Sundarban Bird Watching is a popular activity among bird lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The best time for bird watching in Sundarban is during the winter months, from October to March, when the migratory birds arrive.
The bird watching tour is usually conducted in the early morning or late afternoon, when the birds are most active. The tour is led by experienced naturalists who are well-versed with the forest and its inhabitants. They will guide you through the forest and point out the various birds that you encounter along the way.
During the tour, you can expect to spot a variety of birds, including kingfishers, herons, egrets, storks, ibises, eagles, and many more. The naturalist will provide you with information about the birds, including their habitat, behavior, and migration patterns. You will also get to learn about the various threats faced by these birds and their conservation status.
One of the highlights of the Sundarbans Bird Watching tour is the opportunity to spot the majestic Brahminy Kite, which is the state bird of West Bengal. You will also get to see the White-Bellied Sea Eagle, a rare and endangered species found in the Sundarbans.
Apart from Sundarban bird watching, the tour also provides an opportunity to witness the unique ecosystem of the Sundarbans. You will get to see the mangrove forests, the river estuaries, and the various animals that inhabit the area.
Sundarban Bird Watching is an excellent activity for bird lovers and wildlife enthusiasts who want to explore the rich and diverse bird population of the Sundarbans. It is a perfect way to experience the beauty of nature and learn about the importance of conservation.
Few birds species found in Sundarban here is the list:
Lesser Whistling Duck :
The Lesser Whistling Duck, also known as Indian Whistling Duck, is a small species of whistling duck found in the wetlands and freshwater habitats of the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and parts of China. It is easily recognizable by its reddish-brown plumage, black bill, and distinctive white patches on the wings. The Lesser Whistling Duck is a social bird that lives in large flocks, often in association with other waterfowl. Its diet consists of a variety of plant matter, including seeds, fruits, and aquatic vegetation. In the Sundarban, the Lesser Whistling Duck can be found in wetlands and mangrove forests, where it nests in tree hollows or on the ground near water sources.
Fulvous Whistling Duck :
The Fulvous Whistling Duck is a medium-sized waterbird found in the wetlands of Sundarban. The male and female of this species look similar, with a brownish-golden plumage and a distinctive white patch around the eyes. They have a long neck and a short, rounded tail. Fulvous Whistling Ducks are usually found in small flocks and feed on aquatic plants, insects, and mollusks. They are known for their high-pitched whistling calls that can be heard from a distance. These birds are an important part of the Sundarban ecosystem and are a delight to watch for bird enthusiasts.
Cotton Pygmy Goose :
The Cotton Pygmy Goose is a small duck species found in the Sundarbans and other parts of South Asia. The male has a brown head with a white spot near the eye, and a greyish-brown body with white undertail coverts. The female is similar but has a less distinct head pattern. They prefer still or slow-moving freshwater bodies and feed on a variety of aquatic plants and insects. Despite being widespread and common in some areas, their population is thought to be declining due to habitat loss and hunting.
Sundarban bird watching conducted every year 4-5 times during winter season
Garganey: The Garganey is a small, migratory dabbling duck found in the Sundarbans. The male has a distinctive brown head and neck with a broad white crescent behind the eye. The female has a mottled brown plumage with a paler head and a white eye-ring. They breed in the wetlands of Europe and Asia and migrate to the Indian subcontinent during winter. Garganeys are known for their sharp whistling calls and are often found in small flocks in shallow water bodies, feeding on seeds and aquatic plants.
Northern Pintail:The Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) is a species of duck that is commonly found in the wetlands of Sundarbans. These ducks are easily recognized by their slim, elegant bodies, long necks, and distinctive pointed tails. The males have a striking plumage with a chocolate-brown head, white breast, and grey wings. In contrast, the females are more subdued with a mottled brown and beige plumage.
During the winter season, the Northern Pintails migrate to Sundarbans from their breeding grounds in northern Eurasia, including Russia and Scandinavia. They feed on aquatic plants, small invertebrates, and seeds. The Northern Pintails are known for their elaborate courtship displays, where the males perform a series of head-bobbing, whistling, and wing-flapping to attract the females. They are considered one of the most beautiful and graceful species of ducks found in Sundarbans.
