With the onset of winter, Chitwan district’s rivers and wetlands are now home to an array of migratory birds, arriving from distant regions like Mongolia, China, Siberia, and Russia. Over 40 bird species have been sighted along the banks of the Rapti, Narayani, and Riyu rivers, according to Basu Bidari, Bagmati Province Coordinator for the Nepalese Ornithological Union.
Bidari noted an increase in tourists eager for bird-watching experiences. “The migratory birds are attracting visitors to the riverbanks, where these seasonal guests are frequently spotted,” he said. Species such as the Maalak duck, green-headed ducks, Kalijure ducks, Suirepuchhre ducks, Kharakhare ducks, Kal ducks, Thulo Jalewa, and Chakhewa are among the various kinds gracing the wetlands, making it a prime destination for bird enthusiasts.
These migratory birds journey to Nepal in search of sustenance, as rivers in their native regions freeze over during winter. Around 150 to 160 species make this seasonal migration to Chitwan each year, Bidari explained, though none hatch here. “As summer approaches, the birds return to their original habitats,” he added.
This influx of migratory birds not only enriches Nepal’s biodiversity but also boosts tourism by drawing visitors keen to witness these remarkable avian travelers in Chitwan’s scenic riverside locations.
Source: RSS