Media Release

Mangaluru, Feb 24: St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, successfully conducted the Campus Bird Count 2026 from February 13 to 16 as part of the nationwide great backyard bird count organized by Bird Count India in collaboration with eBird.

The four-day biodiversity survey resulted in the documentation of 32 bird species within the institution’s 145-year-old, 37-acre green campus located in the heart of the city. The college, which attained the status of a Deemed to be University two years ago, has been actively participating in the Campus Bird Count initiative since 2019, contributing consistently to national citizen science databases.

The Campus Bird Count 2026 was conducted under the guidance of Kiran Vati K and Glavin Thomas Rodrigues, assistant professors in the department of zoology, with the active participation of faculty members and students of the department of zoology. The survey involved systematic observation and documentation of avian diversity across different habitat patches within the campus.

Among the species recorded were common urban and woodland birds such as Rock Pigeon, Greater Coucal, Asian Koel, and Asian Palm Swift. Raptors including Black Kite and Brahminy Kite were observed soaring and perching within the campus. The presence of Little Cormorant and Eastern Cattle Egret further reflected the ecological connectivity of the campus landscape.

Tree-dwelling species such as White-throated Kingfisher, White-cheeked Barbet, Malabar Flameback, and Rose-ringed Parakeet were also documented. Migratory and seasonal visitors including the Ashy Drongo and Green Warbler were recorded during the count period.

Significantly, several nesting birds were observed across the campus, indicating active breeding activity. Nests of the Red-whiskered Bulbul were documented, and the Indian Golden Oriole—a seasonal breeding visitor to peninsular India—was also observed utilizing suitable habitat within the campus. The presence of breeding activity highlights the role of the campus as a safe and resource-rich environment supporting avian reproduction.

The gardens and tree cover further supported insectivorous and nectar-feeding birds such as Common Tailorbird, Gray-breasted Prinia, Pale-billed Flowerpecker, and sunbird species including Purple-rumped Sunbird, Purple Sunbird, and Loten’s Sunbird. Other notable species recorded include Chestnut-tailed Starling, Common Myna, Jungle Myna, Orange-headed Thrush, Oriental Magpie-Robin, and White-rumped Munia.

Regular documentation of bird diversity since 2019 has strengthened the institution’s long-term biodiversity monitoring efforts. The continued presence of resident, migratory, and breeding bird species underscores the ecological importance of preserving green spaces within urban environments.

St Aloysius College (Deemed to be University) remains committed to promoting sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and experiential learning, ensuring that the campus continues to serve as an important urban refuge for wildlife.