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The Mystery Of Jatinga’s Suicidal Birds
Overhead view of Jatinga Village, Dima Hasao, Assam. Image Source: Wikimedia commons.
Jatinga is a small village located in the Borai Hills of Dima Hasao district in the state of Assam, Northeast India. It is known for its lush green and picturesque landscapes, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and tourists. This small village has a population of just over 2000 (2011 Census), primarily consisting of Khasi-Pnar and Assamese people.
This hamlet is known globally for its unique and mysterious bird phenomenon that occurs between the months of September to November. This enigmatic phenomenon is colloquially referred to as “bird suicides”, as various bird species become disoriented and are attracted to artificial lights, causing them to collide with objects and structures, resulting in their deaths. It has intrigued ornithologists and bird enthusiasts worldwide, as they seek to understand the underlying causes of this phenomenon.
A dead sparrow in Jatinga. Image source: Wikimedia commons
The phenomenon occurs during moonless nights when specific climatic conditions are met. These conditions include a South-West to North-East wind direction, thick fog or mist, and light drizzling. When the mist-laden southerly wind passes over Jatinga, the birds are attracted to pockets which have a light source. The consistent northward approach of the birds to an illuminated ridge highlights a pattern in their behaviour, further supporting the argument that certain environmental cues guide their flight path.
Some researchers suggest that unusual magnetic or electromagnetic pull in the area during a specific time period disorients the birds' navigation systems, causing them to collide with objects. Some others believe that adverse weather conditions during the late monsoon season such as thick fog and strong winds cause the birds’ deaths. Another popular belief suggests that the bright lights used by the villagers to fish at night attracts the birds. The birds might mistake these lights for the moon or stars, leading them to fly towards the light source and plunge to their deaths.
The various tribal communities living in and around the area have their own variations of folktales related to this mysterious phenomenon. The Zeme Nagas, who were the first to settle in Jatinga in the 1890s, witnessed this strange phenomenon when their campfires attracted the birds. They eventually deserted the settlement as they believed the birds to be evil spirits descending from the sky. The Jaintias, under the leadership of Lakhanbang Suchiang, moved to Jatinga in 1905 and noticed the same strange behaviour of the birds. They regarded the birds’ behaviour as a ‘Gift of God.’ Such local narratives provide valuable insights on how different communities perceived and reacted to the unique event, which became popularly known as Jatinga Bird Phenomenon.
Birds getting pulled towards lights in Jatinga. Image Source: Youtube
Bird watching tower Jatinga. Image source: youtube.
Many kinds of birds can be seen in Jatinga during this phenomenon, like the Indian Ruddy, Kingfisher, Indian Pitta, Green Pigeon, Sparrow, Spotted Dove, Quail, Great Barbet, Long-tailed Broadbill, spotted Fork-tails, and many more.
Over time, the local communities discovered it to be an annual occurrence and began to kill the birds for their meat. In the early 1940s, they began using petromax lamps to trap the birds. With growing conservation concerns such practices have been discouraged, and the local communities are now engaged in efforts to protect these exotic migratory birds. This change in behaviour is a positive step towards the sustainable coexistence of humans and wildlife in the region. It also aligns with broader conservation goals and efforts to maintain the natural balance of ecosystems.
The Dima Hasao Autonomous Council organises the annual Jatinga Festival to promote and celebrate this strange phenomenon. The Jatinga Festival includes activities such as cultural performances, arts and crafts exhibitions, and stalls selling local wares. But the main attraction of the festival are the bird-watching excursions, where visitors can witness the phenomenon at close quarters. Such events and other conservation efforts not only highlights the natural wonder of Jatinga, but also allows for promotion of the rich cultural heritage of the region.
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