Bar-headed Goose Spotted Near Mechi River in Nepal

The Bar-headed Goose, locally known as Khoya Haans in the Nepali language, which is famous for its incredible migration feats, such as its passage through the heights of Mount Everest, has been observed in the area near the Mechi River. This is an unexpected and remarkable moment for the area; around twenty individuals of this species have been recently sighted in the vicinity of the river.

Researchers have empirically confirmed that the Bar-headed Goose accomplishes a remarkable voyage from Mongolia, China, and Central Asia to Nepal and India and then gets back to their home area. This is a unique type of massive migration and bird watchers and experts all over the world have followed this trend with great interest. The sightings in the Mechi might be the first case of such a type.

Being a winter migratory species, these geese shift their location to India when the temperature is too cold and return to warmer weather. When summer comes, they migrate once again towards their breeding spots. The migratory route to this goose includes a perilous overpass of the formidable Himalayan range and even reaches the southernmost point of India.

Bird conservationists from the region believe these geese might be taking a short break in the Mechi River before they move further westward towards the northern areas of Jhapa. The migration route of this species has been reported to be a vast route extending from the pole to the pole to avoid the colder seasons, making their way from China into Nepal and their winter homes in India. This is astounding because these geese have been recorded flying even at heights of about 9,000 meters.

Upon arrival at their temporary resting places in India, these birds often spend time in strewn pebbly brooks—activities likely observed by local enthusiasts along the Mechi River. Post-migration data suggests they also dwell temporarily along prominent watercourses such as the Narayani and Koshi rivers before retreating with summer's onset to their native breeding grounds.

Nepal and Bird Migration

Numerous avian species select Nepal as their migratory destination due to a host of compelling reasons, such as its agreeable weather, plentiful sustenance, and fitting living environments. Herein, we consider the elements that enhance Nepal's appeal to these itinerant birds:

• Varied Biotopes: Spanning a remarkable ecological spectrum from the low-lying Terai regions to the lofty peaks of the Himalayas, Nepal boasts a multitude of biotopes including dense woodlands, marshlands, and high-altitude pastures. This assortment of environments furnishes an array of suitable habitats that cater to diverse bird species over the course of their annual migration paths.
• Seasonal Variations: Characterised by distinct seasonal delineations—most notably a verdant monsoon and a stark winter—the cyclical climatic shifts in Nepal are pivotal in shaping avian migratory behavior. A multitude of bird species embark on their voyage to Nepal during the chill of winter to evade severe conditions present in their reproductive territories and to partake in the more temperate climate's bounty.
• Critical Layover Locale: With its geographical location being at a prime spot of South Asia migration routes, Nepal stands out to be a critical resting place for the fliers. Birds, in turn, use the location to replenish their energy, take a break and eat, before they move on to the nesting or overwintering sites.
• Abundant Sustenance Supplies: The eclectic ecosystems in Nepal bear a bountiful stock of plants and animals, and this provides migratory birds with nutritious provisions making their visit. The avian population of Nepal benefits from its wetlands, paddy fields, and forested terrains that all together create an ideal environment for resting and feeding ground—making Nepal a favorable destination during avian migration. 
• Preservation Zones: Committed to the safeguarding of biodiversity and natural habitats, Nepal has inaugurated an array of conservation territories—including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and preservation areas. These zones provide critical sanctuary for migrating birds, facilitating their survival en route and offering breeding locales for certain species.

In sum, the synergy between varied habitats, pronounced seasonal fluctuations, copious food supplies, and ongoing conservation initiatives render Nepal a magnet for migratory birds. This contributes substantially to the nation’s esteemed ornithological variety.

Let us look at some of the major migratory birds in Nepal, categorized by their arrival season:

Autumn and Winter Avian Migrants (October - March):

• A hodgepodge of waterbirds such as the Bar-headed Goose, Common Teal, Gadwall, Ruddy Shelduck, and Greater White-fronted Goose make their way to the Nepalese waters. They come down from their rigidly cold northern breeding territories in search of comfortable space in the Nepalese lakes and wetlands.
• Prey birds, including the Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Kestrel, Northern Goshawk, and Short-toed Eagle, which breed in Central Asia and Siberia, come to Nepal for their hunting areas. The raptors (birds of prey) of the region hunt their kind of small birds and rodents indigenous to this area.
• The migrating shorebirds, which have stately legs, are also among the visitors coming to Nepal. Black-tailed Godwits, Common Sandpipers, Green Sandpipers and Common Snipe nest in Nepal's active wetlands and paddy fields which are the key feeding and resting areas for them during their long journey to the south.
• Various Thrushes and Chats such as Grey-backed Thrush, Siberian Thrush, Red-flanked Bluetail, and Pied Bushchat also migrate from their northern breeding areas. The forests and shrubs of Nepal fill the birds with food and provide a temporary shelter from predators.

Summer Visitors (April - September):

• Cuckoos, known for their brood parasitism, arrive in Nepal to lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species. Common summer visitors include the Common Cuckoo, Koel, and the Himalayan Cuckoo.
• Aerial insectivores Swifts and swallows including the Barn Swallow, Asian House Martin, Common Swift, and Eurasian Sparrowhawk, take advantage of the abundant insect population during Nepal's summer months.
• Small insectivorous birds Warblers like the Tickell's Warbler, Barred Cuckoo-shrike, Blue-winged Warbler, and Yellow-browed Warbler migrate to Nepal's forests and hills to breed and raise their young.
• Various ducks and geese like the Ferruginous Pochard, Lesser Scaup, and the Common Pochard arrive in Nepal during the summer months to breed in the country's high-altitude lakes.