Migratory birds stop in the Manohara River region of Kathmandu Valley because it provides food, resting places, and suitable wetland habitat during their long journeys. Despite increasing urbanization, the riverbanks, shallow water, muddy shores, and nearby agricultural fields offer important temporary refuges for migrating birds.
The Manohara River is sometimes referred to as the “Mini Koshi” because of its destructive flooding, reminiscent of the Koshi River. Like Koshi Tappu, its wetlands also attract a variety of bird species, making it an important habitat for resident and migratory birds.
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A pair of Black-winged Stilts (प्रवालपाद) wading together in a shallow wetland. |
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| Manohara River, a stopover for migratory birds in Kathmandu Valley. |
Why do migratory birds stop in the Manohara region?
1. Abundant food
Shallow water and muddy riverbanks provide insects, worms, small crustaceans, molluscs, and other invertebrates. These are important food sources for shorebirds such as Little Ringed Plovers, Pacific Golden Plovers, and Whimbrels.
2. A place to rest and regain energy
Long-distance migration requires enormous amounts of energy. Birds pause at suitable wetlands to rest, feed, and replenish their fat reserves before continuing their journeys.
3. Suitable river and farmland habitat
The Manohara River's shallow stretches, exposed riverbanks, and nearby farmland offer different feeding and resting opportunities for waterbirds, shorebirds, and other migratory species.
4. A stopover along a migration route
Birds travelling between their breeding grounds and wintering areas may use Kathmandu Valley wetlands as temporary stopovers. Some stay briefly, while others remain longer if food and habitat conditions are favourable.
Why is Manohara especially important?
The Manohara River provides valuable wetland habitat within a rapidly urbanizing landscape. Its shallow water, exposed shorelines, mudflats, and nearby farmland can support a variety of birds.
Examples of migratory birds found in the Manohara area include:
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Pacific Golden Plover: Feeds on suitable open ground and wetland edges.
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Little Ringed Plover: Searches for food along shallow water and exposed muddy or sandy shores.
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Whimbrel: Probes soft mud for invertebrates.
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Gadwall: Uses wetlands for feeding and resting during the winter.
What threatens these birds?
Manohara's wetland habitat faces pressure from river pollution, construction, encroachment, sand extraction, and the loss of natural riverbanks. These changes can reduce food availability and disturb resting birds.
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| Rapid urbanization along the Manohara River. |
Protecting shallow-water areas, mudflats, natural riverbanks, and nearby farmland is essential to preserving this seasonal refuge.
In simple terms: Migratory birds stop at Manohara because it offers a place to feed, rest, and regain energy during migration. Protecting this wetland can help birds complete journeys spanning thousands of kilometres.
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