India, July 7 -- The Journal of South Asian Ornithology has officially confirmed the sighting of a White-throated Rock Thrush (Monticola gularis) for the first time in India. The rare bird was spotted in March 2025 near Phawngpui (Blue Mountain) National Park, one of Mizoram's two national parks located in the Lawngtlai district.

A team of birdwatchers - Dipu Karuthedathu, Christopher JZ Lawlor, Joe RZ Thanga, and Praveen J - made the discovery near Thaltlang village. The sighting was formally confirmed by ornithological experts and published in the Journal of South Asian Ornithology on June 25, 2025.

Describing the moment of discovery, Christopher JZ Lawlor said, "Dipu Karuthedathu spotted a mid-sized bird in the forest canopy that he ...