Unprecedented spoonbill migration portends climate change woes for Kerala
Synopsis
Climate change, rising temperature alter bird migration patterns Spoonbills prefer dry wetlands and high atmospheric temperature They are usually found in North Indian States where mercury levels are high
The spotting of Eurasian Spoonbill or Common Spoonbill, the tall white wading birds, at Kumaranalloor in Kottayam during this season of the year is an indicative of heralding atmospheric temperature in the state.
The water birds are usually found in North Indian states which experience high temperature. As the states come under the grip of winter, the Spoonbills would migrate to Southern states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, but Kerala was never their favourite spot. Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh experience high mercury levels than Kerala.
However, this year birds gave an unexpected visit to Kerala which environmentalists view as an indication of an unusual rise in temperature. They are usually found in wetlands, and the birds often forage in groups. The birds have long black spatulate bills and long black legs.
Recently other birds like Glossy Ibis, Bluethroat and Painted Stork, which travels in search of warmer locations, were also spotted in different regions across the state. These birds usually prefer high atmospheric temperature and dry wetlands.