Odisha Records High Numbers of Migratory Birds at Hirakud Reservoir and Chilika Lake

The annual mid-winter bird censuses in Odisha recorded significant numbers of migratory birds at two key wetlands. Hirakud reservoir in Sambalpur district hosted over 4.21 lakh birds from 128 species, including five newly sighted species, marking an increase from previous years. Meanwhile, Chilika Lake, Asia's largest saltwater lagoon, recorded 11.32 lakh birds across 196 species, with two new species noted at Nalabana Bird Sanctuary. These findings highlight Odisha's importance as a winter habitat for diverse migratory birds.