India's Winter Guests: Stunning Migratory Birds That Grace the Nation Every Year
India is known for its incredible natural diversity, which is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Every winter, many beautiful migratory birds travel to India for food, nesting, and breeding. Here’s a list of some stunning migratory birds that visit India during this season:
Siberian Cranes
- Large white birds that migrate to India in winter.
- They breed in the Arctic tundra of Russia and Siberia.
- Listed as critically endangered.
Greater Flamingos
- The largest type of flamingo, found across the Indian subcontinent.
- Seen in winter at places like Nal Sarovar, Thol Bird Sanctuary, and Flamingo City in Gujarat.
Bar-Headed Goose
- Known as the world’s highest-flying bird.
- Migrates over the Himalayas to spend winters in states like Assam and Tamil Nadu.
Northern Shoveler
- A type of duck with a unique spoon-shaped bill.
- Found in Indian wetlands, especially in Punjab.
Amur Falcon
- Small birds of prey that nest in Siberia and fly to Africa for the winter.
- Often spotted near Doyang Lake in Nagaland during their migration.
Common Teal
- Migrates from northern Eurasia to India between October and March.
Pied Avocets
- Seen mainly along India’s west coast and in wetlands like the Perumbakkam wetland in Tamil Nadu.
Ruddy Shelducks
- Migrate to South Asia in winter.
- Found in the Himalayan region, wetlands, and open fields.
Black-Tailed Godwit
- Travels an impressive 14,000 km from the Arctic tundra to India’s wetlands.
Rosy Starling
- A pinkish bird from the starling family.
- Breeds in Central Asia and Southeast Europe before migrating to India.
These birds not only showcase India’s natural beauty but also highlight the importance of conserving its habitats.
