Birdwatching

Birdwatching, Sundarbans National Park Overview

Sundarbans National Park, located in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, is a haven for bird enthusiasts.

The lush green mangrove forests of the Sundarbans offer an ideal habitat for a wide range of bird species, both resident and migratory. Birdwatchers can observe a variety of exotic waterfowl, raptors, passerines, migratory seabirds, and a variety of shorebirds in the park. There are also plenty of opportunities for the avid birdwatcher to observe and identify the many avian species found here.The park is home to a variety of kingfishers, including the white-throated, collared, and striated kingfishers.

The kingfishers can be seen hunting along the numerous rivers and estuaries in the park, as well as in the mangroves. The park is also home to a host of egrets, herons, and other water birds that use the waterways in the park as breeding and roosting sites.Migratory species, such as Oriental honey buzzards, cinereous vultures, and peregrine falcons, can also be seen in the park, along with steppe and upland buzzards, and the endangered masked finfoot. Other migratory raptors often seen in the park include Eurasian marsh and Montagu's harriers.The long mudflats and other extensive wetlands in the park are popular with shorebirds. From November to March, the park comes alive with a plethora of waders, including red knots, bar-tailed godwits, and other species of sandpipers. Other species to look out for include curlews, ruffs, and grey plovers.The park is also an ideal gathering place for numerous migrant songbirds. Species like the yellow-eyed babbler, Zitting cisticola, and straw-headed bulbul are active during winter and spring months. Warblers, flycatchers, woodpeckers, and orioles can also be seen in the park.In addition to the abundant bird species, the park is also home to some of the rarest species of snakes, turtles, and crocodiles. The diverse habitat and abundant food supply make the Sundarbans National Park an important breeding and resting area for a range of avian species. The appealing destination and rich wildlife make it a perfect destination for birdwatchers.