To most people Goa is a land of beaches, great food and the good life. But towards the Western Ghats that border its eastern limits, Goa is a birder’s paradise. Dense forests, river beds, and mangrove forests along the many backwaters and streams are flocked by several winged species – some endemic, a few migratory but most are residents.
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Flame-throated Bulbul
In the forests of Tambdi Surla in Goa, I met this brilliantly coloured bird. The state bird of Goa, the Flame-Throated Bulbul (Pycnonotus gularis)
is bright yellow with a black head and a bright, flame-colored patch on
its throat. This bird moves around in pairs, and is mostly encountered
in forests.
Woolly Necked Stork
Though relatively common, the handsome Woolly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus)
is not an easy bird to see up close, because it takes flight when
approached. This is one of the closest sightings I have ever had of this
bird. I also spotted it during the boat ride on the Zuari River.
Black capped Kingfisher
Bird-watchers from all over the world visit Goa to see this
spectacularly colorful bird. The canals and mangrove forests around some
of the fishing hamlets in Goa are known to harbor many varieties of
kingfisher. Of these, the Black-capped Kingfisher is the most
sought-after.
Slaty Breasted Rail
We saw this bird hiding among the reeds on the banks of the river Zuari. This bird was a lifer for me. In birding terms, a lifer is a bird that has been spotted for the first time in the birdwatcher’s life.
Grey Heron
Not cranes, not storks, these large grey birds are herons. Note
the long, fish-spearing beak. It was early in the morning as we sailed
down the Zuari and spotted this Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) on the river
banks.
Chestnut-tailed starling
Relatives of the mynas, the starlings are noisy, active birds
that are often found in large flocks. I was walking around the Tambdi
Surla temple when this Chestnut-tailed Starling (Sturnia malabarica) was
looking down at me , perhaps wondering if I had anything in store for
it.
Crimson-backed sunbird
Also known as the Small Sunbird, this tiny bird is found in the
foothills of the Western Ghats. One of the easiest birds to spot, it is
rather difficult to photograph as it never sits still.
Orange-headed Ground Thrush
Sporting such brilliant colors, this Orange-headed Thrush
(Zoothera citrine) was seen on the way to Dudhsagar Falls. It was
patient enough to pose for us. These thrushes spend most of their time
on the ground, searching for insects among fallen leaves.
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