‘Wetlands‘ – generally refers to open-water surroundings like lakes, rivers, estuaries, marshes, lagoons, backwaters, mangroves, swamps, seasonally or permanently waterlogged areas of land. This term excludes the sea. Most of these wetlands are basically natural ecosystems, which are alleviated over the years, while retaining their natural characteristics.

There are various species of birds, which live in or near wetlands. These types of birds feed, breed and nest in wetlands. Some of those birds live here permanently while others migrate each year.

Amongst more than 1200 bird species found in India, around 23% are totally or partially wetland dependent.

In a nutshell, many bird groups are dependent on wetlands for food, water, nesting and living space.