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Bombay Natural History Society to begin monthly Flamingo-watching today

This is the second monthly census being organised by the BNHS.

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It is that time of the season when several migratory birds, including Flamingos, begin to descend along the creeks of Thane and Navi Mumbai. On this account, the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) will organise a three-day census from today to help birders estimate the numbers of migratory birds that have arrived this season. This is the second monthly census being organised by the BNHS.

Many birders said that while it seems that flamingos have begun arriving, there is a lot of confusion as a large number of flamingos who arrived very late last season have not yet left for breeding. Meanwhile, the BNHS has been carrying out monthly census as part of its 10-year-long ecological study on flamingos and other waders.

"The first three-day census carried out between 17-19 October this season across the 40-km Thane creek revealed that there were around 46,000 flamingos of which around 17,000 were greater flamingos while around 19,000 were lesser flamingos. Flamingos begin arriving in the city from October, so the census starting Tuesday will give a good understanding of the birds that might have reached the city till now," said Rahul Khot, Assistant Director, Natural History Collection, BNHS.

For the scientific census, the entire creek is divided into two — one from Vitava to JNPT and another at Sewri. 15 members, including scientists from BNHS and assistants, take boats in the creek and it is ensured that the estimation of numbers is carried out simultaneously in different locations during low tide. The exercise is repeated for three days.

Avinash Bhagat, an avid bird-watcher said it seemed that flamingos have begun arriving in Thane creek and that a large number of birds that arrived in February this year have not left. "There is a possibility that due to poor rains there is not enough food in Gujarat for these birds and they might extend their stay as Thane creek and other places here have ample food for them," he said. He added that with regards to the flamingo migration, most of the things are only guesswork or assumption as there has been no study on them.

Flamingo Factfile

The name flamingo comes from the Latin word for flame or fire. They are referred to locally by many names — Rohit or Raktak in Marathi, Agni Pankh in Hindi.

The pink colour in their plumage is due to the beta carotene-rich food in the form of blue-green algae and shrimps. In zoos, flamingo food is often mixed with carrots that contain this pigment to retain their colour.

In Mumbai and all across India, there are two species of flamingos — the greater flamingo and lesser flamingo. 95 per cent of flamingos that come to Mumbai is lesser flamingos, while the rest are the greater flamingos.

Greater Flamingos are taller, with black-tipped grey beak, whitish eyes and whiter in body colour. Their neck is in a perfect S-shape.

The Lesser Flamingos are comparatively smaller, more pink with dark beaks and red eyes. Their neck is inverted(J-shaped)

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