Birding in Goa (Western Ghats)

GOA the state in western India is famous and well- known for its beaches and birds. The forests of Goa form the part of Western Ghats.

As most of the Goan forest, we wanted to visit were in Southern region of the state of Goa, planned our stay in Nature's Nest Goa. The resort was tucked along the dense forest, which was just about 5kms from Mollem and adjacent to the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary.

The cottage we were allotted was cozy and spacious. It had this old styled red-oxide flooring; mud-lined walls and a bamboo ceiling. A veranda that reminded me of my home-town.

By late evening, we met our host Pankaj Lad, who gave us a very warm welcome. Within minutes we felt very homely. He briefed us on our itinerary starting from the morning of 30th November to 2nd December 2017.

(30th November 2017)

Our day started early and we headed to the smallest of all the wildlife sanctuaries in Goa, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary.

We sighted the White-rumped Munia, Barn swallow, Crested Treeswift's, Ashy Wood swallow and Malabar Pied Hornbill.

Vigors's Sunbird Aethopyga vigorsii - by Yash Kothiala

Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus - by Aseem Kothiala

Driving deeper inside the sanctuary, we sighted the Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, Wooly necked stork, White throated Kingfisher to name a few.

Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher Ceyx erithaca - by Aseem Kothiala

We returned to the resort which was about 10kms for Lunch. Delicious Goan meals was served to lure our taste buds. Their cook, Deepak even explained the preparation of each dish to us.

Our second session was a drive towards Tambdi Surla, where we were greeted by a pair of Malabar Trogon.

Malabar Trogon Harpactes fasciatus - by Aseem Kothiala

Later we took a diversion towards a village that had some fruiting trees. Sighted birds like the  Brown-headed barbet, Malabar barbet, Green Bee-eater, Vernal Hanging parrot, Pompadour Green Pigeon, Heart-spotted Woodpecker.

Malabar Barbet Psilopogon malabaricus - by Aseem Kothiala

While, We walked along small trails through the jungles which was continuously buzzing with various bird calls, heard the Oriental Scops Owl calling out loudly. However, we could not locate him. A pair of Greater Flameback's were seen busy foraging.

Once the sunset, we headed back to the resort and soon left for our night trail. After trekking on the platuea for about 15-20 mins could hear the calls of the nightjar. Pankaj was locating the bird even without a torch, though we were having a tough time. By the end of the trail we had sighted the Indian Nightjar and Jerdon's Nightjar.

Jerdon's Nightjar Caprimulgus atripennis - by Aseem Kothiala

Indian jungle Nightjar Caprimulgus indicus - by Aseem Kothiala

(1st December 2017)

Early morning we waiting within the resort for sometime to do some bird-watching. The area near the entrance was buzzing with Vernal Hanging Parrot's, Sunbird's.

Indian Yellow Tit Parus aplonotus - by Yash Kothiala

The day was very windy, we learnt later it was the effect of Oki cyclone. Most of the birds may have flowen to safer perches and were not seen. The rich habitat and plenty of crisscrossed water streams along the trek path behind the Tambdi surla temple led to beautiful forests. However, there was too much breeze and no birds. Twigs were falling off the trees, to be safer, we headed back on the road and took the trail.

As we were returning, calls of a  large mixed hunting party that comprised of Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Yellow-browed Bulbul and few others were heard and seen. The Black-headed Oriole was seen often.

Thick-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum agile - by Aseem Kothiala

While, we walking into the trails again, sighted the Dark-fronted Babbler, Puff-throated babbler and a pair of Srilankan Frogmouth. The male indeed looked like a dried leaf.

Sri Lankan Frogmouth Batrachostomus moniliger - by Yash Kothiala

Today we could see a pair of Indian Grey Hornbill they had perched too high on the fruiting tree.

The state bird of Goa, Flame-throated Bulbul, was commonly spotted at the Nature's Nest property along with the Yellow-browed Bulbul.

Flame-throated Bulbul Pycnonotus gularis - by Aseem Kothiala

Yellow-browed Bulbul Acritillas indica  - by Aseem Kothiala

Post lunch on our afternoon session we visited the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, which holds the title of being the largest wildlife preserve within the state of Goa.

After going through the formalities at the check post, we were happy to sight the Forest Wagtail, who soon disappeared into the thickets. The area was noisy thanks to the Racket-tailed Drongo. We could hear the drumming and the calls of the White-bellied Woodpecker.

After driving through the forest for about 6-7 kms, decided to drive back. Due to the weather being windy and gloomy, it had turned dark soon.

(2nd December 2017)

Carambolim Lake, one of the most famous lake and an important bird area in Goa. This manmade lake at one time played host to a number of species of birds, both resident and migratory. In fact we saw only the most common birds in this area, Cattle Egret, Pond Heron, Purple Moorhen, Red-rumped Swallow, Little Egret, Bronze-winged Jacana and Cormorants.

