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Wildlife

Birding in India

A Symphony of Wings and Wilderness

From the misty Himalayan foothills to the coastal lagoons of the south, India is a birder’s paradise. With over 1,300 recorded bird species, including vibrant endemics, winter migrants, and spectacular raptors, the country offers a rich tapestry of avian life across diverse habitats. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious traveler with binoculars in hand, India’s national parks and bird sanctuaries promise unforgettable encounters.

At Roar, our birding tours are curated to immerse you in India’s most bird-rich regions — guided by expert ornithologists, set in scenic landscapes, and tuned to the rhythm of wings.


📊 Why Birding in India Is Unique

  • Incredible Diversity: From hornbills and sunbirds to flamingos and snowcocks
  • Endemic Treasures: Many species found nowhere else, like the Nilgiri Flycatcher or Mishmi Wren-babbler
  • Migratory Hotspot: Hosts millions of migratory birds from Central Asia, Siberia, and Europe
  • Birds in All Habitats: Forests, wetlands, deserts, grasslands, high-altitude zones, and urban parks

🏞️ Top National Parks & Bird Sanctuaries for Birding in India

1. Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bharatpur, Rajasthan)

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Over 370 bird species, including Sarus Crane, Painted Stork, and Indian Courser
  • Famous for winter migrants like bar-headed geese and Eurasian spoonbills
  • Cycle rickshaw birding adds a quiet, immersive touch

2. Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand)

  • Over 600 bird species, including Great Hornbills, White-crested Laughingthrushes, and Wallcreepers
  • Himalayan foothill setting adds diversity and dramatic scenery
  • Excellent combination of birding and big game viewing

3. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary (Kerala)

  • Known as the “Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
  • Home to endemic species like Malabar Grey Hornbill, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, and White-bellied Blue Flycatcher
  • Lush lowland forest makes it a magnet for bird photographers

4. Kaziranga National Park (Assam)

  • Primarily famous for rhinos but equally rich in birdlife
  • Spot Great Adjutants, Bengal Floricans, and numerous ducks and raptors
  • Ideal for combining birding with megafauna sightings

5. Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal)

  • Mangrove ecosystem with unique birds like Brown-winged Kingfisher, Mangrove Whistler, and Masked Finfoot
  • Boat safaris through creeks offer a peaceful birding experience

6. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary (Karnataka)

  • Island sanctuary on the Cauvery River
  • Known for nesting colonies of Asian Openbills, Painted Storks, Black-headed Ibis, and Egrets
  • Ideal for beginners and families

7. Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary (Arunachal Pradesh)

  • A global birding hotspot with rare and recently discovered species
  • Home to the Bugun Liocichla, one of the rarest birds on Earth
  • Best visited by serious birders and adventurous travelers

8. Desert National Park (Rajasthan)

  • Spot Great Indian Bustards, Cream-colored Coursers, and desert-adapted species
  • Winter brings raptors, wheatears, and sandgrouse
  • A rare chance to see birds in India’s Thar desert ecosystem

🧭 Best Time for Birding Tours

  • Winter (November to March): Peak season for migratory birds and clear weather
  • Monsoon (June to September): Great for resident breeders and forest birds, especially in the Western Ghats and northeast
  • Spring (March to May): Good for high-altitude and Himalayan species

🔭 What to Expect on a Roar Birding Tour

  • Expert naturalists and ornithologists
  • Custom itineraries for beginner, intermediate, or professional birders
  • Ethical birding practices (no baiting, no playback unless required for study)
  • Quiet, small-group experiences with maximum wildlife sensitivity
  • Photography-friendly options with the best light and positioning

🛡️ Bird Conservation in India: Challenges and Wins

🐣 Threats:

  • Wetland destruction
  • Urban sprawl and pollution
  • Illegal bird trade
  • Pesticide use and loss of nesting trees

✅ Conservation Highlights:

  • Important Bird Areas (IBAs) designated by BNHS and BirdLife International
  • Resurgence of species like Amur Falcons in Nagaland, now locally protected
  • Vulture conservation programs reviving once-critically endangered populations
  • Community-based reserves like Pangti (Nagaland) and Mangalajodi (Odisha)

🐦 Feathers, Forests, and Flight: Why Birding in India is Unmissable

India is not just a place to see birds — it’s a place to feel them. The haunting call of a koel at dawn, the electric flash of a kingfisher by the riverbank, the hypnotic dance of cranes in the wetlands — these are moments that go beyond checklists.

Whether you want to tick off lifers, shoot stunning photographs, or simply be surrounded by birdsong, Roar’s birding tours open a window into the wilder, winged side of India.