Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Wildlife Sanctuary

Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary in Darbhanga, Bihar, spans about 7,019 acres, including 14 waterlogged villages in the Kusheshwar Asthan block. It was established in 1994 and features wetlands, marshes, and grasslands nourished by monsoon rains and river overflows. The sanctuary is named after the nearby Kusheshwar Asthan Shiva temple, a significant pilgrimage site.

It is a vital habitat for over 160 bird species, including endangered migratory birds like the Siberian crane, Dalmatian pelican, bar-headed goose, and Indian darter, which visit between October and March. Resident birds include Indian peafowl and grey heron. Besides birds, the sanctuary supports diverse aquatic life and other wildlife, living in a rich ecosystem of water hyacinths and native grasses.

Despite legal protection, challenges such as wetland shrinkage from agriculture and water diversion threaten its ecology. Visitors can explore the area on foot or by boat and enjoy watching birds from observation points. The sanctuary plays an important role in biodiversity conservation and offers a peaceful natural retreat near Darbhanga.