Bird fauna of Pakistan is predominantly Palearctic, especially in the winter time with an influx of migrant species. When it comes to the family Anatidae, Pakistan is home to many waterfowls, ducks, geese and swans. Few of them are native and majority is the migrant birds that stay in the moderate regions of Pakistan for breeding and to raise their youngs.  According to the zoologists, the distance covered by these birds during migration is around 4500 kilometers. They come from the colder regions of Russia, Siberia and Central Asia to the wetlands to Afghanistan, Karakorum range, across river Indus in Pakistan and finally towards India. During their journey, the birds make stopovers at lakes and water basins at Nowshera, Tanda Dam in Kohat, Swat, Chitral, and Punjab and at Haleji, Keenjaar and Lungsee lakes in Sindh. Likewise, Nara Canal in Khairpur and Drigh Lake in Larkana are also some noteworthy and excellent bird watching sites in the province of Sindh.

 Threats to the Waterfowls of Pakistan

The environment for these waterfowls in Pakistan is becoming endangered for which the worldwide wildlife experts have growing concerns. Wildlife experts believe that some 80 per cent decline has been witnessed in the population of migratory birds in Punjab province in recent years mainly due to vanishing of forests, hunting, poaching, environmental pollution and massive agricultural activities. The UN has also warned that 84 per cent of migratory birds have the potential to be affected by climate change. Lowered water tables, changes in food supplies and prey range, rising sea levels, and increased storm frequency are the biggest threats to birds. The authorities have to take serious notice as the situation is quite alarming for these waterfowls and other migratory birds in Pakistan. They contribute a lot to the ecology of the country and their resting areas are the major tourist attraction as well.

Look at these amazing waterfowls of Pakistan; it includes both the native and the migratory ducks,geese and swans.