Fig: Foraging Terns & Cormorants
The Sule kere lake is one of the largest in Mandya district, situated nearby Mandya town. Water level will be up to brim throughout the year. Feeder canal from KRS dam and used waters from Mandya town and Sugar factory ensures water level.
The tank supports large congregations of four species of Egret- Egretta garzetta, Casmerodius albus, Mesophoyx intermedia, Bubulcus ibis; three species of Duck- Northern Pintail Anas acuta, Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata and Garganey Anas querquedula; three species of Cormorant- Phalacrocorax niger, P. fuscicollis & P. Carbo; Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis, Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus, Purple Moorhen Porphyrio porphyrio, Common Coot Fulica atra, Bar headed Goose Anser indicus and Brown-headed Gulls Larus brunnicephalus. Thus prioritised as important bird area, IBA CODE:IN-KA-34
The Lake has important role as foraging ground for breeding Spot-billed Pelicans at nearby Kokkare Bellur.
Fig: Reef Heron some time arrives during winter found here with Egrets