Bhubaneswar, Dec. 17 -- Odisha's Forest and Environment Department will begin a statewide bird census across key wetlands and forests from January 6, 2026, focusing on migratory species arriving at prime sites such as Chilika, Nalaban, Manglajodi, Hirakud, and Nandankanan, official sources informed on Wednesday.

The initiative aims to monitor bird populations and support conservation efforts.

Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia announced that the Tourism Department will also assist in this bird head count effort. Recent observations indicate that temperatures have dropped by two to three Degrees Celsius, creating favourable conditions for migratory birds.

Alongside census of the winged guests, the department plans ...