Like many other sanctuaries, Ranganathittu is a bird lover's paradise. Attracting migratory birds from Siberia, Australia and North America the sanctuary was established in 1940 as a direct result of the efforts of the noted ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali.
Located on an island in the Kaveri River Ranganthittu is a natural summer home to many scores of species of exotic birds including egret, whistling teal, open-billed stork, white ibis, spoonbill, cormorant, Brahminy kite, Tickell's blue flycatcher, osprey, painted stork, pallid and Eurasian marsh Harriers and fish eagle, among others. According to the latest census, a record 1,400 painted storks visited the sanctuary last year.
To attract more bird species local authorities have created islets at the sanctuary to allow more breeding space for the birds. The migratory birds start arriving at the bird sanctuary in Ranganathittu in December. The breeding season starts during the winter months and they finally migrate back with their nestlings in August.