Over 11 Lakh Migratory Birds Flock to Nalabana in Chilika

Bhubaneswar: The annual headcount of migratory birds in and around Chilika Lake for the fiscal year 2023-24 concluded today evening, revealing a remarkable influx of 11,37,759 avian guests representing 187 different species to Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, according to sources from the Forest Department.

Conducted across five Forest ranges—Balugaon, Chilika, Tangi, Satapada, and Rambha—in Khurda, Puri, and Ganjam districts, the bird census highlighted Nalabana, an area in Chilika, as the hotspot for migratory bird congregation.

A total of 21 teams were deployed for the headcount, with 19 teams focusing on water surfaces and two teams covering land areas. The Balugaon range’s Nalabana witnessed the highest influx, with a staggering 3,47,280 birds counted, leading the region in avian diversity, as stated by DFO Amlan Kumar Nayak.

Comprising forest personnel, ornithologists, bird enthusiasts, and researchers, the teams meticulously gathered data to provide a comprehensive snapshot of the bird population in the Chilika ecosystem.

Comparing the latest figures to the 2023 census, where Chilika hosted 11,31,929 winged visitors of 184 species, this year saw an increase of 5,830 birds, with Nalabana contributing 4,383 to this growth.

Northern Pintail claimed the majority with 2,18,650 individuals, followed by Gadwall (1,56,636) and Eurasian Wigeon (1,40,322), according to the DFO. The robust bird migration numbers reflect the ecological significance of Chilika Lake as a crucial habitat for diverse avian species.