Home / Environment / Goa's Plateau: A Birdwatcher's Paradise and Migratory Haven
Goa's Plateau: A Birdwatcher's Paradise and Migratory Haven
12 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Sirocco Plateau hosts over 235 bird species, including raptors.
- Montagu's harriers migrate thousands of kilometers to winter in Goa.
- Amur falcons undertake a vast migration from Siberia and China.
The Sirocco Plateau in North Goa is a remarkable natural sanctuary, boasting a diverse avian population of over 235 species. This ancient laterite table-land transforms from lush greenery during the monsoon to golden grasslands in the dry season, attracting birdwatchers and photographers alike.
Among its notable residents and visitors are various raptors, including the Montagu's harrier. These birds undertake an astonishing migration of approximately 5000 km from Central Asia to spend their winters in India, demonstrating remarkable site fidelity. The plateau also offers sightings of Brahminy kites and, with luck, the rare Amur falcon.
The Amur falcon's migration is particularly noteworthy, spanning from Southeast Siberia and Northern China to Eastern and Southern Africa. Conservation efforts in areas like Pangti village in Nagaland have successfully shifted communities from hunting to protecting these birds, highlighting a successful model for species preservation through community involvement and tourism.
