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Birding in Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park is not only meant for tiger safaris, but the park is also featured with many bird species such as Ruddy Shelduck, Comb Duck, Cotton Teal, Red-crested Pochard, Common Pochard, Barred Buttonquail, Eurasian Wryneck, etc., giving you an opportunity for bird watching in the heart of India at the Vindhya Hills.
The rich avifauna of the Vindhya hill ranges makes it more intriguing. Bandhavgarh forest provides the perfect combination of scrub, dense tropical forests, wetland, and fields for the birds to make this location their preferred habitat.
If you are a bird lover, here you will get the chance to learn about and appreciate the distinct features of these amazing flying creatures.
Bandhavgarh’s Major Bird Checklist
Below is a list of some of the commonly seen and popular bird groups in Bandhavgarh:
- Storks – Often found near waterholes and marshy areas.
- Teals – Migratory ducks visiting during winter months.
- Pintails – Elegant waterfowl spotted in ponds and streams.
- Egrets – White wading birds commonly seen around lakes and rivers.
- Herons – Tall and graceful, usually in shallow waters.
- Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) – India’s national bird, abundant across meadows and forest clearings.
- Jungle Fowl – Wild ancestor of domestic chickens, common in dense forest patches.
- Partridge – Ground-dwelling birds found in open grasslands.
- Quail – Small, camouflaged birds often seen in tall grasses.
- Eagles – Raptors like Crested Serpent Eagle and Changeable Hawk Eagle.
- Owls – Nocturnal hunters including Brown Fish Owl and Spotted Owlet.
- Kites – Scavengers soaring above open areas.
- Owlets – Small owls seen near forest edges and villages.
- Vultures – Important scavengers maintaining ecosystem balance.
- Nightjars – Nocturnal birds best spotted at dusk, well camouflaged in the forest.
Things to do in Bandhavgarh
FAQs – Birding in Bandhavgarh National Park
How many bird species are found in Bandhavgarh National Park?
Over 250 bird species have been recorded, including both resident and migratory birds.
Which is the best zone for birdwatching in Bandhavgarh?
Tala and Magdhi zones are excellent for birdwatching due to quieter surroundings and varied habitats like grasslands, streams, and forest edges.
What is the best season for birding in Bandhavgarh?
Winter (November–February) is ideal, as migratory birds join the resident population and the weather is pleasant for spotting them.
Can I take a birding-focused safari in Bandhavgarh?
Yes, you can request a birding-specific safari with an experienced naturalist to concentrate on avian sightings.
Are photography opportunities good for birds in Bandhavgarh?
Absolutely. Open meadows, ponds, and forest clearings offer excellent light and natural backgrounds for bird photography.