However, our area of interest was the fields opposite to the lake, as a lone Asian Dowitcher was been seen for almost a week plus. Pankaj kept scanning the area but in vain. We realized we had missed it.

There was a mixed flock of Black-tailed Godwits, Glossy Ibis, Gull-billed terns, Streak-throated Swallow and Wire-tailed Swallow. Marsh Harrier (female) was seeing flushing the common waders and Godwits. We did sight the lesser-adjutant stork, Brahminy Kite and Osprey in flight over these fields.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus  - by Aseem Kothiala

By noon, Pankaj drove us to Kitchen 304, a small and intimate restaurant set amid the coconut trees and lush paddy fields. Here we had some really authentic goan dishes. The chef ensured we had a good time and had dished out an outstanding vegetarian stroganoff.

The afternoon session was the famous boat ride over Zuari river. Typically, the Peregrine falcon was spotted under the bridge.

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus - by Aseem Kothiala

The boatman Frankie was indeed an experienced birder and also had a good sense of the requirements of a photographer. He would just get close enough and ensured the bird was not scared away.

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis - by Aseem Kothiala

A juvenile White-bellied Sea Eagle was roosting on the tree in the mangroves.

White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster - by Yash Kothiala

White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster - by Aseem Kothiala

Being low tide, the birds had perched along the shore line. We waited for sometime and watched them preen and enjoy the breeze. They were in no mood to soar.

 Osprey Pandion haliaetus  - by Aseem Kothiala

Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus - by Aseem Kothiala

Striated Heron Butorides striata  - by Aseem Kothiala

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis - by Aseem Kothiala

 Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pileata - by Yash Kothiala

Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris - by Aseem Kothiala

Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis - by Aseem Kothiala

White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis - by Aseem Kothiala

The best time to visit the place for bird-watching is from October to mid March. January would be awesome for bird photography.

We signed off with a count of about 140 birds, off which four were lifers to us. Thanking Yash Kothiala for accompanying and contributing his images, Pankaj Lad for his expertise and Seema Kothiala for her company.

Happy Birding!

