Summer migratory birds arrive in Delhi

At the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, nine species of colourful summer migrants have arrived, Darpan Singh reports.

With the rise in temperature, stunningly beautiful winter birds such as Greater Flamingos and Greylag Goose have left for central Asia and Siberia. A few of those still around will also fly back shortly. But that’s no reason for birdwatchers to lose heart.


At the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, nine species of colourful summer migrants have arrived. “Migration is not limited to winters. These are mainly terrestrial birds. More species are still expected to arrive. More than 15 species of summer terrestrial migrants usually visit the sanctuary every year,” said birdwatcher TK Roy.

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Asian Brown Flycatcher, the very beautiful ash-brown coloured smaller arboreal bird with conspicuous white eye-ring, has returned to the sanctuary after 4-5 years. It is a summer visitor to the Himalayan foothills of India, Pakistan and Bhutan. In winter, it flies to other parts of India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

“Unlike water birds, it’s very difficult to count these terrestrial birds. They are constantly restless. But we’re hopeful of good numbers.

Though White-browed Rosefinch is conspicuous by its absence,” Roy said.

Some of the birds spotted so far at the sanctuary include: Asian Koel, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Rosy Starling, Common Rosefinch, Asian Brown Flycatcher and Asian Paradise Flycatcher.

Species such as white ibis, several species of egrets and herons, fly to Delhi from warmer climes.