Not only is India home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna, but it also receives numerous visitors from all across the world. We are talking, of course, about our winged tourists – migratory birds in India
Once dotting the sky as the seasons changed, migratory birds, unfortunately, became less common due to a variety of factors such as increasing industrialization, decreasing natural resources such as forests and marshlands, and inconsiderate encroachment of natural area by human’s beings. Fortunately, conservative efforts have helped bring back some of these amazing creatures.
Most Beautiful Migratory Birds Coming to India
Ospreys
Large raptor birds, these creatures migrate to India during the winters and are noted for their beautiful black-and-white body and incredible predatory skills. Capturing their flock on camera would be any nature lover’s dream.
Peregrine Falcon
Another fierce predator known for their hunting skills, the peregrine falcon mate for life. They are also known for their dive speeds, which can reach up to 200 miles per hour!
Greater Flamingo
One of the most iconic birds associated with the word migration, the flamingos make India their home during the winter season as the cold sets in. Majestic creatures of both air and water, they are often found in very large flocks.
Bluethroat
Named for its brightly colored neck, the bluethroat birds are small but powerful singers, who look more like fluffy clouds than anything else. They are often found amongst picturesque trees in small groups or pairs.
Eurasian Wigeon
Considered to be one of the prettiest species of aquatic birds, this breed of duck is noted for its russet plumage, white breaks, and grey wings. They often flock towards lakes and other large water bodies when they migrate.
How to Enjoy Watching Migratory Birds in India
If you want to watch the migratory birds in India, then there are a lot of places that you can head to. Natural parks and sanctuaries are one of the best places to visit. To make sure that you get the best possible experience, here are some things you can keep in mind.
- Keep Silence – Birds are likely to be startled by loud noises and unlikely to return to the place until they feel safe again. So if you want to enjoy the birds partaking in their daily life, ensure that you are your fellow watchers are ready for the silence.
- Be Patient – It might take some time for the birds to appear, settle down, and start interacting with their environments. Making unnecessary movements or expressing frustration in the meantime would just startle the birds. So settle down and be patient and you will surely be rewarded.
- Bring A Camera – A high powered camera (or your phone if it has the capacity) can help you capture some stunning moments of nature at its best. You can then send these photos across to your loved ones, or even submit them to nature magazines and post them on social media. Just be sure that you don’t forget to keep the camera down and enjoy it!
Migratory birds are an amazing example of how nature has its patterns, meanings, and systems that continue even when humans have changed so much of the face of the earth. So set out to some beautiful natural locations, and enjoy these visitors who have travelled thousands of miles to be there with you. And always, remember to be kind to nature and the fauna – do not litter and do not frighten the birds.