New Bird Species Found in Northeast India, Named After Salim Ali

The newfound bird named as Zoothera salimalii. (Photo: Twitter)

A new species of bird has been discovered in northeast India and adjacent parts of China by a team of scientists from India, Sweden, China, US, and Russia.

The bird, Himalayan Forest Thrush, has been distinguished as a separate species by researchers and the discovery has been published in the international Avian Research journal.

This is only the fourth new bird species described from India by modern ornithologists since independence. Himalayan Forest Thrush is common in eastern Himalayas and so far, believed to be a sub-species of Plain-backed Thrush.

Scientifically named as “Zoothera salimalii”, this is the first Indian bird named after the late ‘father of Indian ornithology’ Dr Salim Ali.

The bird has been named after him in recognition of his contributions to the development of modern Indian ornithology and wildlife conservation.