Migratory birds
Migratory birds are some of nature's most magnificent creatures, playing significant ecological, economic, and cultural roles internationally. Migration is predicated primarily upon food resources. Since most insects become unavailable during harsh winters, insect-eating birds find abundant food resources in the tropics. Many raptor species also follow this migrating food chain. Many of the songbirds, waterfowl, birds of prey, waterbirds and shorebirds of the western hemisphere migrate each fall to the tropics.
Migratory birds coming to India
The Indian subcontinent plays host to a number of migratory birds in both summer and winter. Over a hundred species fly to India, either in search of feeding grounds or to escape the severe winter of their native habitat. The numerous wildlife sanctuaries in the country serve as their temporary habitat. Bird lovers from all over the country visit these sanctuaries to get a glimpse of some of the rarest species of birds in the world.
BNHS-Sanmar Centre a haven for migratory birds Chemplast Sanmar, which has its salt works at Vedaranyam, has partnered the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) in setting up a study centre at Kodiyakkarai. The BNHS-Sanmar centre is a boon for bird watchers who gather to watch migratory birds from across the globe swarming the swamps of Vedaranyam between October and March every year. |
In winter Siberian Cranes, Greater, Flamingo, Ruff, Black winged Stilt, Common Teal, Common, Greenshank, Northern Pintail, Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, Northern Shoveler, Rosy Pelican, Gadwall, Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, Eurasian, Wigeon, Black tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank, Starling, Bluethroat, Long billed Pipit. In summer Asian Koel, Black crowned Night Heron, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Comb Duck, Blue-cheeked Bee Eater, Blue-tailed Bee-Eater, Cuckoos. |
Pelicans from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh (top), and flamingoes from Bangladesh and Iraq (bottom) were sighted in thousands this year, at Kodiyakkarai offering a rare visual treat indeed!
Migratory birds connect almost every environment of the world along their migration paths. This global event hopes to bring together organisations, governments and dedicated people to protect migratory birds for future generations. WMBD works as a network to increase public knowledge about migratory birds and their importance and also connects groups of people to share, celebrate with and learn from each other.
World Migratory Bird Day
Initiated in 2006 , World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is an annual awareness-raising campaign highlighting the need for the protection of migratory birds and their habitats. On the second weekend each May, people around the world organise bird festivals, education programmes and birdwatching excursions.