Migratory Birds & Wildlife — Set 1

Correct Answer: B. Harike

The correct answer is Harike. Harike Wetland is one of the largest bird sanctuaries. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.

Correct Answer: B. Peafowl

The correct answer is Peafowl. The Indian peafowl is India's national bird. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.

Correct Answer: B. Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bharatpur)

Keoladeo Ghana National Park (formerly Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) in Rajasthan is the most famous sanctuary for migratory birds in India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that hosts hundreds of thousands of migratory birds from Central Asia, Siberia, China, and Europe during winter. The park is famous for the Siberian Crane (now rarely seen), painted stork, and over 370 bird species. It was established in 1956 and became a National Park in 1982.

Correct Answer: B. Russia (Siberia)

Siberian Cranes migrate to India from Russia's Siberian region to winter in warmer climates. They historically wintered in large numbers at Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bharatpur) in Rajasthan. Unfortunately, Siberian Cranes are now critically endangered with sightings at Bharatpur becoming extremely rare in recent years. Their migratory route passes through Central Asia. Loss of wetland habitats along the migration route and hunting are the main threats.

Correct Answer: B. Migratory and resident waterbirds, flamingos and ducks

Chilika Lake in Odisha is famous for hosting millions of migratory and resident waterbirds, including flamingos, various species of ducks, geese, sandpipers, pelicans, and waders during winter. It is Asia's largest coastal lagoon and a Ramsar Wetland Site. The lake attracts birds from Central Asia, Siberia, and the Himalayan region. Over 160 species of migratory birds have been recorded at Chilika. It is also a significant habitat for the Irrawaddy dolphin.

Correct Answer: B. A migratory route used by millions of birds between breeding grounds in Central Asia and wintering grounds in South and Southeast Asia

The Central Asian Flyway (CAF) is a major migratory route used by millions of birds between their breeding grounds in the Arctic, Siberia, and Central Asia, and their wintering grounds in South Asia (including India), Southeast Asia, and East Africa. India sits at a critical intersection of this flyway, with numerous wetlands providing vital stopover and wintering sites. The flyway includes species like Bar-headed Goose, Common Crane, and various waders and ducks.

Correct Answer: B. Himalayas (world's highest mountain pass migration)

Bar-headed Geese are famous for migrating over the Himalayas, performing one of the highest altitude migrations of any bird. They fly over passes exceeding 7,000 metres, even crossing near Mount Everest. These geese breed in Central Asian high-altitude lakes in China and Mongolia and winter in the Gangetic Plains and other Indian wetlands. Their physiological adaptations for high-altitude flight include specialised haemoglobin and efficient cardiovascular systems.

Correct Answer: B. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

The Rann of Kutch in Gujarat is home to the famous Flamingo City, which is the only known breeding colony of the Greater Flamingo in the Indian subcontinent. Thousands of flamingos breed here in the seasonal saline flats of the Little Rann of Kutch. The site was discovered in 1945. India hosts both the Greater Flamingo and the Lesser Flamingo as migratory visitors and some breeding populations. The Flamingo City is protected as part of the Wild Ass Sanctuary.

Correct Answer: B. Attaching numbered bands to birds' legs to track migration routes, lifespan, and population dynamics

Bird Ringing (or Bird Banding) involves attaching uniquely numbered metal or plastic bands to birds' legs to track their migration routes, wintering and breeding areas, lifespan, survival rates, and population dynamics. When a ringed bird is recaptured or found dead, the ring number reveals its history. The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) runs a bird ringing programme in India. Ringing has revealed that some birds like the Arctic Tern migrate from the Arctic to Antarctica and back — the longest known migration.

Correct Answer: B. Great Hornbill

The Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) is the state bird of Kerala. Though not strictly migratory over long distances, it makes local movements within forests. The Great Hornbill is recognised by its large yellow-and-black casque on its bill. It is found in the tropical forests of the Western Ghats and Northeast India. The species is vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting. It plays an important ecological role as a seed disperser in forests.