Bird Watching in Goa

Hills, marshes, mangroves and a proximity to the sea have enriched the flora and fauna of Goa. A national park and six wildlife sanctuaries has made the state into a bird lovers paradise, with nearly 400 different species of bird resident across the various forests of Goa. With so many species of birds, bird-watching in Goa is a popular activity.

Bird-watching in Goa - routes:

If you follow the trail along North Goa through Baga region, the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, along Morjim beach, Lake Maem, Chorao Island to finally Santa Cruz, en route you will come across various species of birds. The Candolim marsh and the Fort Aguada region are also popular places for birdwatching in Goa.

Bird species:

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary : Goa is home to about 400 different species of birds that include various rare varieties as well. Rock thrush, Yellow browed Bulbuls, Western Crowned Warblers, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, booted eagle, oriental magpie robin, Nilgiri blackbird are some of the species that you will observe while visiting the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. You can also see Marsh Harrier, Purple Swamp hen, Ashy Wood Swallow, Golden Fronted Leaf bird, White Breasted Drongo, Bar-Winged Flycatcher Shrike and Tickell's Blue Flycatcher.

Baga forest and hills : The Baga region is one of the favorite spots for birdwatching in Goa. The Baga forest lands is home to species like Brown -cheeked Fulvetta, Oriental Honey Buzzard, Yellow Crowned Woodpecker, White Rumped Munia, Red Vented Bulbuls, Black Headed Cuckooshrike, Crimson Backed Sunbird and Eurasian Golden Oriole among others. The Baga Hills have bird species like Greenish Warbler, Spotted Dove, Coppersmith Barbet, Rufous Treepie, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Ashy Prinia, Western Reef Egret and Pallid Harrier.

Morjim Beach : Moving on towards Morjim, you will find Redshank, Wood Sabdpiper, Bar-tailed Godwits, Greater and Lesser Sand Plovers, Striated Herons and many others. The Lake Maem region nearby is home to the famous Brown Fish Owl.

Chorao Island : Riding a canoe through the marshlands, as you navigate along the mangrove swamps, you come across a paradise of birds. This is the famous Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, the only one of its kind in Goa. Many varieties of gulls, waders, terns can be found here along with various exotic species like - Comb Duck, Pheasant Tailed Jacana and Pygmy Goose. There are also various migratory birds, in this region.