Migratory Birds & Wildlife — Set 3

Correct Answer: B. Siberian Crane

The Siberian Crane (Grus leucogeranus) is called the 'Siberian Guest' in India. This critically endangered crane migrates from Siberia to winter in Indian wetlands, historically at Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bharatpur). Its ghost-white plumage makes it unmistakable. The Central Asian population of Siberian Cranes that used to visit India is now believed to be extinct or on the verge of extinction due to hunting along migration routes and habitat loss.

Correct Answer: B. Flamingo City (Rann of Kutch) and Thane Creek, Mumbai

Flamingos in India are primarily found at the Rann of Kutch (Flamingo City) in Gujarat where Greater Flamingos breed, and at Thane Creek near Mumbai which hosts enormous flocks (up to 50,000) of Lesser Flamingos during winter. Other important flamingo sites include Nalsarovar Lake in Gujarat and Sewri mudflats in Mumbai. The pink colour of flamingos comes from carotenoid pigments in their food (algae and crustaceans). India is one of the few countries where flamingos breed.

Correct Answer: B. Birds that walk and feed in shallow water and mudflats, often with long legs and bills

Waders or Shorebirds are birds adapted for walking and feeding in shallow water and mudflats, typically having long legs for wading and long bills for probing mud for invertebrates. Families include sandpipers, plovers, stilts, and avocets. India is a major wintering destination for waders migrating from the Arctic, Siberia, and Central Asia. Key wader sites include Chilika, Point Calimere, and Gujarat's Gulf of Khambhat. The Godwit, Sandpiper, and Stint are common migratory waders in India.

Correct Answer: B. A bird disease where wild migratory birds can carry the H5N1 strain across countries along flyways

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) is a viral disease primarily affecting birds, with the H5N1 strain being the most dangerous variant capable of infecting humans. Wild migratory birds, particularly waterfowl, can carry the virus and spread it along migratory flyways across countries without showing symptoms themselves. Several outbreaks in India have been linked to migratory bird arrivals. India monitors migratory birds for Avian Influenza, and outbreaks in domestic poultry near migratory bird habitats require careful surveillance.

Correct Answer: B. Gujarat

Gujarat receives among the maximum number of migratory birds in India due to its extensive coastal wetlands, the Rann of Kutch, Gir sanctuary, and numerous reservoirs and lakes. The Gulf of Khambhat, Flamingo City, Nalsarovar Lake, Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, and coastal mudflats attract millions of migratory flamingos, ducks, waders, and waterbirds. Gujarat's location on the western coast of India makes it an ideal landing point for birds migrating from Central Asia and West Asia.

Correct Answer: B. Important migratory bird wetland in Gujarat proposed as Ramsar Site

Vadhvana Wetland in Gujarat's Dediapada district is an important migratory bird wetland that has been proposed as a Ramsar Site. The wetland attracts over 200 species of birds during migration season. It is particularly known for hosting large concentrations of waders, ducks, and other waterbirds. Local communities and conservation organisations have been working to protect Vadhvana from encroachment. Its Ramsar designation would provide additional legal protection.

Correct Answer: B. Great Backyard Bird Count and Christmas Bird Count India

The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) and Christmas Bird Count India are annual citizen science bird counting events where birdwatchers across India count and report birds. The GBBC is a global event co-organised by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society. The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) coordinates bird monitoring activities in India. eBird India has become the most comprehensive database for bird observations with millions of records from Indian birders.

Correct Answer: B. Bar-headed Goose

The Bar-headed Goose undertakes the highest altitude migration of any bird, regularly crossing the Himalayas at altitudes above 7,000 metres, sometimes even over 8,000 metres. It flies over some of the world's highest mountain passes, including routes near Everest. This extraordinary feat is made possible by specialised blood haemoglobin that binds oxygen more efficiently at high altitudes. Bar-headed Geese breed in Central Asian highland lakes and winter in the Gangetic Plains and Assam's Brahmaputra valley.

Correct Answer: B. Collision mortality — birds strike turbine blades, especially raptors and large birds

Wind turbines pose significant collision mortality risk to migratory birds, especially raptors, large birds, and nocturnal migrants. Birds strike the rotating turbine blades, resulting in injury or death. The threat is particularly severe when wind farms are located on migration routes or in important raptor habitats. The Rann of Kutch and other areas in Gujarat where flamingos and migratory birds are abundant require careful wind farm planning. Mitigation measures include radar-triggered shutdown systems and turbine siting away from critical migratory pathways.

Correct Answer: B. Gujarat

Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is located in Gujarat, near Sanand and Viramgam. It is a Ramsar Wetland Site covering about 120 sq km. The sanctuary is famous for flamingos, pelicans, painted storks, ducks, and numerous waders. It hosts over 250 species of birds, with peak numbers in winter when migratory birds arrive from Central Asia and Siberia. Local fishing communities have traditional access rights to the lake. Nal Sarovar is one of India's finest bird sanctuaries.