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Feathered Fashionistas: Birds Undergo Dramatic Makeovers for Breeding
27 Sep, 2025
Summary
- Birds shed their looks as often as clouds change shape
- Waterbirds and rain-synchronized birds breed more often due to frequent showers
- Pheasant-tailed jacanas seen frequently in residential areas of Chennai
As of September 27th, 2025, birds in Chennai have been undergoing dramatic makeovers, shedding their looks as often as clouds change shape. This is particularly true for waterbirds and species whose breeding cycles are synchronized with the rains.
According to ornithologist V. Santharam, the recent increase in the frequency of the South West Monsoon in Chennai has provided ideal breeding conditions for many waterbirds. These birds are now taking advantage of the abundant resources and are raising more clutches than before.
One such species is the pheasant-tailed jacana, which has been frequently spotted in residential neighborhoods in Perumbakkam, hopping across the floating lily pads. This "lily trotter" is known for its dramatically different plumage during the breeding season, and the recent showers have allowed it to showcase its breeding attire more often.
Conversely, when the ideal conditions are absent, birds may skip a breeding cycle altogether, as their gonadal morphology responds to the availability of resources. But in the case of Chennai, the waterbirds and rain-synchronized species are thriving, making the most of the fruitful South West Monsoon.
