BIRDS MIGRATE TO KERALA

Migration of birds is a regular and seasonal movement generally from north to south. Birds migration was recorded as early as BC 1000. In recent times satellite tracking is done  to trace migration of birds. 

General destinations of migratory birds in Kerala are Vellayani, Ashtamidi, Sasthamkotta, Vembanad-Kuttanadu belt, charcoal fields of Thrissur, Bharathapuzha belt, Kadalundi, Kattamballi in Kannur, Kawaikayal of Kasaragod and Neeleswaram Thaikadappuram. The vast greenary makes Kerala a paradise for birds. Over 500 species of birds both residents and migratory can be found in Keraula. Tropical forests, fresh water and brackish lakes and waterlogged paddy fields are the main attraction for birds. By mid December these international visitors after traveling a huge distance land in our surroundings. Some of these birds breed here and make Kerala their home and live cordially among crows and common sparrows.

Flamingos largely found in Africa, Asia, Southern Europe and Middle East prefer saline lakes, lagoons and waterlogged regions of Kerala.

Spot Billed Pelicans generally breed across Southern Pakistan, India and Indonesia love coastal waters and large lakes as their favourite hangouts. Black Tailed Godwit breed along the wet stretches of Iceland, Central Asia, Europe and West Africa is another visitor to our state. Garganeys are small duck species that are found beside shallow ponds too a common visitor of the coastal region of Kerala. They move southwards during July for wintering and return homeland in February. Dendrocygna Javanica is the whistling duck of fresh water lakes with plenty of vegetation being it's favourite habitat. Gulls usually come from chillingly cold regions and they prefer warmer waters to rest. Siberia and Mediterranean region are home to gulls. Spot Billed Ducks  are from tropical Eastern Asia. It is a bird of lakes, marshes and fresh water and feed on grass and insects. They migrate locally in search of water sources and feeding grounds. Cotton Pygmy Goose are found in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. They take long flights towards south during winter. Vegetable matter, water lilies and insects are the main food. These are some of the migratory birds. Other general birds are - Large Sand Plover, Pacific Golden Plover, Oyster Catcher, European Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Pied Harrier, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Montegu's Harrier, Pale Harrier, Buzzard, Asiatic Sparrow-Hawk, White-eyed Pochard, Common Teal etc are some other migratory birds.

Most of these migratory birds are coming from Amir valley of Eastern Russia, North Eastern parts of China to North Korea and Southern Pakistan to the entire belt upto Philippines. Migratory waterbirds species from Australia make a 26,000 km round trip annually. 229 species of birds are found to have migrated to India every year. The longest traveling migratory bird is Arctic Tern which breeds in the circumpolar Arctic and travels to Antarctica during winters making an annual journey of 71,000 km.

K V George

kvgeorgein@gmail.com