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.

Ruff (female)

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

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

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.

Northern Pintail (male)

Pintail,

Black-winged Stilt

Shot in Mangalajodi wet lands.

Stilt,Shot in Mangalajodi wet lands.

Glossy Ibis (breeding)

Ibis,

Black-tailed Godwit (non-breeding)

Godwit,

Northern Pintail (female)

Pintail,

Black-winged Stilt

Stilt,

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 (immature)

Stilt,

Common Snipe

Snipe,

Little Grebe

Grebe,

Bronze-winged Jacana

Jacana,

Cattle Egret

Egret,

Brahminy Kite (Adult)

Kite,

Eurasian Wigeon

Wigeon,

Garganey (Female)

Garganey,

Ruff (breeding-male)

Ruff,

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.

Pheasant-tailed Jacana

Jacana,

Brown-headed Gull (Breeding)

Gull,

Whiskered Tern (Breeding)

Tern,

Citrine Wagtail

Wagtail,