Sambalpur: The Hirakud reservoir in Sambalpur district has witnessed a remarkable surge in avian visitors this winter, with over 4.21 lakh birds recorded during the annual mid-winter census, officials said on Tuesday. The count also marked the addition of five new bird species to the reservoir’s growing avian list.
According to Hirakud Wildlife Division Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Anshu Pragyan Das, a total of 4,21,763 birds belonging to 128 species were documented during the census conducted across 5.72 sq km of the power channel area of the reservoir up to the Chhattisgarh border. The exercise revealed a significant rise in both bird population and species diversity compared to previous years.
Among the species recorded, the Tufted Duck topped the list with 71,273 individuals, followed by the Lesser Whistling Duck (60,987) and the Common Coot (51,665). The five species sighted for the first time during the census were the Ruddy Crake, Greater Painted Snipe, Painted Stork, Little Gull and Sanderling.
The Annual Mid-Winter Waterfowl Census 2026 was carried out on January 18 (Sunday) by the Hirakud Wildlife Division with the participation of 93 people, including birding experts, forest officials, members of non-governmental organisations and school students.
Officials said the exercise helps monitor migratory patterns and assess the health of wetland ecosystems.
Every winter, the Hirakud reservoir becomes a major refuge for thousands of migratory birds arriving from distant regions such as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, the Aral Sea, Mongolia, Central and Southeast Asia, and the Himalayan belt. These winged visitors typically stay in the region from November to March.
The latest figures show a steady upward trend in bird arrivals. Last winter, more than 3.77 lakh birds belonging to 122 species were recorded at the reservoir, while over 3.42 lakh birds of 113 species were sighted in 2024, highlighting the growing ecological importance of the Hirakud reservoir as a key wintering ground for migratory birds.
