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Polluted Tank Becomes Unexpected Haven for Migratory Birds
12 Oct
Summary
- Singanallur tank in Coimbatore hosts migratory birds despite pollution
- Shoreline and shallow water areas attract diverse bird species
- Rare sighting of Red-necked Phalarope, an Arctic migrant, at the tank
As of October 12th, 2025, Singanallur tank in Coimbatore, India has become an unexpected haven for migratory birds, despite being polluted with sewage and plastic waste. According to the Coimbatore Nature Society (CNS), the presence of shoreline and shallow water areas, which are absent in other local tanks, has attracted a diverse array of migratory bird species to the site.
The tank used to host a large variety of birds, including migratory species, around 15 years ago. However, it had become less friendly to birds due to factors like increased water levels, fishing, and pollution. But the recent sightings of birds like the Red-necked Phalarope, an Arctic migrant, have underscored the tank's potential as a vital stopover for long-distance migrants along the regional flyway.
Other species spotted at the tank in recent days include Little Stint, Temminck's Stint, Ruff, Lesser Sand Plover, Whiskered Tern, Western Marsh Harrier, Eurasian Spoonbill, and more. The CNS president, P.R. Selvaraj, noted that the tank's shoreline and shallow water areas have made it one of the few waterbodies in Coimbatore that can accommodate wading birds during the ongoing migratory season.
