Birds of Goa, India

 Goa, despite its small size, is a true haven for birdwatchers, boasting an impressive diversity of avian life. Its varied habitats – from coastal beaches, mangrove estuaries, and wetlands to lush deciduous and semi-evergreen forests, especially in the foothills of the Western Ghats – attract a remarkable range of species. The state is home to around 480-570 bird species, representing a significant percentage of India's total bird diversity.

A large number of species live in Goa year-round, adapted to its tropical climate. Goa becomes a crucial wintering ground for numerous migratory species escaping the colder northern climes, particularly from October to March. These visitors significantly boost the bird diversity, especially in wetlands and coastal areas. Being part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, Goa is home to several species endemic to this region. These are particularly sought after by birdwatchers.

Goa boasts several excellent locations for birdwatching, including: Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary (Mollem National Park), Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Carambolim Lake and Curtorim Lake, and Morjim Beach.

birds of goa, india.
Plum Headed Parakeet

birds of goa, india.
Glossy Ibis

birds of goa, india.
Common Hawk Cuckoo

birds of goa, india.
Grey headed Swamphen

birds of goa, india.
Asian Green Bee-eater

birds of goa, india.
Black Crowned Night Heron

birds of goa, india.
Black headed Cuckooshrike

birds of goa, india.
Black-headed Oriole

birds of goa, india.
Blue-tailed bee-eater

birds of goa, india.
Common Iora

birds of goa, india.
Common Kingfisher

birds of goa, india.
Coppersmith Barbet

birds of goa, india.
Grey Heron

birds of goa, india.
Indian Golden Oriole

birds of goa, india.
Lesser Whistling Duck

birds of goa, india.
Asian Openbill

birds of goa, india.
Orange-headed Thrush

birds of goa, india.
Red-whiskered Bulbul

birds of goa, india.
White-browed Bulbul

birds of goa, india.
White-throated kingfisher

birds of goa, india.
Oriental Magpie Robin

birds of goa, india.
Common Tailorbird

birds of goa, india.
Indian Grey Hornbill

birds of goa, india.
Malabar Flameback

birds of goa, india.
Straited Heron

birds of goa, india.
Brahminy Kite

birds of goa, india.
Brown Shrike
birds of Curtorim lake, goa, india.
Indian Paradise Flycatcher

birds of Curtorim lake, goa, india.
Stork-billed Kingfisher

birds of Curtorim lake, goa, india.
River Tern

birds of Curtorim lake, goa, india.
Osprey

birds of Curtorim lake, goa, india.
Oriental Magpie Robin

birds of Curtorim lake, goa, india.
Indian Paradise Flycatcher

birds of goa, india.
Black-headed Ibis

birds of goa, india.
Purple-rumped Sunbird

birds of goa, india.
Tibetan Sand Plover

birds of goa, india.
Western Reef Heron

birds of goa, india.
White Bellied Sea Eagle

birds of goa, india.
Ashy Prinia

birds of goa, india.
Bronze-winged Jacana

birds of goa, india.
Indian Pond Heron

birds of goa, india.
Jungle Myna

birds of goa, india.
Little Egret

birds of goa, india.
Malabar Starling

birds of goa, india.
Oriental Darter

birds of goa, india.
Pied Cuckoo

birds of goa, india.
Pied Kingfisher

birds of goa, india.
Red Lapwing

birds of goa, india.
Red-rumped Swallow

birds of goa, india.
Rose-ringed Parakeet

birds of goa, india.
Spot-billed Duck

birds of goa, india.
Vigor's Sunbird

birds of goa, india.
White-breasted Waterhen

Comments