Birds Paradise_Coffee Table Book

Coromandel Kakinada

Birds Paradise

In Harmony with Nature



No bird soars too high if he
soars with his own wings

- William Blake



Inside View

01 Preface 65 Development of Green Belt
69
03 Chairman’s Message Protecting the Scrub Grassland
05 71
07 Kakinada ‘Birds Paradise’ 73 A Tragedy Averted
09 75
13 Bio-diversity in Coromandel’s Backyard 77 Coromandel & EGREE Team
35 79 Saving the Birds Affected in HUDHUD
47 How are we Making Difference
Recognition
Coromandel & EGREE
Coromandel & EGREE
Collaboration
Testimonials
Coromandel & EGREE
Coromandel & EGREE
Methodology
The Team
Grassroot Conservation in Kakinada
Coromandel & EGREE
Breeding Season
The Way Forward
Thirteen Species
Coromandel’s Conservation &
Migratory Ducks Commitment

Migration from the World Over About Company

Migratory Waders Coromandel Profile

Arctic & Siberia

Chairman’s Message

“When we tug at a single thing in nature,
we find it attached to the rest of the world”

- John Muir, Naturalist and Conservationist

Nothing in nature stands alone nor stands still. In
all its inter-dependence and constant change,
mankind is the interwoven thread that either holds
nature together or tears it apart.
Today, our world faces daunting challenges and
adversities because of sudden explosion in human
population. This is causing great concerns about
food, water and security apart from issues such
as hygiene, poverty and climate change. However,
the biggest challenge in the new millennium is to
protect our environment so our future generations
will continue to benefit.

1|2

In our bid to support initiatives leading to We hope that this book will lend readers a unique
sustainable conservation measures, and improve our insight into the significance of preserving our
understanding of the fragile ecosystems in relation to environment and incite those in authority to act and
ecology, field biology, and conservation, Coromandel preserve our ecological assets.
‘Birds Paradise’ at Kakinada was conceived. Above all, we wish it makes enjoyable reading!

Since its inception, Coromandel - Kakinada ‘Birds Mr. A Vellayan
Paradise’ has made its voice powerful enough to Chairman
inspire other plants to take up this commitment Coromandel International Limited
of conserving the nature and wildlife. Historically,
birds have always fascinated man. They have
their functional role in the ecosystem as potential
pollinators and scavengers - rightly called bio-
indicators.

In collaboration with EGREE foundation, Coromandel
- Kakinada plant’s surroundings have become the
largest breeding site in the East Godavari district for
a variety of bird species, including the Grey Heron
and the Painted Storks.

There is much to be learnt about diversity and
status of birds of these wetlands of Coromandel -
Kakinada ‘Birds Paradise’. In this sense, the work of
documenting different variety of species of birds is
quite laudable.

3|4

Kakinada ‘Birds Paradise’

Bio-Diversity in Coromandel’s Backyard

Ever heard of a factory premises The uniqueness of the ‘Birds Paradise’ is that
transformed into a breathtakingly it is the largest breeding ground for Grey
beautiful birds haven? Welcome to Kakinada Heron, Painted Storks and Darter and is the
‘Birds Paradise’. What was once a land second largest for Asian Open Bill-Storks in
with marshy water-logged area has today East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh. The
transformed into a serene, lush green ‘Birds Paradise’ is the only area supporting
belt proving to be an ideal habitat for Spot-Billed Pelican and Heronry Birds for
countless diverse species of birds while breeding in two different spells in one year.
greatly contributing to bio-diversity and
conservations of ecosystem. The flora and fauna here is diverse and unique
to the eco-system and houses around 97
Coromandel – Kakinada plant is in the species of birds mainly Waterfowls, Waders
process of converting many acres of its land including Flamingos, Raptors, Bustards,
as green belt towards development of the Coursers, Cranes, Sandgrouse, Larks, Shrikes,
‘Birds Paradise’. The wetland, surrounding Wheatears, and Chats.
Coromandel - Kakinada plant, and the green
belt stands as an ideal habitat for birds. The These birds belong to Ciconiidae families.
changing climatic conditions and a rich bio- Among them Carmorants, Open bill-stork,
diversity provide healthy habitat for a variety Darters, Egrets, are resident to Kakinada:
of birds. Birds are the natural beauty of this Spot-billed Pelicans, Lesser Whistling Ducks
marshland. are resident/short migratory: and Black-
tailed Godwit, Pacific Golden Plover and
The grassland attracts hundreds of migratory ducks are migratory.
birds from different parts of India and the
world. The migratory birds generally travel The book comprises various descriptions and
long distances to come to warmer weathers photographs of feathered species identified
to avoid the chilling cold weather at their and recorded at the Coromandel - Kakinada
native place. These avian visitors enhance ‘Birds Paradise’.
the bio-diversity and bring life to grasslands
as they intermingle with the native species.

