After a slow start, migratory birds check into wetlands and waterbodies of Tiruchi region

Birdwatching enthusiasts in and around Tiruchi have reported a steady inflow of migratory birds from late September to the region, with their flight schedules possibly affected by the absence of summer rain and the ongoing northeast monsoon in Tamil Nadu this year.

“Due to the prolonged hot weather this year, fewer migratory birds were spotted near Tiruchi’s water bodies in late September compared to 2025. We noticed the Asian Brown Flycatcher and the Brownbreasted Flycatcher near Kulumayi Amman Temple, and the Common Sandpiper at Koothappar Big Tank in Tiruchi. Yellow Wagtail, which breeds in Europe and Asia, was spotted near Musiri and Kiliyur in recent weeks. However, we expect more avian migration over the coming weeks as the winter monsoon sets in,” V. Rajagopal, a local birdwatcher, told The Hindu.

E-Bird India, an online collaborative project managed by Bird Count India, lists five new species spotted in Tiruchi region by birdwatchers. In October, these include Pin-Tailed Snipe (in Kumbakudi grasslands), Pheasant-tailed Jacana (Cauvery riverbed, Evur, Musiri), Gray-bellied Cuckoo and Black-headed Cuckooshrike (both in Railway Colony, Tiruchi) and Little Ringed Plover (Kollidam River, Killiyanur).

The website also provides details of birds recorded in large numbers on a single day such as the Ashy-crowned Sparrow-lark (30), Eurasian Coot (28) and Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse (20), among others, by date.

“Migratory birds, including ducks and flycatchers, started coming a bit earlier to Tiruchi, around September 20. The change in global weather patterns could be a reason for the early arrivals in India,” said local birdwatcher A. Reltan.

At the Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary in Nagapattinam district, forest officials said birds such as Greater Flamingo, Northern Pintail, Spot-billed Pelican, Eurasian Curlew, Painted Stork and Asian Openbill were among the 22 migratory birds spotted until October 23.

“This has actually been a slow start for Point Calimere because of the dry climatic conditions this year. However since the rain have started, we are expecting a good show of birds by mid-November. Waders like Little Stint, Lesser Sand Plover, the Red Knot and Great Knot have arrived here. The Bar-tailed Godwit, which is known to fly non-stop for long distances, is a regular visitor. We are on the lookout for the Pied Avocet, as the weather becomes more conducive to migratory birds,” said a senior birdwatcher at the sanctuary.