World Migratory Bird Day

World Migratory Bird Day History

World Migratory Bird Day aims to raise awareness about migratory birds and promoting their conservation across the globe. Established in 2006, this day serves as an opportunity for bird enthusiasts, environmentalists, and the general public to come together and celebrate the incredible journeys undertaken by these fascinating creatures, some of which travel thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering grounds every year. The event also emphasizes the need for international cooperation to ensure the survival and well-being of these extraordinary species, as their migratory routes often span multiple countries and even continents.

Over the years, World Migratory Bird Day has grown to involve numerous organizations, governments, and individuals from around the world, including India, where migratory birds play a crucial role in the country's natural ecosystems. Owing to the diverse landscape and rich biodiversity, India serves as a vital stopover or wintering ground for numerous migratory species, such as the Amur Falcon, the Siberian Crane, and the Black-necked Crane.

Through various events and initiatives, participants in World Migratory Bird Day help to shed light on the threats faced by these birds, such as habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and unsustainable hunting practices, and work towards ensuring their continued survival and safe passage. World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated twice a year, on the second Saturday of May and October, to account for the varying migratory patterns of different bird species

World Migratory Bird Day facts

• World Migratory Bird Day in 2024 will focus on highlighting the importance of insects for migratory birds, and the threats to these vital food sources.
  World Migratory Bird Day in 2023 focused on highlighting the importance of water for migratory birds while identifying key actions for protecting water resources.
• According to Great Lakes Echo, during the fall migration season, over 4 billion birds in North America migrate towards warmer climates.
• Migratory birds also hold cultural and religious significance in India. For instance, the Siberian Cranes were once worshipped by the Kol people of Uttar Pradesh, who believed that the arrival of these birds brought good fortune.
• India is part of the Central Asian Flyway, one of the major flyways for migratory birds in the world. The CAF covers the migratory routes of birds from Siberia to the Indian subcontinent, the Maldives, and some parts of east Africa. Around 370 species of birds that use this flyway, 310 of them use India as their migratory corridor.

In the News and Trending in India for World Migratory Bird Day

Top things to do in India for World Migratory Bird Day

• Discover events near you. The non-profit organization Environment for the Americas (EFTA) hosts events around the world to help raise awareness about birds.
• Take a trip to Chilika Lake located in Odisha. This brackish water lagoon is one of the largest wintering grounds for migratory birds in India and is home to over 160 bird species.
• Visit the Sattal Bird Sanctuary located on in Uttarakhand. This sanctuary is a network of seven freshwater lakes surrounded by dense forests and is home to over 500 bird species, including migratory birds like the blue-headed rock thrush and the red-breasted flycatcher.