Ever seen an Andaman Serpent Eagle come sweeping down through the mist from the mountains? Or hear that haunting call of an Andaman Drongo split the still morning air? This is life in the Andamans, where every breath has bird song to fill it, and every breath carries life to and fro through those forests making it the best spot for birdwatching in Andaman. These islands aren’t just about the picture-perfect beaches in Andaman and coral reefs that make them one of the most popular places to visit in Andaman. Hiding in their ancient forests is a world that’ll make any bird lover’s heart skip a beat – we’re talking about more than 300 species, many found nowhere else on Earth.
Do you want to fill your Andaman tour with lifetime experiences? When there are plenty of things to do in Andaman, there’s nothing more exciting than a Narcondam Hornbill in view or spotting a whole group of Andaman Wood Pigeons soaring above the canopy. Explore our Andaman tour packages for the most ideal destinations like Chidiya Tapu, which means “Bird Island” in Hindi, or Mount Harriet’s trails, with each new morning coming with a promise of more birding delights.
The best part is, that it takes off in November to March, when our local birds are entertaining their traveling cousins from far-off lands.
Highlights of Birdwatching in Andaman
Andaman Islands are the perfect places to go birdwatching in Andaman as the variety of ecosystems and avian life there is exceptional. The islands’ tropical forests, mangroves, and coastal areas present ideal habitats for various bird species. There are more than 270 species of birds, of which over 30 are endemic means they can be found only in the Andaman Islands. Therefore, the region becomes a paradise for birdwatchers.What makes birdwatching in Andaman so special is that the birds are present herein.
Andaman shows variety due to the range of habitats offered. In this, from rainforests to coastal cliffs and sandy beaches, one has the best settings for all walks of life in birdwatching. From bright plumage parrots to rare pigeons and migratory waterfowls, everything finds its way right here, Andaman.
Some of the most interesting birds found here are the Andaman Woodpecker, the Nicobar pigeon, and the Andaman Drongo. The species have great demand and repute among bird watch enthusiasts for their extraordinary features and rarity. An absolute treasure for an enthusiast in pursuit of birding in Andaman Islands.
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Top Sites For Birdwatching In Andaman Island
If you are planning to go on a birdwatching tour in Andaman, knowing the top spots to visit is essential. Here are some of the top sites for bird watching in Andaman Island:Situated approximately 25 km from Port Blair, Chidiya Tapu is arguably the best place to engage in bird watching in the Andaman Islands. Also called Bird Island, there are many bird species seen at this site as a result of the mangrove-mudflat systems. This destination has been considered for tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of the Andaman Drongo, Andaman Teal, and Andaman Woodpecker. The island also offers an excellent view of the Andaman Sea; this is a nice place to bask in serenity while bird-watching.Chidiya Tapu is a must-destination for anyone visiting Andaman Islands who wants to bird. Here, you could spend the entire day exploring various habitats and spotting diverse birds. Here, you experience a true birdwatching tour in Andaman.
2. Mount Harriet National Park
Mount Harriet National Park in South Andaman offers another prime site for birding. The diverse habitats of tropical forests, grasslands, and wetlands available here make the place ideal for observing different types of birds. Some of the key species here include the Andaman Hawk Owl, Andaman Cuckoo-Dove, and the Nicobar pigeon.The park has good trails that enable birding to embark on the beautiful richness of flora and fauna. The landscape is a hill, so you would have to hike through the forest to reach the place, but that effort is deserved when the birding experience is complete Mount Harriet should not be missed by those looking for birding in Andaman Islands.
3. Saddle Peak National Park
This spot, Saddle Peak, stands tall as the highest point of the Andaman Islands. As part of the North Andaman park, one finds a high number of endemic species of birds such as Andaman Treepie and Olive-backed Sunbird, alongside many species of hornbills. The region is mostly forested, a perfect habitat for endemic and migrant species.For a more intense birdwatching experience, Saddle Peak National Park would be a nice choice. The park offers scenic views and the possibility of catching some rare species of birds. Among the best places for birdwatching in Andaman and exploring the natural beauty of the islands is presented here.
Havelock Island is particularly known for its white-sand beaches. Yet, an incredible birding spot exists here in a fragmented island of forests where birds such as the Andaman Drongo, Andaman Cuckoo-Dove, and Nicobar pigeon can be seen. The variety of forest and coastal habitats makes it an optimal place for birds belonging to various shoreland species.Havelock Island is among the best birding locations in the Andaman Islands, and any visit to Andaman must have this included in the birding itinerary. Here, one would be trekking through forests and lying on the beaches with great opportunities for the observation of birds in their natural habitat.
