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The name - Mumbai - might not evoke images of a bird watcher's paradise but lying on the fertile Konkan and surrounded by nature on all sides with the Sahyadri Ranges and Western Ghats, and with ponds and creeks within city limits, Mumbai makes for a perfect birdwatching destination in India.
From local migrants to foreign ones, Mumbai houses avifauna in abundance. Where can you spot these soulful creatures? Around the creeks, marshes, wetlands and mud flats, pools and lakes they are everywhere. All you need is time by your side and a keen eye and ears. Oh! And not to forget, quality binoculars and patience in plenty!
Here's a bird's eyeview of the best birdspotting spots of Mumbai...
The Rarities
Nature and bird lovers will get to spot some of the rarest species of birds. The rare ones include Great and Malabar Pied Hornbills, Malabar Trogon, Golden Orioles, Common Iora and the White Stork among others.
Photo Courtesy: Peter Broster
Karnala Bird Sanctuary
You can spot close to 150 species of birds in Karnala alone. Ashy Minivet and Heart Spotted Woodpeckers are some of the rare species of birds found mainly in Karnala Bird Sanctuary. From the Karnala fort, you can spot some of the most beautiful migrators in the region.
Photo Courtesy: Elroy Serrao
Lakes
Mumbai lakes welcome beautiful water birds during the breeding seasons of migratory birds. The green fringes of these picturesque lakes provide comfortable natural shelter to the birds.
Photo Courtesy: Michael Kohli
Egrets
Four types of egrets - the cattle, large, medium and western reef are spotted in plenty. Serious birding enthusiasts prefer going deep in the woods to catch a closer glimpse of their favourite birds.
Photo Courtesy: Mangrove Mike
Herons
Indian pond heron, black crowned night heron, grey heron, purple heron are some of the many spotted in Mumbai.
Photo Courtesy: Jan Arendtsz
The Variety
Close to 350 species of birds can be spotted across Mumbai. Greater racket-tailed drongo, fly catcher, magpie robin, malabar whistling trush, golden backed woodpecker, crested serpent eagle.
Flamingo Perfect Picture
The lesser and greater Flamingoes flock the nature's best in the city as they migrate from Eurasia to lands far away. The Thane Creek and the Uran Creek are the best places to spot these angel-like birds.
Photo Courtesy: Brian Ralphs
Major Birding Spots
Navi mumbai, Thane Creek, Sewri, Elephanta Island, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Uran Creek, Kharghar hills, Bhandup, Mulund, Matheran, and other areas in South Mumbai are the best places to spot birds.
Photo Courtesy: Michael Kohli
Birding Season
The best months to spot birds around Mumbai are from December to April.
Photo Courtesy: Thimindu Goonatillake
