The one-day survey, which took place on January 18, recorded a total of 1,619,000 birds in Hirakud, Bhitarkanika and Chilika
OdishaPlus Bureau
Over 1.6 million avian visitors from more than 200 species are currently inhabiting the major wetlands and bird congregation areas of Odisha, as indicated by the annual mid-winter waterfowl census for 2025 conducted by the state wildlife department on Sunday.
The one-day survey, which took place on January 18, recorded a total of 1,619,000 birds in Hirakud, Bhitarkanika and Chilika. Wildlife officials noted an increase in the bird population within the Hirakud Reservoir and Bhitarkanika National Park compared to the previous year. This year, 377,732 birds from 122 species were observed in the Hirakud reservoir, an increase from last year’s count of 342,345 birds across 113 species.
The reservoir, covering an area of 700 square kilometers, was systematically divided into 21 sectors, with 32 teams and 70 participants conducting the survey. This collaborative initiative provided a comprehensive insight into the bird populations in the reservoir, according to officials.
In Bhitarkanika, a total of 151,614 birds from 118 species were recorded this year, slightly up from 151,421 birds of 121 species last year. The Lesser Whistling Duck and Northern Pintail were identified as the most numerous species in the national park. The census in this second-largest mangrove forest involved 18 teams, including ornithologists, wildlife organization officials, and wildlife activists. Wildlife officials highlighted that the Paradip Gypsum Pond area has emerged as a significant hotspot for bird congregations, further enhancing Bhitarkanika’s status as an ecologically important region during the census.
Previously, the census estimated the overall bird population in the Chilika Lagoon to be approximately 1.127 million across 196 species. This figure represented a slight decrease of around 10,000 birds compared to the previous year. Nonetheless, officials noted an increase in the diversity of species, with 196 species recorded this year compared to 187 last year.
“With over 1.6 lakh birds documented and more than 200 species identified across the state’s wetlands, the census underscores Odisha’s crucial role in the conservation of both migratory and resident bird species,” stated PCCF PK Jha.
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