Red-breasted Flycatcher returns to Ameenpur lake in Hyderabad

The Red-breasted Flycatcher, a migratory bird from Europe, has returned to Hyderabad’s Ameenpur Lake for the 2026 season, delighting birdwatchers.

Hyderabad: Ameenpur Lake may have lost most of its aura for the birders because of the dwindling bird-friendly environment but for the rarely spotted Red-breasted Flycatcher, it seems to continue to be the second ‘home’ as it made an appearance again a few days ago to the delight of the birders’ community.

“The Red-breasted Flycatcher, a migratory marvel from the distant forests of Europe, has officially returned for the 2026 season—defying the rapid urban transformation of its winter home,” says avid birder Syam Sundar Potturi, who is quite naturally thrilled to freeze a few more fabulous frames of this wonderful winged visitor.

“Last year, this diminutive traveller became a sensation among local birdwatchers. Its return this March serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between urban development and ecological preservation,” he informed ‘Telangana Today’.

“The flycatcher’s presence is being viewed by many as a hard-won victory for local conservation. Under the recent oversight of HYDRAA, several of the city’s water bodies have received renewed protection, curbing the encroachment that once threatened to swallow these habitats entirely,” Syam Sundar said.

“Yes, even though it is pure joy to see this flycatcher at Ameenpur Lake, it also reflects the declining vibrant ecosystem which was prevalent five years ago,” he said.

“The return of the Red-breasted Flycatcher is a silent plea for a different kind of conservation. True environmental stewardship may not be found in what we build, but in what we choose not to build,” says the birder who continues to come up with some stunning photographs of the birds at Ameenpur Lake which was home to Greater Flamingos till a couple of years back before they started avoiding this destination for obvious reasons.

“This flycatcher is a living testament to the fact that some pieces of nature thrive best when left entirely to their own devices. For now, the “little miracle” is back—but for how many more seasons remains a question of how much “wild” Hyderabad is willing to keep,” Syam Sundar said.

“No doubt, the authorities have installed new sheds, walking paths, and reinforced bunds with benches to encourage public engagement, but these “human-centric” improvements often come at a cost to the very wildlife people come to see,” he said. “This Little Miracle doesn’t need a paved path. It needs the specific, undisturbed canopy of the few remaining local trees,” he signed off.