Trichy: The synchronized bird census conducted by the forest department for 2025-26 in Trichy district has recorded an increase in both the total number of birds and the variety of species compared to the previous year. A total of 121 wetland species comprising 11,113 individual birds, and 126 terrestrial bird species comprising 3,848 individuals were recorded. In comparison, the 2024-2025 bird arrival season recorded 54 wetland species with 8,425 individuals and 117 terrestrial bird species with 3,315 individuals.
Census Methodology and Survey Sites
The bird census was conducted in three phases under the direction of District Forest Officer S Krithiga. Wetland birds were surveyed in December 2025, while terrestrial birds and raptors were counted in February 2026. The teams surveyed 20 wetland sites, including tanks such as Keerambur, Alathidaiyanpatti, Sikathambur, Thuraiyur, Thiruthalaiyur, Koothappar, Kiliyur, Thalakulam, Kattayankulam, Thayanur, and Krishnasamuthram.
Notable Bird Sightings
Among the notable sightings were resident birds like Little Grebe, Oriental Darter, Indian Cormorant, Little Cormorant, and Pheasant-tailed Jacana. These species are commonly found year-round in the wetlands of Trichy and surrounding areas. The primarily migratory or winter visitor birds observed included Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Garganey, Whiskered Tern, Blue-winged Teal, Spoonbill (likely Eurasian Spoonbill), Flamingo (Greater Flamingo), Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Shrike, and Wagtail. These birds migrate to the region during winter from various parts of India, the higher Himalayas, and distant regions such as Europe, Central Asia, and Africa.
Increase in Migratory Wetland Birds
The marked increase in migratory wetland birds stood out as one of the key highlights of the census. The number of species rose from 12 to 71, and their individual count jumped from 790 to 4,508. The higher counts were attributed to favorable conditions, including good rainfall and abundant water in the wetlands, which benefited both resident and migratory birds. “The overall health of wetlands improved before and during the bird arrival season from 2025 to 2026,” said a forest department official.
Habitat Improvement Efforts
Sources said many nonprofit organizations are actively removing invasive Prosopis juliflora growths near and around water bodies, enhancing water availability and overall habitat quality in the wetlands, according to officials and experts.
Raptor Survey Initiated
This year, the forest department introduced a separate synchronous survey for raptor birds, which are mainly terrestrial, to assess their population levels and support ecological conservation. In Trichy, around 15 raptor species with 125 individuals were recorded across 14 blocks. The Tamil Nadu government has established the Tamil Nadu Raptor Research Foundation (TNRRF) under the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) to protect raptors through systematic and continuous surveys.
Future Outlook
Researchers and officials indicated that similar bird numbers may not occur in the upcoming bird arrival season from October to March as the district is turning drier due to reduced rainfall, possibly due to El Niño influences.
