'Flights' to Vidarbha

Note: This article is for an essay-writing competition organised by Nisarg. The topic is 'Winter migrants coming to Vidarbha- a study'. I've modified the essay into an article to upload it on my blog. Though a poor piece of literature, the content could be useful for birdwatchers.

Life on earth is a challenge for all living creatures. From the tiniest of insects to the largest of whales, all animals face several difficulties throughout their lives; but nevertheless, they adjust, they adapt to the situations and fight back. As winter approaches, life becomes difficult for many mammals because of a sudden decrease in food supplies. Hence to protect themselves from the winter chill, some mammals grow a winter coat; others store food in advance, while the rest go in for hibernation. Birds can do none of these. Therefore in winter, birds leave their breeding grounds in search for warmer climes with adequate food supply. This is called migration; an interesting adaptation to survive the challenges of life.
The Vidarbha district, with its large and small wildlife sanctuaries and national parks and green cities like Nagpur, plays host to plenty of winter migrants. Different birds prefer different habitats. The following is a report on the winter migrants coming to Vidarbha, on the basis of their habitats-

Forest & Secondary Growth- Birds like the flycatchers favour lightly wooded areas. The migratory flycatchers found in Vidarbha are Asian Brown Flycatcher (Muscicapa daurica), Red-throated Flycatcher (Ficedula parva) and Verditer Flycatcher (Eumyias thalassina), and another flycatcher, the Grey-headed Canary (Culicicapa ceylonensis), reported recently from Seminary Hills in Nagpur could passibly be a winter vagrant to the region. The Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus) is another winter migrant; a breeder in the Himalayas and North-eastern India, is commonly seen in forests and well-wooded areas of Vidarbha. The Oriental Turtle Dove (Streptopilia orientalis), an uncommon winter migrant to this part can also be seen along forest edges and wooded regions (usually near water bodies). The Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) is essentially an open forest raptor. Warblers like the Greenish Warbler (Phylloscopus trochiloides), Common Chiffchaff (P. collybita) and Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca) are also found in lightly wooded areas. The Blue-capped Rock Thrush (Monticola cinclorhynchus), a bird of dense, moist forest, was recorded in Seminary Hills on 7th October ’07. It could be on passage to Western Ghats, which is its regular wintering range.

Wetlands & Marshes- Wetlands attract the highest densities and species of migratory birds, of which ducks are the star attraction. Migratory ducks like the Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula), Common Pochard (A. ferina), Ferruginous Pochard (A. nyroca) Red-crested Pochard (Rhodonessa rufina), Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea), Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata), Northern Pintail (A. acuta), Gadwall (A. strepera), Common Teal (A. crecca), Garganey (A. querquedula) and Eurasian Wigeon (A. penelope) can be found here. Northern Shovelers, Tufted Ducks and Common Pochards are the earliest to arrive, while Garganey make a late arrival (usually in late December- early January) along with Ferruginous Pochards; a near threatened bird that is now rarely seen in Vidarbha. The Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus), a summer migrant and breeder in Ladakh, migrates down south in winters and is seen in large lakes. Many species of waders also migrate to the wetlands of Vidarbha. These include Common Redshank (Tringa totanus), Common Greenshank (T. nebularia), Green Sandpiper (T. ochropus), Wood Sandpiper (T. glareola), Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos), Little Stint (Calidris minuta) and Temminck’s Stint (C. temminckii). Among the widespread but rarely encountered snipes, possibly 3 species occur in Vidarbha- Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago), Pintail Snipe (G. stenura) and Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus). Snipes are essentially marsh dwellers and are difficult to look for. The Ruff (Philomachus pugnax) which arrives just after the monsoon is an uncommon winterer to this region. The Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), a rare bird, is commonly seen in Pench National Park. Where there is prey, there are predators. The large congregations of waterfowl attract raptors like the Eurasian Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) which specializes in hunting ducks and waders. Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus), which have nearly a worldwide distribution, are exclusively fish-eaters are a common sight in lakes and reservoirs. Great Crested Grebes (Podiceps cristatus) and Whiskered Terns (Childonias hybridus) are uncommon migrants to Vidarbha. Brown-headed Gulls (Larus brunnicephalus) had straggled to Nagpur in November ’07. Among the warblers, the Blyth’s Reed (Acrocephalus dumetorum), Clamorous Reed (A. stentorius) and Paddyfield Warbler (A. agricola) are found in reedbeds. 2 species of wagtails- Citrine (Motacilla citreola) and Yellow wagtail (M. flava) are exclusively found near lakes and jheels. The Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), a resident in the Himalayas, spends the winter mainly around water bodies. Over thousands of these tiny birds can be seen perched on the wires above Telangkhedi Lake.

