Hill Mynas of Satkosia

Satkosia is arguably the best place in forests of Odisha to sight the Hill Mynas. Especially the Pampasar and Raigoda ranges on the Angul side of the Tiger Reserve is a heaven for this species. Flocks comprising up to 30 individuals have been noticed. Also seen very commonly near the Labangi Forest Guest House.

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Author would like to specially thank maverick forest officer, Shri Suvendu Behera (ACF, STR) for helping in the documentation of this specie.

Some observations on Malabar pied Hornbills of Satkosia

Here are some observations on the occurrence of Malabar pied Hornbills from Satkosia.

• Very frequently seen along the Mahanadi gorge, especially at Tikarpada and Kuturi
• Maximum size observed by me is a group comprising of 3 birds. Though others have observed groups comprising of as big as 8-10 numbers.
• Also commonly seen near the human habitations and rarely are perturbed. 

 Location: Tikarpada in Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary

Location: Kuturi in Mahanadi Wildlife Division

Reporting of Rufescent Prinia from Satkosia

Hereby we report the presence of Rufescent Prinia ( Prinia rufescens) at Satkosia.

• Recorded at Chamundia Range of Mananadi Wildlife Division
• Time: 9 am, October 2015
• Seen in a flock of 10-12 birds
• Were seen foraging between Bamboo brakes near Sukhila nala area
• Very vociferous group
• Can be very easily confused with the Grey breasted Prinia including the below photographed individual. Habitat along with the call of the flock was an indicator for us to zero in on Rufescent Prinia rather than the Grey breasted Prinia ( which is normally seen on forest edges and rarely inside the deep pockets of forests).

Reporting of Rufous-bellied hawk Eagle from Satkosia

Hereby, we report the presence of Rufous-bellied hawk Eagle from Satkosia.

• A Juvenile Rufous-bellied hawk Eagle (Lophotriorchis kienerii) was seen soaring at a considerable height near Badasilinga beat of Mahanadi Wilidlife Division at Satkosia Tiger Reserve.
• Number of individuals recorded:1
• Type of forest: Sporadic Sal vegetation with scrublands and cleared forest 
• Time: Around 8:30 am in the morning in the month of January 2016