Odisha’s Hirakud Wetland Sees Rise in Migratory Birds, 4.2 Lakh Counted This Winter

Bhubaneswar, Jan 20: The wetlands surrounding the Hirakud reservoir have witnessed a significant rise in the number of winter migratory birds this season, with as many as 4.2 lakh feathered visitors of 128 species recorded during the annual census.

The figure marks an increase from last year’s count, when 3.77 lakh birds of 120 species were recorded. Officials also confirmed the presence of five new species—Ruddy Crake, Greater Painted Snipe, Painted Stork, Little Gull and Sanderling—that had not been sighted in previous years.

Diverse Species Flock to Hirakud

Among the prominent species sighted this year were Common Waders, Tufted Ducks, Whistling Ducks, Grebes, Bar-Headed Geese, Brahminy Ducks, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Northern Pintails, Northern Shoveler, Red-Crested Pochards, Indian Skimmers, Cormorants, as well as several species of Egrets, Herons and Plovers, officials said.

Upstream Region Records Largest Congregation

Survey teams observed larger bird congregations towards the Odisha–Chhattisgarh border region of the Hirakud reservoir and the Mahanadi river stretch. Experts attribute the high footfall in this zone to multiple submerged islands, rich aquatic flora and fauna, availability of sandbars for nesting and resting, and comparatively lower fishing pressure.

The scenic setting of islands, open water channels and sandbars created a vibrant habitat for the migratory species, turning the reservoir into a major wintering ground in eastern India.

With the arrival of thousands of winged visitors turning the wetlands into a hive of activity, conservationists say the latest census indicates improving ecological health and habitat potential of the Hirakud wetland ecosystem.