Archive · 22 Jan 2026
4.21 lakh migratory birds flock to Hirakud
Every year, many birds fly to the Hirakud reservoir in India for the winter.
This year, over 4.21 lakh birds visited, which is more than last year.
People counted 128 different types of birds, including five new ones.
The most common birds were Tufted Duck, Lesser Whistling Duck, and Common Coot.
These birds come from places like the Caspian Sea, Baikal Lake, and Mongolia.
Many people, including experts and students, helped count the birds.
Last year, there were fewer birds and fewer types of birds.
Over 4.21 lakh birds visited Hirakud reservoir this winter, an increase from last year.
128 bird species were recorded, including five new species: Ruddy Crake, Greater painted-snipe, Painted stork, Little Gull, and Sanderling.
The most numerous bird species were Tufted Duck (71,273), Lesser Whistling Duck (60,987), and Common Coot (51,665).
The Annual Mid-Winter Waterfowl Census-2026 was conducted on January 18 with 93 participants.
Migratory birds come to Hirakud reservoir from November to March, traveling from regions like the Caspian Sea, Baikal Lake, and Mongolia.
- Who
- Over 4.21 lakh migratory birds from various regions
- What
- Annual Mid-Winter Waterfowl Census at Hirakud reservoir
- When
- January 18, 2026 (survey date), November to March (migratory season)
- Where
- Hirakud reservoir, Sambalpur district, Odisha, India
- Why
- To count and study migratory birds during their winter season
- Total birds counted
- 4,21,763
- Bird species recorded
- 128
- New species sighted
- 5
- Most numerous species
- Tufted Duck, Lesser Whistling Duck, Common Coot
- Survey date
- January 18, 2026
- Survey participants
- 93
- Survey area
- 5.72 sq km
- Migratory bird season
- November to March