Rangat and Mayabunder are the two secluded places in the Andaman Islands for those who want to avoid crowds and noise. These places are the abode of very calm mangrove forests and wetlands which attract several species of migratory birds. Sandpipers, waders, and other coastal birds are quite common in this region.Rangat and Mayabunder are excellent destinations for anyone who wants to enjoy birdwatching in Andaman in less crowded areas. They can be considered the best off-the-beaten-path birding experience and can be ideal for those who seek unique bird species in peaceful surroundings.
6. Cuthbert Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary in South Andaman is one of the best spots for birdwatching in Andaman. The main sanctuary is a place for nature lovers. Birds are sighted here with great diversity; they include species such as the Andaman Teal, Andaman Woodpecker, and the Andaman Serpent Eagle.It offers an ideal condition for these birds as it creates dense forests and wetlands. This sanctuary is quite popular with people wanting to experience Birdwatching in Andaman in a calm, relatively undisturbed condition.
Best Season for Birding in Andamans
From November to April is considered the Best Season for Birding in Andamans. These months are generally much cooler and dry, so such activities as birding are quite amenable. It’s during this time when the migratory seasons, which generally attract more migration in birds, are in their peak periods.These months ensure good birdwatching in the Andamans because the weather neither is too scorching hot nor too wet. Yet the islands look amazing at all times, so the outside peak months of travel offer enough chances at birding also.
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Guide to Bird Watching in Andaman
As someone with no knowledge about birdwatching in Andaman, having this birdwatching guide in Andaman will heighten your visit here. Further insights, information, and details for such local species that can be identified based on their habits or physical specifications about size and colors, to cite a few examples, shall all be acquired upon availing this guide.The best place to visit for birding in Andaman can be determined by a local guide, who knows the season and migration patterns. You may want to see endemic species or migratory birds; your guide will make sure you make the most of your birding experience.
Tips for Birding in Andaman
To make the most of your birdwatching tour in Andaman, here are some tips for birding in Andaman:1. Start Early: Birds are very active and alert during the morning dawn, which means that one should start their activities early in the morning. Some birds, especially the most prominent ones, can be mostly seen in the early morning hours.
2. Hire a Local Guide: Local guides may significantly differ in birdwatching. They know which is the best place, their habits, and even the most productive time to view. With a guide, you could even identify certain species that could be of importance while birdwatching in Andaman.
3. Pack the Right Gear: Other necessities would include binoculars, a field guide to birds, a camera with a good zoom lens, as well as comfortable clothing, a hat, and sunscreen. Sturdy shoes would be necessary depending on the destination, especially when birding may require walking or hiking.
4. Respect Nature: Always respect the environment and do not disturb the birds. Keep quiet and at a safe distance from the birds so that they are not scared away. It is also important to observe any local regulations on wildlife protection.
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Itinerary for Birding in Andaman
Here’s a suggested itinerary for birding in Andaman:- Day 1: Arrive in Port Blair and visit Chidiya Tapu. Spend the day exploring the island and spotting species like the Andaman Teal and Andaman Drongo.
- Day 2: Visit Mount Harriet National Park for a day of birding. Look for endemic species such as the Andaman Hawk Owl and Nicobar pigeon.
- Day 3: Head to Saddle Peak National Park. Enjoy birdwatching in the dense forests and search for species like the Andaman Treepie.
- Day 4: Travel to Havelock Island and explore the island’s forests and beaches. Spot species like the Andaman Drongo and Andaman Cuckoo-Dove.
- Day 5: Visit Rangat or Mayabunder for a peaceful birding experience. End the day with a visit to nearby wetlands and mangrove forests.
This itinerary allows you to visit some of the top sites for bird watching in Andaman Island, while also providing time to explore the islands’ natural beauty.
Birdwatching in Andaman offers an incredible experience for nature enthusiasts. It gives nature lovers such an incredible birdwatching experience. The avifauna from endemic species to migratory ones is a veritable treasure here in the Andaman Islands – from the very dense forests of Mount Harriet to the secluded surroundings of Rangat to a birdwatch on the beaches of Havelock Island.With the appropriate tips for birding in Andaman, a nicely planned itinerary of birding in Andaman, and a guide to help identify and spot species, your bird-watching tour to Andaman would be unforgettable. So pack your binoculars and gear up to see the amazing bird life of the Andaman Islands!
Happy birdwatching!
