By: BAPPY KHAN
The rural Bengalis are well acquainted with the dark, a lovely bird that is now at risk of extinction due to the passage of time and human interference. During the rainy season, they sit among the bushes in the kachuripana and call out “Kub” in a loud voice. The calls of these birds travel far, and they become more vocal as night approaches.
Waterfowl called Dahuk have white breasts. Dahuk, the scientific name for the Pheasant-Tailed Jacana, belongs to the tribe Rallidae. The scientific name for the red-tailed blackbird is Dahuk (Greek: amaurosis = black; ornis = bird; Latin: phoenicurus = red tail). On average, they are 32 centimeters long and usually active during the day. They live either alone or in pairs. They face threats from the natural world as they inhabit various wetlands covered with vegetation.
These birds, with their long legs, walk on water between leaves to gather food. They are sociable birds and dislike being alone. The males and females of this species look quite similar. Dahuk are medium-sized waterfowl known for being extremely cautious and adept at concealment.
The rapid expansion of villages in Nikli Haor has led to the extinction of the unique dark bird known as the Dahuk bird. Two centuries ago, large flocks of these birds would congregate in the bushes near several canals, such as Haor-Bawars, Bil-Jheel, Doba, and Nala-Dighi. The Dahuk birds were originally found in Baikkabil in Moulvibazar, a tourist spot surrounded by Haor and home to the largest Haor Hakaluki in Asia. Predators have frequently targeted Dahuk birds because Kaviraj spread false information suggesting that the oil from these birds could cure various illnesses. The Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, based in Srimangal, has confirmed this information.
In addition to the Hail Hour, the charitable organisation regularly releases and rescues birds from areas where their predators have captured them. Furthermore, the group has successfully saved the largest number of birds belonging to the endangered Dahuk species over the past two years. The organisation’s goal is to protect birds. As a result of its efforts, bird sales in Moulvibazar’s open marketplace and restaurants have nearly disappeared. The bird enthusiast stated that if young people from around the world unite to raise public awareness, it is possible to save other species, like the Dahuk.
It is common to see a mother and her offspring surrounded by Dahuk birds that live in ponds. This bird has a moon-shaped head adorned with a black neck, back, wings, and tail. It has a white chin, completely white eyes, chest, and throat. The base of the tail and the belly are dark, while the wings are black on both sides. It has red and yellow legs, a beak, and long toes with pointed tips. They gracefully move about in the water.
During the monsoon season, Dahuk birds build nests on tree branches or near water. In the months of Ashad-Shravan, they lay between five and seven pale yellow or pink eggs with a white base. The eggs hatch in about 21 to 24 days, and the chicks leave the nest after 24 to 30 hours. After three months, the young birds become independent. Male Dahuk birds are territorial and may engage in combat with other males during reproduction.
Dahuk birds primarily eat insects, lotus flowers, water fruits, seaweed, rice, livestock, legumes, snails, earthworms, and small fish. Although they inhabit South and Southeast Asian countries, their natural habitat is under threat. The species is declining due to predators, limited food availability, and habitat destruction.
The Wildlife Act of Bangladesh protects the Dahuk bird, which is considered critically endangered. Once abundant, they are now rare to find along rivers.
“According to Monirul H. Khan, a professor in the Zoology Department at Jahangirnagar University, it is possible to improve the movement of this magnificent bird by preserving its natural habitat, protecting the species, and creating environmentally friendly conditions.”