Migratory Birds

Migratory birds from parts of Europe and Central Asia annually arrive at the banks of Ganges River in Varanasi attracting the attention of residents and tourists alike.

Migratory birds throng banks in the month of November and December as their sounds add a distinct presence at the holy river.

These birds thrive in the temperate summers of central Asia's Pamir Mountains and fly down to India to escape the bitter cold winters of the region.

"These birds arrive at the onset of the winter season, and are very attractive. They leave after the winter months. They come and go every year and increase the beauty of the ancient river banks of Varanasi," said Jeet Kumar, an avid bird watcher.

The birds also bring better earnings for boatmen at the 'ghats' who take the tourists closer to the birds to get a better glimpse.

"Tourists come and take boats to the river. They like what they see. Bird feed is sold on the boats, they buy it and feed the birds," said Shambhu, a resident.

India boasts of a diverse presence of birds with the total number of recorded species exceeding 1300.

80 species are migratory and throng many sites across the country during the winter, which is quite temperate compared to the harsh cold of their native regions.