Eurasian Wigeon: The Eurasian Wigeon is a medium-sized dabbling duck that breeds in the northern parts of Europe and Asia. The male has a striking breeding plumage with a rusty head, a creamy yellow forehead, and a pale blue-grey beak. Its back is dark brown, and the breast and sides are pinkish-brown with distinctive white patches. In contrast, the female is more subdued with a grey-brown body and a pale beak with a dark tip. During winter, the Eurasian Wigeon migrates to the coastal wetlands of the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia, including the Sundarbans, in search of food. They are primarily herbivorous and feed on aquatic plants, but they also eat insects and crustaceans. The Eurasian Wigeon is a delightful sight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike, and its graceful flight and striking colors make it a popular subject for wildlife photography.
Common Teal: The Common Teal, also known as the Green-winged Teal, is a small dabbling duck found in the Sundarbans. The male has a distinctive green patch on its head, chestnut-colored flanks, and a white vertical stripe on its side. The female has a mottled brown body and a dark line running through its eye. Common Teals are highly migratory and can be found in large flocks in wetlands and water bodies. They feed on aquatic plants, seeds, and insects. Their presence in the Sundarbans is a testament to the area’s rich biodiversity and importance as a wetland ecosystem.
Red-crested Pochard: The Red-crested Pochard (Nettarufa) is a diving duck species found in the wetlands of Sundarbans. The male has a striking appearance with a red bill and a red crest on its head. The female has a grey-brown body with a white face and a darker bill. They feed mainly on aquatic plants and small invertebrates, and are usually seen in groups on the water surface. They are known for their elaborate courtship displays, with the males puffing out their feathers and bobbing their heads to attract females. The Red-crested Pochard is a migratory species, breeding in northern Europe and Asia and wintering in southern Asia and Africa. In the Sundarbans, they are found in wetlands and freshwater ponds, and their populations are vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation.
Common Pochard: The Common Pochard (Aythya ferina) is a medium-sized diving duck that is found in large numbers in the wetlands of Sundarbans. The males have a chestnut-red head and neck, with a black breast and back. The females have a dark brown head and neck, with a greyish-brown body. They are often found in small groups or alone, diving to feed on aquatic plants, insects, and mollusks. The Common Pochard is a migratory bird that breeds in Europe and Asia, and winters in Africa and southern Asia. They are known for their rapid wing beats and powerful flight, and are a popular target for hunters in some regions. However, they are not considered to be globally threatened and are listed as a species of “Least Concern” by the IUCN.
Ferruginous Pochard: The Ferruginous Pochard (Aythya nyroca) is a medium-sized diving duck that is found in the wetlands of Eurasia and Africa. It is a dark-colored duck, with males having a striking rusty-red head and neck, yellow eyes, and a blue bill. Females are less striking with a brownish-gray plumage and a slightly lighter bill.
The Ferruginous Pochard is an important species for conservation due to its declining population and the threat of habitat loss. It is listed as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. In Sundarbans, the bird can be found in the freshwater bodies, such as rivers, canals, and ponds. It is a migratory bird, and many of them arrive in Sundarban during the winter months, between November and February. A customized Sundarban tour can be arranged according your needs.
Tufted Duck: The Tufted Duck is a medium-sized diving duck that is commonly found in the Sundarbans. Males have striking black and white plumage with a tuft of feathers on their head, while females are brown with a pale belly. They feed primarily on aquatic plants and invertebrates and can often be found diving in search of food. During the breeding season, males will perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females, including head-bobbing and wing-flapping. The Tufted Duck is a migratory bird, spending the winter months in warmer climates before returning to breed in the summer.
Common Merganser: Common Merganser is a large diving duck that is found in many freshwater habitats such as lakes, rivers, and streams in the northern hemisphere. It is also known as the goosander. The male has a greenish-black head, white neck, and rusty breast, while the female has a reddish-brown head and grey body. They feed mainly on fish, which they catch by diving underwater. The common merganser is an important game bird in many areas and is also valued for its down feathers, which are used for insulation. In Sundarbans, it can be seen in the freshwater rivers and streams that flow through the mangrove forests.
