Rajnagar (Kendrapara): Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha is housing over 200 Mangrove Pitta birds, according to the bird census that was conducted yesterday.

As per the reports, 218 Mangrove Pitta birds were spotted at three ranges out of five ranges of the Bhitarkanika National Park during the counting. The colourful birds were found at Mahakalpada, Rajnagar and Kanika forest ranges. The highest number of 32 birds were spotted at Kanika range.

Total 36 teams comprising 72 forest officials were engaged for counting of Mangrove Pitta birds at five ranges of the wildlife sanctuary.

Notably, the first-ever Mangrove Pitta bird census was carried out last year. While 179 birds were spotted in 2023, the number increased to 218 this year, a rise by 39.

Locally called 'Nabarangi' bird because of the colours on its body, the bird species is largely found in southeast and southern parts of Asia continent. The bird, which is nearly a threatened species, is seen in Bhitarkanika area in Odisha. It has a black head topped with brown crown, complemented by a white throat, greenish upper parts, buff under-parts and reddish vent area.