From Bluethroat to Northern shoveler: Migratory birds that can be spotted in Delhi now

Delhi, the bustling capital city of India, is not only a melting pot of cultures but also a sanctuary for a diverse range of wildlife. Winter is the time when these migratory birds make their temporary homes in the city's wetlands and lakes, seeking refuge from the harsh weather in their breeding grounds. The presence of such a wide array of species underscores the importance of preserving and protecting these ecosystems, not only for the resident birds but also for these winter visitors who contribute to the rich tapestry of Delhi's natural heritage.

Find time from your busy schedules to visit the city’s wetlands and forested areas for a glimpse of these birds.

One of the most captivating sights during Delhi's winters is the formation of V-shaped flocks of bar-headed geese. These remarkable birds migrate from the high-altitude plateaus of Central Asia, including Tibet and Mongolia. These geese cover thousands of kilometres to reach the comparatively milder climate of Delhi. The Yamuna Khadar region, Okhla Bird Sanctuary and various lakes in and around the city are great places to spot them.

Grey lag geese, with their distinctive grey plumage and orange beaks, migrate to Delhi from colder regions of Europe and Central Asia. These geese are often spotted in water bodies such as the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Sultanpur National Park, and various lakes in the city

The pied avocet, known for its striking black and white plumage and slender upturned beak, migrates from Central Asia and Europe to Delhi's wetlands. These elegant birds prefer shallow waters and are often found foraging for small invertebrates and insects. The Najafgarh Drain and Yamuna floodplains area offer a suitable habitat for these avocets during the winter months.

The ruff and stint are both small wading birds, and both are long-distance migrants. These tiny birds migrate to the warmer climate of Delhi from their breeding grounds in the Arctic region. These delicate birds are commonly spotted in the wetlands and marshes of Delhi, such as the Bhalswa Horseshoe Lake, Surajpur Wetland and Yamuna Khadar region.

This waterfowl species is a long way away from its home in northern Europe. These ducks find solace in the temperate conditions offered by Delhi's water bodies. Lakes such as Sanjay Lake, Hauz Khas Lake, Delhi Zoo and Okhla Bird Sanctuary become their temporary homes.

Among the winter visitors to Delhi's lakes is the tufted duck, known for its elegant monochrome plumage and striking tuft on its head. These water birds originate from Northern Europe and Central Asia. Whether seen in small groups or gliding gracefully across the water surface, the tufted duck becomes an integral part of Delhi's winter avian spectacle.

Delhi's wetlands welcome the ferruginous duck during the winter months. These ducks migrate from both Northern Europe and Central Asia, and make waterbodies such as Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Bhalswa Horseshoe Lake, and other wetlands their winter home.

The northern shoveler, characterised by its distinctive spatula-shaped bill, migrates to Delhi from the Arctic region and other colder parts of Europe and Asia. These ducks are often seen dabbling in the waters of the Yamuna River and the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, sifting through the mud for aquatic invertebrates.

The bluethroat, a small and elusive bird with a vibrant blue and orange throat, migrates to Delhi from the northern regions of Europe and Asia. These birds are known for their melodious calls and are often spotted in the dense vegetation around water bodies like the Yamuna Biodiversity Park and Surajpur Wetland.

Head to the open waters of the Najafgarh Drain, Sultanpur wetlands and Okhla Bird Sanctuary to see these graceful birds who migrate from places like Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and even Israel. Flamingos are some of the most strikingly beautiful birds one gets to see in winters in Delhi.