Migratory birds transform Rajasthan’s Sambhar lake into a pink winter wonderland

With the onset of winter, Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan has once again become a vibrant haven for foreign and domestic migratory birds. As temperatures dip across the northern hemisphere, millions of flamingos and other avian species have begun arriving at India’s largest inland saltwater lake, turning it into a striking pink panorama that lasts from late October to March.

Spread across nearly 240 sq km and spanning the Jaipur, Nagaur and Ajmer districts, Sambhar Lake attracts thousands of migratory birds every year. Among the prominent visitors are flamingos, pelicans, shovelers, waders, common cranes, pintails, bar-headed geese, greylag geese, tufted ducks and peregrine falcons. These birds travel from colder regions such as Russia, Siberia and Mongolia in search of milder climates and abundant food sources.

Bird expert Gaurav Dadheech notes that the lake’s saline waters provide ideal feeding conditions. Flamingos, which feed by filtering algae and small aquatic organisms through their specialised beaks, derive their distinctive pink hue from beta-carotene present in their diet. Besides the greater and lesser flamingos, several species of cranes, 10-12 duck varieties and numerous waders are also spotted during the winter season.

Nature enthusiast Kapil de scribes the spectacle as breathtaking, with flamingos gliding in vast groups across the water and sky creating an extraordinary attraction for tourists and photographers. During peak winter, the flamingo population often rises into the millions, with many choosing to nest and breed in the lake, contributing to a thriving ecosystem.

The stunning natural landscape and rich avifauna make Sambhar Lake a favourite winter destination for nature lovers. Visitors often return year after year to witness this mesmerising migratory spectacle that transforms the region into one of India’s most captivating birding hotspots.