Archive · 1 Dec 2025
New Roosting, Breeding Sites for Migratory Birds in Chennai
In Chennai, three places are becoming popular spots for migratory birds to rest and have babies.
These places are Otteri Lake, Melmaruvathur tank, and the trees at Sri Ramachandra Medical College.
Many different kinds of birds, like egrets and storks, are coming to these places.
The birds are coming earlier this year, and there are more of them because of efforts to clean and restore the water areas.
These places are important because cities are growing and taking away the birds' natural homes.
The birds will stay until March, and these spots are helping to protect them.
Otteri Lake, Melmaruvathur tank, and SRMC campus are new roosting and breeding sites for migratory birds in Chennai.
Egrets, grey herons, Asian open-billed storks, and other species are arriving early for the migratory season.
Over 5,000 birds have been drawn to these sites after this year’s monsoon due to sustained water levels.
Melmaruvathur tank has become a dependable habitat for migratory birds since 2013, thanks to installed nesting platforms.
These sites are crucial as urbanisation squeezes traditional habitats, and targeted conservation efforts are creating resilient spaces for migratory birds.
- Who
- Migratory birds, bird monitors, conservationists, researchers, staff
- What
- Emerging roosting and breeding sites for migratory birds in Chennai
- When
- Peak season between November and March, early migratory season
- Where
- Otteri Lake in Vandalur, Melmaruvathur tank, SRMC campus in Porur, Chennai
- Why
- Urbanisation squeezing traditional habitats, targeted conservation efforts
- Locations
- Otteri Lake, Melmaruvathur tank, SRMC campus
- Bird Species
- Egrets, grey herons, Asian open-billed storks, painted storks, cormorants, spoonbills, spot-billed pelicans, white ibis, pond herons, large egrets, darters
- Peak Season
- November to March
- Bird Count
- Nearly 3,500 birds during peak winter, over 5,000 birds after monsoon
- Conservation Efforts
- Desilting, restoration, nesting platforms