Open country & Scrub- Dry, arid terrain is most suitable for larks and certain species of pipits. The Greater Short-toed Lark (Calandrella brachydactyla) is the only migratory lark to be found here, though its status in Vidarbha is poorly known. Kamptee could be a potential habitat to see this species. Kamptee is a pipit hub, housing 3 migratory species- Tawny (Anthus campestris), Long-billed (A. similis) and Tree Pipit (A. trivialis); of which the Long-billed Pipit breeds locally and possibly migrates to Vidarbha in winter. Larks and pipits are an easy prey to the Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), which migrates from the Himalayas. Another migrant from the Himalayas, Tibet and further north is the race- lineatus of Black Kite (Milvus migrans), commonly named Black-eared Kite (M. m. lineatus). This wintering sub-species outnumbers the local populations in Vidarbha. The Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus) is another open country raptor. Other migratory birds, characteristic of this habitat are Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus), Common Stonechat (Saxicola torquata), Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius) and Brown Shrike (Lanius cristatus), a rare migrant to this part of the country.

Grassland & Cultivation- Grassland eco-systems are primarily dominated by the harriers. 3 grassland species occur in Vidarbha- Montagu’s (Circus pygargus), Pallid (C. macrourus) and Pied Harrier (C. melanoleucos). All these are rarely seen in Vidarbha; infact the Pied Harrier has been recorded only thrice from this region! More research needs to be done on the status of these raptors in Vidarbha. The Blyth’s Pipit (Anthus godlewskii) is a rare migrant, whose status also remains unknown, though there have been sight records. Cultivations give a perfect hiding place for Common Quails (Coturnix coturnix) apart from providing prey to Common (Strunus vulgaris) and Rosy Starlings (S. roseus) and Black Redstarts (Phoenicurus ochruros). 2 species of buntings supposedly occur in Vidarbha but their status demands confirmation.

Vidarbha attracts over 70 species of migratory birds, yet their future looks bleak. There are countless threats to their survival, of which global warming and habitat destruction top the list. Climate change, a consequence of global warming, has changed patterns of bird migration. Untimely migration can adversely affect breeding behaviour. For example, I once saw a Wood Sandpiper in breeding plumage at Ambazari Lake on 20th May. Habitat destruction, like degradation of wetlands has affected many migratory waterfowl. Poaching of waterfowl, mainly ducks is another constant threat. Destruction of grasslands and use of pesticides has had negative impacts of grassland birds, particularly the Pallid Harrier, which is now endangered. Unplanned development on open country has disturbed the eco-systems existing there.
With so many problems to tackle, action must be taken immediately. Each and every individual’s contribution is needed to fight the climate change crisis. Awareness is the need of the hour. People must be educated about the phenomenon of bird migration and how it is being affected by global warming. Scientific researches and periodic bird surveys would help devise improvised methods for conserving habitats and protecting birdlife. Poaching, overfishing and the use of pesticides need to be controlled.
At this moment, every small step towards conservation matters a great deal. We must act immediately to ensure that our present does not become a thing of the past.