Gujarat has documented the presence of more than 35 lakh migratory and local birds in its wetlands and protected water bodies over the past year. This includes five Ramsar sites, with peak arrivals observed between November and February along the Central Asian flyway. The highest concentration of birds, totaling nearly 14.90 lakh belonging to 183 species, was noted at Nadabet in the Vav–Tharad border region.
In Kutch, the “Road to Heaven” wetland near Dholavira hosted over 7.9 lakh birds during the year, encompassing various species like flamingos, pelicans, gulls, stilts, painted storks, and cranes. The Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary in Ahmedabad district reported more than 6.42 lakh migratory birds across 270 species, with species ranging from pintails and teals to pelicans and flamingos.
Thol Wildlife Sanctuary, a Ramsar site since 2021, recorded 74,452 migratory birds from 205 species in 2026. Managed water availability in the sanctuary aids bird populations during extreme summer temperatures. Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary in Jamnagar boasted the highest biodiversity among surveyed sites, with 347 bird species and over 3.12 lakh migratory birds in the same period.
Vadhwana Wetland documented 47,793 migratory birds from 159 species, serving as a seasonal stopover site for waterfowl migrating across western India. Chhari Dhandh in Kutch, Gujarat’s fifth Ramsar site, registered more than 1.50 lakh birds from over 280 species, attracting long-distance migratory species like cranes. The state’s wetlands form a crucial migratory corridor, with conservation efforts and habitat management supporting avian populations year-round.
World Migratory Bird Day is globally observed on May 9, with the 2026 theme emphasizing the importance of monitoring and protecting migratory species. Gujarat currently houses five Ramsar-designated wetlands, including Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Thol Wildlife Sanctuary, Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary, Vadhwana Wetland, and Chhari Dhandh in Kutch, all playing a vital role in supporting seasonal bird migration.
