Why Kerala is witnessing a decline in winter migratory birds

From the Arctic, northern Eurasia and wetlands of Central Asia, flocks of migratory birds undertake journeys spanning thousands of kilometres to reach Kerala’s coasts, wetlands and forests every year. Among them are Greater Sand Plover (Anarhynchus leschenaultii) and Tibetan Sand Plover (Anarhynchus atrifrons), which descend on sandy stretches of Vellanathuruthu in Kollam, and Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) and Garganey (Spatula querquedula), which winter in the wetlands of Pavumba and other waterbodies in the district. All four species are also found in other parts of the State.

For decades, these seasonal visitors have arrived in large flocks between August and March. But birdwatchers who have tracked them year after year say the spectacle is gradually fading.

A view of migratory birds on the Vellanathuruthu beach in Kollam during the last migratory season.
| Video Credit:
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