7 Stunning Migratory Birds That Travel Thousands Of Kilometres To Reach India

Every year, as seasons shift, India becomes a spectacular refuge for migratory birds from across the world. These winged travellers journey thousands of kilometres, flying over oceans, mountains, and deserts. Their arrival is not only a visual treat for birdwatchers but also a symbol of nature's precision. In search of food, favourable climate, and safe breeding grounds, some arrive during winter, some in summer, and others during monsoon. Each species has its own story, flight path, and reason for migration.

ALSO READ: Jowar Or Bajra: Which Millet Wins For Your Health?

1. Amur Falcon

One of the longest travelling raptors in the world, the Amur Falcon migrates from eastern Russia and northern China to northeastern India and southern Africa. They stop in large numbers in Nagaland during the months of October and November, naming it the "Falcon Capital of the World." Apart from Nagaland, these falcons have also been spotted in areas of Manipur and Assam. Known for their compact size and agility, these birds have the ability to fly over 22,000 km round trip annually.

2. Greater Flamingo

With their bright pink plumage and graceful stance, Greater Flamingos migrate from Iran and Afghanistan to India. They can be found in wetlands like Rann of Kutch, Pulicat Lake, and Chilika Lake. These stunning birds usually arrive during the winter months and stay till early spring. Flamingos feed on algae, crustaceans, and plankton, which are abundant in Indian coastal marshes. They are the largest species of the flamingo family, with females weighing upto 4 kgs and males upto 4.5 kgs.

3. Bar-Headed Goose

Bar-headed Goose are known for their astonishing ability to fly over the Himalayas, which includes flying over high altitudes of about 23,000 metres. They migrate from Central Asia, Tibet, and Mongolia to Indian wetlands in the Gangetic plains and southern India. This species arrive during the late autumn and are often spotted in Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and Chilika Lake. They have distinctive black bars on the head and ability to survive low oxygen levels at high altitudes, making them the true marvels of nature.

4. Siberian Rubythroat

Siberian Rubythroat is a smaal, jewel-toned bird that travels all the way from northeast Siberia to South and Northeast India. This bird with its vivid ruby-red throat, usually arrives during the winter season. In the spring migration season, many bird species return to their breeding areas, following the same Himalayan flyway used during their journey to the south. Preferring dense shrubs and forested undergrowth, this songbird is a solitary migrant and often goes unnoticed except to the most observant eyes.

5. Northern Shoveler

The Northern Shoveler migrates from Europe, Central Asia, and Russia. In India, they are winter visitors who arrive between October and March. Seen in wetland sanctuaries like Keoladeo National Park and Haryana’s Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, this bird filters insects and crustaceans from the water and plays an important role in wetland ecosystems. This bird species have wide, spatula-shaped bill that makes it one of the easiest ducks to identify. They have vibrant green heads and a striking plumage that adds colour to India's aquatic landscapes.

6. Blue-Tailed Bee-Eater

The Blue-tailed Bee-eater is a summer migrant. These vibrant, slender birds arrive in southern and central India from Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent’s fringes during the pre-monsoon months. They breed in April to May, often seen gliding over riverbanks and hawking insects mid-flight. They have a synchronised nesting behaviour which is a delight for birders and nature enthusiasts. This species have metallic blue tail with two elongated feathers.

7. Demoiselle Crane

Demoiselle Crane is one of the most elegant migratory birds. They travel from Central Asia to northwestern India, particularly to Khichan in Rajasthan. Flying across the Himalayas at altitudes up to 16,000 feet, these cranes arrive in autumn and stay through the winter months. Weighing about 2-3 kgs, this species is the smallest in the crane family. They have long-legged elegance, synchronised movements, and a social nature which makes them a visual treat in open fields and lakesides.

lifestyle