The correct option is (c).
Explanation
The Rann of Kachchh in Gujarat is a seasonally marshy saline clay desert. It serves as a critical habitat for various avian species and is particularly famous as the only known breeding ground for Greater Flamingos in the Indian subcontinent, often referred to as "Flamingo City."
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: Flamingos congregate in the Rann of Kachchh in thousands to breed. They construct distinct nest mounds made of mud. These mounds are built in the shallow waters of the salt marsh to keep their eggs safe from rising water levels and ground predators.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Flamingos do not build nests on rocky cliffs. The topography of the Rann of Kachchh consists of vast salt flats and marshes. The birds scrape up mud from the marsh floor to build conical mounds (turrets) with a depression on top for the egg. Rocky cliffs are not their nesting habitat in this region.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Flamingos are migratory birds in the context of the Indian subcontinent. While some populations are resident, large numbers migrate to the region during the winter season (starting from October/November) for feeding and breeding, depending on the water levels resulting from the monsoon.
Key Takeaway: The Rann of Kachchh is the primary breeding ground for Greater Flamingos in India, where they build conical mud mounds in the saline marshes, distinct from cliff-nesting birds.