Rare Indian Pitta rescued in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: Shivaswamy, a former CRPF assistant sub-inspector and a resident of Chikka Bommasandra in Yelahanka New Town, had an unusual guest on Thursday – a rare bird found in Himalayas that migrates to peninsular India during winters.

Called Indian Pitta, it is also known as ‘Navarangi', because of its nine colours.
The bird was injured and fell on terrace of Shivaswamy’s house on Thursday.  “My son first spotted the bird that was struggling to fly. He took the bird and kept it in a cardboard. We tried to feed it, but  it did not have anything apart from water. Later, we decided to hand it over to ARCC (Avian and Reptile Rehabilitation Centre),”  Shivaswamy said.

These birds are found in the foothills of Himalayas and from September onwards they migrate to southern states, including Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Some even go as far as Sri Lanka. They return to Himalayas in February.

Jayanthi Kallam, Co-founder and Executive Director of ARCC told Deccan Chronicle, “In this case, the bird had a hit and fell on the resident's terrace. There are no external injuries. These birds find it difficult to cross the cities because of dense population and also because they are likely face many hurdles.”
She also said this is the migration season for them and most of them take a pit stop in the southern states which helps bird watchers spot them easily. 

“However, each bird which gets hit would require a different kind of treatment and assignment till they are in perfect condition after which we release them,” Jayanthi added.

Sharath Babu, a wildlife expert and bird rescuer, said, “These are the prettiest birds that come during the season. We should be proud of this fact and try to protect them.”

In case one sights this bird, do not feed them, just keep them in a cardboard and call the rescue team. They should contact the ARCC rescue team (9620286800) or the BBMP (080-22221188).