Karnataka plays host to migratory birds

Karnataka’s warm climate, with plenty of water, sunshine, flora and fauna, is a welcome relief to the avians from the harsh winters back home.

It’s winter and the skies are aflutter with the arrival of winged guests from across the globe. Karnataka, a green haven for wildlife, plays host to a variety of birds that migrate from their native land and come here for rest, food and breeding. Karnataka’s warm climate, with plenty of water, sunshine, flora and fauna, is a welcome relief to the avians from the harsh winters back home. 

With the state having numerous sanctuaries specially to cater to them, even though some aren’t notified, the birds sure seem to have made themselves comfortable here. From Ranganathittu near Mysuru—the state’s largest bird sanctuary—to Ghataprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, a bio-diversity hotspot, one can spot colourful birds such as Bar-headed Goose, Northern Pin-tailed Duck and Northern Shoveller  among others. Birders and tourists flock to the sanctuaries to catch a glimpse of these rare birds, a treat for otherwise city-weary eyes. The birds nest, feed and play until it is time for them to flap back to their own homes. For some, these sanctuaries are just a stopover site on their migratory path as they move on to other destinations. 

Paradise for birds

• Karnataka is home to 531 bird species and one of the largest congregation of B ar -headed Geese in South India
• The state is home to a rare colony of Long-billed vultures in Ramanagara and endagered Great India Bustard in Ballari region
• Awareness about birds, protection against poaching in many tanks and reserves ensures safe nesting grounds for exotic birds in Karnataka
• Karnataka has many bird habitats that suit most migratory and resident birds
• Coast with good mangrove cover, rivers, streams, lakes and small ponds are  reason for birds ch oosing their winter stays in Karnataka
• Kaggaladu in Tumakuru and Kokkare Bellur in Mandya districts have been declared as Community Bird Conservation Reserves as the local migratory birds like storks and pelicans nest am id the villages
•  M agadi tank , 26 kms away from Gadag tow n, is turning into an attractive bird sanctuary. The lake has a catchment area of over 900 hectares. Till now 134 species of birds have been spotted .

Bar-headed Goose in Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary 

A wetland spread across 29.78 sq km, Ghataprabha attracts many wetland birds that can be seen splashing along the Ghataprabha River.

Spotted

Bar-headed Goose, Demoiselle Crane, European White Stork, Pin Tail Duck, Shoveller, Garganey

Where do they come from?

• Bar-headed Geese come from Mongolia
• Tagged: Interestingly, some Bar-headed Goose are spotted with tags on their necks fitted by researchers studying the birds’ travels

Time of visit

November to Feb-May

How to get there?

It is 82 km from Belagavi. The nearest railway station is Ghataprabha Railway station.

Painted Storks in Kaggaladu

Painted Stork flock Kaggaladu located near Sira, about 59 km from Tumakuru. Grey Heron also arrive in huge numbers at this heronry. 

Spotted

Grey Herons, Painted Storks

Where do they come from?

They come from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu where the water is saline

Time of visit

December to August

How to get there?

It’s a one-hour drive from Tumakuru to Sira town on Bengaluru-Pune NH-45. From there, it’s a 15-minute drive on the Sira-Changavara main road

Eurasian Spoonbill in Ranganathittu

Ranganathittu in Srirangapatna is the largest bird sanctuary in Karnataka. The Eurasian Spoonbill is a major attraction.

Spotted

Lesser Whistling Duck, River Tern and Himalayan Flycatcher

Where do they come from?

Eurasian Spoonbill migrate from Eurasia

Time of visit

Nov-Dec to March

How to get there?

The sanctuary is 20 km from Mysuru. The nearest railway station is Srirangapatna.

Spot-billed pelican in Kokkare Bellur

Kokkare Bellur, situated in Mandya district, is the favourite haunt of the Spot-billed Pelican. 

Spotted

 Spot-billed Pelican

Where do they come from?

Spot-billed Pelican  migrate from Andhra Pradesh

Time of visit

November to June

How to get there?

It’s a 30-km drive from Maddur. Public transport is also available