Top 15 Types Of Migratory Birds In India (With Pictures)

Highlighting India's top 15 migratory birds, this guide showcases stunning images and fascinating details that will leave you eager to learn more.

migratory birds in india

India is an important habitat for a variety of migratory birds. The Greater Flamingo, with its striking pink plumage, thrives in iconic sanctuaries like Nal Sarovar. The Great White Pelican, known for its large throat pouch and impressive wingspan, frequents Assam and Uttar Pradesh. The colorful Ruff enhances the biodiversity of Barkheda Lake. The Gadwall, migrating from Europe and North America, congregates in freshwater marshes, essential to the eco-system during winter. The Bluethroat, displaying vibrant orange and blue feathers, graces the Keoladeo National Park where its melodious song fills the air. Discover more about these captivating species and their unique characteristics.

Greater Flamingo

pink and elegant birds

Why do the Greater Flamingos, with their stunning pink plumage and graceful stature, captivate so many birdwatchers in India?

These birds, the largest of all flamingo species, thrive in sanctuaries like Nal Sarovar, Khijadiya, and Thol.

Their serene presence against India's picturesque landscapes offers a unique spectacle, making them a prime subject for birdwatching enthusiasts seeking to witness nature's splendid beauty.

Great White Pelican

great white pelican species

The Great White Pelican, known for its impressive wingspan and majestic flight, is a remarkable migratory visitor to India's wetlands during the winter season.

These Migratory Birds establish colonies in Assam's calm wetlands and gather in Uttar Pradesh's peaceful lakes.

Featuring long beaks and large throat pouches, they offer observers a serene presence against picturesque backdrops, enhancing the natural beauty of their habitats.

Ruff

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Continuing our exploration of migratory birds in India, attention turns to the Ruff, a colorful wading bird that graces Barkheda Lake and Sukhsagar Lake with its presence.

During the winter, this migratory bird showcases a dazzling array of breeding plumage, enchanting birdwatchers and photographers alike.

The Ruff's presence greatly enhances the scenic beauty and biodiversity of these wetlands.

Gadwall

species of waterfowl bird

Gadwall, a common winter visitor to India, migrates from regions in Europe and North America to enjoy the freshwater marshes of the subcontinent.

This species thrives in reedy environments, forming large flocks that contribute greatly to the biodiversity of Bird Sanctuaries in north and central India.

Their presence in such wetlands is essential during the colder months.

Bluethroat

blue and orange bird

Bluethroats, known for their vibrant plumage and melodious songs, make their seasonal journey to India's Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan to escape the harsh winter. These migratory bird species showcase vivid orange and blue feathers and are celebrated for their ability to mimic other birds' calls.

Their presence in Keoladeo adds a melodious charm, attracting birdwatchers keen to observe these visually striking and sonorous birds.

Spotted Redshank

elegant wading bird species

The Spotted Redshank, a graceful wading bird, thrives in the tranquil waterways of Haryana, showcasing its sleek, black-spotted feathers.

Renowned for its elegance, this bird grazes along shorelines, enhancing the scenery with its peaceful demeanor and graceful movements.

Birdwatchers are particularly captivated by its tranquil presence, which adds a sophisticated and serene touch to the natural landscapes of the region.

Blue-Tailed Bee-Eater

colorful bird with tail

Arriving from distant lands, the Blue-Tailed Bee-Eater enhances southern India's skies with its vivid blue and green plumage.

This species of birds, crucial to India's ecological diversity, exhibits remarkable acrobatic skills while hunting dragonflies.

Their lively energy and colorful presence greatly enrich the visual and ecological landscape, making them a dynamic component of India's migratory avian population every year.

Rosy Pelican

graceful bird with pink

With a wingspan that can extend nearly 12 feet, Rosy Pelicans present a majestic sight in the skies of North India. These migratory waterfowl flock to fish-rich lakes, essential for their sustenance.

However, habitat disruption from overfishing threatens their wintering grounds. Their diverse migratory patterns also lead some Rosy Pelicans to Nepal, underscoring their broad geographic range.

Northern Pintail

elegant duck with long tail

Among the migratory species visiting India, the Northern Pintail is a small duck with a distinctive elongated tail. It seeks the milder climes and abundant food resources of Delhi's wetlands.

Originating from Siberia and Central Asia, these ducks choose Delhi's wetlands as a stopover during their migration. Their presence enhances local birdwatching opportunities with their unique appearance.

Bar-headed Goose

high altitude migratory bird

The Bar-headed Goose, renowned for flying at the highest altitudes, breeds on the Tibetan Plateau before migrating to India's wetlands for the winter.

These birds migrate over the Himalayas, displaying remarkable adaptations to harsh conditions.

Their striking white and black markings embellish many of India's water bodies, where they seek food and milder climates during their seasonal journey.

Ruddy Shelduck

beautiful ruddy shelduck bird

Continuing our exploration of migratory birds, the Ruddy Shelduck, with its distinctive orange-brown plumage, marks another visitor to India's vibrant avian scene during the winter months. Native to Central Asia, these ducks migrate to Delhi, enriching the local wetlands, lakes, and rivers.

Their serene presence and striking appearance enhance birdwatching experiences and contribute to the city's diverse bird population each winter.

Common Teal

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Common Teal, a petite migratory duck species, makes its way from northern Eurasia to India's warmer climates each winter.

Breeding in Siberia and Central Asia, they flock to destinations like Chilika Lake in Bhopal, utilizing wetlands for sustenance.

Their presence, marked by graceful movements and striking plumage, enhances the scenic beauty of these Indian locales during the migratory season.

Eurasian Wigeon

waterfowl with distinctive markings

Shifting focus to another vibrant visitor, the Eurasian Wigeon graces Indian wetlands with its presence during the winter months. Recognizable by their distinct plumage, these birds flock to areas like the Yamuna River, often mingling with other waterfowl.

Not a passerine bird, their enchanting sightings offer delightful experiences for birdwatchers, especially in the cooler climates of Delhi's lakes and wetlands.

Black-headed Gull

seagull with dark head

Arriving from the chilly regions of Europe and Asia, the Black-headed Gull finds refuge in the milder climates of Delhi's wetlands during the winter months. This migratory bird enhances the avian diversity of Delhi with its striking black head and pristine white body.

Birdwatchers delight in observing its graceful flight and behaviors around the city's water bodies, contributing to the region's natural allure.

Are Migratory Birds Found in Kerala also Found in Other Parts of India?

Yes, many types of birds in Kerala are also found in other parts of India. Migratory birds like the Siberian Crane, Greater Flamingo, and the Rosy Pelican are spotted in Kerala as well as other regions of the country during their annual migration.

Siberian Crane

endangered bird species

From the lively wetlands of Delhi to the serene settings of Bharatpur, the Siberian Crane graces India with its presence during its remarkable annual migration.

As an endangered species, they endure a perilous 4,000-mile journey from Siberia, facing threats like hunting and climate extremes.

Conservation efforts are essential to safeguard these majestic birds and their pivotal role in the ecosystem.