4th National Chilika Bird Festival

Last Updated11/01/2022

Over 1 million birds of 183 different species have gathered at Chilika and Mangalajodi for the 4th National Chilika Bird Festival.
The festival starting from January 21-23 will witness a beautiful congregation of flying species.
The Festival not only attracts tourists but also stresses the importance of bird conservation and protection.

The National Bird Festival, Chilika, Odisha celebrates birds that gather at the Lake in a 3-day festival.
The festival is a great opportunity for bird watchers and environment enthusiasts to take part in a number of events such as bird watching, listening to experts on environmental matters, and more.
The various activities that one can indulge in at the festival include boating, nature walks, bird watching, technical sessions, photography contests, and sanctuary visits.

Mangalajodi is situated in the north-eastern part of Chilika, the largest brackish water lake of Asia. It is also known as the “Birds Paradise of Asia”.
During the winter season, various species of birds come to the lake from around the world.
Migratory birds from the arctic and sub-arctic stop at Chilika during their onward and return migration along the east coast.
It is an apt habitat for them due to the mudflats, floating and submerged vegetation, reed-beds, open waters with varying depth and salinity.
Mangalajodi freshwater wetland and Nalabana Island which form part of the Chilika lake have also been identified as Important Bird Areas (IBA).

From endemic to threatened species, India hosts a range of migratory birds during the winter season.
At Chilika, one can spot Ruffs, Godwits, Terns, Plovers, Sandpipers, rare Grey-headed Lapwings, Gulls, Pintails, Ruddy Shelducks, and more.
Locally migrating species such as Spot-billed Pelican, Oriental darter, Painted Stork, and Black-headed Ibis are in the near-threatened category while long-distance migrant birds like Flamingo, Ferruginous Pochard, Black-tailed Godwit, Eurasian Curlew, Asian Dowitcher, etc can also be spotted here.