Tagged shorebird spotted 7,400 km away on remote Indian Island

A remarkable migratory feat has been documented, with a Sanderling shorebird tagged in South Australia spotted on Narcondam Island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. The bird, photographed by G Thikanna, an assistant sub-inspector with the Andaman Police, in June 2025, has traveled an astonishing 7,472 km from its tagging site.

Dr. Raju Kasambe, a Mumbai-based ornithologist and former assistant director of the Bombay Natural History Society, confirmed the identification. “This sighting highlights the incredible journey these birds undertake, traversing multiple countries and ecosystems,” Dr. Kasambe said.

The Sanderling’s journey is part of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, a major migration route spanning 37 countries. Such sightings contribute valuable data to understanding bird migration patterns and conservation efforts.