World Migratory Bird Day 2022 - Places to See Migratory Birds in India

Posted on: May 19, 2022 | | Written by:

World Migratory Bird Day 2022 - Places to See Migratory Birds in India

World Migratory Bird Day will be observed on May 14, 2022. However, the ideal time for the migration of the birds happens mostly during the winter months. India has been the home of several birds of the winter regions like Siberia. Depending on the inadaptable weather conditions, extremely low temperatures, shortage of food supplies, along with genetic predisposition are the prime reasons for the birds to migrate. Armed with travel insurance, you can step out of your known precincts and make some new foreign friends.

Some of the most prominent examples of migratory birds that annually visit India include the great-spotted woodpecker, great grey owl, Siberian crane, waxwing, greater flamingo, coal tit, and many more.

Here, we are presenting some of the hotspots of migratory birds spread across the country in states like Goa, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka

1. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan:

Noted especially for migratory birds like Palaearctic Migratory Waterfowl and painted stork, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is one of the most prominent refuges for these foreigners. The original name of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is Keoladeo Ghana National Park.

Apart from these migratory visitors, it is also the home to several non-migratory species like magpie robins, herons, lapwings, water hens, spoonbills, egrets, and of course, the Sarus cranes. Spread across a sprawling area of 2873 hectares, it contains wetlands, woodlands, swamps, and grasslands. Being noted for the wintering refuge centre for Siberian cranes, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Chilika Lake, Odisha:

Spread across a span of 1100 sq. kilometres, Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary in Odisha acts as the hosting ground of nearly 9 lakh migratory birds in winter. This enormous lake maintains an ecosystem of brackish water lagoon and also houses two islands namely Mangalajodi and Nalaban, the home ground of numerous migratory species. It is a pleasant natural refuge for birds and bird lovers alike and acts as a paradise for waterfowl, flamingos, waders, geese, herons, and ducks along with fourteen different varieties of raptors.

Other important highlights include the visitors from the Caspian region, Siberia, the pintail duck and the special red-crested Pochard duck from far across Lake Baikal.

3. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary:

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is another special hotspot for migratory birds as well as the native ones. As located on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake, it is also popularly known as Vembanad Bird Sanctuary, a place of an ecstatic, delightful visual treat for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

During the winter months, it becomes the hosting ground for countless migratory birds, arriving from several rugged and wintry terrains across the globe. However, the most prominent species that pay their annual visit here are cuckoo, Siberian crane, egret, owl, water duck, etc. TO move a step further, you can also enjoy the facility of renting a motorboat or a houseboat for an even better bird watching experience.

4. Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat:

The Little Rann of Kutch is the natural extension of the Great Rann of Kutch, towards the southernmost part. Located in the state of Gujarat, it is the hosting ground of numerous migratory birds. Especially noted for its exceptional biodiversity, grassland ecosystem, and enriched wildlife, the Rann of Kutch and the sprawling Banni grasslands host an enviable diversity of avifauna.

It has grown to be one of the most significant grounds for flamingos, migratory cranes, common cranes, European roller, Demoiselle cranes, greater hoope, lesser florican, red-necked phalarope, collared pratincole, cream-coloured courser, Dalmatian pelican. Rann of Kutch is also noted for Asiatic Wild Ass but at the same time, you can even locate cranes, Houbara Bustard, Macqueen’s bustard, reef egrets, sociable lapwing, and cranes.

5. Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh:

Located in the mountainous terrains of the Himalayas, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the Kameng Elephant Reserve. It is the home ground for over 454 species of different kinds of Himalayan birds, including, Bugunliocichla, blue jay, tragopan, and colourful finches. This is a high-altitude sanctuary, situated in the Himalayan foothills of Arunachal Pradesh and is a heaven for birdwatchers.

Because of its extraordinary biodiversity, containing thick vegetation of flora and fauna like bamboo thickets, evergreen trees and alpine forests, this is every nature-lovers paradise. It is especially noted for a particularly thick population of various small birds like the bush robin, tit, nuthatch, sibia, tit, etc.

6. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat:

Apart from the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat also houses Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary. Situated only 64 km away from the city of Ahmedabad, this is the largest wetland bird sanctuary in the state. It houses a huge spanning lake and a spectacular marshland around it, making it to be one of the hot favourites of the migratory birds and native birds as well.

Some of the significant migratory birds that visit the place include purple moorhen, flamingos, rosy pelicans, waterfowls, grebes, herons, bitterns, and crakes. The place always remains busy and alive with the chirping and activities of these nature friends.

7. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka:

Located in Srirangapatnam in the state of Karnataka, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary consists of six different islets situated on the banks of the Kaveri River. It is the state’s largest bird sanctuary and houses some of the most attractive species of migratory birds.

Some of these birds are woolly-necked stork, river tern white ibis, great stone plover, partridge spoonbills, egret, and several other species from Australia, North America and Siberia. This has become the home ground for nearly 200 different species of birds and is a mere 16 km drive from the famous, historical Mysore City.

8. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary:

Although Goa is mostly noted for its serene beaches, you can skip them once for the birds. The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, situated in Goa, is one of the most noteworthy hotspots for birds during the winter months. This ornithological haven is named after one of the most famous ornithologists in the country.

Along the western tip of the Mandovi River, rich vegetation of mangrove forests borders the fringes. Bearing paved trails within the jungles, it is ideal for serene bird watching and photography on cycles and simply walking down them. You can also enjoy a boat ride, down the river. The damp and moist ecosystem is ideal as a breeding ground for numerous migratory as well as local birds. Some of the most significant migratory birds observed here include the red knot, little bittern, black bittern, etc.

To enjoy such varied flora and fauna, all you need is a few days' vacation and valid international travel insurance, to take care of your trip. If you undertake one bird -a special trip across the country, you will witness and experience one of the most significant wonders of nature, creating memories worth a lifetime.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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