In a groundbreaking discovery, a team of birdwatchers in Kashmir recorded the first-ever sighting of the European Greenfinch (Chloris chloris) in India on 10th February. The bird was observed in the Botanical Garden, Srinagar, at around 4 pm, marking a significant expansion of its known range.
The team, led by Mr. Waseem Ahmad Bhat—an esteemed Kashmiri bird guide and active member of Kashmir Birdwatch, the oldest birding club in Jammu and Kashmir—was conducting a regular birding outing when the sighting occurred. The group included birdwatchers Uttam Mahatha, Ritu Chatterjee, and Dar Bilal.
The European Greenfinch is typically found across Eurasia, with its range extending through Afghanistan, Central Asia, and parts of north-west Pakistan. Its appearance in Kashmir is the first recorded instance of this species within Indian boundaries, extending its distribution further east.
This discovery underscores the rich biodiversity of the Kashmir Valley and highlights the importance of continued birdwatching and conservation efforts in the region.
