Migratory birds flock Narayani River

By Meena Kandel,Kawasoti, Nov. 21: Various species of migratory birds have arrived in the Narayani River area of east Nawalparasi from various countries including Africa to escape the winter cold. Conservationists report that with the onset of November, species such as the Bar-headed Goose (Khoya Hans), Ruddy Shelduck (Karang Kurung), Common Teal (Jalewa) and Ferruginous Duck (Sindure Hans) have begun frequenting the wetlands and rivers in Nawalpur.

Chandra Mahato, a nature guide, said that pairs of Red-wattled lapwings (Chakhewa) have also been spotted along the northern banks of the Narayani River, which flows through Chitwan National Park. 

According to Mahato, the region hosts five distinct types of birds throughout the year, including resident species, winter visitors, summer visitors and migratory stopover species. Most migratory birds here are waterbirds arriving from Siberia, China, Myanmar, Mongolia, Russia, Korea and Thailand.

Nature guide Man Bahadur Chaudhary explained that birds also migrate internally within Nepal, with many domestic migratory species flocking to this area. Ducks, teals and other species are prominent among these arrivals. 

He said that these birds typically arrive between September and December and begin to return to their original habitats in February as temperatures rise. By April, most winter visitors leave the region.

High flyer Bar-headed goose

One of the highlights, bar-headed goose, capable of flying up to 9,000 metres above sea level, is a frequent visitor to the Narayani and Rapti rivers. Conservationist D.B. Chaudhary said that these geese often roam the rivers during the day and venture into nearby paddy fields at night. The influx of waterfowls in the Nawalpur region has also attracted international tourists, boosting jungle safari and boat tour activities. Conservationist Chaudhary highlighted the dramatic scenes when large flocks of teals dive into the river to feed, causing fish to scatter as ducks and herons swoop down.

Other notable bird species

The Narayani region is a hotspot for numerous species, including Ferruginous Duck (Sindure Hans), Lesser Scaup (Kailo Tauke Hans), Northern Pintail (Alkachandra Rajputrika), Baikal Teal (Baikal Gairi), Common Merganser (Thulo Jalranga), Garganey (Kalha Hans), Little Grebe (Siure Duwulki Chara), White Wagtail (Swetmacha Kalha Hans), Common Snipe (Simkukura), Spotted Crake (Dhwanse Simkukura), Common Moorhen (Halimukhe), Eurasian Hoopoe (Jure Hutityaune) and Gadwall (Kalijure Hans).

Bird-counting programmes are conducted every year. Last year, 41 bird species were recorded in the Narayani River and its surroundings, according to Chaudhary.