How are we Making Difference

Coromandel & EGREE

Coromandel - Kakinada plant’s desire to transform its factory into a ‘Birds Paradise’ has been bearing
fruit in huge proportions. The initial small steps have become giant strides today. With the plans
on the anvil to transform Coromandel - Kakinada plant’s vast stretches of land into a ‘Birds Paradise’,
the ecosystem surrounding the plant promises to be pulsating with rich and diverse flora and fauna.

The ‘Birds Paradise’ is gaining ground as one of the most spectacular ones with feathered species
of various kinds flocking to this destination. The place seems to be an ideal spot for the birds as it is
replete with dense flora and plentiful waters.

Coromandel - Kakinada plant has been donning a pivotal role in ensuring these birds are protected.
The plant is actively contributing to a healthy eco-system that is perfect for breeding. So far, the
number of birds has steadily grown. One cannot overlook EGREE Foundation’s role as they have been
constantly providing necessary inputs in the upgradation and maintenance of the ‘Birds Paradise’.

The Paradise comprises many diverse species. Currently, there exist around 97 different species
of birds. Among these are migratory ducks like Brahminy Duck, Northern Pintail, Eurasian Wigeon,
and Gadwall. That apart, there exists good many waders like Little Stilt, Pacific Golden Plover, Grey
Plover, Spotted Redshank, Curlew Sandpiper and Ruff. In short, the Paradise has become a haven
for these species to visit and breed. Currently, the total number of birds at the paradise accounts for
4,000.

EGREE foundation has played a key role in assisting Coromandel - Kakinada plant in identifying,
counting and documenting various species that visit the premises. Peak season for these birds to visit,
stay and breed is between ‘November and March’ every year. To arrive at an accurate consensus, the
tracking team made a checklist of birds’ sightings with binoculars. The list was created by direct count
method on monthly basis.

During the devastating Hudhud cyclone, the plant along with EGREE foundation has played a critical
role in protecting these feathered species, offering food and shelter. The concerted efforts of both
these groups ensured the birds were also offered veterinary treatment and necessary care.

As a result of the growing population of varied species, UNDP has shot a documentary about various
species habitating the paradise. This definitely comes as a great honour and serves as an impetus to
shoulder the responsibilities of safeguarding the nature and its fauna in a more accountable manner.

5|6



Collaboration

Coromandel & EGREE

Coromandel and East Godavari Riverine Estuarine Ecosystem (EGREE)
alliance has been highly fruitful.
EGREE, which holds expertise in dealing with birds and their habitational
surroundings, raised awareness amongst Coromandel team members about
various types of migratory birds and their ideal surroundings.
Subsequently, EGREE sensitised the team members on the necessity of
maintaining good, clean environment for birds to visit, stay and breed. EGREE
also enhanced understanding of how to maintain and improve capabilities of
the ‘Birds Paradise’; documented the same; handed it over to Coromandel for a
clearer picture. If not for EGREE’s timely assistance, it would have been difficult
to protect hundreds of birds which were affected during ‘Hudhud cyclone’.

Overview
Incepted in December 2013, the long-term goal of the EGREE Foundation is to contribute the
sustainable management of the globally significant coastal and marine biodiversity of the region
by ‘Main-streaming Biodiversity Conservation Considerations into Production Activities’ in the
coastal and marine zones, while taking into account development imperatives, need for sustaining
livelihoods and also addressing retrogressive factors including the anticipated impacts of climate
change.

