10 Migratory Birds That Visit India Every Winter

Waquar Habib

Siberian Crane

Every winter, the Siberian Crane travels around 4,000 miles from western Siberia to India in search of better conditions. They are best sighted at Rajasthan's Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.

Siberian Crane | Shutterstock

Ruff

During freezing winters, Arctic-dwelling Ruffs migrate to India for ample food before returning to the Tundra for breeding. They can be spotted at Barkheda Lake, Sukhsagar Lake, and Karnala Bird Sanctuary.

Ruff | Shutterstock

Bluethroat

Every winter, the small Bluethroat migrates from Europe and Alaska to Rajasthan to escape harsh weather conditions. It can be spotted at Keoladeo National Park of Rajasthan.

Bluethroat | Shutterstock

Greater Flamingo

The Greater Flamingos are famous for nesting in India's Rann of Kutch. The selective breeding conditions and the sudden absence of the birds since 2011 highlight the delicate balance of their habitat.

Great Flamingo | Shutterstock

Spotted Redshank

The Scandinavian Spotted Redshanks prefer warm and humid conditions and wet coniferous forests. They migrate to India after the monsoon season and can often be seen in the marshy landscapes of Haryana.

Spotted Redshank | Shutterstock

Rosy Pelican

Rosy Pelicans are known for their expansive wingspan and beaks. They migrate to freshwater lakes in northern India. These birds are spotted mainly in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

Rosy Pelican | Shutterstock

Gadwall

Every year, Gadwalls migrate from Europe and North America to India. They are often seen in freshwater marshes and reedy habitats, especially in Bhopal, Chilika Lake, and other parts of north and central India.

Gadwall | Shutterstock

Northern Shoveler

The Northern Shovelers, native to Europe and Northern Asia, undertake a journey over the Himalayas before settling in the Indian Subcontinent. They can be best seen at Mote Majra village, Sukhna Lake, and Siswan near Chandigarh.

Northern Shoveler | Shutterstock

Black-tailed Godwit

In cold winters, Black-tailed godwits migrate to North India's lowland wet grasslands. These adaptable birds spend around four to five months in India, finding sustenance in Veeranam Lake, Chilika Lake, and Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary.

Black-tailed Godwit | Shutterstock

Blue-tailed Bee-eater

Blue-tailed bee-eaters migrate to South India. These richly-coloured, slender birds are seen in Malaysia and peninsular India during winter.

Blue-tailed Bee-eater | Shutterstock

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