India remains an attractive wintering destination for migratory birds
Every year, millions of birds from distant lands like Russia, Europe and Central Asia arrive at the wintering grounds in India in the months of September and October. Over 400 species of migratory birds are reported to visit India annually at this time of the year signifying the beginning of migration. They take nine fyways (including the Central Asian Flyway that covers 30 countries along with India) across the world and some unusual routes during this fight. Generally birds migrate from the northern hemisphere during the winter season to warmer tropical/equatorial regions. India is considered a preferred wintering destination for several species of birds like Bar headed Geese, Amur Falcons, Black necked cranes, Demoiselle cranes, etc. As per the “Asian Water bird Census” co-ordinated by the Wetlands International, some migratory birds in the region showed a decreasing trend during the last decade whereas some species indicated a stable population. The decline in the number of migratory birds is attributed to various factors like wetland reclamation, pollution of wetland through domestic sewage, hunting, trapping in the migratory routes, indiscriminate use of pesticides and fertilisers, reduction of habitat, climate change, etc.