The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a major global event that brings together birdwatchers from all over the world to count different bird species. This year, Bengal has once again emerged as the leader in the number of bird species recorded, achieving its third consecutive win in this event. Taking place from February 14 to 17, 2025, the count saw birdwatchers throughout India document a total of 1,068 species. Bengal led the way with 543 species observed, highlighting the state’s rich avian diversity and the enthusiasm of its birdwatching community.
The GBBC 2025 had fewer participants than the previous year, primarily because of exam scheduling conflicts. However, Bengal continued to shine in terms of species diversity and the number of birdwatchers contributing to the event. Key sightings included rare species like the Ibisbill and Common Starling. The state’s performance highlights its importance in India’s birdwatching culture and emphasizes ongoing efforts to protect bird habitats.
Key Findings
- Bengal recorded the highest number of species for the third consecutive year in the GBBC.
- A total of 543 species were spotted in Bengal out of 1,068 species across India.
- The number of uploaded checklists from Bengal was 1,909, a decrease from 2,223 in 2024.
- Darjeeling topped Bengal’s species count with 252 species observed, although this was lower than 2024’s 308.
- South 24 Parganas had the most checklists in Bengal with 513 entries.
- Notable bird sightings included the Ibisbill in Jhalong (North Bengal), Spotted Crake in Baruipur, and Common Starling in Malda.
