Hyderabad Bird Atlas adds 23 new species in second season

With the addition of 23 new species this season, the total number of bird species documented in 2025 has reached 218

Sangareddy: As many as 225 birdwatchers and wildlife photographers, who voluntarily participated in the second phase of the Hyderabad Bird Atlas (HBA) survey, have added 23 new bird species to the atlas.

The second season of the survey, which began on July 5, documented 166 species, most of which were resident birds.

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During the nearly three-week-long exercise, participants recorded 62,811 birds. In contrast, the first season held in February — which drew 209 wildlife photographers — had recorded 195 species and a total bird count of 70,187. With the addition of 23 new species this season, the total number of bird species documented across both seasons in 2025 has reached 218.

The HBA team plans to continue the survey for four more seasons over the next two years, covering both winter and rainy periods, in a bid to document even more bird species.

Speaking to Telangana Today, Sriram Reddy, a key member of the HBA, said the decline in bird numbers during the July phase was due to migratory birds having returned to their native habitats. “This season gave us an opportunity to focus on native bird species,” he said.

He added that the observations gathered during this season provided valuable insights into breeding behaviour, habitat preferences, and the distribution patterns of resident birds during the monsoon.

Together, the two seasons of the Hyderabad Bird Atlas in 2025 have built a robust dataset capturing seasonal variations in the city’s bird population.

With over 1.36 lakh individual birds counted and 218 species recorded through the efforts of dedicated volunteers, The HBA is laying the groundwork to better understand urban biodiversity, support conservation strategies, and involve the public in protecting avian life.