Sriram Reddy, a member of Hyderabad Birding Pals, said that 35-40 migratory species visit Yenkathala in winter for roosting. Birds like the Pallid Harrier, Western Marsh Harrier, and a satellite-tracked Montagu’s Harrier have all been spotted in these grasslands for their winter sojourn.
A State of India’s Birds (SoIB) report, published in 2023, said that populations of these harriers have witnessed significant declines in their Eurasian breeding range.
Similarly, in India, the Pallid Harrier has seen over 70% decline, the report added.
Like other open habitats, this avian haven also faces the threat of being converted for agriculture, solar power generation, or other projects that are more valued.
Sriram Reddy said, “Most of these birds are now extinct from the Telangana region. One or two birds were reported in Rollapadu grasslands in Kurnool.” He stressed that Yenkathala is one of the few remaining grasslands, saying: “Destruction of their habitat could lead to migratory birds opting for new locations or not returning to the region at all.”
