Manipur, April 28 -- The white-cheeked starling or grey starling scientifically known as Spodiopsar cineraceus, a passerine bird of the starling family, has been spotted in Manipur for the first time.

The medium sized dark grey-brown bird with white cheeks was seen and recorded for the first time in the picturesque state at Lamphelpat in Imphal West by a team of Wildlife Explorers Manipur, during one of their bird surveys.

Wildlife Explorers Manipur, member Loyangamba Irungbam spotted the rare bird feeding amongst a flock of 'Paid Starlings' locally known as 'Chonga Thijabi' on April 14 at Lamphelpat area around 9 am. He then took photos of the bird with much difficulty.

Loyangamba came to know about the winged wonder with the help of ...