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India plays host to a majestic pink spectacle every winter when greater flamingoes migrate into its territory. This particular species (Phoenicopterus roseus) is the most widespread and largest in the flamingo family. Most of their plumage is pinkish-white, but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. India also has a resident population of around 650,000 lesser flamingoes (Phoeniconaias minor), which are mostly found in the salt deserts of Gujarat. These are the smallest species of flamingo, and according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), they are classified as near threatened due to their declining population and the low number of breeding sites, some of which are threatened by human activities.
The main difference between the lesser and greater flamingoes is the latter’s extensive black colour on the bill. Size is less helpful to distinguish the two species unless they occur together. The best time to see flamingoes in India is from December to May, so check them out in the following places this winter.
This place, which is now a Ramsar Site, has exploded in popularity as people flock (pun intended) to see the lesser and greater flamingoes who arrive from Kutch, Gujarat and Iran, respectively. The creek itself is classified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) as more than 160 species of birds can be found here. Take a boat tour to see the flamingoes out on the water, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin. Once you’ve had your fill of these resplendent birds, check out the state-of-the-art museum that provides interactive information on marine wildlife. Don’t miss the walking trails that go through the wetlands as you can see a wider variety of birds and experience the biodiverse flora and fauna up close.
Back in 2021, a record number of 1,242,826 birds of 190 different species visited Chilika Lake during the winter. These included 1,204,351 migratory birds of 111 species, in addition to 38,475 resident birds of 79 species. Among them were flamingoes, who come to this blue zone during the late winter season. In fact, the Chilika Lake area is one of the largest breeding grounds for flamingoes in the world. Watching a colony of greater and lesser flamingoes wading in the shallows, their pink feathers painting the water a rosy hue is a sight that evokes awe and a deep appreciation for nature’s beauty.
The Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is a spectacular natural lake with shallow waters and muddy lagoons that are dotted by 360 islets. It offers an ideal wintering ground for thousands of migratory birds, including the lesser and greater flamingoes. Thus, the rich biodiversity of the lake and the wetlands around it were declared a Ramsar Site in 2012. Visitors can canoe in the shallow waters and come very close to flocks of pelicans, large groups of flamingoes, coots and different types of ducks. Check out the Abhiruchi Kendra Interpretation Centre for information on the various birds found in the sanctuary and their movements.
Situated on the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Pulicat Lake is the second-largest saltwater lake in India. Its brackish waters attract a multitude of migratory birds, with flamingoes being a prominent species. Every year, approximately 15,000 greater flamingoes are reported to visit the lagoon along with pelicans, kingfishers, herons, painted storks, spoonbills and ducks. The largest concentrations of flamingoes occur in the Andhra Pradesh part of the sanctuary, around the islands of Vendodu and Irukkam. However, the Tamil Nadu side also offers excellent views of the birds, which populate the marshlands next to the lake. Go on a boat ride for a close encounter with these magnificent birds.
About 100 kilometres from Pune is the town of Bhigwan. This place is a paradise for birdwatchers and is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The greater and lesser flamingoes stay here during the winter months of November to March, transforming the backwaters of the Ujani Dam into a sea of pink. Beyond the flamingoes, Bhigwan offers a chance to spot a variety of migratory birds, such as the bar-headed goose, which is known for its incredible long-distance migrations, and the common teal. Keen birders might spot elusive raptors like the black-winged kite soaring overhead or the Indian spotted eagle perched on a tree.
