Record 1,650 common kites migrate to Pallikaranai marshland in Chennai

The record-high migration of approximately 1,650 common kites, also known as black kites, was officially recorded at the Pallikaranai marshland in Chennai this June. The massive influx represents an all-time high since systematic monitoring of the species' migration patterns first began in 2012. This season's count is nearly three times the typical seasonal average of 550 birds.

The unprecedented surge was documented by a team of birders led by K V R K Thirunaranan. The team tracked a steep month-on-month climb in the raptor population at the marshland. They initially recorded only 72 black kite sightings in April. That figure rose seven-fold to reach 501 sightings in May, before surging to the record-breaking count of around 1,650 in June.

V A Saravanan, the Chennai District Forest Officer, described the high numbers at the marshland as both unexpected and unprecedented.

These birds migrate to Chennai from northern Kerala, traveling through the Palakkad Gap, which is a natural mountain pass located in the Western Ghats. The birds follow this well-established seasonal route, which is triggered by the onset of the southwest monsoon. Typically, arrivals at the Pallikaranai marshland begin in April, with population numbers peaking between June and August. The birds then begin their return migration as the southwest monsoon withdraws.

According to C Sashikumar, who monitors raptors including common kites in Kannur, Kerala, the migration normally begins during the last week of May. However, the earlier onset of the southwest monsoon this year pushed the birds' movement ahead of schedule, resulting in the rapid accumulation of kites in Chennai. Sashikumar also noted that there was a distinct behavioural split observed among the bird population within Kerala.