Archive · 16 Nov 2025
Winter Migratory Birds Arrive at Pulicat and Nelapattu Sanctuaries
Imagine a big party happening in nature!
Every winter, birds from very far away, even places like Siberia, fly to special places in India called Pulicat Lake and Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary.
These places are like giant restaurants for birds, filled with tasty fish and plants.
Birds like colorful flamingos and big pelicans come to eat and rest.
They stay through the winter to raise their babies and then fly back home when spring arrives.
Local people really like the birds and help keep them safe.
Visitors can also come see these amazing flying friends at the sanctuaries during the day.
Thousands of migratory birds, including greater flamingos and grey pelicans, have arrived at Pulicat and Nelapattu bird sanctuaries.
Over 30 species from India and distant regions like Siberia have settled in for the winter season.
Favorable water levels due to early rains prompted earlier-than-usual arrivals, with numbers increasing since October.
Pulicat Lake, India's second-largest brackish water lagoon, offers abundant food sources for nearly 163 species annually.
Nelapattu sanctuary hosts over 7,500 birds, while Pulicat is estimated to have around 52,000 birds this season.
- Who
- Thousands of migratory birds from India and regions like Siberia, local villagers, wildlife officials, and bird watchers
- What
- Arrival of thousands of migratory birds for feeding and breeding, transforming the sanctuaries into vibrant natural spectacles.
- When
- Winter season, with early arrivals noted from September and increasing numbers since October.
- Where
- Pulicat Lake and Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary near Sullurpet, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh.
- Why
- The sanctuaries provide favorable water levels and abundant feeding grounds (fish, prawns, crustaceans, plankton) for the birds during their winter migration.
- Location
- Pulicat and Nelapattu bird sanctuaries, near Sullurpet, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh
- Key Species Present
- Greater flamingos, grey pelicans, painted storks, glossy ibises, egrets, Eurasian coots, purple swamphens, black-winged stilts, seagulls
- Estimated Bird Count (Nelapattu)
- Over 7,500 birds
- Estimated Bird Count (Pulicat)
- Close to 52,000 birds, including 16,500 greater flamingos
- Sanctuary Hours (Nelapattu)
- 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Duration of Stay
- Until March