Dikhyaa Mohanty 
More than 11.32 lakh birds belonging to over 196 species were recorded during the mid-winter census at Odisha’s Chilika Lake. The latest count shows a marginal rise in the number of winged visitors compared to last year, with officials also confirming the sighting of two new species in the lagoon—Plain Martin and Bengal Bush Lark—during the census conducted on Sunday.
According to Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden P.K. Jha, the total bird count this year stood at 11,32,200, up from 11,27,228 in 2025—an increase of 4,972 birds. Notably, the Nalabana Bird Sanctuary within the Chilika wetlands witnessed a significant rise, with numbers climbing from 3,43,226 birds of 92 species in 2025 to 3,97,587 birds representing 106 species in 2026. The population of migratory birds in Chilika also increased, from 10,87,227 last year to 11,10,257 this year.
Among the migratory species, Northern Pintail topped the list with 2,18,993 birds, followed by Eurasian Wigeon (1,53,318) and Gadwall (1,43,127). While census data for Chilika—Asia’s only brackish water lake—was compiled by Sunday evening, reports from other water bodies across the state are still awaited.
The annual water bird census was conducted across various wetlands in all 51 forest divisions of Odisha, covering major sites such as Chilika, Bhitarkanika, Hirakud, and Ansupa. The survey was carried out by trained personnel between 6 am and 12 noon on Sunday.
In addition to forest department staff, the extensive census exercise saw participation from scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), and the Odisha Biodiversity Board. Senior ornithologists, NGO representatives, members of Vana Suraksha Samitis, media personnel, academicians, researchers, students from colleges and universities, and public representatives also took part in the large-scale enumeration.
