In the small village of Jatinga, located in the northeastern Indian state of Assam, a bizarre phenomenon has occurring for decades. Every year, between September and November, hundreds of birds, mostly of local species, plunge to their deaths in the village. This mysterious event has been termed as the “Mass Bird Suicides of Jatinga” and has puzzled scientists and locals alike.
The phenomenon was first documented in the early 1900s when British colonial officials noticed that birds were committing suicide in large numbers in the village during the monsoon season. Since then, the incidents have been regularly occurring every year.
The birds that come to Jatinga are usually nocturnal species such as kingfishers, blue-bearded bee-eaters, and tiger bitterns, among others. They fly towards the village on dark, foggy nights and are attracted to the lights. Once they reach the village, they crash into buildings, trees, and even people.
The reason behind this bizarre behavior of the birds is still a matter of debate among experts. While some believe that the birds are disoriented by the lights and become easy prey for villagers who capture and kill them, others argue that the birds are attracted to the lights due to a natural phenomenon called “autumn migration” and are simply exhausted when they reach the village.
Despite the gruesome nature of the event, the villagers of Jatinga have come to embrace the phenomenon and have even turned it into a tourist attraction. The village has set up a watchtower from where visitors can witness the birds’ deaths and learn about the phenomenon, however, conservationists have called for an end to the practice, as it is harmful to the local bird population.
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