When War Hits the Skies: Will Telangana Lose Its Winter Birds?
HYDERABAD: Conflict in West Asia could disrupt one of the world’s major bird migration systems. This may affect seasonal bird arrivals in Telangana, birdwatchers tracking migration patterns have warned.
A vital global bird route at risk
The Central Asian Flyway connects breeding grounds in Siberia, Central Asia and parts of Europe with wintering regions in India. The route passes through West Asia before birds reach Telangana.
Each winter, ducks, waders, raptors and small birds travel along this path. It forms a continuous ecological network across continents.
“Iran and nearby regions are crucial stopover zones,” said birdwatcher and wildlife photographer Sriram Reddy. “Birds rest and refuel here before continuing their journey.”
He added that the flyway is a chain of interconnected routes, with Iran acting as a key crossroads for hundreds of species.
Reverse migration faces higher risk
Reddy highlighted concerns during reverse migration, which takes place between March and May.
“Birds leaving India depend on reliable stopovers in West Asia,” he said. “If these sites are disturbed, birds may skip stops or take longer routes.”
Such changes can delay their arrival at breeding grounds. This, in turn, can affect breeding success.
The impact is strongest on waterbirds wintering in Telangana. These include northern pintail, garganey, common teal, Eurasian wigeon, northern shoveler, ruddy shelduck and bar-headed goose.
These species depend on a chain of wetlands. The chain includes key sites in Iran and extends towards the Caspian region and Europe.
Shorebirds and raptors also affected
Shorebirds such as black-tailed godwit, ruff, little stint, common redshank and marsh sandpiper follow similar routes. They rely heavily on wetlands across West Asia.
Birdwatcher Anita Negi from the Deccan Birders group explained the risk. “West Asia is like a highway for migrating birds,” she said. “With conflict, parts of this route are disrupted.”
She said birds may take longer detours. As a result, they could arrive late, in fewer numbers, or not survive the journey.
Negi also pointed out that some species are in a sensitive phase. “Waders like ruff and black-tailed godwit begin their return journey in April,” she said. “Disruptions could delay them.”
Raptors and flocking birds may also be affected. Greater spotted eagle and booted eagle pass through narrow corridors in West Asia. Barn swallow and rosy starling migrate in large flocks, often at night. Demoiselle cranes also use this route.
Impact may be seen in Telangana
Birdwatcher Asif Husain Arastu stressed the scale of the system. “The Central Asian Flyway spans nearly 30 countries,” he said. “More than 180 migratory species reach India through this route.”
He warned that disruption in even one key region can affect the entire network.
Birdwatchers say the impact could soon be visible in Telangana. There may be changes in arrival timing, fewer birds at wetlands and shifts in species diversity.
These changes could signal stress in a long-established migration cycle.
