Top 9 places in India to Spot the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper
Discover 9 top places in India where you might spot the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper—an elusive shorebird with fewer than 500 left worldwide.
The Spoon-billed Sandpiper (Calidris pygmaea), with its distinctive spoon-shaped bill, is one of the world’s most critically endangered shorebirds, with fewer than 500 remaining globally. India, part of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, provides crucial wintering grounds. Though sightings are rare, patient birders may spot this elusive species at select coastal wetlands across the subcontinent. Here are a few places in India where—if luck is on your side—you just might catch a glimpse. (Representative image: Canva)
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1. Chilika Lake, Odisha Widely regarded as Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, Chilika Lake is a renowned winter refuge for numerous migratory birds. The Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, a protected island within the lake, is particularly significant. Between November and February, this sanctuary transforms into a haven where Spoon-billed Sandpipers have occasionally been recorded among the diverse sandpiper assemblage. (Representative image: Canva)
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2. Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu Point Calimere, a coastal expanse of shallow waters, mudflats, and seasonal lagoons, offers a rare Indian foothold for the Spoon-billed Sandpiper. Sightings here, mostly from October to January, attest to the sanctuary’s importance as a suitable habitat along the bird’s arduous migratory route. It remains one of the few confirmed Indian sites for this species, underlining its conservation significance. (Representative image: Canva)
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3. Bhitarkanika Mangroves, Odisha While not a common haunt, Bhitarkanika’s rich mangrove ecosystem, known primarily for its heronries and diverse birdlife, has witnessed occasional Spoon-billed Sandpiper visits. This sanctuary, extending from October to March, underscores the bird’s extensive reliance on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and the critical need to preserve such habitats. (Representative image: Canva)
4. Krishna Estuary, Andhra Pradesh The Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary’s mangrove wetlands provide essential roosting and feeding grounds during the winter months. From November to April, the sanctuary forms part of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper’s migratory circuit, though sightings are scarce. Those fortunate to visit may encounter this tiny wader in its fragile coastal habitat. (Representative image: Canva)
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5. Bakkhali and Fraserganj Mudflats, West Bengal Situated in the Indian Sundarbans, the mudflats of Bakkhali and Fraserganj offer a vital wintering ground. February and March mark the prime months for potential sightings of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper here. The Sundarbans’ vast intertidal zones play an indispensable role for many migratory shorebirds, and this critically endangered sandpiper is among them. (Representative image: Canva)
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6. Kadalundi Estuary, Kerala At the confluence of the Kadalundi River and the Arabian Sea lies the Kadalundi-Vallikunnu Community Reserve. Between October and March, this estuarine sanctuary becomes a sanctuary not only for diverse migratory birds but occasionally, for the elusive Spoon-billed Sandpiper. Its unique ecosystem offers a rare glimpse into the bird’s habitat preferences in southern India. (Representative image: Canva)
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7. Kolleru Bird Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh Recognised as a Ramsar wetland, Kolleru Lake supports an impressive diversity of resident and migratory birds. Between October and March, it serves as a critical refuge for several species, including the Spoon-billed Sandpiper. Conservation efforts here are vital to safeguarding one of the few remaining habitats suitable for this endangered shorebird. (Representative image: Canva)
8. Pulicat Lake (Andhra Pradesh/Tamil Nadu) Pulicat Lake, straddling the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, is famed for its spectacular flamingo congregations. Yet birders attentive to subtler avian visitors may encounter the Spoon-billed Sandpiper among the seasonal migrants. The October to March period offers the best chance to spot these diminutive sandpipers amidst Pulicat’s extensive mudflats and coastal lagoons. (Representative image: Canva)
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9. Deepor Beel, Assam Though the primary wintering grounds of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper lie further east in Bangladesh and Myanmar, Deepor Beel in Assam has recorded occasional sightings. Between November and March, this freshwater wetland reserve acts as a vital stopover and potential winter habitat for several migratory birds, underscoring its ecological importance within the region. (Representative image: Canva)
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Encounters with the Spoon-billed Sandpiper in India remain exceedingly uncommon, their rarity lending a mystique that only intensifies the allure for serious birdwatchers. Spotting one demands a combination of patience, precise timing, and perhaps a touch of fortune. Yet, for those who succeed, the experience is a profound reminder of the fragile beauty of our natural world—and the urgent need to preserve it. (Representative image: Canva)
