emerged as the most active birding zone in Bengal, with 513 submitted checklists, indicating strong community participation.

Participation and Enthusiasm Amid Challenges

Despite a drop in total checklists compared to 2024, primarily due to exam season overlaps, Bengal maintained a dominant presence. The state registered 1,909 checklists, a notable effort by its 344 participants. Baharuddin Sk recorded the most species in Bengal at 310, and Santanu Manna topped in contributions with 112 checklists, showcasing the passion and consistency of local birders.

National Performance and GBBC Overview

The GBBC, launched in 1998 and introduced in India in 2013, continues to be a celebration of both biodiversity and public participation. In 2025, over 5,300 participants across India joined the event, using the eBird platform to upload their sightings. The top five states were Bengal (543), Uttarakhand (446), Assam and Maharashtra (414 each), and Karnataka (380). This annual event not only promotes conservation but also raises awareness about habitat protection and bird diversity.

Implications for Conservation and Ecology

Bengal’s repeated success in the GBBC indicates the region’s thriving ecosystems and strong conservation efforts. With increasing urbanisation and habitat loss, the data gathered through such initiatives plays a crucial role in formulating policies for wildlife protection. The visibility and awareness generated help in building a culture of citizen science and environmental stewardship, especially among the youth.

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