The morning call bird, more popularly called ‘Kogul’ in the local Konkani language, is a migratory bird. It is seen in two varieties: Spotted grey and black blue. It heralds the onset of the winter season with its first morning call breaking the silence of the day at twilight before sunrise. It was seen in large numbers in Salvador do Mundo village but now in just a few count. The reason: It is hunted or trapped by the locals for its meat.
The migration of this bird to this village reminded our ancestors of the feast of patron saint of Goa, St Francis Xavier whose novenas commences on November 24. Our ancestors would say: Saibache fest lagim pavlam. But not so anymore, with the kogul having gone into extinction its loud croaking sound is heard no more. Will the bird lovers and environmentalists do something to save this bird?
