Delhi's Winter Avian Diversity Documented Amid Growing Ecological Concerns
The recent Asian Waterbird Census (AWC), conducted as part of an eBird initiative, has revealed a remarkable avian presence in Delhi during the winter season, recording 142 distinct bird species. This comprehensive survey underscores the capital's significant ecological richness while simultaneously drawing attention to the escalating pressures threatening its delicate wetland ecosystems.
Regional Survey Highlights Extensive Participation and Findings
Across the broader National Capital Region (NCR), encompassing Delhi, Haryana, Noida, Greater Noida, and Dhanauri, the census documented an impressive 212 species of waterbirds, songbirds, and raptors. More than 120 dedicated volunteers participated in this extensive exercise, successfully spotting over 1 lakh birds. Within Delhi alone, the count reached nearly 18,423 individual birds, highlighting the area's importance as a winter habitat.
This early January census represents a significant region-wide citizen science initiative, marking the first time it has been coordinated in partnership with eBird, a global biodiversity data platform, and Wetland International South-East Asia.
Delhi's Yamuna Floodplain: A Crucial Yet Threatened Habitat
While Haryana reported a higher species diversity with 183 recorded, birders emphasized that Delhi's floodplains and urban wetlands remain critical winter habitats for thousands of migratory and resident birds. The survey in Delhi primarily focused on the Yamuna floodplain, which was systematically divided into multiple sections and surveyed by four teams over two days.
Among the most abundant species observed in Delhi were:
- Black kites (approximately 5,500 individuals)
- Black-headed gulls (about 2,500)
- Barn swallows (around 1,700)
- Pied avocet (136)
- Ruddy shelduck (112)
- White wagtail (108)
- House sparrow (90)
Birders noted that despite intense urban development pressures, pockets of biodiversity persist along the river, particularly in areas featuring sandbars, seasonal pools, and remnant grasslands.
Surveyed Wetlands and Major Conservation Threats
The census covered several key wetlands in Delhi, including:
- Sanjay Jheel
- Amrut Biodiversity Park
- Chilla Khadar
- Yamuna Khadar in Geeta Colony and Mayur Vihar
- Sunder Nursery
- Wetlands along the Delhi Zoo
- Low-lying areas near the Gazipur landfill
These fragmented habitats, though heavily disturbed by human activity, continue to support significant birdlife. However, experts voiced serious concerns. "Prolonged neglect has pushed cultivation to the river's edge, erased natural floodplain buffers, and reduced native grasslands to ash, while pesticides and fertilisers flowed unchecked into the river. At the same time, sandbanks that once supported breeding pratincoles, plovers, and terns were disturbed, mined and destroyed," stated Pankaj Gupta, state coordinator for the eBird project and AWC.
Major threats identified include:
- Sand mining
- Riverbed cultivation
- Removal of reeds
- Cattle grazing
- Hazardous kite strings (manjha)
- Large-scale dumping of construction debris and plastic waste
Key Findings from Neighboring Regions
The survey extended to wetlands in Uttar Pradesh, such as the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Surajpur, and Dhanauri wetlands. In Haryana, counts were conducted at Sultanpur National Park, Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary, Mandoti wetland, and Chandu wetland along the Sahibi floodplain.
Notably, the Okhla Bird Sanctuary emerged as a major hotspot, where 30 birders across five teams recorded 101 species and over 15,500 birds. Prominent sightings at this location included:
- 2,982 northern shovelers
- 2,701 gadwall
- 579 green-winged teal
- 529 northern pintail
- 519 common pochard
This detailed census not only maps the current avian population but also serves as a crucial baseline for monitoring the health of these vital ecosystems amidst ongoing urban and environmental challenges.
