In a significant development for birdwatchers and conservationists, a rare knob-billed duck — a species usually associated with the wetlands of Central India, particularly Rajasthan and Gujarat — has been recorded for the first time at Pong Lake Wildlife Sanctuary.
The solitary bird was spotted in the Sathana area of the Dhameta range by keen birdwatcher Ankush Dhiman of the Forest Department. It remained in the area for nearly three days, indicating that it had adapted comfortably to its new surroundings.
Forest officials said the knob-billed duck is not a regular visitor to Himachal. Prior to this sighting, the species had been recorded only once in the state, in the Sirmaur region in 2013. Although the bird is occasionally seen in neighbouring Punjab, its arrival at Pong Lake marks a noteworthy addition to the sanctuary’s already rich avian diversity.
Experts believe the unusual movement may be linked to a range of factors, including food scarcity in its native habitat or the search for suitable breeding grounds. The sighting has also fuelled discussions about the possible impact of climate change on bird distribution. Rising temperatures could be creating environmental conditions in the region that increasingly resemble those of Central India, making habitats such as Pong Lake more attractive to species traditionally found in warmer areas.
Divisional Forest Officer Devinder Dadhwal, a noted expert on migratory birds at Pong Lake, confirmed that this is the first recorded sighting of the species in the wetland. He described the occurrence as an important subject for further scientific study, noting that bird migration patterns are influenced by a complex interplay of climatic, ecological and environmental factors.
The arrival of the knob-billed duck adds another fascinating chapter to Pong Lake’s growing ornithological significance and underscores the sanctuary’s importance as a refuge for both resident and migratory bird species.