7|8



9 | 10

Methodology

Grassroot Conservation in Kakinada

EGREE delivered in-depth and elaborative training to Coromandel
personnel to enhance the maintenance standards of ‘Birds Paradise’.
This includes identifying, counting and documenting various species
that pay a visit to the Paradise. Peak season for these birds to stay and
breed is between ‘November and March’ every year. Under the guidance
of EGREE experts, Coromandel team is consistently monitoring and
recording details of the birds visiting during this specific time-frame and
otherwise too.

To arrive at an accurate record of various species habitating the ‘Birds
Paradise’, the tracking team created a checklist of birds’ sightings
through binoculars.

Based on this checklist, a detailed census was also conducted by direct
count method. The monthly totals of individual species and the total
population was enumerated from three vantage points on the contour
of each pond.

A total of 97 different bird species were identified. Among these, the
breeding species amount to 13 different types, while the long distance
migratory birds account to 24 species. The maximum number of birds
recorded at the ‘Birds Paradise’ is around 4,000.

11 | 12



Breeding Season

Thirteen species

Coromandel - Kakinada ‘Birds Paradise’ has been
witnessing thirteen species breeding in two different
spells. Observations revealed that these seasons take place
from the months of ‘February to May’ and ‘July to November’.
The breeding birds include: Painted Stork, Little Egret, Asian
Open-bill Stork, Grey Heron, Darter, Black-Crowned Night
Heron and Little Cormorant. The ‘Birds Paradise’ is gaining
respect for its wide acreage of land and a rich environment of
bio-diversity that is ideal for these species to visit and breed.

13 | 14



Painted Stork

The Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala) is a large
wader in the stork family. It is found in the wetlands of the
plains of tropical Asia south of the Himalayas in the Indian
Subcontinent and extending into Southeast Asia. It is a
large and fabulously colourful waterbird with a striking wing
pattern. Their distinctive pink tertial feathers of the adults
give them their name. They forage in flocks in shallow waters
along rivers or lakes. They immerse their half open beaks in
water and sweep them from side to side and snap up their
prey of small fish that are sensed by touch. As they wade
along they also stir the water with their feet to flush hiding
fish. They nest colonially in trees, often along with other
waterbirds. The only sounds they produce are weak moans
or bill clattering at the nest. They are not migratory and
only make short distance movements in some parts of their
range in response to changes in weather or food availability
or for breeding.

Size 93 - 102 cm
2 - 3.5 kg
Height
Weight

To hear ‘Birds Tweeting’ scan this QR Code.
To scan the QR Code, use your existing
barcode reader APP or download free "QR
Bar code scanner" APP

15 | 16



17 | 18

Little Egret

The Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) is a species of small heron in the family Ardeidae. It
is a white bird with a slender black beak, long black legs and, in the western race, yellow
feet. As an aquatic bird, it feeds in shallow water and on land, consuming a variety of small
creatures. It breeds colonially, often with other species of water birds, making a platform
nest of sticks in a tree, bush or reed bed. A clutch of bluish-green eggs is laid and incubated
by both parents. The young fledge at about six weeks of age.

Its breeding distribution is in wetlands in warm temperate to tropical parts of Europe, Africa,
Asia, and Australia. In warmer locations, most birds are permanent residents.

Size 55 - 65 cm
300 - 700 gms
Height

Weight

To hear ‘Birds Tweeting’ scan this QR Code. To scan
the QR Code, use your existing barcode reader APP
or download free "QR Bar code scanner" APP

Actual Site

19 | 20



Open Bill Stork

The Open Bill Stork (Anastomus oscitans) is a
large wading bird in the stork family Ciconiidae.
This distinctive stork is found mainly in the Indian
subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is greyish or
white with glossy black wings and tail and the
adults have a gap between the arched upper
mandible and recurved lower mandible. Young
birds are born without this gap which is thought
to be an adaptation that aids in the handling of
snails, their main prey. Although resident within
their range, they make long distance movements
in response to weather and food availability.