Oriental Honey Buzzard: The Oriental Honey Buzzard is a medium-sized bird of prey found in the Sundarbans. It is a unique bird with a distinctive broad head and short neck. The bird has a brownish-grey body with a black-and-white striped tail. The Oriental Honey Buzzard feeds mainly on bees, wasps, and their larvae, and is often seen soaring high in the sky. It is a migratory bird that spends winters in the Sundarbans region.
Black-shouldered Kite: The Black-shouldered Kite is a small raptor found in the Sundarbans region. It has a white head and body, with black wings and shoulders. The wings are long and pointed, and the tail is relatively short. The eyes are large and bright red. This bird is known for its hovering flight, during which it hovers in the air above its prey, before diving down to catch it with its sharp talons. It primarily feeds on rodents, small birds, and insects. The Black-shouldered Kite is a common sight in the grasslands and open areas of the Sundarbans, and is a popular bird for birdwatchers to spot and photograph.
Black Kite: The Black Kite (Milvus migrans) is a medium-sized bird of prey found in Sundarbans and other parts of Asia. It has a distinctive appearance with dark plumage and a deeply forked tail. Black Kites are opportunistic hunters and feed on a variety of prey, including small mammals, birds, and carrion. They are also known to scavenge for food in urban areas and are often seen soaring high in the sky, searching for their next meal. Black Kites are also known for their impressive aerial acrobatics and are a common sight in the skies above the Sundarbans.
Brahminy Kite
White-bellied Sea Eagle
Grey-headed Fish Eagle
Common Kestrel
Eurasian Sparrowhawk
Shikra
Besra
Eurasian Marsh Harrier
Pied Harrier
Hen Harrier
Pallid Harrier
Montagu’s Harrier
Western Osprey
Crested Serpent Eagle
Common Buzzard
Oriental Scops Owl
Collared Scops Owl
Brown Fish Owl
Dusky Eagle Owl
Spotted Owlet
Common Barn Owl
Brown Hawk Owl
Indian Nightjar
Large-tailed Nightjar
Common Kingfisher
Stork-billed Kingfisher
White-throated Kingfisher
Black-capped Kingfisher
Pied Kingfisher
Common Green Magpie
Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher
Rufous Treepie
Large Woodshrike
Brown Shrike
Long-tailed Shrike
Black Drongo
Ashy Drongo
Bronzed Drongo
Greater Racket-tailed Drongo
Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo
Black-naped Monarch
Asian Paradise Flycatcher
Oriental Magpie Robin
Indian Robin
Black Redstart
Blue Rock Thrush
Brown Rock Chat
Sundarban Bird Watching Trip is conducted by highly experienced tour manager and tour guide
Pied Bush Chat
Common Stonechat
White-tailed Stonechat
Grey Bushchat
Yellow-eyed Babbler
Striated Babbler
Large Grey Babbler
Jungle Babbler
Dark-necked Tailorbird
Common Tailorbird
Ashy Prinia
Plain Prinia
Clamorous Reed Warbler
Booted Warbler
Blyth’s Reed Warbler
Sykes’s Warbler
Greenish Warbler
Lesser Whitethroat
Hume’s Warbler
Yellow-bellied Warbler
Rusty-rumped Warbler
Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler
Lanceolated Warbler
Chestnut-crowned Warbler
Grey-hooded Warbler
Black-browed Reed Warbler
Thick-billed Warbler
Common Chiffchaff
Large-billed Leaf Warbler
Blyth’s Leaf Warbler :
Blyth’s Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus reguloides) is a small passerine bird found in Asia. It is typically 9-10 cm in length and weighs around 5-7 grams. It has a distinctive greenish-brown upper body with paler underparts, a white eye-ring, and a short, narrow bill. It is named after Edward Blyth, an English zoologist who was the curator of the museum of the Asiatic Society of Bengal in the mid-19th century.
Blyth’s Leaf Warbler breeds in northern and central Asia and migrates to wintering grounds in South Asia. It is a highly vocal bird and its song is a rapid and high-pitched warble that can be heard from high up in the tree canopy. Its diet consists mainly of insects, which it catches by hovering or picking off leaves.
