Unusual sighting of greater flamingos at Veeranam lake

Greater flamingos, usually found in coastal wetlands, have been spotted at Veeranam Lake in Cuddalore district, in a rare occurrence that researchers say could be linked to altered rainfall patterns.

A total of 18 greater flamingos were sighted at the freshwater lake, located about 50 km inland from the coast, on October 25 by J. Pandiyan, associate professor and bird researcher at the Department of Zoology and Wildlife Biology, A.V.C. College, Mayiladuthurai, along with his research scholars Saravanakumar and Veerasamy.

Prof. Pandiyan said the birds were usually found in coastal habitats such as Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Muthupettai Lagoon, and Pichavaram mangroves, where they feed in shallow waters.

“Usually, greater flamingos migrate from the Gulf of Kutch to the east coast during winter. However, this year due to Super El Niño and severe water deficit, the migration pattern is altered. Cauvery flow has been subpar and rainfall is insufficient. Coastal mudflats are scarce in food resources,” he said.

Low rainfall during the Southwest monsoon and reduced Cauvery flows have left coastal mudflats dry and reduced food availability, potentially prompting the birds to explore inland wetlands, he explained.

Prof. Pandiyan said the receding water level at Veeranam Lake had created shallow areas suitable for foraging. Evaporation may also have concentrated plankton and other food resources, making the lake a temporary feeding ground for the birds.

However, it remains uncertain whether the freshwater habitat can meet the birds’ needs during migration. “We have to monitor the birds continuously to understand how these coastal species use inland wetlands when coastal ecosystems are under stress,” he said.