Assam Bird Monitoring Network (ABMN) was founded in January 2020 during Assam’s Magh Bihu celebrations. During this time, ABMN launched the state’s first citizen science initiative, the Bihu Bird Count, in collaboration with Bird Count India.
Bihu festivals are deeply connected to nature and agricultural cycles, with birds and trees featuring prominently in Bihu songs and folklore. ABMN’s concept stemmed from this connection, aiming to add a nature-watching element to the festivities, alongside the usual focus on food, dance, and prayers.
With support from mentors from institutions like Nature Conservation Foundation, Cotton University, and Bodoland University, ABMN held its inaugural bird count (Magh Bihu Bird Count) from 11th to 13th January, 2020.
Celebrations of nature and many agricultural cycles are linked to the Bihu festival, along with birds and trees which are the subject matter of Bihu songs and folklore. The concept therefore began with the notion of adding an event to the celebration where someone might attentively watch the flora and fauna in addition to food, dance, and prayers. With support from mentors belonging to prestigious organisations such as NCF, Cotton University, Bodoland University
Bird Counts & Events
The Bihu Bird Count, held across all three Bihu festivals (Magh, Rongali, and Kati Bihu), aims to document Assam’s avian diversity while fostering public awareness of its birdlife. Each Bihu coincides with distinct bird occurrences. For example, Magh Bihu marks the arrival of migratory birds escaping the harsh northern winter. Rongali Bihu falls during the season when summer migrants arrive in Assam, while migratory birds depart. Kati Bihu coincides with the presence of some notable vagrants and passage migrants. This seasonal alignment led to the concept of creating a comprehensive documentation process through bird surveys across different seasons.
Today, the initiative encompasses every district in Assam with active birdwatching participation.
Header Image: White-winged Duck Asarcornis scutulata © Nabamita Ray/ Macaulay Library
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