Avian lovers across the globe celebrate World Migratory Bird Day through May 14-15. Mumbaiites can look forward to a stream of feathered visitors scheduled to arrive in winter

Avian enthusiast, professional birdwatcher or amateur naturalist -- depending on which category you fall under, Mumbai's skies offer a terrific opportunity in engage in some serious bird-spotting, especially in the winter. The good news is that it's not confined to flamingoes. Asif Khan, Associate Programme Officer, Bombay Natural History Society has drawn up a list of birds that will grace Mumbai's skies after the monsoon.


Eurasian Curlew; (Inset) Brown-headed Gull.
PICS Couresy/ BNHS

Bar-tailed Godwit: Holds the record for the longest non-stop flight for any bird. Migrates during winters to Mumbai coast. Spotted: Sewri mudflats.

Black-tailed Godwit: It is a near-threatened species. Migrates during winter. Spotted: Sewri mudflats.

Citrine Wagtail: This species breeds in north central Asia in wet meadows and Tundra. Migrates in winter to all of South Asia. Spotted: Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Northern Pintail: Breeds in the northern areas of Europe, Asia and North America. Migrates in winter. Spotted: Thakurli Creek near Dombivali.

Osprey: Migrates in winter. Spotted: Powai lake.

Eurasian Curlew: It is a near-threatened species. Migrates in winter. Spotted: Sewri mudflats.

Asian Paradise Flycatcher: It is a local migrant. Spotted: Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Jijamata Udyan.

Brown-headed Gull: Migrates in winter. Spotted: En route to Elephanta Island and Sewri mudflats.