Avian Treasures of Bengaluru: A Guide to the Birds of Its Urban Wetlands

-

Bengaluru, known as the "Garden City" of India, is not only famed for its green spaces but also for its thriving urban wetlands. These water bodies, though surrounded by a growing metropolis, provide a haven for an extraordinary variety of birds—both resident and migratory. In recent years, the wetlands of Bengaluru have become important hotspots for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike, showcasing the city's rich biodiversity.

The Importance of Bengaluru's Wetlands for Birds

Wetlands play a crucial role in sustaining a variety of bird species by offering food, shelter, and breeding grounds. Bengaluru, despite its rapid urbanization, still has several lakes and marshes that act as key habitats for waterfowl, waders, and even raptors. These wetlands serve as both stopovers for migratory species and year-round habitats for local birds.

Key Wetland Areas in Bengaluru

Some of the most prominent wetland areas in Bengaluru include:

  • Puttenahalli Lake: A lesser-known birding hotspot, home to species like the Purple Heron and the Indian Pond Heron.
  • Madiwala Lake: One of the largest lakes in Bengaluru, where Spot-billed Pelicans and Painted Storks can often be spotted.
  • Jakkur Lake: Known for being a breeding ground for the Eurasian Coot.
  • Bellandur Lake: Despite its pollution challenges, Bellandur still attracts birds like the Purple Swamphen and Little Grebes.

Birds of Bengaluru’s Wetlands

Here are a few remarkable bird species you can find in Bengaluru's wetlands:

  1. Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis): Often seen gliding gracefully over water or perched on large trees around lakes, these birds are a highlight of any birding trip. They can be found in large numbers at lakes like Madiwala and Jakkur during the breeding season.

  2. Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala): With their striking plumage and long legs, Painted Storks are easy to spot while wading through shallow waters. They can be seen foraging at Puttenahalli and Bellandur lakes.

  3. Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea): A shy and secretive bird, the Purple Heron is often found lurking among reeds. This elegant bird has a long neck and dark plumage, and can be sighted in several Bengaluru lakes, especially during the monsoon season.

  4. Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra): Easily recognizable by its black body and distinctive white beak, the Eurasian Coot is a common resident of Bengaluru's lakes. They are often found in flocks, swimming near the shore or making short dives to feed on aquatic plants.

  5. Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii): A master of camouflage, the Indian Pond Heron blends effortlessly into its surroundings. During flight, its bright white wings make it much more visible, and it can be spotted in lakes and marshes across the city.


       (Chief Vet of PfA Bengaluru during the release of a Grey Pelican at Ulsoor Lake)

Birds and Ecosystem Balance

Birds play a vital role in maintaining the balance of wetland ecosystems. As top predators and scavengers, species like the Spot-billed Pelican help control fish populations, while smaller birds like coots and herons manage insect and aquatic vegetation levels. Birds are also important indicators of the health of these wetlands—when bird populations decline, it is often a sign that the ecosystem is under stress.

Conservation Efforts and Challenges

While Bengaluru's wetlands continue to support a diverse bird population, they are under constant threat from urbanization, pollution, and habitat destruction. The unchecked growth of the city has led to the encroachment and degradation of several lakes. Bellandur Lake, for example, is infamous for its pollution problems, and the situation is no different in many other wetland areas.

However, local communities and organizations have come forward to protect these vital ecosystems. The Puttenahalli Neighbourhood Lake Improvement Trust (PNLIT), for instance, has played a crucial role in conserving Puttenahalli Lake and turning it into a vibrant birding site. Initiatives like these underscore the importance of citizen involvement in preserving Bengaluru’s natural heritage.

How You Can Help

If you're a bird lover or simply someone who enjoys nature, there are several ways you can contribute to wetland conservation efforts:

  • Participate in local lake-cleaning drives and conservation programs.
  • Spread awareness about the importance of preserving wetlands and their bird populations.
  • Practice responsible birdwatching, avoiding disturbing nesting areas, and leaving no trace.


Conclusion

The wetlands of Bengaluru are a sanctuary not only for birds but also for the people who find solace in observing these creatures. Whether you’re an experienced birder or a beginner, the city’s lakes offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of waterbirds and their crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of urban ecosystems. By protecting these habitats, we ensure that these avian treasures continue to thrive, adding color and life to the city’s urban landscape. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Smuggling the Stars: Illegal Trade of the Indian Star Tortoise

-
Image
On May 1, PfA Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Centre faced the grim reality of illegal wildlife trade yet again. We responded to a call from a bus conductor and rescued 218 Indian Star tortoises, which were all tightly packed into three small bags. They were all juveniles, ranging between just a week old to 4 to 5 years old. Unfortunately, one of them had already succumbed to the horrendous conditions in which these tortoises were being transported.   The demand for the Indian Star Tortoise in the exotic pet market is fueled largely, but not entirely by the superstitions that surround the animal. Some believe that the star tortoise can fix the “Vaastu” of a house or simply bring good luck to the house it’s kept in. Others, allured by the beautiful patterns of the shell,  simply want to keep them as pets.  You might be wondering “But why shouldn’t they be kept as pets?”. Other than the fact that it’s illegal, there are various reasons why keeping them as pets is harmful...
Read more

Doing the "Imp"ossible: The Science and Art of Feather Implantation

-
Image
The idiom “to clip someone’s wings'' in the English language refers to metaphorically restricting someone’s freedom. But when it comes to the world of urban wildlife, metaphors can turn quite literal. Hundreds of birds a month suffer from brutal wing injuries. Electric cables, network towers, paper kites tethered to Chinese Manja thread, and collapse due to dehydration are just a few of the myriad dangers they face every day. When a bird has a wing injury and loses feathers in the process, it can take around six to nine whole months for them to grow back naturally. A bird that is biologically capable of flying cannot survive being flightless for too long. Being flightless, you’re an easy target for the likes of cats, snakes and even other birds. Assuming thirst and starvation don’t get you first. It’s essentially a death sentence. But as it turns out, to ensure a bright future for our feathered friends, we had to but look at the past. An ancient practice used in falconry over t...
Read more