Maharashtra is home to a wide variety of habitats that attract many migratory bird species. The state’s coastline, wetlands, grasslands, and forests serve as temporary homes for birds that migrate from places as far as Europe, Asia, and Africa. Understanding which migratory birds frequent different habitats in Maharashtra can help bird enthusiasts know when and where to spot them.
Coastal Habitats
Maharashtra has over 720 kilometers of coastline along the Arabian Sea. Its beaches, estuaries, marshes, and mangroves attract many migratory shorebirds and waterbirds.
Some key migratory species found along the coasts of Maharashtra include:
- Terns – Sandwich, Little, Common, Lesser Crested
- Plovers – Kentish, Lesser Sand, Greater Sand, Pacific Golden
- Sandpipers – Common, Curlew, Marsh, Terek, Ruddy Turnstone
- Gulls – Heuglin’s, Pallas’s, Brown-headed
- Waders – Eurasian Oystercatcher, Black-winged Stilt
Many of these migratory birds breed in Central Asia and stop in Maharashtra from August to April during their non-breeding season. The exposed mudflats left behind by low tides serve as excellent feeding grounds for these birds.
Some coastal wetlands and estuaries where these birds can be spotted are Karanja and Kelshi in Raigad district, Thane and Bhiwandi Creeks, Vasai to Manori Beach in Mumbai district, and Guhagar in Ratnagiri district.
Inland Wetlands
Inland wetlands like lakes, ponds, marshes, and irrigated fields attract migratory waterfowl and wading birds.
Key species visiting Maharashtra’s inland wetlands include:
- Ducks – Common Teal, Spot-billed Duck, Northern Pintail, Garganey
- Waders – Common Snipe, Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank
- Storks – Painted, Asian Openbill
- Cormorants – Indian, Little
These migratory waterbirds breed in Central Asia or Europe and visit wetlands in Maharashtra between August and March.
Some significant wetlands where migratory waterbirds can be observed are Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary in Aurangabad district, Nandur Madhameshwar in Nashik district, and Ujjani Reservoir in Solapur district.
Grasslands
Maharashtra’s grasslands and farmlands attract many migratory raptors and passerines.
Some key migratory species found in the state’s grassland habitats include:
- Raptors – Montagu’s Harrier, Pallid Harrier, Lesser Kestrel, Eastern Imperial Eagle
- Larks – Malabar Crested Lark, Syke’s Lark
- Pipits – Tawny, Tree, Olive-backed, Red-throated, Richard’s Pipit
- Wagtails – Yellow, Grey, White
These grassland specialists breed in Central Asia or Europe and migrate south to spend the winter in Maharashtra’s open grassy areas. Many of them pass through the state between October and March on their way further south to Africa.
Some of the best places to observe these migratory grassland species are Nannaj grasslands in Solapur district, the plains of Akole in Ahmednagar district, and the agricultural fields of Pune district.
Forests
Maharashtra’s forests, especially along the Western Ghats, serve as temporary homes to many migratory passerines.
Key migratory forest birds of Maharashtra include:
- Thrushes – Blue-capped Rock Thrush, Blue Whistling Thrush
- Flycatchers – Bluethroat, Red-breasted, Verditer, Grey-headed
- Warblers – Orphean, Greenish, Large-billed Leaf, Arctic, Yellow-browed
- Nuthatches – White-tailed Nuthatch
- Cuckoos – Common, Oriental, European
These migratory songbirds breed in the Palearctic region covering Europe and Asia. During September to April, they migrate south and occupy forested areas in the Western Ghats at different elevations.
Some of the top sites to observe these forest migrants are Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary in Satara district, forests along the Ulhas River in Thane district, and Chandoli National Park in Kolhapur district.
Urban Habitats
Even urban habitats like city parks, gardens, and wooded streets in Mumbai, Pune, and other cities attract migratory birds.
Some migratory species adapted to urban settings in Maharashtra include:
- Mynas – Common, Bank
- Starlings – Rosy, Asian Pied
- Warblers – Lesser Whitethroat, Plain Leaf, Yellow-bellied
- Wagtails – White, Yellow
- Flycatchers – Red-breasted, Spotted
These birds migrate from Central or North Asia to spend the winter in urban greenspaces across Maharashtra between September and March.
Mumbai’s Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Pune’s Pu La Deshpande Garden, Nagpur’s Ambazari Garden, and parks in Aurangabad are some sites where wintering migratory birds can be spotted amidst the concrete jungle.
Threats Faced by Migratory Birds in Maharashtra
Although Maharashtra attracts diverse migratory birds, they face several threats in the state that impact their populations:
- Habitat loss due to rapid urbanization and agricultural expansion
- Disturbance of roosting and feeding sites
- Pollution of wetlands and threats from plastic waste
- Excessive use of pesticides impacting food sources
- Illegal hunting
Various conservation efforts are needed to preserve Maharashtra’s habitats and protect migratory birds. These include wetland restoration, banning harmful pesticides, enforcing hunting regulations, and creating greater public awareness.
Community-driven conservation programs involving birders, NGOs, and the Maharashtra Forest Department play a key role in such efforts across the state.
Best Time to Observe Migratory Birds in Maharashtra
Different migratory species pass through or winter in Maharashtra during different parts of the year. Here is a breakdown of the ideal times to spot key groups of migrants:
- Shorebirds: August to April, peaking in March
- Waterfowl: October to March, peaking in December-January
- Raptors & Grassland species: October to March, peaking in February
- Forest songbirds: September to April, peaking in October-November
However, a few outliers like Peregrine Falcons and Amur Falcons can be seen as late as May. Local rainfall patterns also impact the timing as birds arrive later in dry years.
To maximize migratory bird sightings across habitats, the winter months from November to February are ideal. Carrying a pair of binoculars and a field guide of Indian birds can further help identify the visiting migrants.
Notable Migratory Birding Sites in Maharashtra
Here are some top sites and regions to observe migratory birds in different habitats across Maharashtra:
- Coastal Wetlands – Thane Creek, Sewri Jetty, Konkan coast
- Inland Wetlands – Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary, Nandur Madhameshwar Bird Sanctuary, Ujjani Reservoir
- Grasslands – Nannaj Grasslands, Akole Plains, Pune farmlands
- Forests – Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Ulhas River forests, Chandoli National Park
- Cities – Mumbai (Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Worli Seaface), Pune, Nagpur
Visiting these areas during the peak migratory season and working with local birding groups greatly maximizes spotting a diversity of visiting birds.
Conclusion
Maharashtra’s diverse habitats ranging from coasts to forests attract over 150 migratory bird species annually from across Asia, Europe, and Africa. These migrants occupy niches in wetlands, grasslands, woodlands, and urban greenspaces across the state between August-April. Though they face several threats, increased conservation action can help protect these international avian visitors. Bird enthusiasts who observe migratory patterns and protect critical sites play a vital role. By understanding the seasonality and preferred habitats of key migratory species, one can experience the best of avian migration across Maharashtra.