Maharashtra is home to a wide variety of migratory birds that travel great distances to spend the winter here. Some of the key reasons why birds migrate to Maharashtra are:
Favorable Climate
Maharashtra has a tropical monsoon climate which offers a warmer and wetter environment compared to the birds’ summer breeding grounds further north. Temperatures typically range from 17°C to 33°C which is ideal for many species. The ample rainfall also provides plentiful sources of food and water.
Abundant Habitat
The state contains a diversity of wetland habitats that provide shelter, nesting grounds and foraging areas for visiting birds. Key sites include Bhandup Pumping Station in Mumbai, Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary in Aurangabad and the wetlands of Kolhapur. Mangrove forests along the coast also offer critical roosting areas.
Protected Areas
Maharashtra has established several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that give migratory birds refuge from hunters and habitat destruction. Key protected wetlands include Nalganga Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnala Bird Sanctuary and Ujni Reservoir. Strict enforcement of hunting bans allows birds to winter safely.
Strategic Location
Maharashtra lies along major migration flyways running down the west coast of India. Its geographic position means it is perfectly situated for species traveling from as far as Siberia, China and Europe to stopover or spend the winter. The coastline and hill ranges serve as important navigational landmarks.
What are the major migratory bird species found in Maharashtra?
Waders
– Common sandpiper: Breeds in Siberia and stops over in wetlands across the state. Often seen bobbing its tail.
– Marsh sandpiper: Passage migrant from Central Asia that frequents mudflats and marshes.
– Wood sandpiper: Seen in good numbers at sanctuaries like Bhigwan. Note the pale underparts with dark dotted markings.
– Common redshank: Noisy wader with reddish legs. Widespread and common winter visitor.
Ducks & Geese
– Bar-headed goose: Large grey geese that breed in Mongolia and China. Found in Nal Sarovar and other large wetlands.
– Common teal: Small, brightly colored dabbling duck seen in flooded fields across the state. The males have a distinctive green eye patch.
– Northern pintail: Slim duck with a long neck and pointed tail. Breeds in Siberia and winters in Maharashtra’s wetlands.
– Common pochard: Stocky diving duck with a bold head pattern. The male has a red head and black breast.
Raptors
– Steppe eagle: Large brown eagle with pale underwings seen soaring over open country.
– Eastern imperial eagle: Similar to steppe but with white shoulders and darker belly.
– Pallid harrier: Slender harrier with owl-like flight. The males are pale grey. Preys on birds at wetlands.
– Montagu’s harrier: Dashes low over grasslands hunting rodents. Look for the white rump.
Cranes
– Demoiselle crane: Elegant grey crane with black wings and a bushy head crest. Breeds in Central Asia.
– Common crane: Larger cousin of the demoiselle with similar plumage but lacks a head crest.
Others
– Bluethroat: Robin-sized bird with distinctive blue bib. Breeds in wet meadows in Europe and Siberia.
– Citrine wagtail: Bright yellow wagtail with grey back and black crown. Widespread winter visitor.
– Rosy starling: Pinkish starling withglossy plumage. Forms large flocks around cities and farms.
When does migration occur in Maharashtra?
Fall Migration
Most migratory birds arrive in Maharashtra between October and November. Early arrivals tend to be waders like the common sandpiper and marsh sandpiper that come in July and August. As winter sets in further north, more waterfowl like pintails, geese and ducks appear October through December.
Notable autumn migration months:
July to August | First waders appear |
October to November | Peak waterfowl and passerines migrate |
November to December | Most Arctic breeders arrive |
Spring Migration
The return journey north begins as early as February for some species but most leave their wintering grounds in March and April. Ducks, waders and starlings gather in large flocks before departing. By the end of May, most visitors have departed on their way to their northern breeding habitats.
Key spring migration months:
February to March | Early departure of some visitors |
March to April | Peak exodus of waterfowl and waders |
April to May | Last stragglers leave Maharashtra |
What are the main migration routes used by birds in Maharashtra?
Maharashtra sits along one of the major flyways in India running along the country’s west coast. The state is a vital migration corridor used by birds following some key routes:
Central Asian Flyway
Many waders, waterfowl and raptors use the Central Asian Flyway which starts as far northwest as Siberia and Russia. Species funnel south through Central Asia before crossing the Himalayas into India. Birds follow the west coast before curving inland towards destinations like Keoladeo National Park.
East Asian Flyway
This flyway originates even further north and east in China, Mongolia and Japan. Birds island hop across Southeast Asia before hitting the Western Ghats which they follow southwest into Maharashtra. Many ducks and waders migrate via this route.
Mediterranean-Black Sea Flyway
Shared by species breeding in Europe and around the Mediterranean. Birds journey over the Arabian Sea to reach the Maharashtra coast. Examples include Eurasian spoonbills from eastern Europe and common cranes from Siberia.
Intra-Indian Flyways
In addition to the international routes, many species move within India itself travelling between wetlands across states. For example, painted storks may breed in Assam before heading to wintering grounds in Maharashtra.
What are the threats faced by migratory birds in Maharashtra?
Although they find sanctuary in Maharashtra, visiting birds still face a number of hazards and threats:
Habitat Loss
Draining of wetlands for development destroys crucial habitat used for food and shelter. Mangrove forests have also faced destruction for commercial development.
Disturbance
Increased construction, traffic and human activity near roosting and feeding sites can disturb and stress birds. For example, flamingo feeding is disrupted by nearby fishing.
Hunting
Some migratory game birds are still hunted illegally despite bans. Demoiselle cranes used to be pursued for meat while waders are trapped for sport.
Pollution
Contamination of wetlands from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge and domestic sewage reduces food supplies and water quality. Oil spills are also a major danger.
Climate Change
Longer term shifts in weather and water availability could make conditions in Maharashtra less hospitable for some migratory species. Monitoring is required.
How can migratory birds be conserved more effectively in Maharashtra?
Several measures can help provide better protection for visiting birds:
Protect Network of Sites
Ensure all key wetlands have protected status and sufficient habitat buffers to reduce disturbance. Roost sites need strict controls.
Control Development
Stricter regulation on drainage of wetlands and clearance of mangroves is required. Environmental impact assessments should be mandatory for all major projects.
Ban Hunting
Full enforcement of hunting prohibitions is needed, especially at known sites for endangered species like demoiselle cranes. More ranger patrols should deter poachers.
Mitigate Pollution
Improve sewage and industrial effluent treatment to limit contamination of wetlands. Runoff from farms should also be controlled through sediment traps and organic farming.
Involve Communities
Engage local people in habitat conservation and bird monitoring programs. Environmental education can foster pride and awareness.
Fill Research Gaps
Additional surveys are needed to track long term population trends. Ringing studies help reveal precise migration routes and timing in Maharashtra.
Conclusion
Maharashtra provides essential habitat for migratory birds arriving from around Asia, Europe and the Arctic to spend the winter. These remarkable journeys are driven by seasonal changes and the region’s abundance of wetlands. However, birds face growing threats during migration and on their wintering grounds. Protecting a networked chain of sites along flyways and within Maharashtra itself offers the best prospects for safeguarding migratory bird populations over the long term. With strategic research, conservation policies, stakeholder collaboration and public engagement, the state can continue hosting these international avian visitors.