Manipur: In Loktak lake after 94 years, Greater Scaup spotted

Imphal: Migratory bird Greater Scaup, locally known as ‘Sadangman’, was spotted after a gap of 94 years in parts of Loktak Lake in Hubidak and Takmu parts.

The greater scaup is a medium-sized diving duck belonging to the Anatidae family. This breed of duck is distributed in Asia, Europe, America and Canada. It is also a rare visitor to the Indian subcontinent.
In a social media post, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said, “On January 13, 2023, bird watchers spotted 26 numbers of Greater Scoop (Bluebill) in Hubidak area of ​​Loktak Lake (south of Sendra). Ornithologists say this is the first record of duck sighting in Loktak lake after 94 years.
Ornithologist Kumam Jugeswor and members of Wildlife Explorer Manipur said that there are records of duck species migrating to Assam and West Bengal as well.

At present many whistling ducks and coots also live on Loktak Lake.

The greater Scaups is found mostly in the tundra regions of North America and Europe.