Bird watching in Uttarakhand can be a pleasurable activity as hundreds of species of birds reside here. It is like observing birds in their homes, whether it’s in the wild or even in cities. You look at the birds, figure out what kind they are, and learn about how they act. People of all ages enjoy doing this. Uttarakhand has many different kinds of birds, more than 600 species. This is because the state has a lot of different environments, like forests, grasslands, wetlands, and rivers, where birds can live.
Some good places to go bird watching in Uttarakhand are Jim Corbett National Park, Rajaji National Park, Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary, Mussorie-Aglar Valley, Devalsari-Dhanaulti, Kilbury-Pangot Sanctuary, Almora-Binsar-Mukteshwar, and Munsyari–Askot Wildlife Sanctuary.
Types of Birds found in Uttarakhand
As we mentioned before, Uttarakhand is home to over 600 types of birds. The state has various habitats for birds, including forests, mountains, and rivers. You can find many beautiful birds, belonging to different categories and species, throughout the region.
Some special birds in Uttarakhand are the melodious songbirds, which include various species with multicolored feathers. These avian species create beautiful sounds, from distinctive calls to unique tunes, adding to the charm of the birdlife.
Uttarakhand is a fantastic place for wildlife enthusiasts, offering colorful avian species like Pheasants. The diverse bird varieties bring vibrant colors, unique plumage, and distinct hues to the landscape. The region is also home to musical birds, serving as melodic singers and harmonious performers.
Birds play a crucial role in the local ecosystem, representing unique species, diverse avian fauna, and distinct bird families. Songbirds, known for their elusive and charming nature, contribute to the region’s beautiful birdlife.
In the skies of Uttarakhand, you can observe elegant birds, including majestic raptors and graceful fliers. Even during the night, there are nocturnal creatures making their presence known.
Birds in Uttarakhand soar high, adding vibrancy to the skyline with their vibrant plumage and distinctive markings. They bring a sense of peace to the environment. Alongside the more common feathered friends, diverse bird varieties contribute to the region’s captivating avian life.
The birds in Uttarakhand come in various types, each with its unique beauty. They belong to different categories, show various varieties, and display multicolored feathers. These feathered friends include songbirds, avian creatures, and other beings. All these winged creatures contribute to the beauty of Uttarakhand’s skies and landscapes with their vibrant colors and diverse types.
List of Birds Found in Uttarakhand
- Laughing Thrushes (Various species)
- Thrushes (Various species, including Greater Long Bill, Chestnut-bellied Rock, Blue Whistling, Black-Throated, Grey Winged Blackbird, White Collared Blackbird)
- Woodpeckers (Various species, including Great Slaty, Large Scaly Bellied Green, Rufous, Scaly Bellied, Blacknaped Green, Lesser Golden Backed, Himalayan Pied)
- Pheasants (Various species, including Cheer, Kalij, Koklass)
- Parakeets (Various species, including Red-breasted, Slaty-Headed, Plum-headed, Rose Ringed)
- Babblers (Various species, including Lineated, Puff Throated, Black-Chinned)
- Barbets (Various species, including Blue-throated, Great, Brown-Headed)
- Warblers (Various species, including Spotted Bush, Ashy-throated, Grey Headed, Whistlers, Hume’s, Black Faced, Common Tailorbird, Oriental White-eye, Golden Spectacled)
- Eagles (Various species, including Mountain Hawk, Palla’s Fishing, Grey Headed, Lesser Fish, Serpent, Golden, Black)
- Owls (Various species, including Spot Bellied Eagle, Towny Fish, Brown Fish, Brown Wood)
- Vultures (Various species, including Red-Headed, Bearded, Cinereous, Himalayan Griffon, Eurasian Griffon, Lammergeier)
- Kingfishers (Various species, including White Browned Crested, Stork Billed Crested, White-breasted, Himalayan Pied, Common)
- Doves (Various species, including Spotted, Oriental Turtle, Red Collared, Eurasian Collared)
- Other Birds (Various species, including Cattle Egret, Indian Pied Heron, Common Green Magpie, Yellow Billed Blue Magpie, Red-Billed Blue Magpie)
- Forktails (Various species, including Black Billed, Little, Spotted)
- Tits (Various species)
- Sunbirds (Various species)
- Rosefinch & Greenfinch
- Redstarts
- Treecreepers
- Wagtails
- Blue Winged Minla
- Bar Throated Minla
- Chestnut-tailed Minla
- Whiskered Yuhina
- Hill Prinia
- Striated Prinia
- Rufous Sibia
- Eurasian Jay
- Black Headed Jay
- Altai
- Rufous & Black-Throated Accentors
- Maroon Oriole
- Common Myna
- Kuble Crow
- Spotted Nutcracker
- Ashy Drongos
- Himalayan Bulbul
- Black Bulbul
Best bird watching destinations in Uttarakhand
In Uttarakhand, there are both famous and offbeat bird-watching destinations. Below are some places where one can enjoy bird-watching activities.
