The ambitious targets of the city climate action plans will be challenging to achieve unless they focus on conserving and revitalising the bird diversity in urban India
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One of the most exhilarating experiences is waking up to the chirping sounds of birds. The early morning twitter of little birds at the window delights human ears and senses. In India, birds have been part of our culture, art and folklore for centuries and are still one of the most common wildlife in our cities. Their contribution to the urban ecosystem, such as pollination, seed dispersal, scavenging, reduction of weeds and pest control is vital. Besides, the contribution of their feathers to human warmth and comfort is well acknowledged. Along with gardening, birdwatching has emerged as a hugely popular outdoor activity. Indeed, humans have much to owe to birds.
Sadly, the ‘State of India’s Birds’ Report 2023 finds that bird species are declining. Urbanisation, environmental degradation, the expansion of physical infrastructure, and climate change are taking their toll on birds and their population. Of the 942 bird species assessed, 142 are diminishing, and only 28 are increasing. The Great Indian Bustard, White-bellied Heron, Bengal Florican and Finn’s Weaver were the most critically threatened species. On the other hand, species such as the Indian Peafowl, Rock Pigeon, Asian Koel and House Crow were found to be thriving and increasing. The study concluded that generalist species of birds had adapted wonderfully to the urban scene and were doing well.
Sadly, the ‘State of India’s Birds’ Report 2023 finds that bird species are declining. Urbanisation, environmental degradation, the expansion of physical infrastructure, and climate change are taking their toll on birds and their population.
In contrast, specialist species found survival and adaptability harder and were on the decline. Scientists at the Nature Conservation Foundation, studying bird survival, found that omnivores stand a much better chance of survival in a city where the food sources are not so diverse but plentiful. They also established that those species of birds that adopt cities as their homes are highly adaptable and learn to live with human activity and the perils of urbanisation.
Among the reasons for the decline of birds, the Report finds that urbanisation is one of the critical factors. Over time, urban expansion and constant construction have led to more and more destruction of natural habitats. This directly impacts the variety and number of birds. Reduced canopy cover, the decline in the variety of plant species and waning vegetation heterogeneity adversely affect the overall bird diversity. Pets such as cats and dogs create a ‘landscape of fear’, and many birds get killed yearly through predation. Urban noise is a further deterrent to birds that are forced to abandon habitats that were otherwise suitable.
Similarly, lights can disorient them, and glass facades of buildings are dangerous collision traps for birds, killing them in large numbers. Also, the most urbanised areas have the least number of species. They also have the least number of rare species and the fewest insectivorous species. By and large, urbanisation leads to a homogenisation of bird communities due to the increased abundance of birds adept at exploiting ecological niches, including the Rock Pigeon, Common Myna, and House Crow.
Given the adverse consequences of urbanisation on birds and their value to the cities, a conscious attempt to further their well-being must be made in urban settlements. Cities can follow a simple three-fold formula for bird rejuvenation and protection – (i) threat reduction measures for birds, (ii) protection and creation of pro-bird habitats and (iii) popular participation in the multiplication of bird-friendly neighbourhoods.
Given the adverse consequences of urbanisation on birds and their value to the cities, a conscious attempt to further their well-being must be made in urban settlements.
ULBs (urban local bodies) have the most significant role to play for the birds. The most crucial step is planting trees and shrubs and other greening efforts wherever possible. Urban planners could enhance habitats for bird diversity by safeguarding natural habitats, including terrestrial and wetland habitats, and by maximising connectivity by promoting native trees and shrubs in parks, gardens and streets. In the din, noise and pollution of cities, taller trees provide greater comfort to birds for their activities. This should be borne in mind by the municipal tree department.
Apart from other salutary contributions of trees to the city, urban trees play a vital role in wildlife conservation. They provide birds with requisite nesting sites and are a crucial food source. Their branches and leaves also harbour insects, grubs, and larvae that many bird species rely on for sustenance. Their branches and foliage provide a cover to shelter them from predators and inclement weather. They help diversify bird species and craft corridors for bird migration. Furthermore, birds like to build their nests on tree branches to lay eggs and raise their young. Community engagement programmes can supplement municipal efforts by mobilising volunteers to plant and care for trees in cities.
While promoting green infrastructure planning, ULBs should integrate trees and green spaces into urban development projects. ULBs, as far as possible, should avoid monocultural plantations or ornamental trees. Native varieties and diverse tree species, especially fruit-bearing and flowering trees, ensure suitable habitats and food sources for local bird populations. Trees that provide suitable nesting sites, such as banyan and peepal trees, should also be preferred. These simple steps regarding creating and enhancing urban green spaces, including parks and water bodies, can provide safe habitats for birds and spawn a deeper bond between humans and nature while supporting diverse bird species.
Additionally, botanical gardens, roof gardens, urban forests, and vegetation around water bodies have globally been observed as critical habitats supporting many urban birds. ULBs should avoid developing lakes and parks where native vegetation is replaced with exotic plants and green lawns. Vegetation planted in these spaces should be native and designed to maintain biodiversity.
However, not all green spaces are equal. For instance, large and more complex green spaces are shown to inhabit more birds and contain specific food and nesting requirements as compared to small and manicured parks. A water body within or around a green space also elevates the bird diversity. Dead and decaying trees may have limited aesthetic value, but they supply caterpillars and insects to insect-eating birds. Such trees are also ideal for cavity-nesting birds such as owls, parakeets, mynas, barbets, and woodpeckers, as they are easy to carve. Birds also prefer deadwood areas for protection and nesting.
Not all green spaces are equal. For instance, large and more complex green spaces are shown to inhabit more birds and contain specific food and nesting requirements as compared to small and manicured parks.
Another city design that is devastating to urban birds is the copious use of glass and glass windows on the external façade of buildings. Windows deceive birds by reflecting trees or the sky. This makes birds think that they can fly through to the other side. Many birds become casualties as they collide with these buildings, especially migrating birds, generally flying at night. Cities can reduce the amount of glass on buildings, put markings on glass that are visible to birds, or devise ways to stop reflections. Shutters and shades, for instance, can be used to hide glass so that birds are not drawn to the light emanating from windows.
At the community level, attracting birds is easy if their water, food and shelter requirements are met. Birdscaping, or creating small, bird-friendly backyard gardens equipped with food, water and shelter, is a great way to attract birds. Similarly, hanging bird feeders filled with birdseed mix and such natural food draw birds quickly since cities have limited access to natural food sources. All birds need water for drinking, cleaning feathers, and bathing. A clean water dish allows them to drink and splash. A further step is the installation of birdhouses and roosting houses on trees and walls or even windows. Singapore has successfully used green roofs and tall buildings draped with vegetation to preserve many rare bird species.
Green urban development is good for both humans and birds, and should be promoted to the fullest extent. A 2020 Bombay Natural History Society survey revealed that 85 percent of the Mumbai metropolitan region bird population suffered from extreme adverse effects from increasing concretisation. Bird diversity in India’s other metropolitan regions, including the National Capital Region, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, is similarly threatened by urbanisation. Urbanisation without considering the local ecology and environment will cause our cities to lose their bird diversity and become dominated by those few species that are hardy, clever, or adaptable to thrive. The ambitious targets of the city climate action plans will be challenging to achieve unless they focus on conserving and revitalising the bird diversity in urban India.
Ramanath Jha is a Distinguished Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation.
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Dr. Ramanath Jha is Distinguished Fellow at Observer Research Foundation, Mumbai. He works on urbanisation — urban sustainability, urban governance and urban planning. Dr. Jha belongs ...
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