Kannur: A black heron, a species typically found only in and around the African mainland, has been spotted in Kuniyan, a place in Kannur, Kerala. The bird, scientifically named 'Egretta ardesiaca', was discovered by photographer Abhilash Padmanabhan, who has been observing birds in Kuniyan Chatupp, a major wetland spanning Kannur and Kasaragod districts, for several years.

The heron, which resembles the native blackbird, holds its wings like an umbrella while catching fish. Although the species has been spotted before in Maharashtra, its presence in Kerala is being hailed as a major moment in Indian bird watching

Experts are puzzled as to how the non-migratory bird reached India. Senior birdwatcher C Sasikumar said it is unclear whether it could have travelled from Africa naturally. Abhilash promptly recorded the sighting on the eBird portal. Sathyan Meppayur, president of the Malabar Natural History Society, who also witnessed the bird, contacted colleagues in Africa to confirm its identity.

The sighting highlights the ecological importance of the Kuniyan wetlands, which host more than 40 migratory bird species, including the Green-footed booby, Red-necked Phalarope and Sandgrouse, as well as around 100 species of waterfowl.