Ataavi

Bird Walk at Basai Wetlands, Gurugram
2026-01-18 07:00 - 09:00 (Asia/Kolkata)
Bird Walk at Chidiyatapu Biological Park, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andaman

25 January, 2026

Gaurav

About Chidiyatapu Biological Park

Chidiyatapu Biological Park, set on the southern tip of South Andaman Island near Port Blair, is a captivating blend of tropical littoral forest, mangroves and open woodland, spread over about 40 hectares of lush greenery that reflects the rich biodiversity of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Originally developed to conserve and study the unique endemic and endangered wildlife of the islands, the park’s habitats are populated with majestic Padauk and Mahua trees, thick undergrowth and water bodies that attract a fascinating array of fauna in their natural settings. Visitors strolling the shaded paths may glimpse wild pigs, deer, monitor lizards and saltwater crocodiles, and hear the calls of distinctive island birds echoing through the treetops, making the park a living classroom for wildlife lovers and photographers alike.

Birdwatching at Chidiyatapu is a highlight, as its mosaic of forest edges, mangroves and coastal fringes supports vibrant avian life, from endemic island species like the Andaman wood pigeon, Andaman drongo and Andaman green pigeon to majestic raptors such as the white-bellied sea eagle soaring overhead. The park works actively to enhance native vegetation—including fruit-bearing forest species—to support local birds and frugivores, creating richer habitats over time. Yet this biodiversity hotspot faces conservation challenges: limited space, pressures from tourism, and the need to balance visitor access with habitat protection. Continued efforts in habitat restoration, environmental education and sustainable tourism are crucial to ensure that Chidiyatapu Biological Park remains a thriving refuge for endemic wildlife and a premier nature experience for future visitors.

Bird Guide: B GauravHe is an emerging bird guide with 2–3 years of field birding experience, having actively participated twice in the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) organised by ZSI–ANRC. He has also completed a focused internship on birding techniques studying the endemic Andaman Crake, and assisting in field research and bird walks.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Chidiyatapu Biological Park

Chidiyatapu Biological Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with an impressive 191 bird species recorded, showcasing the unique avifauna of the Andaman Islands. Forest canopies echo with the wingbeats of the Andaman Green Pigeon, Green Imperial Pigeon and the endemic Andaman Coucal, while tree trunks come alive with the tapping of the Andaman Woodpecker and Freckle-breasted Woodpecker. The melodious calls of the Andaman Shama drift through shaded trails, joined by colourful residents such as the Andaman Bulbul, White-headed Starling and Red-whiskered Bulbul. Parakeets add flashes of green and red, including the Long-tailed (Red-cheeked) Parakeet, Red-breasted Parakeet and the tiny Vernal Hanging Parrot. Raptors like the Crested Serpent Eagle and Changeable Hawk-Eagle patrol the skies, while vibrant species such as the Dollarbird, White-throated Kingfisher, Chestnut-headed and Blue-tailed Bee-eaters bring colour to forest edges. Completing this rich soundscape are birds like the Asian Koel, Black-naped Oriole, Andaman Drongo, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Brown Shrike and winter visitors such as the Grey Wagtail, making Chidiyatapu a must-visit destination for anyone seeking island birdlife at its finest.

Andaman Coucal

Andaman Woodpecker

Freckle-breasted Woodpecker

Red-collared Dove

Andaman Shama

White-headed Starling

Andaman Bulbul

Long-tailed Parakeet

Red-breasted Parakeet

Crested Serpent Eagle

Changeable Hawk Eagle

Dollar Bird

Chestnut-headed Bee Eater

Andaman Drongo

Grey Wagtail

Vernal Hanging Parrot

White - throated Kingfisher

Blue-tailed Bee Eater

Asian Koel

Red-whiskered Bulbul

Summary of Walk

A bird walk was conducted at Chidiyatapu Biological Park, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, led by B. Gaurav with a group of 11 participants. The walk began with an engaging introduction by naturalist Gaurav, and the trail opened on an exciting note with sightings of the Green Imperial Pigeon, along with Asian Glossy Starling. The energy of the group rose quickly when an Andaman Coucal was seen crossing the path, soon followed by a majestic White-bellied Sea Eagle taking flight overhead.

One of the major highlights of the walk was a close-range sighting of a Freckle-breasted Woodpecker, where Gaurav explained its focused drumming and hitching movements, and how the tree cavities created by woodpeckers play a crucial role in supporting other wildlife. As the group moved deeper into the forest, they encountered a vibrant mix of endemic and resident species including Andaman Green Pigeon, Black-naped Oriole, and Black-naped Monarch. A particularly exciting scientific observation was a mixed-species foraging flock, where Andaman Drongo and Andaman Treepie were seen feeding together, followed by a sighting of the White-headed Starling. The walk concluded beautifully with the stunning Asian Fairy-bluebird, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the unique biodiversity of the islands and a strong understanding of the importance of wildlife conservation in the Andamans.

Number of Participants

0

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