First wild sighting of the white-eyed river-martin, Pseudochelidon sirintarae

The white-eyed river-martin (Pseudochelidon sirintarae), first discovered in 1968 at Bung Boraphet in central Thailand by professional bird-netters, was seen for the first time in the wild by an ornithologist in 1977. This species clearly overwinters in Thailand, and it is possible that it nests somewhere in Thailand or China. The species is in a precarious situation, and trapping could eliminate it unless drastic measures are taken. It is suggested that bird-netting should be reduced, and that a sanctuary should be set aside for the bird.