In a first, Gorai becomes hub for Greater Flamingos

Mumbai: In a first, flamingos have arrived at the wetlands near Gorai Jetty in Mumbai. While locals are thrilled but also surprised with the landing of these pink birds in the area, bird experts have stated that it may not be a good sign as it indicates destruction of their regular breeding areas, including Sewri-Mahul mudflats and Bhandup, which must have compelled these birds to find other sites.

Bird experts, who visited the site on Saturday, stated that more than 1,000 Greater Flamingos were seen at Gorai Creek.

Greater Flamingos are relatively taller and are whiter in colour than Lesser Flamingos and most of them stay back in Mumbai for breeding.

“This is the first time in around 50 years, the Greater Flamingos have arrived in Gorai wetlands. Few locals have said that they were last seen 50 years ago, but there has not been any documentation as such.

This could also indicate bad news for these birds, as one of the reason for their spotting could be due to their habitats’ destruction not only within Mumbai, but also at Malshej and Uran where Greater Flamingos are seen, which is why they are finding more habitats,” said Pradip Patade, a marine enthusiast who has been going on regular bird watch.

Lesser and Greater flamingos fly over 600km to Mumbai from Kutch during winter and congregate in Sewri-Mahul mudflats, Mulund, Seawoods and Bhandup, among other areas, every year. However, while these birds arrived late in the city in March this year, the count has been comparatively fewer this year too. Before Gorai wetlands, flamingos were also seen in Malad Creek and Lokhandwala too few months back.

“We can not have a conclusive reason for the birds’ landing at Gorai, but these birds are migratory. We have to see if they will be staying here for a longer time or not,” said Asif Khan, bird expert at Bombay Natural History Society.