Siroy hills loses its sheen sans Siri
Source: The Sangai Express

Shirui (Ukhrul), November 09: Like the modest Siroy Lily that blooms only at the top of Siroy hills of Ukhrul district (situated 2763 m above sea level), Shirungthing, a variety of Champaka, is an endemic flower bearing tree that grows in this hilly terrain attracting one of the rare winged winter visitors.

With the onset of winter every year, Grey-sided Thrush (known in local parlance as Siri), a migratory bird that comes all the way from Siberia and other cold European countries, flock to Siroy hill to feed on the fruits of Shirungthing.

However, the number of this winter visitors to Siroy hill has been dwindling over the years following mass felling of Shirungthing for commercial purposes.

A grey sided Thrush known as Siri which flock to Siroy

In early days, it is said that, the delicacy made from the meat of Siri was considered as one of the most important food items that served to the satisfaction of women of Siroi village origin who shifted to other places after getting married when they were invited for feast at their natal homes.

But this tradition too has been slowing slipping into oblivion with the number of Siri flocking to Siroi in search of their favourite Shirungthing-fruits coming down year after year.

According to Ornithologist W Rajesh, one characteristic nature of Siri that loves to feed on the fruits of Sirungthing growing on the high ranges of Siroi hill is that before settling down for feeding or drinking water at a particular spot in group, one of the birds would first survey the entire area for any possible danger.

Only after sensing that the area is totally safe, they would come down, otherwise not.

Talking to The Sangai Express, 80-year old David Shangh Shimray of Siroi village who retired from service as the Principal of Ukhrul Higher Secondary School, recounted that while he was a child, they used to see flocks of Siri coming together emitting the sound of a buzzing helicopter to feed on the fruits of Sirungthing toward the end of October every year.

Now the number of Siri coming to Siroi has drastically gone down, he informed.

One of the main reasons behind the dwindling number of Siri coming to Siroi hill, which is also home to rare species of birds like Tragopan and Hornbill, is said to be felling of a large number of their favourite fruit bearing Shirungthing for commercial purposes like manufacturing furniture, timber trade as well as for making the railway tracks in the last few years.

The timber made from Shirungthing are taken to Dimapur from where it is again transported to Kolkata, David disclosed, while emphasising that many trees have been cut down.

Recalling the past when villagers used to trap Siri while coming to feed on the fruits of Shirungthing, which is covered with white flowers during the month of May and April, the octogenarian said that a type of gum made from pounding the fruits of a plant locally known as Nei is used for the purpose.

David explained that the said gum is applied on the sticks, vines etc lying near the water sources where the birds come to drink water or on the branches of Shirungthing to catch them.

In those days, one person could catch as many as 100 to 150 birds in a day, David said, adding that bird catching was done only after harvesting and performing necessary religious rituals.

But such procedures are not being followed these days apart from the fact that there are not many birds.

However, along with the onset of winter season, flocks of Siri, though less in number, have reportedly started arriving at Siroy in search of their favourite fruit.