Birding in December 2024: Winter Migrants in Mount Abu.

Beginning on November 14, 2024, the onset of winter and its crisp, chilly air greeted Mount Abu, setting the scene for an exciting bird-watching opportunity. During the first two weeks of December, nighttime temperatures ranged from 5°C to -5°C, with daytime temperatures staying cool and enjoyable — ideal for anyone wanting to enjoy the winter sunlight.

There’s nothing as refreshing as winter birding in Mount Abu. The region attracts an array of migratory birds, making it a dream destination for birdwatchers. This time of year, Abu becomes a haven for transient waterfowl, with sightings of the Common Pochard, Eurasian Coot, Eurasian Moorhen, Gadwall, Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Common Sandpiper, and Common Snipe. Several varieties of sandpipers, wagtails, and cormorants also make their brief stop here, offering prime photo opportunities.

December is the time to observe a variety of warblers, flycatchers, and raptors in motion, adding elegance and charm to the landscape.

During the period of December 1st to 15th, I captured an amazing assortment of birds, highlighting Mount Abu’s allure to migratory species. Use the comment section below if you want to learn more about the birds of Mount Abu or share your own experiences.

Engage, share your thoughts, and discuss the fascinating world of birds in our beloved hill station!

Bird of the fortnight.

Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo

Common Buzzard Dec 2024 Nt Abu.m4v

Ashy Drongo - Dicrurus leucophaeus

Ashy Prinia - Prinia socialis

Asian Koel - Eudynamys scolopaceus

I have included this hazy snap to show that this species in not common in Abu.

Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica

Black Stork - Ciconia nigra

Black-rumped Flameback - Dinopium benghalense

Brahminy Starling - Sturnia pagodarum

Brown Rock Chat - Oenanthe fusca

Brown Rock Chat Dec 2024 Mt Abu.m4v

Common Hawk-Cuckoo - Hierococcyx varius

Common Tailorbird - Orthotomus sutorius

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus

Greater Coucal - Centropus sinensis

Indian Yellow Tit - Machlolophus aplonotu

Indian Yellow Tit Dec 2024 Mt Abu.m4v

Large-billed Crow - Corvus macrorhyncho

Laughing Dove - Streptopelia senegalensis

Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca

Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach Dec 2024 Mt Abu.

Oriental Magpie-Robin - Copsychus saularis

Peregrine Falcon (Shaheen) Falco peregrinus

Rose-ringed Parakeet - Psittacula krameri

Rufous Treepie - Dendrocitta vagabunda

Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis

During spring migration, migratory birds return home, and local species multiply.

Birds like the Common Kestrel, Black Redstart, and Eurasian Sparrowhawk are still present in March, along with raptors like the Common Buzzard, Long-legged buzzard, Short-toed snake eagle, and Booted eagle. The climate in the region is pleasant as spring approaches. The hillside is lovely. Birds like the Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Common Pochard, Tufted Duck, and the Common Teal migrate here until the end of March.