India has very large biodiversity full of flora and fauna. This nation is not just a home for many beautiful species but also a second home for various migratory birds. Migration of birds is a beautiful phenomenon which can be witnessed in various part of the country, a lot many birds come from lot many places in this phenomenon.
If you are a bird watcher or not it is still mesmerizing to watch these rare and unique migratory birds. In this article, I will tell you about different types of migratory birds and where you can find them. So, let’s start
Types of Migratory birds
There are two categories of migratory birds The Winter Birds and The Summer birds.
The summer birds
1. Asian Koel
Origin – Singapore Migrated to –Pondicherry
Asian Koel is the state bird of Pondicherry originates from Singapore. It migrates from Singapore to Pondicherry in the summer season as the temperature in Singapore during summer is very high as compared to India and in winters they return to Singapore. It has a very mesmerizing voice and bloodshot eyes, this bird is brood parasite.
2. Eurasian Golden Oriole
Origin – Europe/Africa Migrated to –Tamil Nadu
It is the relative of the Indian Golden Oriole and belongs to Europe and Africa. It migrates in the summer season towards West Asia and India. This bird is famous for its eye-catching features and unique cry.
3. Blue-cheeked bee-eater
Origin – Europe/Africa Migrated to– Rajasthan/Maharashtra
This bird belongs to the Meropidae family of bee-eaters and migrates from different parts of Europe and Africa to peninsular India. They migrate mainly due to breeding purposes. It loves to eat Indian Dragonfly, at the end of the summer season they return to their respective places.
4. Comb Duck
origin – Madagascar Migrated to-Haryana
It is known as Natka in India which belongs to Madagascar but migrates to Haryana during the summer season. This bird is fond of freshwater and is found away from the human settlements.
5. Black-Crowned Night Heron
Origin – Argentina, Chile, and China Migrated to-Bengal
This bird eats fishes, insects, and snakes; generally, this bird migrates towards the west of the globe in the winter season and comes to Bengal in the summer season.
The Winter Birds
1. Greater Flamingo
Origin – Flamingo city Migrated to-Rann of Kutch
Greater Flamingo migrates from Flamingo city to an island called Anda Bet Island in Rann of Kutch. It is one of the largest nesting sites of the Greater Flamingo and one of the best places to see migratory birds in India.
2. Ruff
Origin – Arctic Tundra region Migrated to-The Himalayas
In the summer season, these birds are busy in breeding and rearing chicks but when it comes to winters these birds need to migrate towards The Himalayas as the winters of the Arctic region are harsh and ruthless.
3. Siberian Cranes
Origin – Siberia Migrated to-Rajasthan
These migrate towards Bharatpur national park in Rajasthan in search of food, Siberian cranes have to travel around 4000 miles to escape the harsh winters of the Siberia.
Best Places to See Migratory Birds
So these were two different types of migratory birds who migrate to India depending on their seasonal needs. Now I m going to tell you 12 best places in India where you can see different migratory birds
1. Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary
Location – Orissa
It is the second home for the winter birds like flamingos along with brahminy ducks, waders, waterfowl, etc. Chilka lake is a brackish water lagoon and is considered as the largest spot to witness these migratory birds in the whole subcontinent.
2. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Location – Rajasthan
It is also known as Keoladeo National Park and is a perfect spot for various migratory birds like Siberian Cranes, it was a hunting ground for the maharajas of Bharatpur in earlier times.
3. Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary
Location – Tamil Nadu/ Andhra Pradesh
It is famous for birds like greater flamingos, spoonbills, pelicans, and various other shorebirds. Birds which migrate here are generally winter birds who are trying to escape the harsh winters of their respective places. It is also a protected area under Thiruvellar district and Nellore district of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh respectively.
4. Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary
Location – Arunachal Pradesh
It is a paradise for bird watcher’s situated at the foothills of Himalayas in West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh. This is a high altitude sanctuary and a part of kameng elephant reserve. It is the second home of 455 different species and various migratory birds including Bugun liocichla and Blue Jay.
5. Rann of Kutch Sanctuary
Location – Gujarat
This Grassland has a rich biodiversity of avifauna along with various unique migratory birds. It is one of the largest sanctuaries in India in terms of area. Siberian cranes and flamingos are the eye candies of Rann of Kutch Sanctuary.
6. Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary
Location – Maharashtra
It is one of the favorite places of birds like flamingos, Siberian cranes, falcons, etc. This sanctuary is also known as Mini Bharatpur if you are a nature lover, bird watcher, photographer or a wildlife enthusiast then this place is for you.
7. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Location – Karnataka
Situated at the bank of Kaveri River this bird sanctuary is a place of more than 200 birds. It has 13 islands and various water species; this place was declared protected by the Maharaja of Mysore and got a tag of Birds sanctuary in 1940.
8. Sundarban National Park
Location – West Bengal
It is the home for well known Bengal tigers and other reptiles, Migratory birds like Siberian cranes cover a long distance to escape the harsh winters of Siberia and Arctic region. It is also famous for its mangrove vegetation which is the place for variety if avifauna like eastern knots, curlews, etc.
9. Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
Location – Andhra Pradesh
It is situated in the Nellore district of the Andhra Pradesh, it also hosts a three-day annual Flamingo Festival. It is the breeding site for various migratory birds such as shoveler, white ibis, etc.
10. Desert National Park
Location – Rajasthan
This place has an abundance of wildlife even after having a fragile ecosystem. You can find species like sandgrouse, partridges, bee-eaters, larks, etc. The greatest attraction of Desert National park is the Great Indian bustards.
11. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Location – Kerala
Siberian Cranes are fond of the Kumarakom bird sanctuary when it comes to migration. You can also see a variety of other migratory birds as well, this place is also known for its rich biodiversity.
12. Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary
Location – Gujarat
During the winter season, Nal Sarovar bird sanctuary attracts many migratory birds like water flock, wading birds, flamingoes and pelicans. It is the largest wetland bird sanctuary in Gujarat and a popular tourist spot as well.
Read More, Most popular bird sanctuaries in india
So, these were 12 places where you can see migratory birds in India along with some other beautiful species. The climate of this subcontinent is suitable for various flying species, therefore, they just love to visit different parts of this nation.