1. Jim Corbett National Park
Diverse Birding Zones:
Different places in Jim Corbett National Park, like Dhikala ecotourism zone, Bijrani zone, Marchula, Mohaan Kumeria village, Mongoli Valley, Ramganga River, Kosi River, and Sitabani, provide many opportunities for bird watching. These places are known as excellent spots for people who love watching birds.
A Canvas of Avian Diversity:
Corbett National Park is home to a lot of different kinds of birds, making a beautiful scene with their colors and sounds. You can see impressive birds like the Great Slaty Woodpecker, Scaly Bellied Woodpecker, Black-naped Green Woodpecker, Lesser Woodpecker, and the majestic Stork Billed & Crested Kingfisher.
The Himalayan Pied Kingfisher, Lesser Pied Kingfisher, and White Breasted Kingfisher also bring vibrant colors to the scenery. Listen to the nice songs of birds like the White-Throated Laughing Thrush, White Crested Laughing Thrush, and the hard-to-find Long Tailed Broadbill.
A Splash of Colors:
In Corbett National Park, the sky is filled with colorful birds like the Red-Breasted Parakeet, the beautiful Kaleej Pheasant, and the impressive Indian Pied Hornbill. Watch the playful Common Green Magpie, listen to the sweet songs of Puff Throated Babblers, and see the charming Blue Tailed Minla.
Observe the smooth movements of Little & Spotted Forktails, and appreciate the bright feathers of the Lineated Barbet, Blue Throated Barbet, and the Golden Oriole. Be amazed by the hard-to-spot Brown Dipper gracefully moving along the Ramganga River.
Riches by the Riverside:
The areas around the Ramganga & Kosi River are filled with a variety of birds. Watch the impressive flying skills of raptors and vultures, see the calm river Lapwings, and enjoy the smooth gliding of Ducks, Manganese, Egrets, and waterfowls.
Herons also decorate the waters, making a beautiful scene. Keep an eye out for special birds like Pallas Fishing, Red-Headed Vulture, Hawk Eagle, Crested Hawk-eagle, Himalayan Grey-headed Fishing Eagle, Black Eagle, and Golden Eagle, as they often visit and add to the bird watching experience.
Best time for Bird Watching in Corbett
If you want to see the amazing birds in Uttarakhand especially in Jim Corbett national park, plan your bird watching trip between November and March. During this time, Corbett National Park shows off its natural beauty, providing a fantastic experience for bird lovers with its sounds and stunning sights.
2. Bird Watching at Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary
Great Places for Bird Watching:
If you love watching birds, you can visit the lovely Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary. There are different spots to explore, like Mukkumath, Duggalbitta, Tunganath, Kanchula Kharak, Chopta Trek, and Mandal. These places are like hidden treasures where you can find more than 200 types of birds.
Types of Birds:
Within the sanctuary, a diverse avian community thrives, including various species that contribute to the rich biodiversity of the area. Delight in observing the grace and vibrancy of these birds as they go about their natural activities. Experience the elegance of different species, among many others, which make the sanctuary a haven for bird enthusiasts.
Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary is a special place where you can discover birds of many colors and hear their special songs. You might see amazing birds like the Grey Headed Flycatcher, Green Tailed Sunbirds, Red Headed Tit, Black Lored Tit, Great Barbet, White Browned Tit, Blue Throated Flycatcher, and the Rusty Cheeked Scimitar Babbler. And other birds are listed as below.