Size 81 cm Wingspan: 147 to 149 cm
1.3 - 8.9 kg
Height
Weight

To hear ‘Birds Tweeting’ scan this QR Code.
To scan the QR Code, use your existing
barcode reader APP or download free "QR
Bar code scanner" APP

21 | 22



23 | 24

Grey Heron

The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is a long-legged predatory wading bird of the heron
family, Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia and also parts of Africa.
It is resident in much of its range, but some populations from the more northern parts
migrate southwards in autumn. A bird of wetland areas, it can be seen around lakes,
rivers, ponds, marshes and on the sea coast. It feeds mostly on aquatic creatures which
it catches after standing stationary beside or in the water or stalking its prey through
the shallows.

Standing up to a metre tall, they have a white head and neck with a broad black stripe
that extends from the eye to the black crest. The body and wings are grey above and
the underparts are greyish-white, with some black on the flanks. The long, sharply
pointed beak is pinkish-yellow and the legs are brown.

The birds breed colonially in spring in ‘heronries’, usually building their nests high in
trees. A clutch of usually three to five bluish-green eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the
eggs for a period of about 25 days, and then both feed the chicks, which fledge when
seven or eight weeks old.

Size 84 - 100 cm Wingspan: 1.6 to 2 m
1 - 2.1 kg
Height
Weight

To hear ‘Birds Tweeting’ scan this QR Code. To scan
the QR Code, use your existing barcode reader APP
or download free "QR Bar code scanner" APP

25 | 26



Indian Darter

The Indian Darter (Anhinga melanogaster) is a water bird of tropical South Asia and Southeast Asia. It has a long and slender neck with a straight,
pointed bill and, like the cormorant, it hunts for fish while its body is submerged in water. It spears a fish underwater, bringing it above the surface,
tossing and juggling it before swallowing the fish head first. The body remains submerged as it swims, and the slender neck alone is visible above the
water, which accounts for the colloquial name of snakebird. Like the cormorants, it has wettable feathers and it is often found perched on a rock or
branch with its wings held open to dry.

Size 85 - 100 cm Wingspan: 115 to 130cm To hear ‘Birds Tweeting’ scan this QR Code.
1 - 1.8 kg To scan the QR Code, use your existing
Height barcode reader APP or download free "QR
Bar code scanner" APP
Weight

27 | 28



29 | 30

Black-Crowned Night Heron

The Black-Crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) is a heron belonging to
the family Ardeidae. The black-crowned night heron is distributed in Asia, Indian
Subcontinent, Africa, Europe and Americas. The black-crowned night heron is medium
sized bird. The back and crown are blackish or very dark grey. The underside of the
body is whitish grey. The wings are light grey. The eyes are red and the bill is dark. The
legs are light yellow or orange. Two or three long white plumes extend from the back of
the head. The heron vocal call is somewhat like “kwark” or “kowak”. The black-crowned
night heron species inhabit fresh, brackish or saline water bodies. These heron species
prefer water bodies with aquatic vegetation and woody margins. They inhabit forested
margins of ponds, lakes, streams, creeks, lagoons, marshes and mangroves.

Size 64 cm
800 gms
Height
Weight

To hear ‘Birds Tweeting’ scan this QR Code. To scan
the QR Code, use your existing barcode reader APP
or download free "QR Bar code scanner" APP

31 | 32



Indian Cormorant

The Indian Cormorant or Indian Shag (Phalacrocorax niger) is a member
of the cormorant family. It is found mainly along the inland waters of the
Indian Subcontinent but extending west to Sind and east to Thailand and
Cambodia. It is a gregarious species that can be easily distinguished from
the similar sized little cormorant by its blue eye, small head with a sloping
forehead and a long narrow bill ending in a hooked tip.

This medium-sized bronze brown cormorant is scalloped in black on the
upper plumage, lacks a crest and has a small and slightly peaked head
with a long narrow bill that ends in a hooked tip. This cormorant fishes
gregariously in inland rivers or large wetlands of peninsular India and
northern part of Sri Lanka.

Size 50 - 55 cm Wingspan: 90 cm
360 - 520 gms
Height
Weight

To hear ‘Birds Tweeting’ scan this QR Code.
To scan the QR Code, use your existing
barcode reader APP or download free "QR
Bar code scanner" APP

33 | 34



35 | 36

Migratory Ducks

Migration from the World Over

What perhaps makes this ‘Birds Paradise’ a very unique
one is that the long distance migratory ducks that
visit Coromandel - Kakinada ‘Birds Paradise’ from places as
far as Siberia, Central Asia, Mongolia and China. The distances
these birds travel in order to be in warmer places are truly
mind-boggling. The navigational capabilities and the sheer
magnitude of strength these feathered species possess to
travel such huge distances is beyond anybody’s imagination.
The Paradise has taken all measures to keep these feathered
species mainly Brahminy Shelduck, Northern Pintail, Eurasian
Wigeon and Gadwall, cozy and comfortable.

