National Bird Day
Have you ever just sat and watched a bird glide across the sky? There’s something about it that makes you pause and feel awe, right? Birds are not just beautiful,they play a huge role in keeping nature balanced.They do a lot for us,pollinating flowers, spreading seeds, and keeping pests in check. Every year, on January 5th, we celebrate National Bird Day, which is a good reminder to not only admire these amazing creatures but also think about how we can help protect them.
Some interesting Facts About Birds
Did you know the peregrine falcon is the fastest bird in the world? It can dive at more than 240 mph (386 km/h)
Owls have feathers that make their flight completely silent. It helps them sneak up on their prey without being noticed.
Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly backward.
The Arctic tern has the longest migration journey of any bird,70,000 km every year
Crows and ravens are pretty smart. They can solve puzzles, remember faces, and even use tools.
Flamingos are pink because of the beta-carotene in their diet (mainly from shrimp and algae).
The Great Indian Bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds and is found in India’s dry grasslands.but it’s critically endangered.
Every winter, the Siberian Crane migrates to India.
The Sarus Crane, found in northern India, is the tallest flying bird at nearly 1.8 meters tall.
Common House Sparrows were once everywhere, but their numbers are declining now. They help keep insects in check.
Birds face many challenges today. Deforestation is taking their homes, climate change is making survival harder, and the illegal wildlife trade is putting many species at risk. Birds like the Great Indian Bustard and Bengal Florican really need our help.
Bird Sanctuaries in India
India is home to so many beautiful bird sanctuaries that give shelter to both migratory and resident birds. Here are a few we should know about:
Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan)Birds: Siberian cranes, ducks, pelicans, waders.
Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary (Haryana)Birds: Ducks, geese, waterfowl.
Chilika Lake (Odisha)Birds: Flamingos, white-bellied sea eagles, pelicans.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary (Karnataka)Birds: Painted storks, ibises, herons.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Rajasthan)Birds: Cranes, ducks, herons.
Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary(Punjab):Birds: Ducks, geese, waders.
Pondicherry Wildlife Sanctuary (Puducherry)Birds: Various migratory shorebirds and waterfowl.
Vembanad Lake (Kerala) Birds: Waterfowl, ducks, waders.
Bird Sanctuaries in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana:
Kolleru Lake Bird Sanctuary (AP): A major habitat for migratory birds like pelicans, herons, and storks.
Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary (AP): Known for flamingos, terns, and ducks.
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary (AP): For migratory shorebirds and waders.
Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary (AP):Home to many species of raptors and waterfowl.
Nallavadu Bird Sanctuary (AP): For ducks, herons, and pelicans.
Nizam Sagar Reservoir (TS):Migratory birds like ducks and flamingos.
Pakhal Lake Sanctuary (TS): Hosts pelicans, ducks, and waders.
Ramagundam Wetland (TS):For migratory ducks and waterfowl.
Kamalapur Lake (TS):Popular for herons, ducks, and raptors.
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary (TS): Home to various ducks and migratory birds.
Helping birds doesn’t have to be complicated.Simple things like setting up a bird feeder or a water bowl can make a big difference. Planting native trees gives them food and shelter. Even just learning about birds and sharing what you know can inspire others to care too.
From the bright, colorful parrot to the tiny, humble sparrow, every bird has its place in the ecosystem. When we help birds thrive, we’re helping nature itself. Birds bring color, joy, and music to our world. A little effort from all of us can help keep their songs alive for future generations.
Sources:
National Geographic
BBC Earth
IUCN Red List
Forest Department of India
Andhra Pradesh Forest Department&
Telangana Forest Department
Let’s do our part to protect our feathered friends.
