European Roller, Spotted Flycatcher among migratory birds flocking to Jaisalmer annually

JAISALMER: with its diverse wetlands and arid landscapes, is a crucial stopover for migratory birds traversing the Central Asian Flyway. The period between August and October is particularly significant as it marks the arrival of "passage migrants" – species that rest and refuel in the state before continuing their long journey to warmer wintering grounds.

Among many migratory birds, the European Roller, Spotted Flycatcher, Rufous-tailed Scrub-Robin, and Blue-cheeked Bee-eater are commonly seen in various areas.A large number of migratory birds are seen at pasture lands, many grasslands, along with water holes, ponds, etc., in the Jaisalmer district. Wildlife enthusiasts have created a water hole where many migratory birds are seen.Bird expert Dr Divesh Kumar Seni said as India transitions from the monsoon to the winter season, its skies and wetlands become a vital part of the global migratory bird highway. August and October mark a crucial period for "passage migrants" – birds that stop over in India to rest and refuel before continuing their long journey to wintering grounds in Africa and other parts of the world. The end of August signals the beginning of the migratory season. Reports from across the country indicate a significant influx of these winged visitors in the Jaisalmer region.He said passage migrants such as the European Roller, Spotted Flycatcher, Rufous-tailed Scrub-Robin, and Blue-cheeked Bee-eater are commonly seen resting and feeding here before embarking on the next leg of their journey.

The passage of migratory birds also coincides with the second of the two annual World Migratory Bird Days, celebrated on October 11. The 2025 theme, "Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities," highlights the need for urban planning and conservation efforts that support avian populations. This is a crucial message as migratory birds face increasing threats from human activities and expanding urban development.Seni said the bird list includes many birds such as the European Roller, Spotted Flycatcher, Rufous-tailed Scrub-Robin, Jacobian Cuckoo, Common Cuckoo, Demoiselle Crane, Pallid Harrier, Montagu's Harrier, Ashy-crowned Sparrow-Lark, Rusty-tailed Lark, Common Whitethroat, Red-tailed Shrike, and Red-backed Shrike. Environment enthusiast and bird expert Sumer Singh Sanwata explained that after the monsoon, during the cold season, thousands of birds and wildlife from across the country and abroad come to the bird-rich regions of Jaisalmer for migration.

Recently, several species of migratory birds, including the MacQueen's Bustard, settled in the Degrai Oran area of Jaisalmer after travelling thousands of kilometres, bringing joy to bird lovers.He mentioned that these migratory MacQueen's Bustards visit Degrai Oran in Jaisalmer and the wildlife-rich Lathi region, including Dholia, Chandhan, Khetolai, and Sodakor, every year. This bird is found in Africa, Iran, Pakistan, China, Mongolia, and parts of India.

It migrates from these countries to the wildlife-rich Lathi area. Bird enthusiast Pankaj Vishnoi noted that this is a very shy bird, spending most of its time on the ground and laying eggs in the open.Bird expert and ERDS Foundation worker Urs Khan stated that the MacQueen's Bustard is native to Asia's desert regions, and its population saw a 50% decline in 2004. It is a medium-sized winter migratory bird of the bustard family that visits the arid regions of the Indian subcontinent during the cold season. This bird is native to the desert and dry plateau regions of Asia, typically ranging from the Sinai Peninsula to Kazakhstan and eastward to Mongolia.