Quick guide to birds that migrate to India every winter

The paper also mentioned that it is interesting to note that all species of birds do not migrate, but most species are subject to seasonal movements of varying extents. This seasonal movement of birds is known as ‘bird migration’.

Here’s a quick list of popular birds that migrate to India every year during the colder months.

Siberian Crane

The Siberian Crane is an endangered species that migrates around 4,000 miles from Siberia to India each winter. Fleeing freezing temperatures and food scarcity, these birds typically find refuge in Keoladeo Ghana National Park and Bharatpur National Park, which are globally recognised for their migratory bird populations.

Greater Flamingo

While Mumbai’s urban landscape is home to the Lesser Flamingo, the Greater Flamingo prefers the expansive islands of the Greater Rann of Kutch, particularly Anda Bet, Khadir, and Paccham, from November to March. These striking birds are especially abundant in December and January, though their numbers have been declining in recent years due to climate change.

Rosy Pelicans at a lake (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Rosy Pelican

Known for their impressive wingspans of up to 12 feet in length, Rosy Pelicans migrate to northern India during the winter months. While they also settle in shallow, freshwater lakes in Pakistan and Nepal, overfishing has prompted them to seek refuge in southern India, where they can find more stable conditions.

Ruddy Shelduck

Native to Central Asia, the Ruddy Shelduck migrates from Siberia and Central China to Delhi during the colder months, according to Homegrown. These birds thrive in Delhi’s wetlands, lakes, and rivers, offering ample opportunities for birdwatchers to capture their stunning behaviour and interactions.

Spotted Redshank

A species native to Scandinavia, the Spotted Redshank prefers moderate climates and tropical environments. According to Outlook Traveller, they prefer wet coniferous forests to build their nests. The marshy terrains of Haryana are their favoured spots to migrate to after the heavy monsoon season gets over.