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Sr. No	Description		Status	Location
	ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae
1	Lesser Whistling Duck	Dendrocygna javanica		Carambolim Lake
2	Ruddy Shelduck	Tadorna ferruginea		Carambolim Lake
	GALLIFORMES: Phasianidae
3	Indian Peafowl	Pavo cristatus		Nature's Nest
4	Grey Junglefowl	Gallus sonneratii	Endemic	Mahavir W.L.S
5	Red Spurfowl	Galloperdix spadicea	Endemic	Bondla W.L.S
	COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae
6	Rock Dove	Columba livia		Commonly seen
7	Spotted-necked Dove	Streptopelia chinensis		Commonly seen
8	Pompadour Green Pigeon	Treron pompadora		Bondla W.L.S
9	Emerald Dove	Chalcophaps indica		Nature's Nest
	CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Podargidae
10	Sri Lankan Frogmouth	Batrachostomus moniliger		Mahavir W.L.S
	CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae
11	Jerdon's Nightjar	Caprimulgus atripennis		Mahavir W.L.S
12	Indian jungle Nightjar	Caprimulgus indicus		Mahavir W.L.S
	CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Apodidae
13	Crested Treeswift	Hemiprocne coronata		Bondla W.L.S
	CUCULIFORMES: Cuculidae
14	Drongo Cuckoo	Surniculus lugubris		Mahavir W.L.S
15	Common Hawk Cuckoo	Hierococcyx varius		Mahavir W.L.S
	GRUIFORMES: Rallidae
16	White-breasted Waterhen	Amaurornis phoenicurus		Zuari
17	Purple Swamphen	Porphyrio porphyrio		Carambolim Lake
18	Common Moorhen	Gallinula chloropus		Carambolim Lake
19	Common Coot	Fulica atra		Carambolim Lake
	PELECANIFORMES: Ciconiidae
20	Lesser Adjutant	Leptoptilos javanicus	Vulnerable	Carambolim Lake / Zuari
21	Asian Openbill	Anastomus oscitans		Carambolim Lake
22	Woolly-necked Stork	Ciconia episcopus		Bondla W.L.S
	PELECANIFORMES: Ardeidae
23	Black-crowned Night Heron	Nycticorax nycticorax		Zuari
24	Striated Heron	Butorides striata		Zuari
25	Indian Pond Heron	Ardeola grayii		Commonly Seen
26	Cattle Egret	Bubulcus ibis		Commonly Seen
27	Grey Heron	Ardea cinerea		Carambolim Lake
28	Purple Heron	Ardea purpurea		Carambolim Lake
29	Little Egret	Egretta garzetta		Carambolim Lake
30	Western Reef Egret	Egretta gularis		Zuari
	PELECANIFORMES: Threskiornithidae
31	Black-headed Ibis	Threskiornis melanocephalus	Near-threatened	Carambolim Lake
32	Glossy Ibis	Plegadis falcinellus		Carambolim Lake
	PELECANIFORMES: Phalacrocoracidae
33	Indian Cormorant	Phalacrocorax fuscicollis		Carambolim Lake
34	Little cormorant	Microcarbo niger		Carambolim Lake
	PELECANIFORMES: Anhingidae
35	Oriental Darter	Anhinga melanogaster	Near-threatened	Zuari
	CHARADRIIFORMES: Recurvirostridae
36	Black-winged Stilt	Himantopus himantopus		Carambolim Lake
	CHARADRIIFORMES: Jacanidae
37	Bronze-winged Jacana	Metopidius indicus		Carambolim Lake
	CHARADRIIFORMES: Scolopacidae
38	Eurasian Curlew	Numenius arquata	Near-threatened	Zuari
39	Black-tailed Godwit	Limosa limosa	Near-threatened	Carambolim Lake
40	Bar-tailed Godwit	Limosa lapponica		Carambolim Lake
41	Terek Sandpiper	Xenus cinereus		Zuari
42	Common Sandpiper	Actitis hypoleucos		Zuari
43	Spotted Redshank	Tringa erythropus		Zuari
44	Common Greenshank	Tringa nebularia		Zuari
45	Common Redshank	Tringa totanus		Zuari
	CHARADRIIFORMES: Laridae
46	Gull-billed Tern	Gelochelidon nilotica		Carambolim Lake / Zuari
	ACCIPITRIFORMES: Pandionidae
47	Osprey	Pandion haliaetus		Zuari
	ACCIPITRIFORMES: Accipitridae
48	Crested Serpent Eagle	Spilornis cheela		Bondla W.L.S
49	Black Eagle	Ictinaetus malaiensis		Bondla W.L.S
50	Western Marsh Harrier	Circus aeruginosus		Carambolim Lake
51	Shikra	Accipiter badius		Bondla W.L.S
52	White-bellied Sea Eagle	Haliaeetus leucogaster		Zuari
53	Brahminy Kite	Haliastur indus		Carambolim Lake / Zuari
54	Black Kite	Milvus migrans		Commonly Seen
	STRIGIFORMES: Strigidae
55	Jungle Owlet	Glaucidium radiatum		Bondla W.L.S
	TROGONIFORMES: Trogonidae
56	Malabar Trogon	Harpactes fasciatus		Mahavir W.L.S
	BUCEROTIFORMES: Bucerotidae
57	Malabar Pied Hornbill	Anthracoceros coronatus	Near-threatened	Mahavir W.L.S
58	Malabar Grey Hornbill	Ocyceros griseus	Endemic	Mahavir W.L.S
	PICIFORMES: Picidae
59	Brown-capped Pygmy woodpecker	Dendrocopos nanus		Bondla W.L.S
60	Heart-spotted Woodpecker	Hemicircus canente		Mahavir W.L.S
61	Black-rumped Woodpecker	Dinopium benghalense		Bondla W.L.S
62	Rufous Woodpecker	Micropternus brachyurus		Mahavir W.L.S
63	Greater Flame-backed Woodpecker	Chrysocolaptes lucidus		Mahavir W.L.S
