Get a pink carpet welcome

Lesser and Greater Flamingos. Pic/Asif Khan

India is home to two out of the six species of flamingos found in the world - the Lesser Flamingo and the Greater Flamingo. And every year in December, Mumbai and its surrounding areas welcome these graceful creatures who make the city's wetlands their home for the next few months. To experience this natural spectacle, Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) will be organising a flamingo watch walk this week at the Nerul wetlands that are located towards the east of the city and its suburbs.

Asif Khan

"These birds breed in Kutch, Gujarat, and every year, they migrate to their feeding ground in Mumbai where they stay till June. However, some juvenile birds stay on in the area throughout the year. But during this time, the birds are at their best plumage and sometimes can be seen performing their courtship march, which is seen when a group of flamingos walk in sync with a jerking head movement to find their pair," shares Asif Khan, associate officer with the programmes' department of BNHS.

During the two-to-three-km walk, participants will be able to see other wetland species including the white-eared bulbul, green bee-eater, baya weaver, painted stork, and purple sunbird. One can also spot the brahminy kite, shaheen falcon, white-throated kingfisher, and little cormorant.

On: April 24, 7.30 am
At: The underpass entrance, near TS Chanakya, Nerul
Call: 9969798447
Email: program-mes@bnhs.org
Cost: Rs 700