Bar-headed geese arrive early in large numbers in Nizamabad

Bar-headed goose sighted by Faizan Hussain at a water body in Nizamabad.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Faizan Hussain

HYDERABAD

In what can be termed as a simple case of better late than never, it is great news for avid bird-watchers in Telangana as one of the most awaited migratory species — the bar-headed geese — have arrived in large numbers in the wetlands of Nizamabad.

City birder Faizan Hussain, who spotted about 500 of these beautiful bar-headed geese, said that they had actually arrived late but surprisingly in large numbers.

Highest-flying bird on the planet

“These migratory birds travel an incredible distance covering thousands of kilometres to reach Telangana and is recognised as the highest-flying bird on the planet, soaring above the Himalayas at 30,000 feet above sea level and often crossing the Himalayan Ranges too,” he said in a chat with The Hindu.

“These prefer wetlands surrounded by cut agricultural fields, which serve as prime feeding grounds, making Telangana’s landscape an ideal destination during their long migration,” Faizan said.

“Honestly, I was also pleasantly surprised to witness the early arrival of Northern Pintails and Knob-Billed Ducks in the untamed, isolated lakes of Medak and Jogipet in October,” he said.

“While their numbers were initially modest, this early migration seemed driven by key environmental and biological factors such as seasonal changes, availability of food, breeding cycles and climate patterns,” he said.

“Raptors like the Marsh Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier, and Pallid Harrier also began their seasonal migration earlier than expected, signalling a shift in migration patterns,” he said, reminding that it was disappointing that despite visiting a dozen locations this October, he could not find any migratory bird in Medak and Jogipet.

“This year, the scenario has shifted significantly. Almost all lakes in Telangana are brimming with migratory birds, with large numbers flocking to diverse water bodies across the region. This widespread distribution is a promising sign of the State’s growing ecological health and importance as a stopover for migratory species,” he said.

“I feel that North India’s chilly winters may trigger southward migration of birds seeking milder climates and better feeding conditions. Telangana, with its rich wetlands, will definitely become a vital stopover for many migratory species,” Faizan concluded.