A Milestone in Indian Ornithology: Whinchat-Siberian Stonechat Hybrid Discovered in Goa

In a groundbreaking achievement for Indian ornithology, a team of dedicated birders has unveiled the first presumed hybrid between a Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra) and a Siberian Stonechat (Saxicola maurus) in Ozarim, Goa (15.709°N). The discovery began with an initial observation by Kuldip Topo, followed by a meticulous investigation led by Jalmesh Karapurkar, alongside contributions from Sagar Naik and Shubham Rane. Their findings, now published in the prestigious Indian BIRDS journal (Volume 21, No. 4), detail the bird's unique plumage features, such as a striking broad supercilium and long primary projection, confirming its hybrid status.​

This publication also sheds new light on the wintering origins of Siberian Stonechats in Goa, enhancing our understanding of avian migration patterns and ecology in the region. The team's rigorous documentation, including photographs and behavioral notes, marks a significant step forward in documenting rare avian phenomena in India.​

Kudos to Kuldip Topo, Sagar Naik, Shubham Rane, and Jalmesh Karapurkar for their passion and precision, inspiring budding ornithologists and bolstering conservation efforts. This work underscores Goa's rich biodiversity and the vital role of citizen science in avian research, paving the way for future studies on hybridisation and wintering populations.