Four must-see birds this migration season in Coimbatore

Coimbatore’s wetlands come alive as migratory birds arrive from Siberia and beyond. Meet four birders talking of this seasonal spectacle.

As winter paints Coimbatore’s skies with a softer light, the city’s wetlands stir with the promise of arrivals from distant lands. From Siberian steppes to Himalayan foothills, migratory birds chart ancient routes, guided by instinct and the allure of southern sanctuary. By March’s end, they will leave as quietly as they came, but for now, they fill the air with their calls and the waters with their grace. To celebrate their arrival, we spoke to four birders, each sharing stories of a winged traveller that turns the city into a seasonal sanctuary.

One fascinating migratory bird that visits Coimbatore is the European Bee-eater. This species, a passage migrant, stops here in October on its way south, with some continuing to Sri Lanka. It returns briefly in March and April en route to Europe. The first time I saw one was in 2017 at Ponnuthu Hills, near the Ponnuthu Amman Temple. I spotted it perched on an electrical wire, holding a cicada in its beak—a striking sight given its vibrant colours and size, much larger than the Green Bee-eater. I had been scouting for this bird for a long time.

European Bee-eaters have become more common in Coimbatore over the years, with large flocks occasionally reported. A birder friend once recorded a flock of 500 birds in a single location. Before 2015, sightings were rare, but growing awareness among birders has led to better documentation. Ponnuthu Hills remains a popular spot to see these birds during their migration seasons.  

What makes bee-eaters unique is their feeding technique. They primarily hunt bees but cleverly remove the sting by bashing them against a branch before eating. I’ve also seen them prey on cicadas, adding variety to their diet. In the evenings, these birds exhibit communal roosting, gathering in groups of five to ten on a single branch, creating a charming sight.

The European Bee-eater’s migration story is tied to food availability. During harsh European winters, insects hibernate, leaving little sustenance for these birds. They migrate to tropical regions like India, where food is abundant. However, come summer, they return to Europe, drawn by plentiful insects, fewer predators, and ample nesting spaces.

Threats to these birds include widespread pesticide use, which depletes their insect food sources and causes toxins to build up in their systems. This impacts their breeding, leading to thinner eggshells or infertility. Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), a phenomenon affecting bee populations, could also pose a long-term risk.

(By Balaji PB, senior member, Coimbatore Nature Society (CNS). To go birding with CNS, contact 9842261279)