Eastern Crowned Warbler : The Eastern Crowned Warbler (Phylloscopus coronatus) is a small passerine bird that belongs to the leaf warbler family. It is typically 9-10 cm in length, with olive-brown upperparts and a pale yellowish-white underside. Its distinguishing feature is the bright yellow crown stripe bordered by black lines, which gives the bird its name. The Eastern Crowned Warbler is a migratory bird that breeds in the northeastern regions of Asia and winters in Southeast Asia. It feeds on insects and spiders, which it catches by hovering or picking from the leaves of trees. The bird’s high-pitched and monotonous song is a characteristic feature of the springtime forest in its breeding range.
Goldcrest : The Goldcrest (Regulus regulus) is a small passerine bird found throughout Eurasia. It is one of the smallest birds in Europe, typically measuring around 8.5 cm in length and weighing just 4-7 grams. The bird’s distinctive golden-yellow crest, bordered by black, is a prominent feature.
Goldcrests are active and restless birds, frequently flitting through tree canopies and feeding on insects and spiders. They have a high-pitched, trilling song that is often heard during the breeding season. During the winter months, many Goldcrests migrate south from their breeding grounds in northern and central Europe to more temperate regions.
Despite their small size, Goldcrests are highly territorial birds and will fiercely defend their territory against other Goldcrests and even larger birds. They build small, cup-shaped nests made of moss and cobwebs, usually hidden in coniferous trees.
Indian Golden Oriole : The Indian Golden Oriole (Oriolus kundoo) is a brightly colored bird found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. The male bird has a bright yellow body and black wings, while the female is greenish-yellow with grayish wings. Both have a distinctive black beak and red eyes.
Indian Golden Orioles are typically found in wooded areas, often near water sources. They feed on insects, fruit, and nectar, and are known to occasionally visit gardens and orchards in search of food. During the breeding season, males can be heard singing a loud, fluty song that is often used to attract mates.
These birds are known for their elaborate woven nests, which are often found hanging from the branches of tall trees. The nests are made of grass, leaves, and other plant materials, and are usually constructed by the female bird over the course of several days. The Indian Golden Oriole is considered to be a species of least concern, with a stable population and a wide range of habitat preferences.
Black-hooded Oriole : The Black-hooded Oriole is a beautiful bird with striking black and yellow plumage. It is commonly found in the Sundarbans and other parts of Southeast Asia. The male has a bright yellow body with black wings and a black head, while the female is duller in coloration. The Black-hooded Oriole is known for its distinctive flute-like call, which can often be heard in the forest canopy. They feed mainly on fruits and insects, and are known to occasionally visit gardens and orchards in search of food. Overall, the Black-hooded Oriole is a stunning bird that adds to the beauty of the Sundarbans.
Black-naped Oriole : The Black-naped Oriole is a medium-sized bird found in the Sundarbans and other parts of Asia. It has a bright yellow body with black wings and a distinctive black patch on the back of its neck. The male and female are similar in appearance, with the male having a slightly longer tail. The Black-naped Oriole is known for its beautiful flute-like call, which can be heard from the forest canopy. It feeds mainly on insects, fruits and nectar, and is often seen in gardens and orchards in search of food. The Black-naped Oriole is a beautiful bird and a treat to see in the wild.
Greater Coucal : The Greater Coucal is a large, long-tailed bird found in the Sundarbans and other parts of Asia. It has a black body with a brown head and wings. The eyes are bright red and the bill is thick and curved. The male and female are similar in appearance, with the male being slightly larger. The Greater Coucal is known for its loud, deep “whoop-whoop” call, which can be heard from a distance. It feeds mainly on insects, small mammals and birds, and is often seen in dense vegetation, where it searches for prey. The Greater Coucal is a beautiful bird and a common sight in the Sundarbans.
Lesser Coucal : The Lesser Coucal (Centropus bengalensis) is a species of cuckoo found in the Sundarbans and other parts of Southeast Asia. It is a medium-sized bird with a black head, neck, and upper breast, and brown upperparts. The lower breast and belly are white with brown barring. The eyes are red and the bill is black. The Lesser Coucal is a shy bird that is usually seen skulking in dense vegetation, and is often heard making a distinctive “oop-oop-oop” call. It feeds mainly on insects and small vertebrates, and is known to occasionally take small birds and eggs. The Lesser Coucal is listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN due to its large range and stable population.
Note that the list is not exhaustive, and there are many more bird species found in the Sundarbans.