Migratory birds flock to Bhagalpur riverine areas

BHAGALPUR: At a time when human beings are scared amid Covid-19 pandemic, flocks of exclusive migratory birds — ‘Oriental Turtle Dove’ and ‘Oriental Honey Buzzard’ have made the riverine areas of the Ganga their ideal abode and breeding ground in the region.

The Oriental Turtle Dove, also known as Rufous Turtle Dove, is found in Siberia and other parts of eastern Asia and Europe besides in the Himalayan region and normally descends on the plains during winter, said environmentalist and birdwatcher Deepak Kumar Jhunnu, who witnessed the flocks of the migratory bird in Kalbalia Dhar diara near Dhruvganj village in Kharik block of Naugachia subdivision recently.

The migratory bird, which has four species across the world, is also found in North America, he said and added the species is predominantly ‘granivorous’ (those feeding on grain).

The Oriental Honey Buzzard or Crested Honey Buzzard were also seen in the same village, added Deepak, saying it feeds on bees, wasps, rodents, reptiles, insects and other smaller prey including insect larvae. The Honey Buzzard is known to tear down honeycombs and carry it away to feed on itself and for its young ones, he said. The flying and fluttering wings at the peak of the ascent is characteristic of Oriental Honey Buzzard.

It mostly breeds in central Siberia, Japan and parts of other Asian countries and migrate to wintering areas in southeast Asia, including flying over the East China Sea by taking 700 kilometres non-stop flight, Deepak said.

The region is becoming ideal habitat for several migratory birds due to water bodies, green vegetation and clean environment of Gangetic diara areas in Bhagalpur and adjoining areas, Deepak said.