By: BAPPY KHAN
The national bird of Bangladesh is teetering on the brink of extinction. Despite its depiction on currency notes, sightings of this bird are extremely rare. While rural areas, farmlands, woodlands, individual trees, and climbing plants host a variety of bird species, the number of commonly sighted birds is steadily decreasing. Environmental degradation, deforestation, pesticide use, habitat destruction, food scarcity, and climate change have all contributed to the demise of forests.
The Oriental magpie robin, scientifically known as Copsychus saularis, is a member of the Passeriformes order and the Muscicapidae family. This bird species is closely related to sparrows. In French, it is named Shama Dayal, and in Dutch, it is known as Dayallijster, both names resembling the Bengali name. Classified under the kingdom Animalia, order Chordata, and class Aves, this species is rapidly declining in numbers due to a mixture of habitat loss, environmental changes, and human activities. It is alarming to note that the pages of books serve as the only refuge for this avian species, indicating the urgency of conservation efforts.
The Oriental magpie robin is renowned for its beautiful vocalisations and its tireless search for food. Primarily feeding on small insects, we frequently observe these birds hopping on tree branches or on the ground. Their melodious songs are a well-established part of their reputation.
The bird’s colouring is defined by a striking combination of white and black pigments. While conflicts were common in the Magura community in the past, traces of them are still evident today.
Forested regions, near farmland, and populated areas typically host the Oriental magpie-robin. The Oriental magpie robin, or doel, typically measures around 7-8 inches or 15-20 cm.
The male doel has distinct features, including black coloration on its upper body and throat, a white belly, and bilateral white spots on its wings. On the other hand, the female doel exhibits a grey hue above and below its throat, and its belly bears a paler resemblance to ashes.
The doll’s breeding season occurs from March to July, with eggs laid in nests built in tree trunks or rooftops’ eaves. Typically, they lay these brown-patterned eggs with a pale bluish-green shade four to five times and hatch after 8 to 14 days. The doel, known for its morning calls, holds significant historical and cultural importance in our country.
Regrettably, the Oriental magpie-robin faces an increasing threat of extinction due to ecosystem changes, human settlement encroachment, illegal hunting, poaching, pesticide use, and invasive species.
We need to make concerted efforts to protect the doll’s habitat, enforce regulations against hunting and poaching, and reduce pesticide usage to ensure the survival of this species for future generations.
The government and commercial sectors must play an active role in conservation efforts to restore our nation’s historical heritage and biodiversity.
The migration of dove birds had a significant impact on enhancing the natural environment’s appeal and aesthetic qualities. The abundant vegetation and unhindered movement in the natural environment created an idyllic setting. This bird species’ melodious song has the power to rouse individuals from their slumber at daybreak, coinciding with the sunrise. The dove’s captivating voice, along with its romantic relationships, has the potential to enchant everyone who hears it.
It’s unfortunate that the black-and-white doel bird is not as common as it used to be. While one can still spot birds such as tias, doves, crows, and magpies, the national bird, the doel, has become less noticeable. In the past, teachers would talk about hearing the adhan in the muezzin’s voice and seeing the bird perched on a tree branch. The distinct chirping sound that once characterized this well-known bird is now scarcely audible. However, it used to be a common sight in bamboo, coconut, and sedge trees, as well as on the roofs of homes for extended periods of time. It’s important to highlight the historical presence of the doel bird and consider how we can work towards preserving its habitat and population.
Because of river erosion, houses are encroaching on farmland. Every day, new homes emerge to accommodate the growing population, swiftly destroying bird habitats through the indiscriminate felling of trees and the obliteration of forests.
The Oriental magpie-robin teeters on the brink of extinction due to unabated habitat loss and food scarcity. Poachers in the forest brazenly trap and hunt birds, callously selling them in the market for profit. Hunters force birds to alter their migration patterns, leading to widespread fatalities.
It is imperative to take assertive action to safeguard our country’s official bird, the doel. We must proactively engage in preserving and disseminating critical information about this species. The government must urgently implement stringent regulations and enforce limitations on bird hunting to preserve the fragile ecological equilibrium.