37 | 38

Brahminy Shelduck

The Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea), known in India as the Brahminy
Duck, is a member of the family Anatidae. It is a distinctive waterfowl
and has orange-brown body plumage with a paler head, while the tail
and the flight feathers in the wings are black, contrasting with the white
wing-coverts. It is a migratory bird, wintering in the Indian subcontinent
and breeding in South-Eastern Europe and Central Asia, though there
are small resident populations in North Africa. It has a loud honking call.
The Brahminy Duck mostly inhabits inland water-bodies such as lakes,
reservoirs and rivers.

Size 58 - 70 cm Wingspan: 110 to 135cm
1.2 - 1.6 kg
Height
Weight

To hear ‘Birds Tweeting’ scan this QR Code.
To scan the QR Code, use your existing
barcode reader APP or download free "QR
Bar code scanner" APP

Northern Pintail

Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) is found in the wetlands, and is a common and widespread winter visitor in India.
Derived from the Latin word ‘acus’ meaning ‘needle’, the species name, acuta, refers to their characteristic
sharply-pointed ‘pintail’. Springing into flight from the water’s surface, these ducks do not require a running take-
off and are distinguished in the air by their line formation. Northern Pintails are slender ducks, having long sharp
tail, for which they are named thus. These aquatic birds are at ease on both water and land where they often
forage with their uniquely built mouth. Their streamlined bodies help them fly long distances during migration at
great speed. They are endowed with unique appearance and quiet nature that makes them highly adorable. They
inhabit different geographical regions throughout the world, as they travel extensively during winters.

Size 59 - 76 cm Wingspan: 80 to 95 cm To hear ‘Birds Tweeting’ scan this QR Code.
450 - 1360 gms To scan the QR Code, use your existing
Height barcode reader APP or download free "QR
Bar code scanner" APP
Weight

39 | 40



41 | 42

Eurasian Wigeon

The Eurasian Wigeon (Mareca penelope) belongs to the family Anatidae. The Eurasian
Wigeon is distributed in Europe and Asia. In rare occasions they are seen in United
States.

The Eurasian Wigeon is a medium sized bird. The male bird is larger than the female.
The female wigeon has a dull light brown plumage. The breeding male wigeon has grey
flanks and back, with a black rear end and a dark green speculum. There is a bright
white patch on the upper wings, obvious in flight or at rest. The breast region is pinkish,
belly is white and the chestnut coloured head has a creamy crown. Breeding wigeon
birds prefer shallow lakes and water bodies with submerged, floating and emerging

vegetation.

Size 45 - 50 cm Wingspan: 75 to 85 cm
500 - 800 gms
Height
Weight

To hear ‘Birds Tweeting’ scan this QR Code. To scan
the QR Code, use your existing barcode reader APP
or download free "QR Bar code scanner" APP

43 | 44



Gadwall

Gadwall (Anas strepera) is a common winter visitor in India. Gadwall generally prefers freshwater reedy marshes and water bodies. It is gregarious, and keeps itself
near emergent vegetation. The Gadwall duck species is a medium sized bird and the males are larger than females. The breeding male Gadwall is patterned grey
with chestnut wings. The speculum feathers are brilliant white, visible during flight as well as resting. The rear is black. The Gadwall females are patterned brown.
The female vocal call is a quack. The drake sounds a grunt 'nheck' and a whistle. The Gadwall duck species inhabit open wetlands, grasslands, marshes, eutrophic
lakes with abundant emergent vegetation and slow flowing waters.

Size 45 - 60 cm Wingspan: 85 to 95 cm To hear ‘Birds Tweeting’ scan this QR Code.
650 - 1000 gms To scan the QR Code, use your existing
Height barcode reader APP or download free “QR
Weight Bar code scanner” APP

45 | 46