Nature and Life Episode 149 (Gulls and Terns)

The Himalayan range of north and the Bay of Bengal of south have made Bangladesh the largest delta of the world.
For that Bangladesh is known as one of the submerged countries of the world.
Numerous rivers, haors, baors, beels are available in here.
As a source of feeding and shelter these water bodies remain full with various colorful birds throughout the year.
Various migratory birds join with other birds during winter.
Gulls and Terns are common among them.
They are seen to roam in almost all wetlands of our country.
Beside beautification, they are also vital for aquatic ecosystem.
All 5 species of Gulls found in our country are migratory.
They mainly migrate here to avoid severity of winter.
Among them Brown-headed Gull, Common Black-headed Gull and Heuglin's Gull are common.
But Brown-headed Gull is the most common in our country.
They are medium sized water bird.
They can be seen roaming in all types of wetlands of our country.
This grey bird has white belly.
While flying, it can be easily identified by white tips on its wings.
During breeding season its head become blackish-brown.
Great black-headed Gull is the biggest Gull of our country.
These usually quiet birds love to stay in flocks.
These white birds have yellow leg and bill.
They look beautiful with reddish ring on their yellow bill.
Their body color change during breeding season.
They look wonderful at that time.
Their head become black.
While flying the white radiance of their belly gives nature a new color.
Some Yellow legged Gulls and Heuglin's Gulls can also be seen in our country.
Heuglin's Gulls have blackish wings and bright white belly.
They look wonderful in breeding season with black marks on the back of their neck.
They often call loudly and fly around.
Common Black-headed Gulls are mainly seen in saltwater wetlands.
Medium sized these birds are grey colored.
During breeding season their white head become black.
For that reason they are called Common Black-headed Gulls.
All species of Gulls usually have round shaped tail.
They can hunt large prey because of their strong thick bill.
12 species of Terns can be seen in our country.
But Common Tern and Little Tern are most commonly seen.
Majority of the species of Terns have forked tail.
They have long pointed bill.
Their rhythmic flight over wetlands rejuvenates nature.
Some of their species roam in our country throughout the year and some species migrate to our country in winter.
Though Common Terns love to stay on sea, they can also be seen in other wetlands of our country.
Their white feathered head become black during breeding season.
This transformed color look almost like a cap on the head.
Little Terns are tiny white colored bird.
They are resident bird of Bangladesh.
They look wonderful with their white forehead in breeding plumage.
Both sexes look alike.
Indian Skimmers also belong to Gulls' and Terns' family.
Characteristically Indian Skimmers are similar to Gulls and Terns.
Bright red billed these birds roam in flocks in our coastal areas.
Gulls and Terns usually stay in flocks.
Sometimes they roam alone and sometimes as couple.
They mostly forage for feeding by flying near water surface.
Sometimes they follow marine vessels in quest of feeding.
If found, they swiftly catch their prey.
They usually feed on small fishes, shrimp, insects etc.
For their feeding habit, they are inseparable part of aquatic ecosystem.
They are vitally contributing in aquatic ecosystem by feeding on dead and diseased fishes.
Moreover, they are fertilizing wetlands with their droppings.
But water pollution is pushing these birds towards endangerment.
Some of their species are now endangered due to loss of habitat and breeding ground.
As a result, other organisms related to these birds are also endangered.
The number of Gulls and Terns will gradually decrease, if water pollution and scarcity of food persist.
We all have to be more active to conserve these ecologically vital birds.