Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary

Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary

Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary is a 0.384 km2 (0.148 sq mi) protected area, declared in June 1977 near Thirupattur in the Sivaganga District that includes the Periya kollukudi patti, Chinna kollukudi patti, and Vettangudi patti irrigation tanks. It was declared as sanctuary in June 1977. This home draws attention in various migratory birds and species.

The small drainage basins in the sanctuary attract over 8,000 winter migratory birds and you can spot over 200 species of birds from Europe and North Asian countries. Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary is 51 km from Madurai on the Madurai – Melur – Tiruppathur Road, in Sivagangai District. The closest railway stations are Karaikudi (32 km) and Madurai (51 km). The best time to visit would be between November and February when the weather is pleasant and you can get to see thousands of migratory birds.

Flora

The vegetation of the tank is dominated by Prosopis; in few locations with babul and on the bund with Tamarind.

Fauna

Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary’s prime attraction is the thousands of migratory birds that make their way here in winter. The sanctuary is the breeding habitat for grey herons, white ibis, darters, night herons spoonbills and Asian open bill storks. You can also spot many local birds here like painted stork, grey heron, darter, common teal, spot bills, little cormorant, little egret, intermediate egret, cattle egret, pintail and flamingos.

This area of small drainage basins attracts more than 8,000 winter migratory birds belonging to 217 species, mostly from European and North Asian countries. It has also attracted indigenous endangered species including painted stork, grey heron, darter, little cormorant, little egret, intermediate egret, cattle egret, common teal, spot bills, pintail, and flamingos.