Bird-Watching At Goa

Most of us are aware of the fact that Goa is prominent as a destination that attracts tourists for its pristine beaches, sparkling white sands and laid-back atmosphere. Goa has become famous over the years among travellers who seek to take a break from their busy lives in the polluted cities. The natural charm of Goa has definitely made it one of the top most tourist destinations of India.

Apart from taking a walk along the beaches, shopping at the flea markets or indulging in water sports, there is another interesting thing that can be done by the visitors in Goa, bird-watching. As Goa is rich in a variety of flora and fauna, it is possible for the tourists to catch a glimpse of some of the most beautiful and rare species of birds. This aspect of Goa has piqued the interests of bird-lovers and ornithologist from around the globe.

The most popular birding regions in Goa can be divided into four main parts and these are the best places to watch birds and enjoy the charm of nature.

The Coastal Belt

This region includes the beaches, saline marshes, large rivers and mangrove lines of Goa which proves to be a great spot to find numerous birds such as gulls, terns, sandpipers, ducks, egrets, herons, plovers and more. A rare bird, collared kingfisher can also be spotted at Goa in Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and also the Cumbharjua Canal.

The Midland Region

The Midland Region consists of semi-evergreen forests, deciduous forests and cashew plantations along the plateau slopes. The weather and habitat of this region favours rare species of birds such as the boisterous lapwings, crepuscular nightjars, elegant peafowl, secretive quails, the flashy robins and chats.

The Sahyadris

This spot can be considered as one of the best birding regions in Goa, as it houses stunning species of melodious birds as well as endangered and endemic birds. Including semi-evergreen patches, evergreen forests and bamboos, the Sahyadris along the western coast of Goa is home to bird species such as majestic hornbills, soaring raptors, gorgeous minivets and leafbirds, melodious thrushes, bulbuls and flycatcher, woodpeckers and aggressive drongos.

The Inland Freshwater Region

Consisting of lakes such as Pilar Lake, Batim Lake, Welim Lake, Carambolim Lake, in addition to wetlands and paddy fields, the freshwater region of Goa is also another birding spot which is home to aquatic species of birds such as migratory ducks, agile jacanas, raucous moorhens, occasional harriers, restless pipits and wagtails and patient kingfishers.

Wildlife Sanctuaries

The visitors can have a look at these exotic bird species at the wildlife sanctuaries found in Goa which are in abundance. A trip to these sanctuaries will also work as a great way to spend your time at Goa.

Some of the important wildlife sanctuaries are - Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary which is close to Panaji etc.