Bandhavgarh is famous for its tigers, but if you look up, you’ll see a whole different world—one filled with vibrant, chirping, and soaring birds. This national park is home to a diverse range of bird species, making it a fantastic spot for birdwatchers. Whether you’re an avid birder or just someone who loves nature, here are some fascinating birds you can spot in Bandhavgarh.
Indian Peafowl (Peacock)
Scientific Name: Pavo cristatus
The national bird of India, the Indian Peafowl, is a sight to behold. With its dazzling blue and green plumage and striking tail feathers, this bird is often seen near open fields and water sources. During the monsoon, males put on a spectacular display, fanning their tails to attract females.
Interesting Fact: The male peacock’s tail feathers, or “train,” can have over 200 eye-catching eyespots. The display of these feathers is used during courtship to attract females.
Grey-headed Fish Eagle
Scientific Name: Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus
This powerful raptor is often spotted near water bodies, patiently waiting to swoop down on unsuspecting fish. With its grey head and large hooked beak, the Grey-headed Fish Eagle is a top predator in its habitat. Early mornings are the best time to spot this magnificent bird in action.
Interesting Fact: Known for its distinctive “fish eagle” call, the Grey-headed Fish Eagle is a skilled fisher and can dive into the water to catch its prey with precision.
Crested Serpent Eagle
Scientific Name: Spilornis cheela
One of the most commonly seen eagles in Bandhavgarh, the Crested Serpent Eagle is known for its piercing yellow eyes and loud, high-pitched call. True to its name, it primarily feeds on snakes and lizards. It often perches on high branches, scanning the ground for movement.
Interesting Fact: The Crested Serpent Eagle is named for its ability to hunt serpents and other small reptiles. It uses its sharp talons to catch its prey.
Malabar Pied Hornbill
Scientific Name: Anthracoceros coronatus
A unique-looking bird with a large, curved bill and striking black-and-white coloration, the Malabar Pied Hornbill is a treat to watch. These birds play a crucial role in forest ecology by dispersing seeds, helping trees regenerate.
Interesting Fact: This bird is famous for its dramatic bill and large casque (the hollow structure atop its beak). It’s a frugivore, feeding mainly on fruits but also enjoying small insects and reptiles.
Long-billed Vulture
Scientific Name: Gyps indicus
Bandhavgarh provides a crucial habitat for the endangered Long-billed Vulture. These scavengers play a vital role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carrion. Their declining numbers due to poisoning and habitat loss make every sighting of them even more special.
Interesting Fact: The Long-billed Vulture’s population has drastically declined over the years, primarily due to poisoning from diclofenac, a drug used in livestock.
White-eyed Buzzard
Scientific Name: Butastur teesa
Unlike many other raptors, the White-eyed Buzzard has a rather soft call. It has distinctive white eyes and prefers open woodlands and grasslands. Despite its predatory nature, it occasionally feeds on insects, making it an adaptable hunter.
Interesting Fact: This bird is an exceptional hunter, often spotted perched on trees or flying low over grasslands in search of prey like lizards, insects, and small birds.
Indian Scops Owl
Scientific Name: Otus bakkamoena
A master of camouflage, the Indian Scops Owl blends perfectly with tree bark. This small owl is nocturnal and is best spotted during night safaris. Its haunting calls add to the mystery of Bandhavgarh’s forests.
Interesting Fact: The Indian Scops Owl is an expert at camouflage, blending seamlessly with the bark of trees during the day. Its distinctive “kew-kew” call is heard during the night.
Jungle Owlet
Scientific Name: Glaucidium radiatum
Smaller than the Indian Scops Owl, the Jungle Owlet is an active little bird that can even be seen during the day. It prefers dense forests and is known for its rapid, repetitive calls that echo through the trees.
Interesting Fact: This small owl is highly territorial and often heard calling out with a distinctive “tu-tu” sound. It is often seen in pairs and nests in tree hollows.
Shikra
Scientific Name: Accipiter badius
A small but fierce bird of prey, the Shikra is an agile hunter. With sharp talons and excellent speed, it preys on small birds and rodents. It is commonly seen perched on tree branches, scanning the surroundings.
Interesting Fact: The Shikra is a small raptor with a sleek body, allowing it to fly swiftly through dense foliage in pursuit of prey. Its call is a sharp “kreee,” which is often heard when it’s nearby.
Common Myna
Scientific Name: Acridotheres tristis
A bird that thrives around human settlements as well as forests, the Common Myna is known for its intelligence and adaptability. With its loud, chattering calls, it is one of the most easily recognizable birds in Bandhavgarh.
Interesting Fact: A highly adaptable and social bird, the Common Myna is known for its distinctive yellow eye patches and its ability to mimic human speech. It often feeds on insects and scraps near human habitation.
Summary Table
| Bird Name | Threat Category | Habitat | Abundance | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Peafowl | LC | G, O | A | R |
| Grey-headed Fish Eagle | NT | W, Wd | O | R |
| Crested Serpent Eagle | LC | G, SE | C | R |
| Malabar Pied Hornbill | NT | SE, Wd | U | R |
| Long-billed Vulture | CE | G, O | U | R |
| White-eyed Buzzard | LC | G, O | C | R |
| Indian Scops Owl | LC | SE, Wd | O | R |
| Jungle Owlet | LC | G, SE | U | R |
| Shikra | LC | G, O | C | R |
| Common Myna | LC | G, O, D | A | R |
Key:
LC: Least Concern
NT: Near Threatened
CE: Critically Endangered
Abundance: A = Abundant, C = Common, U = Uncommon, O = Occasional
Habitat: G = Grasslands, O = Open areas, SE = Semi-evergreen forest, Wd = Swamp forest and riparian woodland, D = Disturbed areas
Status: R = Resident, M = Migrant
Birdwatching in Bandhavgarh offers an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re scanning the skies for eagles or listening for the calls of owls at night, every moment is filled with wonder. So, next time you visit Bandhavgarh, don’t just look for tigers—keep an eye out for these incredible birds too!
