20 migratory birds visit Bengaluru

20 migratory birds visit Bengaluru
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Every winter, flocks of the Booted Warbler and Blyth’s Reed Warbler, both smaller than a house sparrow, migrate thousands of miles from their home in Eurasia to Bengaluru. Similarly, the Bar-Headed Goose flies, at a height of 18,000 feet, from the Himalayas to lakes in and around Bengaluru before returning during March-April.

In order to escape extreme winter conditions, nearly 20 species of terrestrial and aquatic birds migrate to Bengaluru and every passing year the congregation is limited to fewer lakes due to habitat destruction, bird experts say. The birds come from as far as South Africa, Russia, Siberia, China, Tibet, Afghanistan and Europe to make nest in Bengaluru until the beginning of summer.

“Several lakes in north and south Bengaluru and lakes in Bengaluru Rural district are bustling with several winged guests from other countries with local migrants,” said Harish R. Bhat, author of Pakshi Prapancha, a book on birds.

“Waterbodies in Bengaluru attract a large number of migratory birds every year. The authorities must take steps to provide safe habitat for them,” bird expert Manjunath Prabhakar said.