The third edition of the Puducherry Bird Atlas coincided with the summer and breeding season, providing valuable insights into bird breeding activity, distribution, and habitat use across Puducherry.

Using a stratified random sampling approach, surveys were conducted in 68 atlas grids covering a range of habitats, including wetlands, agricultural lands, urban areas, and coastal ecosystems. A total of 38 birdwatchers and citizen scientists from across South India participated in the survey.

The survey documented 23,355 individual birds belonging to 124 species. Notable records included large numbers of Glossy Ibis, House Crow, Common Myna, Baya Weaver, and Asian Palm Swift. Significant wetland species such as Painted Stork, Asian Openbill, Black-headed Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill, and Spot-billed Pelican were also recorded. Interesting sightings included Booted Eagle, Red-necked Falcon, Black Bittern, Cinnamon Bittern, Watercock, and Blue-faced Malkoha.

The Puducherry Bird Atlas aims to monitor the seasonal variation, migration patterns, breeding activity, distribution, abundance, and habitat use of birds throughout the year. The 4th Edition of the Puducherry Bird Atlas is scheduled for September-October 2026, coinciding with the post-monsoon migration period.