Greater Scaups sighted
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 15 2023:
At least 11 pairs of Greater Scaup (a midsized diving duck) have been sighted at Hubidak, a portion of Loktak Lake where the Takmu Water Sports Complex is located.
The duck species was sighted by ornithologist Kumam Jugeswor and members of Wildlife Explorers Manipur.
Known as Sadangman in Manipuri, Greater Scaup mostly breeds across the tundra regions in North America and Europe.
Though there is no record of Greater Scaup roosting widely in Manipur during the British time, there are records of Captain L Gamble of Gurkha Rifles gunning down the duck on January 25, 1925 and in December 1927 by ICS JP Mills during their stay in the State.
However, it is believed that the duck species might have migrated to Manipur despite not having much evidence as it has a Manipuri name too.
Known as Scaup in Europe and Bluebill in North America, Greater Scaup breeds in Alaska, Siberia, north Canada and on the eastern side of Europe and they flock to warmer regions during the Winter season.
There is record of the duck species migrating to Assam and West Bengal too.
Speaking to The Sangai Express, Principal of Kumbi College and ornithologist Kumam Jugeswor said that the duck species was previously sighted in Manipur in 1994.He said that declaring Takmu Lake as a bird sanctuary will be helpful in protecting migratory birds.
Currently, a number of whistling ducks and coots are also roosting at Loktak Lake.