Birdwatching in India—An experience for all the senses

Endemic birds to look for during your trip

As mentioned, there are 52 endemic species of birds in India, so there’s a good chance you might spot some during your trip. Here’s an overview of some of the most notable and interesting birds that only call India home.

Mottled Wood Owl

This species of reddish brown and white owl is quite large and found in the deciduous forests of the country, primarily next to dry thorn forests or farmland. You’ll quickly hear their calls at dawn and dusk, a duet that also can sound like a low hoot with a screech. Because of their size, they’re pretty easy to identify. They also lack the ear tufts that other owls tend to have.

Green Avadavat

This beautiful small bird looks like a finch and has a red bill, red eyes, and a bright green body. The males are slightly brighter in color than the females, and the young ones appear brown. If you spot one of these birds, consider yourself lucky. They are very rare and only appear locally in the dry scrub regions of central and northwestern India. The declining population has to do with the fact that they are often trapped and used as popular caged birds. 

Nicobar Scrubfowl

The Nicobar Scrubfowl is a very interesting-looking bird that forages on the ground in the coastal forests of the Nicobar Islands. Because of its location on these small islands, it’s vulnerable to extinction, and the populations were significantly reduced after the 2004 tsunami that hit the area. It has a larger dark brown body with a smaller head with red coloring.

Black and Orange Flycatcher

This bird’s distinct black and orange coloring makes it a unique and beautiful specimen. You’ll find it in the high-elevation areas of the Western Ghats, Nilgiris, and Palnis in the southern part of the country. In addition to catching flies, it also forages for food in the dense undergrowth of the ground. You find them alone or in pairs in areas above 1500 meters.

Nilgiri Pipit

This bird is endemic to the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu in India. It’s a small bird that spends most of its life on the ground, living in the cool grasslands. This Pipit distinguishes itself from other types of pipits by its rich brown color and prominent facial markings. They build their nests in the marshy grounds of this area. They’ll fly into a low bush or tree nearby when disturbed.  

Other notable birds

Although not endemic to India, depending on where your trip takes you in the country, you may also spot some of these exciting species of birds.

Sarus Crane

The Sarus Crane is remarkable, as it is the tallest flying bird in the world. It reaches a height of 152-156 cm and has a wingspan of 240 cm. You’ll note them not only by their size but also by their light grey color and red-colored heads. They construct their nests on the water in natural wetlands. If this bird is on your list to spot, the best place to locate it is in the Keoladeo Ghana National Park.

Painted Stork

These large wading birds live in the wetlands of the plains in the tropical parts of Asia. They are considered “painted” because of their pink flight features that help them stand out from other birds. Their bright orange face and beak are also distinctive, and they typically fly with their head and neck almost below the belly level. In India, you’ll find them in the Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary in Maharashtra.

Pond Heron

The Pond Heron is the most common species of heron that you’ll find in India. You’ll see them around ponds and lakes and in urban areas as they’ve adapted to live near people. They’re plentiful in these areas and appear white in flight due to their white wing underparts and tail. They tend to move seasonally and are solitary birds, although you’ll occasionally find them in more significant numbers if it’s an area with a lot of food. Look for them in the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.

Stork-Billed Kingfisher

This widely distributed tree Kingfisher is quite a large bird and about 35 cm in length. If the area is wooded, you’ll find it in habitats near lakes, rivers, or the coast. Its bill is huge for its size and bright red, making it easy to recognize. It’s also very noisy, making a low call every few seconds, along with a cackling sound. It’s a pretty bird, and the green color on its back is quite striking.  

How to make the most of your India birdwatching trip

Since India is so large, you’ll want to concentrate on specific areas during your trip to make the most of seeing as many birds as possible. However, you will likely see some incredible species wherever you travel.

It’s always a good idea to book a guided tour whenever possible to maximize the number of birds you see and correctly identify them. If you’re touring without a guide, make sure to bring a good guidebook with you, like the “Naturalist’s Guide to The Birds of India.”

Although you’ll see great birds no matter what time of year you travel to India, the best months to birdwatch are the winter months of October to March. The weather is best during these months, and they’re also when you see the most migratory species.

Final Thoughts

India has many diverse bird species and opportunities for excellent birdwatching no matter where you go in the country. If you’re planning a trip now or in the future, remember to bring your binoculars and enjoy all the natural beauty India offers. Not only is it a birdwatcher’s paradise, but a place to see many different natural wonders that you won’t experience elsewhere.