New bird species named Himalayan Forest Thrush discovered in India

Scientists have discovered a new bird species named Himalayan Forest Thrush in northeastern India and adjacent parts of China.
It has been given scientific name Zoothera salimalii after ornithologist and naturalist Salim Ali who has made significant contributions to ornithology in India.
Key facts

• Himalayan Forest Thrush bird was first noticed at different elevations with similarities to other bird species Plain-backed Thrush. But both of them have two different song types.
• It has as a longer bill, shorter wings and shorter legs. It is found in the rocky habitats above the tree-line in North eastern Himalayas.

Background

• The Himalayan Forest Thrush is only the fourth new bird species to be discovered in India since Independence.
• Earlier two new bird species were discovered in Arunachal Pradesh and one in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The last new discovered species was the Bugun Liocichla in 2006 in Arunachal Pradesh.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2016