Indian Skimmers Return to the Chambal River

Indian Skimmers returned to sandy islands in the Chambal River in Dholpur district, Rajasthan, in early November 2026. The forest department has begun preparations to monitor the birds and protect their seasonal movement and breeding.

Seasonal Habitat and Monitoring

Locally known as Panchira, the birds typically arrive in October–November and leave in June as the rains begin. They nest on sandy river islands, with breeding from March to June. Rajghat, Andwa Puraini, Dang Basai and Maurauli are among the Dholpur sites under special vigilance. The National Chambal Sanctuary, spread across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, is a key breeding ground; India hosts more than 90% of the species’ global breeding population.

Conservation Efforts and Threats

Conservationist Parveen Shaikh and the Bombay Natural History Society launched the Guardians of the Skimmer programme in 2017. The local population reportedly rose from about 400 birds in 2017 to around 1,000 in 2025, while nest survival increased from 14% to 27%. Threats include illegal sand mining, altered river flows, predators, cattle, human disturbance and pollution.

Important Facts for Exams

• Taxonomic placement: The Indian skimmer is one of three species in the genus Rynchops and belongs to the family Laridae.
• Skimming for prey: The Indian skimmer flies over water with its longer lower mandible skimming the surface to pick aquatic prey.
• Colony structure: Indian skimmers breed in colonies of up to 40 pairs, often alongside terns and other birds.
• Brood parasitism: Indian skimmers may lay eggs in river tern nests, a behaviour described as low-level inter-specific brood parasitism.