Arctic Terns

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Context: A huge flock of Arctic Terns has arrived at the Gulf of Mannar Marine biosphere reserve.

• Migration of birds occurs every year over the Central Asian Flyway; more birds are being seen this year compared to previous years.
• The population of the migratory birds that has got to to the Gulf of Mannar till now is far more than seen in previous years.
• The seasonal ritual of migration occurs every year over the Central Asian Flyway (CAF), comprising 29 countries including Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, India, Bhutan, Myanmar and Maldives.
• The CAF is the shortest flyway in the world.
• On this route, the migratory birds travelling on the east of CAF also halt at the adjoining sanctuary habitats in Dhanushkodi and other water bodies and inter-tidal shores.
• The Arctic birds begin their journey through India from the Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha, and fly over to Kanniyakumari, the southern-most tip of coastal Tamil Nadu.
• When birds return to the same undisturbed habitats in search of food and rest, it indicates a healthy environment.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/arctic-terns-arrive-in-the-thousands-to-gulf-of-mannar-marine-national-park/article37185246.ece?homepage=true