Bird Walk at Kootagal betta Ramanagara, Bangalore, Karnataka
- Bangalore
- 28 June, 2026
- Guru Prasad
About Kootagal betta Ramanagara
Nestled amidst the iconic granite hills of Ramanagara, Kootagal Betta is a scenic hillscape that combines rugged rocky outcrops, dry deciduous woodland, scrub forests, grasslands, and scattered native trees into a rich natural landscape. The hill’s unique terrain, seasonal streams, and open valleys provide a variety of habitats for birds, butterflies, reptiles, and small mammals, while its panoramic viewpoints make it a favourite destination for trekkers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts. The relatively undisturbed surroundings support a healthy diversity of resident birds and raptors, making Kootagal Betta an excellent destination for birdwatching throughout the year.
Beyond its breathtaking scenery, