Birdwatching in Coorg: Where to Go and What to See?
If you love to spending time outdoors, and especially love birds, Coorg (Kodagu) should certainly be on your itinerary. Nestled in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Coorg is often covered in clouds. For birdwatchers, there is a bit of paradise that distinguishes this region from so many others. Birdwatching in Coorg lets see you many colorful local birds and some rare migratory ones. You can see over 300 kinds of birds in the coffee farms, green forests, and near waterfalls
So, where do you go, and see?
Let’s begin.
Why Is Coorg a Birdwatching Paradise?
The evergreen forests, hills, rivers, and coffee plantations of Coorg support wildlife of all kinds. These varied terrains provide shelter to both resident and migratory birds. Bird lovers have something new to observe each season.
Best Birdwatching Spots in Coorg
1. Nisargadhama Island
Located adjacent to Kushalnagar, this serene forested island on the Kaveri River is full of activity
Many birds are present – Malabar pied hornbill, woodpeckers, parakeets, Cormorants, kingfishers, and other waterbirds.
2. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
A verdant sanctuary bordering Kerala. Famous for both wildlife and birds.
Keep your eyes peeled for: Great hornbill, Malabar trogon, black bulbul, and if you’re lucky, the secretive Nilgiri wood pigeon.
3. Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its biodiversity. Most known for high-altitude birding.
Keep your eyes peeled for: Grey-breasted laughingthrush, Nilgiri flycatcher, and velvet-fronted nuthatch.
4. Harangi Reservoir & Backwaters
One of the best spots in the area for waterbirds, and they come in huge migrant flocks.
Keep your eyes peeled for: Spot-billed pelicans, storks, and painted storks and migratory ducks in the winter.
5. Coffee Estates & Resorts
Definitely go to the private estates! There are a lot of homestays and resorts in Coorg right in bird-filled coffee plantations.
Keep your eyes peeled for: Sunbirds, barbets, drongos, and when you are sipping your evening drink, paradise flycatchers zipping past your verandah!
Tip: Opt for nature-friendly resorts like The Yellow Bamboo Resort, which has a lot of greenery around it, and there are local morning bird trails available for you with a local guide.
Birds to Watch Out for in Coorg
Here is a quick list of MUSTS for your binoculars:
- Hornbills – Great hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill
- Flycatchers – Black-naped monarch, Nilgiri flycatcher, paradise flycatcher
- Woodpeckers – Rufous woodpecker, white-bellied woodpecker
- Trogons – Malabar trogon, a colourful forest beauty
- Migrants – Blue-throated blue flycatcher, Eurasian golden oriole (both seasonal migrants)
What’s the Best Time to Go Bird Watching in Coorg?
For most species, the best time to go is from November to March. You have the cool weather, clear skies, and plenty of migrants. However, monsoons do offer a magical feeling with the forests green and the resident birds in full swing.
Bird Watching Quick Tips for Coorg
- Bring a pair of binoculars & a field guide: Even a small one can be the difference.
- Go in the early morning: Birds are most active at dawn.
- Rely on a local guide: They will know the bird sounds, the trails, and where to go.
- Be an ethical visitor: Do not make loud noises, wear earthy colours, and do not litter.
Birding in Coorg is more than a list of birds to tick off; it is a slow experience to listen to nature and let the forest surprise you. Whether you are a seasoned birder or new, Coorg is a landscape that will draw you in.
If you are planning your trip, start your days with a guided trail at The Yellow Bamboo Resort, where birds are your alarm.
FAQs
Q1. Which is the best bird sanctuary to visit in Coorg?
Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is most known as the best birding spot, especially for rarer endemics.
Q2. Can someone who hasn’t birded before yet still enjoy walking for birds?
Of course! Even on the coffee estate you are staying, you’ll see some brightly coloured and common birds without even trying.
Q3. What will I need to take?
You need a good set of binoculars, a notebook, and a comfortable pair of shoes. A camera with a zoom lens is optional, but always nice to have.
Q4. Can we see birds while it’s rainy monsoon season?
Yes, although the tracks will be slippery. You still have resident birds and see the green.