Indian Pitta (Pitta brachyura) nesting in Goa - 29.05.2011 

Although the Indian Pitta is known to nest in the Western Ghats north of Goa it is widely believed that this species is a seasonal (winter) visitor to Goa and not a breeding resident here. The localised presence of a high density of highly vocal and conspicuous individual birds in the lead up to the southwest monsoon breeding season as observed over the past few years (a behaviour witnessed in other known breeding sites in India), led us to presume that Indian Pittas were nesting at various localities in Goa. This discovery of not one but three nest sites within a distance of approx. 100m, are confirmation of the status of Indian Pitta here as a breeding resident and will be documented - Leio & Jennifer De Souza, 29th May 2011

Oriental Bay Owl (Phodilus badius) in Goa - 08.04.2009

A report (published in the journal Indian Birds Vol.5 No.5) detailing our discovery of an injured Oriental Bay Owl in Goa, which was almost certainly the first record of this species for Goa and the northern-most record in the Western Ghats.  Read report >>