Discover the Rare Waterbirds Found in India’s Wetlands

India is a unique treasure trove of immense natural beauty. Mountains, rivers, lakes, forests – all in all, this country is full of biodiversity. Among them, waterbirds found in India occupy a special place. These birds are not only part of our country’s biodiversity, but their contribution to maintaining the balance of the environment is also remarkable.

Importance of waterbirds

Waterbirds live in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, coasts, and mangrove areas. They help maintain aquatic biodiversity, control insects, and indicate the health of the reservoir. Environmentalists say that waterbirds found in India are “living indicators” of the environment. Where their numbers decrease, the quality of the water also deteriorates.

Famous waterbirds of India

More than 100 species of waterbirds can be seen across different parts of India. Some of them are local, while some are migratory.

1. Sarus Crane

The largest flying bird in India is the Sarus. They grow up to 6 feet tall. They are mostly found in rural areas of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. They forage in wetlands and fly in pairs. They are one of the most important waterbirds found in India.

2. Black-necked Stork

This bird with a long neck and black head is found in the coastal regions of India, Assam, and the Sundarbans. They survive on small fish and frogs. This species is also currently endangered.

3. Great White Pelican

They are easily identified by their large beak and hanging pouch. This waterbird is mainly seen in the Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan. They are migratory birds, coming to India from Europe. This species is also identified as one of the waterbirds found in India.

4. Common Teal

Despite its small size, it is one of the most popular guests in Indian wetlands. It flies from Siberia in winter and stays in the lakes and ponds in the northern part of the country.

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5. Painted Stork

This bird with beautiful pink and white feathers is extraordinary to look at. It catches fish with its large beak. It is more commonly seen in the wetlands of Chennai and Karnataka in South India. It is one of the favorite waterbirds found in India.

6. Lesser Adjutant Stork

This is a type of large-bodied bird with long legs and a neck. It is mainly seen in the wetlands of Assam and West Bengal. Now this species is on the endangered list.

7. Northern Pintail

This beautiful migratory duck is famous for its long tail. It is seen in Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Gujarat in winter. It is one of the most attractive waterbirds found in India.

8. Spot-billed Pelican

Large body, grey feathers, and a large beak – this bird is easily recognizable by these three features. They are seen flying in groups in the lakes of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

9. Common Coot

This bird with a black body and white beak is very common in Indian water bodies. However, their habits and social behavior are surprising. They move in groups and communicate with each other.

Rare waterfowl: Lost beauty

Although the number of waterfowl in India is huge, many species are now on the verge of extinction. This danger has arisen due to the destruction of wetlands, pollution, hunting, and habitat destruction. For example, among the waterbirds found in India, birds like the Jerusalem crested grebe or the brown-winged kingfisher are almost extinct today.

Conservation efforts

The government and various wildlife organizations have taken various initiatives to protect these birds. Ramsar Sites in India are a paradise for waterbirds. For example – Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Rajasthan), Chilika Lake (Odisha), Loktak Lake (Manipur), etc. Here, various waterbirds found in India can live and breed safely.

Role of locals

Apart from conservation, it is also very important for local people to be aware. Not throwing plastic in water bodies, stopping illegal fishing, and not disturbing migratory birds – if we follow these simple rules, our nature can be more beautiful.

Waterbirds in India are not only a beauty of nature, but also an integral part of our environment. Protecting them means building a sustainable world for our future generations. It is also our responsibility to protect the beauty that nature has gifted us. So, let’s all work together to protect waterbirds found in India and save this colorful world of nature.