Text credit: Charishma Thankappan

The migratory season begins in winter, when the birds from the northern hemisphere travel to the warm south for their winter break. Kerala is one of the main centres for these seasonal birds who are attracted by the lush green pastures and abounding water bodies. According to the records of the Forest Department, 150 species of birds usually sojourn to Kerala every year.

Here are some of the feathered foreigners you should be aware of:

Baya Weaver

These birds weave delicate nests woven from leaves on thorny trees or palm fronds, generally above bodies of water which makes it difficult for predators. The size of a sparrow, they are communal birds who rummage for food in groups. They feed on seeds and grains as well as insects and mollusks.

Black-Tailed Godwit

These large, long-legged, long-billed birds travel all the way from Iceland and East Russia. They can be found on the edges of lakes, wet meadows, bogs, and marshes. They are categorized as ‘Near Threatened’. They are known to nest in loose colonies.

Little Tern

This pristine white plumed bird settles on the coasts and inland waterways. They birth in swarms on gravel, laying two to four eggs on the ground. They prey upon fish by plunge diving. A romantic at heart, the male tern offers fish to the female during the act of courtship. They emigrate from European countries such as France, Poland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Croatia, and Hungary.

Osprey

Also known as Sea Hawk, River Hawk, and Fish Hawk; this bird of prey sustains through fish. The uniqueness of the bird is that it is the only specie of its kind. It wanders all the way to Kochi from European countries such as Ireland, Finland, Scotland, England. While 99 percent of the time it is known to consume fish, Ospreys may devour amphibians, other small birds, hares, rabbits, small reptiles, and rodents every now and then.

Pacific Golden Plover

This wader bird dines on fields and beaches, ingesting insects, crustaceans, and berries. It journeys from far off areas such as UK, Iceland, Central Siberia, and the Arctic regions. A common variety, it is classified under the category of Least Concern in IUCN’s Red List.

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