Migratory birds start arriving in Sultanpur National Park

The Sultanpur National Park is welcoming winter migratory birds as most of the avian species from different cold countries have started flying in.

The Sultanpur National Park is welcoming winter migratory birds as most of the avian species from different cold countries have started flying in.

Every year, the park receives more than 250 species of winter migratory and resident birds (HT File Photo)

Officials of the park said the coming of the birds can be termed as an indicator of season change in the region. By the end of the third week of September, the park will receive more birds.

“Birds like eurasian coot, plover, spint and shank are being spotted in the park. At present, there are about 90 species at the national park,” said the district wildlife officer.

Every year, the park receives more than 250 species of winter migratory and resident birds. While there are some species of resident birds, many others come from distant regions like Siberia, Europe, Central Asia and Afghanistan. Some migratory birds also use Sultanpur as a stopover point before heading further south.

Last year, birds such as white-backed vulture, long-billed vulture, red-headed vulture, sarcogyps calvus and Siberian crane, which fall in the category of critically endangered species, were spotted in the park, said officials.

The migratory birds that usually fly into the park can be classified into three categories: waders (water dependent birds), ducks (require slightly deeper water) and warblers (prefer reeds). Birds from Europe, Russia, Siberia, China and Gulf countries are spotted in the park.

Some of the summer migratory birds that are currently flying out of the region include yellow bittern, black bittern, paregrine falcon, tickell’s leaf warbler, Spanish sparrow and mallard.

According to bird enthusiasts, the migration process has started and except ducks, the region is receiving all kinds of birds.

“Birds such as gargany, teal, sand piper, marsh harrier, pallid harrier, spotted flycatcher and whimprel have been spotted near Sultanpur National Park so far,” said Pankaj Gupta, a bird expert.

By the mid of October, ducks from Siberia and Europe should start arriving here, park officials said.