Mass Bird Suicide: The Mystery of Jatinga, Assam
Jatinga is a small village in Assam, a northeastern state of India, known for its scenic beauty, rich culture, and diverse wildlife. However, Jatinga also has a dark and mysterious reputation as the place where birds commit suicide. Every year, during the months of September and October, hundreds of birds fly towards the village at night and plunge to their death. This phenomenon has baffled scientists, locals, and tourists for over a century, and has given Jatinga the nickname of "the valley of death for birds".
What happens in Jatinga?
The mass bird suicide in Jatinga occurs only on dark and foggy nights, between 6 pm and 9:30 pm, and only in a specific area of 1.5 km by 200 m. According to some reports, 44 species of birds are affected by this phenomenon, including kingfishers, drongos, herons, egrets, and hill partridges. The birds fly disoriented and confused towards the lights of the village, and crash into trees, buildings, or the ground. Some of them die instantly, while others are injured and captured by the villagers.
The phenomenon was first noticed by the local tribes in 1905, when they were searching for a buffalo that was killed by a tiger. They saw the birds flying erratically towards their torches and falling to the ground. They believed that the birds were evil spirits sent by some supernatural force to harm them. They started killing the birds with bamboo poles and nets, and considered it a good omen.
What are the possible explanations?
The mass bird suicide in Jatinga has been a subject of curiosity and research for many years. Several theories have been proposed to explain this bizarre behaviour of the birds, but none of them are conclusive or satisfactory.
One theory suggests that the birds are attracted by the artificial lights of the village, which act as a source of stability in the dark and foggy conditions. The birds lose their sense of direction and orientation due to the high altitude, high winds, and low visibility. They fly towards the lights hoping to find a safe place to land, but end up crashing into obstacles or falling prey to predators.
Another theory suggests that the birds are affected by some changes in the magnetic field or the underground water currents in Jatinga. These changes may alter the biological clock or the navigational system of the birds, making them fly at night instead of during the day. The birds may also be disturbed by some seismic activity or atmospheric pressure in the region.
A third theory suggests that the birds are not suicidal at all, but are victims of human intervention. The villagers may have deliberately lured the birds with lights or sounds to hunt them for food or sport. The birds may also have been poisoned or infected by some disease that makes them weak or disoriented.
What are the implications of this phenomenon?
The mass bird suicide in Jatinga has raised several ethical and ecological concerns. The phenomenon has resulted in a significant loss of bird population and biodiversity in the region. The phenomenon has also exposed the lack of awareness and conservation among the locals and the authorities. The phenomenon has also attracted unwanted attention and exploitation from outsiders who visit Jatinga for thrill or curiosity.
However, some positive steps have been taken to protect and preserve the birds and their habitat in Jatinga. Several wildlife organizations and bird experts have visited Jatinga to study and educate the villagers about the phenomenon. They have also tried to discourage them from killing or capturing the birds, and encouraged them to appreciate their beauty and value. Some initiatives have also been taken to promote eco-tourism and bird-watching in Jatinga, which can generate income and awareness for the locals.
The mass bird suicide in Jatinga is still an unsolved mystery that fascinates and intrigues many people around the world. It is a unique phenomenon that challenges our understanding of nature and its mysteries. It is also a reminder of our responsibility towards our fellow creatures and our environment.
Source
(1) Jatinga Bird Suicide Mystery - Valley of Death for Birds - Mysterioustrip. https://mysterioustrip.com/jatinga-bird-suicide/.
(2) Jatinga Bird Deaths – Jatinga, India - Atlas Obscura. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/jatinga-bird-suicide.
(3) Birds Suicide - LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/birds-suicide-jayadeva-de-silva.
(4) Spooky Happenings: Find Out Why Birds Commit Suicide at Jatinga in Assam. https://www.india.com/travel/articles/spooky-happenings-find-out-why-birds-commit-suicide-at-jatinga-in-assam-3231271/.
(5) Jatinga, Assam is the Mass Suicide Place for the Migratory Birds - LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/jatinga-assam-mass-suicide-place-migratory-birds-cooltraveland-tours.
FAQ's
Why birds die in Jatinga?
When the disturbed birds fly towards lights as refuge they are hit with bamboo poles and killed or injured.
Why Jatinga valley is called the valley of death for birds?
The reason behind this is bird suicide. Yes, birds from different parts come to this village to not migrate or mate but to commit suicide every year. Between the months of September and November, hundreds of birds fly down to this village and commit suicide here.
What is the mystery of Jatinga birds?
Mass bird suicide occurs mainly between September- October on moonless nights. 44 species of birds in Jatinga abruptly become disturbed between the hours of 6.00-9.30 pm.
Where is the place of suicidal birds?
Jatinga, a small tribal village and Assam's only hill station, is known for the mysterious suicide of birds during certain weeks of the year. Jatinga, a small tribal village and Assam's only hill station, is known for the mysterious suicide of birds during certain weeks of the year.
