Discover 10 Amazing Migratory Birds That Travel to India This Winter

India is a nation renowned for its remarkable geographical diversity, which supports a rich array of wildlife that is unparalleled in many parts of the world.  India warmly welcomes numerous migratory bird species, further enhancing its reputation for hospitality towards wildlife.

Every winter, these stunning birds travel to India in search of food, breeding, and nesting opportunities. Below is a list of some of the most exquisite migratory birds that arrive in India during this season.

Siberian Cranes (Grus leucogeranus)

These are strikingly white birds known for their migratory patterns, traveling to India during the winter months. These omnivorous birds breed in the arctic tundra regions of Russia and Siberia. Classified as critically endangered.

The Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)

They are the largest member of the flamingo family, primarily inhabiting the Indian subcontinent. This migratory bird can be observed throughout the winter months in various locations, including the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, Flamingo City, and Thol Bird Sanctuary in Gujarat.

Bar-Headed Goose

The Bar-Headed Goose is renowned for being the highest-flying bird globally, making its way to India each winter. These remarkable geese undertake a migration over the Himalayas, where they spend the winter months across the states of Assam to Tamil Nadu.

The Northern Shoveler

The Northern Shoveler stands out among dabbling ducks due to its prominent spoon-shaped bill, actively foraging with its head submerged in shallow wetland areas. Wetlands in India are their favorite, a perfect example is wetlands in Punjab.

Amur Falcon

Amur falcons are small birds of prey that nest in Siberia and travel to Southern Africa for the winter. While migrating in large groups through Northeast India and over the Arabian Sea, they often feed near Doyang Lake in Nagaland during the early morning or evening hours.

Common Teal

Common teal migrate from their breeding habitats in northern Eurasia to India during October and November. They remain in India until February or March.

Pied Avocets

Pied avocets are more frequently observed along the west coast of India compared to the east. They are also known to frequent wetlands, including the Perumbakkam wetland in Tamil Nadu.

Ruddy Shelducks

Ruddy Shelducks migrate to warmer areas in South Asia during the winter months, specifically to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. In the Himalayan region, they inhabit wetlands, marshy zones, agricultural fields, and various open spaces.

The Black-tailed Godwit

The Black-tailed Godwit undertakes an impressive journey of 14,000 kilometers, traveling between the Arctic tundra and the wetlands of India.

The rosy starling

The rosy starling is a pink-hued bird belonging to the starling family, known for breeding in Central Asia and Southeast Europe before migrating to India and tropical regions of Asia.