Flamingos are beautiful pink or reddish-colored wading birds that are known for standing on one leg, having long necks, and flocking together in large groups. They are found in tropical and subtropical areas around the world. But are flamingos found in Navi Mumbai, the planned township that is part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region in the Indian state of Maharashtra?
Quick Answers
Yes, there are flamingos that can be spotted in Navi Mumbai, specifically around the wetlands and mudflats areas. The most notable place to see flamingos is at the TS Chanakya Wetland in Seawoods and Nerul. Smaller numbers of flamingos also visit wetlands in Belapur, Kharghar, and Ulwe.
Flamingo Spotting Locations in Navi Mumbai
Here are some of the top spots in Navi Mumbai to try and catch a glimpse of flamingos:
- TS Chanakya Wetland – This wetland between Seawoods and Nerul is a haven for migratory birds like flamingos. Hundreds of flamingos flock here during winter months.
- Belapur Mangroves – The wetlands around Belapur Creek attract flamingos, especially from November to March.
- Kharghar Wetlands – Flamingos have been spotted around these wetlands near Kharghar railway station.
- Ulwe Wetlands – Small flocks of flamingos descend on these wetlands near Ulwe village during winter.
Flamingo Migration in Navi Mumbai
Flamingos are migratory birds that breed in only a few scattered places around the world, including Gujarat’s Kutch region in India. During winter months, from November to March, they migrate south to wetlands and coastlines with warmer climates. Many flamingos fly towards Navi Mumbai and rest in the city’s wetlands as they make their winter migration.
The timing and number of flamingos in Navi Mumbai can vary each year depending on climate conditions, food availability, and other factors. Typically the numbers start increasing in November, peak in January and February, and reduce by March as the birds start migrating back to their breeding grounds.
Winter 2022-2023 Flamingo Migration
In the winter of 2022-2023, the first flamingos were spotted in Navi Mumbai in early November. By mid-December, an estimated 5,000 flamingos had arrived at the TS Chanakya Wetland. The population grew to around 10,000 to 15,000 flamingos by January 2023, making it a fantastic year to view the birds.
All-Time High Flamingo Counts
Year | Estimated Flamingo Count |
---|---|
2020-2021 | 25,000 flamingos |
2015-2016 | 20,000 flamingos |
The winter of 2020-2021 holds the record for the highest number of flamingos spotted in Navi Mumbai wetlands, with an estimated peak population of 25,000 birds. The winter of 2015-2016 also saw a large congregation of about 20,000 flamingos.
Why Flamingos Visit Navi Mumbai
There are a few key reasons why thousands of flamingos migrate to Navi Mumbai’s wetlands each winter:
Abundant Food
The wetlands provide plentiful food for flamingos in the form of small fish, mollusks, brine shrimp, algae, and plant matter. Food sources are richer in the wetlands compared to the breeding salt pans where the birds nest.
Suitable Habitat
The wetlands have shallow water, mudflats, and salinity levels that create a suitable habitat for flamingos to feed and rest.
Warmer Climate
Navi Mumbai provides a warmer climate compared to the colder northern regions where flamingos breed. This helps flamingos conserve energy during the winter months.
Safety in Numbers
Large flocking helps keep the birds safe from predators and reduces aggression between individual birds when feeding and breeding.
Midway Point
For some flamingos, Navi Mumbai’s wetlands are a midway point to rest and refuel during their migration south to warmer regions like Sri Lanka.
Threats to Navi Mumbai’s Flamingo Population
While Navi Mumbai has provided a safe winter destination for flamingos over the years, there are some threats to the migratory birds that conservationists keep watch on:
- Loss of wetland habitat due to construction, pollution, and drainage of wetlands
- Disturbance to the birds from increased industrial activity and noise
- Oil spills and contamination that can affect food sources
- Climate change altering weather patterns, temperatures, and ecosystem
Environmental groups work to monitor flamingo populations and advocate for protection of critical wetlands habitats in Navi Mumbai and beyond. Many groups also organize flamingo festivals, walks, and events to educate the public and provide sightings of the beautiful migratory birds that visit the region.
Conclusion
Flamingos temporarily call Navi Mumbai home each winter as they migrate to wetlands that provide the right habitat, climate conditions, and plentiful food sources. Likely viewing spots are the TS Chanakya Wetland, Belapur Mangroves, Kharghar Wetlands, and Ulwe Wetlands. While threats exist, active conservation efforts also help maintain Navi Mumbai as a thriving winter destination for thousands of flamingos annually.