Pallid Harrier and European Roller Arrive at Masai Plateau

Migratory birds, including the Pallid Harrier and European Roller, began arriving at Kolhapur’s Masai Plateau with the onset of winter in late October 2026. Montagu’s Harrier and Lesser Kestrel were also sighted in the area. The birds travel thousands of kilometres from regions including Central Asia, Russia, Kazakhstan and Africa.

Migratory Bird Sightings

The European Roller was observed on 26 October 2026 in the hilly areas of Mahe in Karveer taluka, Kolhapur district. It was the first recorded sighting of this species in that specific area, observed by local birdwatcher Sangram Patil. The Pallid Harrier and other migratory species were sighted at Masai Plateau around 28 October 2026. Many migratory birds visit the region during October and November. The Pallid Harrier and Montagu’s Harrier are birds of prey, while the European Roller feeds mainly on insects.

Migration and Habitat

Migratory birds move between breeding and wintering grounds, often crossing national boundaries and travelling long distances. Central Asia and parts of Russia and Kazakhstan are among the regions from which birds reach India during the winter season. Some species also migrate between Europe and Africa. The grasslands and wetlands of Kolhapur provide habitat for birds of prey and insect-eating species. Water bodies, vegetation and insect populations form parts of the habitat and food resources used by these birds. Birdwatchers observed fewer migratory birds this year than in previous years. The lower count has been attributed to changing weather patterns linked to El Niño. Reduced rainfall can affect vegetation and insect populations, while shrinking water bodies can reduce available water and food resources.

Masai Plateau Conservation Status

The Masai Plateau was designated a conservation reserve on 2 December 2022. Under Section 36A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, state governments may declare government-owned areas as conservation reserves after consulting local communities. The designation applies to the plateau’s ecological protection and to controlling harmful human activities.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Pallid Harrier is a migratory bird of prey in the family Accipitridae.
• The European Roller belongs to the family Coraciidae and the order Coraciiformes.
• Section 36A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, provides for the declaration of conservation reserves.
• El Niño is associated with periodic warming of sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.

Masai Plateau is in Kolhapur district, Maharashtra, and received conservation reserve status in 2022. The reported bird sightings took place in October 2026.