A new bird species, locally known as 'Baijani Bungechara' or the 'Purple-rumped Sunbird,' has been recorded in Nepal for the first time.

Ornithologist Devendra Kharel first spotted a pair of these birds on February 19 in a garden in Kakadvitta, Jhapa district. The species is primarily found in India, Sri Lanka, and other countries.

Kharel photographed and recorded a video of the birds, which he later sent to the Nepal Bird Records Committee for verification.

On Tuesday, the Nepalese Ornithological Association confirmed that the species is new to Nepal. With this addition, the total number of bird species recorded in the country has reached 898.

A resident of Mechinagar-6, Jhapa, Kharel is well recognized among Nepal's ornithologists. He had previously photographed and documented a rare bird species, locally known as 'Hangrayo,' which was believed to be extinct in Nepal. -- RSS