Bird Walk at Virar Dam Trek, Virar, Maharashtra

  • Virar
  • 27 June, 2026
  • Riddhant Vinod Dhuri

About Virar Dam Trek

Nestled on the outskirts of Mumbai near Virar, the Virar Dam trek offers a refreshing escape into a mosaic of semi-evergreen patches, scrub forests, and seasonal grasslands. The landscape transforms dramatically with the monsoon, when cascading streams, mist-covered hills, and lush vegetation create a thriving habitat for diverse flora and fauna. Native trees, shrubs, and flowering plants attract a wide range of insects and birds, making the trail especially rewarding for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The mix of open areas and wooded patches supports everything from sunbirds and bulbuls to raptors soaring overhead.
Beyond its beauty, the region reflects the delicate balance between urban expansion and natural ecosystems. Increasing human disturbance, littering, and unregulated trekking pose growing threats to its biodiversity. However, awareness among local communities and nature groups is gradually encouraging responsible trekking and conservation practices. Protecting such green pockets is crucial—not just for wildlife, but for preserving accessible nature spaces where people can reconnect with the wild.

Bird Guide: Riddhant Vinod Dhuri

He has been involved in birding and nature study for the past 4–5 years, along with completing several unexplored treks that strengthened my field experience. He has also authored a research paper on birds along an altitudinal gradient. Currently pursuing his BSc, he aspires to build a career as a wildlife biologist and work with the Wildlife Institute of India.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Virar Dam Trek

The Virar landscape comes alive with an impressive diversity of birdlife, offering a perfect blend of common urban adapters and forest-edge specialists. From the cheerful calls of bulbuls and mynas to the metallic notes of the coppersmith barbet, every corner of the trail holds a new surprise. Agile aerialists like swifts and bee-eaters share the skies with powerful raptors such as kites and eagles, while the undergrowth hides secretive species like prinias and tailorbirds. Seasonal visitors like flycatchers and warblers add a dynamic touch, making every visit unique. Whether it’s the striking colors of the golden oriole or the rhythmic drumming of a flameback woodpecker, this birding experience captures the essence of India’s rich avifaunal diversity.
Red-Whiskered Bulbul
Red-Vented Bulbul
Asian Palm Swift
Common Myna
Large-Billed Crow

House Crow
Common Woodshrike
Greater Coucal
Purple Sunbird
Common Tailorbird
Oriental Magpie-Robin
Black Drongo
Racket-Tailed Drongo
Asian Koel
Coppersmith Barbet
Ashy Prinia
Gray-Breasted Prinia
Spotted Dove
Black Kite
Asian Green Bee-Eater

Summary of Walk

The bird walk at Virar Dam brought together seven participants for an engaging session focused on bird behaviour and nesting activity. The trail moved through areas surrounding the dam, where participants had the opportunity to observe birds in a relatively undisturbed setting. The highlight of the experience was witnessing Baya Weavers actively building their intricate nests, which fascinated the entire group and sparked discussions around nesting strategies and craftsmanship in birds.

A total of 26 species were recorded during the walk. A particularly exciting moment occurred when a Shikra suddenly appeared in the low canopy, attempting to hunt, providing participants with a rare glimpse of predator behaviour. Towards the end of the walk, a Rufous Woodpecker gave excellent views, adding a memorable conclusion to the session. Additional sightings included Small Minivets and other woodland birds. The walk emphasized observing behaviour and interactions rather than just counting species, making it a deeply engaging experience. Overall, the session highlighted the beauty of bird behaviour in natural settings.

Number of Participants
0
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ATAAVI Bird Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between people and the avian diversity of India. Through advocacy, education and conservation efforts, we strive to increase awareness and appreciation for birds across communities.

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