India, Nov. 26 -- A Hawfinch bird, a species native to Europe, North Africa and East Asia, was recorded at Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand.

The Hawfinch was photographed by Ramnagar-based wildlife photographer Prashant Kumar on November 23 during a safari in the Dhela tourism zone near Shikari Kuan.

Wildlife Institute of India (WII) scientist Suresh Kumar said this bird species is native to Europe and higher-latitude areas like Mongolia and Kazakhstan. "Sometimes during migration or wandering, such sightings are noted. It is called a vagrant bird sighting," he added.

Ornithologist Sanjay Sondhi said this Hawfinch either got separated from its flock or got lost during its flight due to strong winds, but it is not native to Indi...