	PICIFORMES: Ramphastidae
64	Brown-headed Barbet	Psilopogon zeylanicus		Mahavir W.L.S
65	Malabar Barbet	Psilopogon malabaricus	Endemic	Mahavir W.L.S
	CORACIIFORMES: Meropidae
66	Green Bee-eater	Merops orientalis		Mahavir W.L.S
67	Chestnut-headed bee eater	Merops leschenaulti		Mahavir W.L.S
68	Blue-tailed Bee-eater	Merops philippinus		Carambolim Lake
	CORACIIFORMES: Alcedinidae
69	Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher	Ceyx erithaca		Bondla W.L.S
70	Common Kingfisher	Alcedo atthis		Zuari
71	Pied Kingfisher	Ceryle rudis		Carambolim Lake
72	Stork-billed Kingfisher	Pelargopsis capensis		Zuari
73	White-throated Kingfisher	Halcyon smyrnensis		Bondla W.L.S / Zuari
74	Black-capped Kingfisher	Halcyon pileata		Zuari
75	Collared Kingfisher	Todiramphus chloris		Zuari
	FALCONIFORMES: Falconidae
76	Peregrine Falcon	Falco peregrinus		Zuari
	PSITTACIFORMES: Psittaculidae
77	Vernal Hanging Parrot	Loriculus vernalis		Mahavir W.L.S
	PASSERIFORMES: Campephagidae
78	Scarlet Minivet	Pericrocotus flammeus		Mahavir W.L.S
	PASSERIFORMES: Oriolidae
79	Black-hooded Oriole	Oriolus xanthornus		Bondla W.L.S
80	Indian Golden Oriole	Oriolus kundoo		Bondla W.L.S
81	Black-naped Oriole	Oriolus chinensis		Bondla W.L.S
	PASSERIFORMES: Artamidae
82	Ashy Woodswallow	Artamus fuscus		Bondla W.L.S
	PASSERIFORMES: Vangidae
83	Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike	Hemipus picatus		Bondla W.L.S
	PASSERIFORMES: Aegithinidae
84	Common Iora	Aegithina tiphia		Bondla W.L.S
	PASSERIFORMES: Dicruridae
85	Black Drongo	Dicrurus macrocercus		Bondla W.L.S
86	Ashy Drongo	Dicrurus leucophaeus		Bondla W.L.S
87	White-bellied Drongo	Dicrurus caerulescens		Bondla W.L.S
88	Bronzed Drongo	Dicrurus aeneus		Mahavir W.L.S
89	Hair-crested Drongo	Dicrurus hottentottus		Bondla W.L.S
90	Greater Racket-tailed Drongo	Dicrurus paradiseus		Mahavir W.L.S
	PASSERIFORMES: Dicaeidae
91	Thick-billed Flowerpecker	Dicaeum agile		Mahavir W.L.S
92	Plain Flowerpecker	Dicaeum concolor		Mahavir W.L.S
	PASSERIFORMES: Nectariniidae
93	Little Spiderhunter	Arachnothera longirostra		Mahavir W.L.S
94	Purple-rumped Sunbird	Leptocoma zeylonica		Mahavir W.L.S
95	Crimson-backed Sunbird	Leptocoma minima	Endemic	Nature's Nest
96	Purple Sunbird	Cinnyris asiaticus		Nature's Nest
97	Loten's Sunbird	Cinnyris lotenius		Nature's Nest
98	Vigors's Sunbird	Aethopyga vigorsii	Endemic	Nature's Nest
	PASSERIFORMES: Irenidae
99	Asian Fairy-bluebird	Irena puella		Mahavir W.L.S
100	Golden-fronted Leafbird	Chloropsis aurifrons		Nature's Nest
	PASSERIFORMES: Estrildidae
101	White-rumped Munia	Lonchura striata		Bondla W.L.S
	PASSERIFORMES: Motacillidae
102	Forest Wagtail	Dendronanthus indicus		Mahavir W.L.S
103	Yellow Wagtail	Motacilla flava		Carambolim Lake
	PASSERIFORMES: Paridae
104	Indian Yellow Tit	Parus aplonotus		Nature's Nest
	PASSERIFORMES: Cisticolidae
105	Common Tailorbird	Orthotomus sutorius		Bondla W.L.S
	PASSERIFORMES: Acrocephalidae
106	Clamorous Reed Warbler	Acrocephalus stentoreus		Carambolim Lake
	PASSERIFORMES: Hirundinidae
107	Streak-throated Swallow	Petrochelidon fluvicola		Carambolim Lake
108	Red-rumped Swallow	Cecropis daurica		Bondla W.L.S
109	Wire-tailed Swallow	Hirundo smithii		Carambolim Lake
110	Barn Swallow	Hirundo rustica		Bondla W.L.S
	PASSERIFORMES: Pycnonotidae
111	Flame-throated Bulbul	Pycnonotus gularis		Nature's Nest
112	Red-whiskered Bulbul	Pycnonotus jocosus		Nature's Nest
113	Red-vented Bulbul	Pycnonotus cafer		Nature's Nest
114	White-browed Bulbul	Pycnonotus luteolus		Mahavir W.L.S
115	Yellow-browed Bulbul	Acritillas indica		Nature's Nest
	PASSERIFORMES: Timaliidae
116	Dark-fronted Babbler	Rhopocichla atriceps		Mahavir W.L.S
	PASSERIFORMES: Pellorneidae
117	Puff-throated Babbler	Pellorneum ruficeps		Mahavir W.L.S
	PASSERIFORMES: Leiothrichidae
118	Jungle Babbler	Turdoides striata		Mahavir W.L.S
	PASSERIFORMES: Sittidae
119	Velvet-fronted Nuthatch	Sitta frontalis		Mahavir W.L.S
	PASSERIFORMES: Muscicapidae
120	Indian Robin	Saxicoloides fulicatus		Mahavir W.L.S
121	White-rumped Shama	Kittacincla malabarica		Nature's Nest
122	Malabar Whistling Thrush	Myophonus horsfieldii	Endemic	Nature's Nest
123	Eastern Stonechat	Saxicola maurus		Carambolim Lake
	PASSERIFORMES: Turdidae
124	Orange-headed Thrush	Geokichla citrina		Nature's Nest

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