Doomdooma: A Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer), one of the most widespread bird species across Northeast India, was found dead along National Highway-37 under the Doomdooma Forest Division in Assam‘s Tinsukia district on Wednesday, renewing concerns over the growing threat posed by road traffic, pollution and habitat disturbance to the region’s birdlife.
Expressing concern over the incident, Rajani Nayak, a college student, said the increasing volume of commercial and private vehicles on the highway has significantly worsened air pollution along the corridor.
“The incident is deeply unfortunate. Heavy vehicular movement has created a polluted environment around the highway. Birds travelling between Arunachal Pradesh and Assam may become disoriented or struggle to navigate through the polluted air, making them more vulnerable to collisions with speeding vehicles,” Nayak said.
The Red-vented Bulbul is a medium-sized songbird distinguished by its black crest, dark brown plumage, white-tipped tail feathers and the characteristic crimson patch beneath its tail. An omnivorous species, it feeds on fruits, berries, nectar, flower petals, insects and other small invertebrates, playing a crucial ecological role as both a pollinator and seed disperser.
The species is highly adaptable and thrives in a variety of habitats, including forests, tea gardens, agricultural fields, villages, urban areas, and home gardens across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and much of the Indian subcontinent.
Wildlife experts, however, have warned that rapid urban expansion, fragmentation of natural habitats, indiscriminate use of pesticides, increasing pollution and the rise in road traffic are placing mounting pressure on even common bird species. Incidents of roadkill involving birds and other wildlife are being reported with greater frequency, particularly along highways cutting through forested areas.
Nayak also appealed to motorists to adopt environmentally responsible practices.
“Vehicle owners should ensure their pollution certificates are up to date and keep their vehicles in good mechanical condition. Responsible driving, especially near forests and wildlife habitats, along with reducing unnecessary emissions, can help minimise risks to birds and other animals. Protecting biodiversity is a collective responsibility,” Nayak said.
Tinsukia is recognised as one of India’s premier birding destinations, with its diverse ecosystems supporting nearly 300 bird species. The district encompasses globally important habitats such as Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Dehing Patkai National Park, Maguri-Motapung Beel, and an extensive network of wetlands and forests.
These habitats are home to several rare and globally significant birds, including the White-winged Wood Duck, Greater Adjutant, Lesser Adjutant, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Black-necked Stork, Baer’s Pochard, Falcated Duck, Spot-billed Pelican, Ruddy Shelduck, Oriental Darter, Great Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Blue-naped Pitta, Jerdon’s Babbler, Marsh Babbler, Black-breasted Parrotbill and numerous migratory waterfowl, reinforcing Upper Assam’s status as one of the country’s most important avian landscapes.