New bird found in eastern Nepal

KATHMANDU, May 15 (Xinhua) -- Ornithologists have
found yet another species of bird in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve area in
Sunsari district in eastern Nepal, local media reported on Friday.

According to myrepublica.com, the new bird has been
identified as Daurian Redstart (Phoenicurus auroreus).

According to a press statement issued by Bird
Conservation Nepal, two ornithologists found the bird for the first time in the
country in one of the islands of Koshi River on Dec. 25, 2008.

Since then the ornithologists have seen this bird at
least three times again. They have recorded around 750 bird species in the
country -- more than any other ornithologists' total for this country -- so far.

The bird forms part of a large bird family known as
Muscicapidae. This species is known to be found in India, China, Myanmar,
Russia, Japan and few South East Asian countries during winter.

Experts believe that this species may be a migratory
species to Nepal. The habitat of the bird may not have been surveyed properly in
the past. Further surveys are recommended in the area. With this find, Nepal now
has 864 species of birds.

The bird is believed to be a regular winter visitor
to eastern Nepal, said the report.