VEDANTHANGAL AND KARIKILI BIRD'S SANCTUARIES

A grove of Barringatonia and Acacia nilotica trees in a tank from part of the sanctuary. in addition dry evergreen scrub and thorn forests can also be seen. Both these sanctuaries are situated in
Kancheepuram district and sprawling in 30-ha and 61-ha area respectively. Vedanthangal is the oldest birds sanctuary in the country. The villagers had documented their right to project the winged visitors to this sanctuary. The migrating birds come from far-off lands like Siberia, Australia, Pakistan and Srilanka for nesting and breeding.
Breeding birds like Cormorants, Ergets, Grey Heron, Open billed stork, Darter, Spoonbill, Whiteibris, Night Herons, Grebes, Grey Pelican etc visit the sanctuary. The population of migratory birds included Garganey Teals, Shovellers, Pintails, Stilts, Sandpipers etc. Some of the resident birds listed are coots and Moorhen, Terns. In all 115 species of birds have been recorded in this sanctuary.