grassland bird census. Between March 18 and May 25, 2025, researchers surveyed 185 sites, recording 43 bird species, including critically endangered and vulnerable ones.

The biggest highlight? The rediscovery of the Finn’s Weaver-a striking yellow bird locally called Tukura Sorai, known to breed in colonies in grassland trees. Long considered nearly extinct in the wild, this bird’s presence confirms Kaziranga’s thriving grassland ecosystem.

This puts Kaziranga among India’s richest reserves for grassland birds, with 10 rare and threatened species spotted. These birds aren’t just pretty—they’re ecological indicators of a balanced ecosystem. Yet, across India, grasslands are being lost to farms and construction.

The return of the Finn’s Weaver is more than a sighting-it’s a symbol of ecological recovery, and a reminder of how fragile yet vital grasslands are to India’s biodiversity.