Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon has welcomed a record 11,32,200 birds this winter, according to the latest census by the Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary. The data reveals an increase of nearly 5,000 birds compared to 2025, with a significant rise in exotic species.
The count, conducted on Sunday by 133 personnel across five ranges, identified 196 species. Notably, 106 exotic species accounted for over 11.1 lakh visitors, while native species totaled 21,943. Officials highlighted a spike in Plain Martin and Bengal Bush Lark populations this year.
The sanctuary management attributed the surge to the lake’s healthy ecosystem. Tangi and Nalabana remain the primary hotspots for these avian guests, which travel thousands of miles from Siberia and Central Asia. This annual spectacle continues to solidify Chilika's status as a premier global wetland.