13 November 2026: A Willow Warbler recorded at the Kenjar grasslands near Mangaluru is believed to be Karnataka's first sighting of the species and only the fifth confirmed record in India.
About the Willow Warbler
- Introduction: A very widespread Palearctic migratory insectivorous songbird; scientific name Phylloscopus trochilus.
- Identification: About 11 cm long with a 19 cm wingspan; greenish-brown above and off-white to yellowish below; wings plain greenish-brown with no wingbars; distinguished by paler pinkish-yellow legs, a longer, paler bill, an elegant shape and a longer primary projection (wingtip).
- Conservation status: Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Habitat and migration
- Breeding range: Throughout Europe and the Palearctic, from Ireland east to the Anadyr River basin in eastern Siberia; favours open woodlands with birch, alder and willow, as well as gardens, orchards, hedges and pastures.
- Migration: Strongly migratory - almost the entire population winters in sub-Saharan Africa.
The India record
- Rarity: Only four confirmed Indian records existed before (the first in Kerala in 2020, then Kanniyakumari in 2024, among others); Kenjar (Dakshina Kannada) is the fifth - and Karnataka's first - highlighting the conservation value of coastal grassland ecosystems.
Quiz: Test your knowledge
Q1: Consider the following statements about the Willow Warbler: 1. Its scientific name is Phylloscopus trochilus. 2. It winters mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. 3. The Kenjar record is the first-ever sighting of the species in India. How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer and explanation: (b) Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong - Kenjar is Karnataka's first record but India's fifth confirmed record.
Q2: Where was Karnataka's first Willow Warbler sighting recorded?
(a) A Bengaluru garden
(b) Kenjar grasslands, near Mangaluru
(c) Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary
(d) Bandipur National Park
Answer and explanation: (b) The record comes from the Kenjar grasslands near Mangaluru in Dakshina Kannada - India's fifth confirmed sighting of the species.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
In short: The Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) is a Palearctic migratory songbird; the Kenjar (Mangaluru) record is Karnataka's first and India's fifth confirmed sighting.
Question: Where does the Willow Warbler breed?
Across Europe and the Palearctic, from Ireland to eastern Siberia; it winters in sub-Saharan Africa.
Question: Where was its latest Indian record?
At the Kenjar grasslands near Mangaluru, Karnataka - the state's first and India's fifth confirmed record.
Question: What is its IUCN status?
Least Concern.
Sources:
- The Hindu: Migratory bird willow warbler spotted, recorded in Mangaluru (13 November 2026)
- Times of India: Rare willow warbler at Kenjar grasslands - Karnataka's first record, fifth in India (13 November 2026)
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