Archive · 30 Nov 2025
Migratory Birds Flock to Jharkhand Waterbodies
Every winter, thousands of birds fly to Jharkhand in India to stay warm and find food.
They come from very cold places like Central Asia and Siberia.
They like to stay near lakes and dams because it's safer and warmer there.
One special place is Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary, which is home to many different kinds of birds.
The birds enjoy the mild weather in Jharkhand, but sometimes they are in danger from people who might hurt them.
The government is trying to protect the birds by asking local groups to watch over the areas where the birds stay.
Thousands of migratory birds from Central Asia, Siberia, and Eastern Europe flock to Jharkhand's waterbodies during winter.
Key locations include Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary, Patratu Dam, Topchanchi Lake, Maithan Dam, Kanke Dam, Dimna Lake, and Baska Dam.
Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary is Jharkhand's only Ramsar site and home to around 160 bird species.
The birds face threats from poachers and villagers, prompting the forest department to activate protection committees.
Jharkhand's temperature range is conducive for the birds' survival, with minimums between 8°C and 15°C and maximums between 20°C and 27°C.
- Who
- Migratory birds from Central Asia, Himalayan Region, Mongolia, and Tibetan plateau
- What
- Flocking to Jharkhand waterbodies for shelter and food
- When
- Winter season (October to March)
- Where
- Jharkhand, India (Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary, Patratu Dam, Topchanchi Lake, Maithan Dam, Kanke Dam, Dimna Lake, Baska Dam)
- Why
- To escape extreme cold in their native regions and find suitable weather conditions
- Location
- Jharkhand, India
- Season
- Winter
- Key Locations
- Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary, Patratu Dam, Topchanchi Lake, Maithan Dam, Kanke Dam, Dimna Lake, Baska Dam
- Temperature Range
- 8°C to 27°C
- Annual Visitors
- 25,000 to 30,000 birds
- Threats
- Poachers and villagers
- Protection Measures
- Van Suraksha Samitis (Forest protection committee)