Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary

Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary got its name from its neighbouring village, located in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the biggest habitats for some hundreds of pelicans and other birds. It is located about 20 km north of the Pulicat Lake on the Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border. This sanctuary spread in an area about 459 hectares and plays important role in nesting of various birds especially migratory birds. Every year during winter season from October to March, different species of migratory birds, roosting migrants and some rare and endangered species from various parts of the world visit the habitat. 

The Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is located just near the Pulicat Lake, which is the second largest salt lake in all of India. The easy accessibility to the sanctuary from nearby major towns and cities is a bonus, which makes this destination on the top of the list of places to visit in Andhra Pradesh. It is an important breeding site for spot-billed pelicans (Pelecanus philippensis). The Sanctuary is divided into the following components: Kallur Reserve Forest Area (288.14 ha), Nelapattu Tank Area (82.56 ha) and Unreserved Forest Area (88.22 ha). The Sanctuary supports the largest pelicanry of Spot-billed or Grey Pelican Pelecanus philippensis in India. It is also a breeding site for the White or Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus, Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans, Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax, and Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger. It is a haven for a broad spectrum of bird species for both breeding and roosting.

It is enlisted amongst the largest habitats of pelicans in Southeast Asia. Apart from these, it also shelters a number of native and migratory birds and serves as a breeding ground for numerous rare and endangered species of birds. Spanning over an area of 404 square kilometers, the sanctuary derives its name from Nelapattu village situated nearby. In Addison to these, the sanctuary is also home for many numbers of animals. Reptiles like Snakes, Tortoises and Monitor Lizard and mammals like Slender Loris and Jackals are commonly found here. Birds of Nelapaĥu Bird Sanctuary Some of the common birds found in Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary are Spoon Bill, Liĥle Cormorant, Painted Stork, Open Billed Stork, Night Heron, White Ibis, Spoĥed Belied Pelican and others. Other birds that can be also spoĥed in the sanctuary include Waders, Night Heron, Coot, Open Billed Stork, Flamingos, Pelicans, Babblers and many more. The birds of Nelapattu  Bird Sanctuary usually nest and perch in the foreshore areas which creates a mesmerizing scene for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers. During winter season around 2000 migratory birds belonging to 160 species arrive in the sanctuary. Among these, Pelicans form a major group.12 species of amphibians, 30 species of reptiles, the snakes belonging 5 families and mammals like Jackles, Slender loris were found in the sanctuary. Another highlight of the sanctuary is a deer park which shelters about 20 deer.

The famous festival 'Flamingo' is also organised here by the government every year in January and witnesses huge footfall. What adds to the beauty of the sanctuary other than the breathtakingly beautiful bird species found here is the strategic location of the sanctuary.  It is one of the biggest  pelicanery having approximately 1500  pelicans (Pelecanus philippensis) breeding and roosting. It is also an ideal roosting and breeding for long distant and local migrant birds. Vertical gradient and resource partitioning of migratory birds on Barringtonia tree in Nelapattu  Bird Sanctuary is being observed.  A gradual and natural domination of open bill storks is observed over a period of time.  

Flamingo Festival is being organised for the past 12 years. Migratory birds from Siberia have visit this place during winter season for breeding. Somewhere between 9,000 to 12,000 migratory birds arrive at Pulicat region for breeding this season.Usually around 80 different avian species migrate to Pulicat for breeding. They hunt in shallow waters of lake and breed there. Once the breeding season concludes, they fly away to their native land with their offspring in tow.This festival provides a unique opportunity for people, particularly ornithologists, environmentalists, bird watchers, forest and tourism officials.

In the year 1976, Pulicat Wildlife department established bird sanctuary at Nelapattu.  Nelapattu, named after village of the same name in Doravani Sathram Mandal of Nellore district.