- Blue Fronted Redstart
- Grey Winged Blackbird
- Spotted Laughing Thrush
- White-tailed Nuthatch
- Variegated Laughing Thrush
- Blue Whistling Thrush
- Common Cuckoo
- Black Bulbul
- Streaked Striated Laughing Thrush
- White Colored Blackbirds
- Yellow Billed Blue Magpie
- Himalayan Pied Woodpecker
- Greater Long Billed Thrush
- Rufous Bellied Pied Woodpecker
- Slaty Headed Parakeet
- Bar Throated Minlas
- Common Hill Partridge
- Indian Pied Hornbill
Best time to visit Sanctuary
If you want to see lots of birds, it’s best to visit Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary between October and June. Enjoy the calm and peaceful atmosphere of the sanctuary as you observe various birds happily living in their natural surroundings.
3. Exploring Birds at Mussorie and nearby trails
If you like watching birds, the path through Mussorie, Aglar Valley, Devalsari, and Dhanaulti is like a special place for people who love birds. You can find more than 200 different kinds of birds there.
Types of Birds
Get ready to see some incredible birds, each with its special features and beauty. These birds come in various colors, make unique sounds, and have interesting behaviors. Whether they are big birds flying high, lively songbirds, or charming partridges, the Mussoorie and nearby trails is a home to a diverse range of birdlife. The experience goes beyond just the named birds, there are many more amazing birds that add to the lively bird community in the area.
- Slaty Headed Parakeet
- Brown Streaked Laughing Thrush
- Striated Laughing Thrush
- Rufous Chinned Laughing Thrush
- Blue Whistling Thrush
- Black-Throated Thrush
- Grey Headed Flycatcher
- Verditer Flycatcher
- Common Hill Partridge
- Chukar Partridge
- Black Partridge
- Cinereous Vulture
- Himalayan Griffon Vulture
- Blue Throated Barbet
- Black-faced Warbler
- Himalayan Tree-creeper
- Khalij Pheasants
- Red-Billed Blue Magpie
- Common Green Magpie
- Gould Sunbird
- Purple Sunbird
- Rufous Shrike
- Plumbeous & White Capped Redstarts
- White Breasted Kingfisher
- Scaly Bellied Green Woodpecker
- Black Naped Pied Woodpecker
- Brown Fronted Pied Woodpecker
- Grey Headed Flycatcher
- White Browned Blue Flycatcher
- Rufous Tailed Flycatcher
- Green Backed Tit
- Red-headed Tit
Best time for Bird watching in Mussoorie and trails
The best time to watch birds on this trail is from October to May. In these months, you can spot many colorful and lively birds happily living in their natural surroundings.
4. Birding in Nainital , Sattal, Pangot & Kilbury
Best Spots for Birds in Nainital:
In Nainital, there are many well-known places like Snow View point, Tiffin Top, Hanuman garhi, and other beautiful spots such as Sattal, Pangot and Kilbury bird sanctuary. These places are like a special home for people who love birds, as you can find more than 200 different types of birds there.
Types of Birds
Get ready to see many different kinds of birds that live in this area. There are big birds and small, all making the place full of life. Whether you’re visiting Snow Viewpoint, Tiffin Top, Hanuman Garhi temple, or the beautiful places like Sattal, Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary in Nainital, each spot gives nature lovers a special experience. These places are like a paradise for people who love birds, and you can find more than 200 different types of birds there.
- Red-Headed Vulture
- Ultramarine Flycatcher
- Spotted–Laughing Thrush
- Blue Throated Barbet
- Himalayan Barbet
- Plum Headed Parakeet
- Rufous Bellied Niltava
- Little Pied Flycatcher
- Chestnut-headed Laughing Thrush
- Black-headed Jay
- Chestnut Bellied Nuthatch
- Great Barbet
- White-Tailed Nuthatch
- Tawny Fish Owl
- Himalayan Griffon
- Rufous-breasted and Black-throated Accentors
- Eurasian Jay
- Spotted Dove
- Grey Crowned Prinia
- Streaked Laughing Thrush
- Rufous-throated Hill Partridge
- Kalij Pheasant
- Koklass Pheasant
- Cheer Pheasant
- Scaly Bellied Woodpecker
- Himalayan Woodpecker
- Verditer Flycatcher
- Blue Winged Minla
- Red-Billed Blue Magpie
- Long-Billed Thrushes
- Slaty Backed Forktail
Best time for Bird watching in Nainital
The best time to watch birds in these lovely spots in Nainital is from October to June. In these months, you can spot many colorful and lively birds happily living their lives in nature.
5. Almora Binsar and Mukteshwar
The entire region of Almora, Binsar, and Mukteshwar is like a large home for many different types of birds. Birdlife International even recognizes Binsar as an important place for birds, and it’s home to about 500 different bird species.
