Migratory Birds Arrive at Chilika Lake: Odisha’s Winter Wildlife Spectacle
Chilika Lake, Odisha — With the onset of winter, the skies above Chilika Lake have once again come alive with the flutter of wings and the calls of migratory birds.
These seasonal visitors, travelling thousands of kilometres from regions like Siberia, Mongolia, and Central Asia, have begun arriving at Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, reaffirming its status as a global avian sanctuary.
The Odisha Forest Department has mobilised 21 teams across key zones, including Balugaon, Tangi, Satapada, and Rambh, to ensure the safety of these winged guests.
Bird protection camps, round-the-clock patrolling, and restricted access to sensitive zones like Nalabana Bird Sanctuary are part of the intensified conservation efforts.
In 2025, the annual bird census recorded over 15 lakh birds across Chilika, Bhitarkanika, and Hirakud wetlands.
While Chilika saw a slight dip in numbers compared to previous years, experts attribute this to shifting migratory patterns and are doubling down on habitat protection and awareness campaigns in surrounding villages.
Chilika’s rich biodiversity, hosting over 200 bird species and rare marine life, continues to draw global attention.
As the migration season peaks, the lake transforms into a vibrant mosaic of colour, sound, and ecological harmony — a spectacle that underscores the importance of preserving natural habitats in the face of climate change and human encroachment.
