Chilika Lake, Odisha

India's largest lagoon is home to a rich variety of birds, especially winter migrants, while also harboring a sizeable population of Irrawaddy Dolphins.

Black-tailed Godwit (non-breeding)

Godwit,

Bronze-winged Jacana

Jacana,

Common Snipe

Snipe,

Black-winged Stilt (immature)

Stilt,

Ruff (female)

Female Ruff preening. Shot at Mangalajodi wetlands in Chilika Lake.

Ruff,Female Ruff preening. Shot at Mangalajodi wetlands in Chilika Lake.

Eurasian Wigeon

Wigeon,

Northern Pintail (female)

Pintail,

Northern Pintail (male)

Pintail,

Intermediate or Median or Yellow-billed Egret

As our boat waded near her this Median Egret tensed into an alert pose, ready to make a getaway if we got too close.

Egret,As our boat waded near her this Median Egret tensed into an alert pose, ready to make a getaway if we got too close.

Citrine Wagtail

Wagtail,

Black-winged Stilt

Shot in Mangalajodi wet lands.

Stilt,Shot in Mangalajodi wet lands.

Glossy Ibis (breeding)

Ibis,

Cinnamon Bittern (juvenile)

The identification is a little doubtful. This reclusive bittern was well-camouflaged among the reeds, and I was only able to see some cinnamon spotting.

Bittern,The identification is a little doubtful. This reclusive bittern was well-camouflaged among the reeds, and I was only able to see some cinnamon spotting.

Black-winged Stilt

Stilt,

Whiskered Tern (Non-breeding)

Tern,

Ruddy-breasted Crake (adult)

Ruddy-breasted Crake in the Mangalajodi wetlands in Chilika Lake, Odisha.

Crake,Ruddy-breasted Crake in the Mangalajodi wetlands in Chilika Lake, Odisha.

Whiskered Tern (Breeding)

Tern,

Brown-headed Gull (Breeding)

Gull,

Little Grebe

Grebe,

Ruff (breeding-male)

Ruff,

Brahminy Kite (Adult)

Kite,

Cattle Egret

Egret,

Garganey (Female)

Garganey,

Pheasant-tailed Jacana

Jacana,