By Baburam Karki, Barahakshetra, Oct. 25: Migratory birds have started arriving in Nepal’s wetlands, lakes and river areas from northern regions as winter approaches. More than 160 species of birds are reported to migrate to Nepal every year to escape the cold, with their arrival beginning in September and continuing until November.
The birds travel from the high mountain and hill regions of the Northern Hemisphere to Nepal’s Tarai and wetland areas in search of suitable temperatures, food and safe habitats.
According to Anis Timsina, Koshi Province coordinator of the Nepal Ornithologists’ Association and a bird expert, waterbirds such as the red-crested pochard, gadwall, common teal and grey-headed lapwing have started appearing since September. As the arrival of migratory birds continues, more species are expected to be spotted in the coming days, he said.
Timsina said migratory birds could be seen at Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, along the banks of the Saptakoshi River, at Barju Lake in Sunsari and in wetlands across Jhapa and other areas. Species such as the tufted duck, ferruginous duck, green-headed duck, northern pintail and common pochard have also started appearing in wetlands, he said. However, details on the exact number of birds of each species arriving this year have yet to be compiled.
Birds migrating from the cold regions of Siberia, Russia, Tibet and Central Asia travel long distances to reach Nepal. Some species can cross mountainous areas at elevations of 5,000 to 6,000 metres above sea level, said Laxman Poudel, executive director of the Nepal Ornithologists’ Association.
Not all birds follow the same migration routes, as they move to different areas depending on the availability of food and suitable habitats. Poudel said the migratory birds generally return to their breeding grounds between late March and April.
Koshi Tappu, the lakes of Chitwan, Bishazari Lake, Jagadishpur Lake, Ghodaghodi Lake, the water bodies of Shuklaphanta, and the Koshi, Gandaki and Narayani river areas are considered important habitats for waterbirds in Nepal. Migratory birds visit these areas in search of food and shelter.
Bird experts have warned that the destruction of wetlands, loss of feeding grounds, poaching and climate change are posing growing challenges to the habitats of migratory birds.
Bird conservationists say protecting wetlands, securing food sources and preventing habitat destruction are essential to safeguarding migratory birds and conserving biodiversity.
According to Poudel, 904 bird species have been recorded in Nepal so far. The diversity of resident birds and those that migrate to the country in different seasons has further enhanced the importance of Nepal’s forests, rivers and wetlands.
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