Large nesting site of Indian skimmer discovered in Prayagraj’s Palpur village

Prayagraj: A large nesting site of Indian skimmer (Rynchops albicollis) — a favourite among Indian bird enthusiasts — has been found at Palpur village of Chakka block of Prayagraj along the bank of the river Yamuna by a team of forest department and researchers of Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
A survey, which led to the finding of this impressive nesting site, was undertaken under the guidance of divisional forest officer (DFO) Prayagraj, Mahaveer Kaujalagi.
“Finding this large colony of Indian skimmer in an island along the river Yamuna is a milestone in the efforts to protect India’s rich biodiversity. The only breeding site was in the Chambal basin and thereafter it was spotted at two places along the river Ganga at Phaphamau of Prayagraj. And now we have found yet another nesting site and that too where over 300 nests have been spotted,” Kaujalagi told TOI on Monday.
The team included WWI community officer Krishan Prakash Upadhyaya, intern Anuj Kumar and a volunteer, Shimant Mehta, he added.
The Indian skimmer is native to the Indian subcontinent. Its striking black-and-white plumage and unique feeding behaviour make it a favourite among bird enthusiasts.