Types of Birds in this area
In this area, you can find a variety of wildlife, including different species of animals and birds. The diverse ecosystem supports a rich array of creatures, contributing to the overall natural balance. Some of the notable inhabitants include those with distinctive features, colors, and behaviors. These unique beings play a vital role in the ecological harmony of the region.
- Rufous-throated Partridge
- Green Backed Tit
- Breasted Green Finch
- White-throated Laughing Thrush
- Hill Partridge
- Lesser Yellow-naped Woodpecker
- Blue Whistling Thrush
- Common Rosefinch
- Great Pied Hornbill
- Common Green Magpie
- Koklass Pheasant
- Grey Slaty Woodpecker
- Scaly Thrush
- Ultramarine Flycatcher
- Hornbills
- Streaked Laughing Thrush
- Great Barbet
- Pheasants
- Cheer Pheasant
- Oriental Turtle Dove
- Woodpeckers
- Thrushes
- Blue-capped Redstart
- Laughing Thrushes
- Grey Headed Woodpecker
- Tits
- Raptors
- Kingfishers
- Forktails
- Partridges
- Redstarts
- Flycatchers
- Warblers
Best time for bird watching in Almora
The best time to watch these birds and have a great time is from October to June. In these months, you can see many colorful and lively birds happily living in these beautiful places.
6. Munsyari and Askot wildlife Sanctuary
Munsyari, situated on the banks of the Gori Ganga river, and Askot Wildlife Sanctuary are officially recognized by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) as special places for bird watching. In these locations, you can find more than 300 different kinds of birds.
Types of Birds in Munsyari
Some of the birds you can see in Munsyari and Askot Wildlife Sanctuary include a variety of species known for their distinctive features, behaviors, and colors. Observing these feathered inhabitants adds to the unique charm of the region.
- Little Pied Flycatcher
- Koklass Pheasant
- Hill Partridge
- White-Throated Tit
- Yellow-Breasted Green Finch
- Snow Partridge
- Green-tailed Sunbird
- Golden Eagles
- Black Redstart
- Red-headed Bullfinch
- Robin Accentor
- Great Crested Tit
- Streaked Laughing Thrush
- Long-Billed and Long-Tailed Thrushes
- Bearded Vulture
- Gould Sunbird
- Spotted Laughing Thrush
Best time for bird watching in Munsyari
The best times to watch these birds are from March to June and October to mid-December. During these periods, bird enthusiasts can enjoy watching many different birds in these beautiful places.
To put it simply, Bird watching in Uttarakhand is special because it is an ideal place for people who love birds. It doesn’t just show you the birds but also lets you fully experience their natural homes. As you begin your bird watching adventure, hope to see incredible birds in the skies of Uttarakhand, creating memories filled with beautiful songs and colorful feathers from the various bird species.
FAQ about Bird watching in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand has many different kinds of birds, more than 600 species to be exact. The landscapes here, like forests, mountains, and rivers, provide a perfect home for these birds.
In Uttarakhand, some of the great places to watch birds include different national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and valleys. These areas offer various homes for many different types of birds.
- Almora-Binsar-Mukteshwar
- Mussorie-Aglar Valley
- Rajaji National Park
- Munsyari–Askot Wildlife Sanctuary
- Jim Corbett National Park
- Kilbury-Pangot Sanctuary
- Devalsari-Dhanaulti
- Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary
For the best bird watching experience, plan your trip between October and June. During this time, you can see birds in their natural homes and enjoy the different types of birds that Uttarakhand has.
Each place has its own set of birds. For instance, Corbett National Park has different areas with colorful birds like the Red-Breasted Parakeet and Great Slaty Woodpecker. In Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary, you might spot birds like the Rusty Cheeked Scimitar Babbler and Great Barbet.
To make your experience better, check out different areas like riverbanks, valleys, and trekking trails in each place. Bring binoculars and a guidebook to recognize birds. Talk to local guides to learn more about the behavior and homes of birds.
Sometimes, Uttarakhand has bird watching events and festivals. Look on local tourism websites or get in touch with bird watching groups to find out if there are any events happening when you visit.
If you’re new to bird watching, it’s a good idea to hire a local guide. Begin at well-known birding spots, bring important tools like binoculars and a camera, and join groups of bird watchers to get tips from more experienced folks.
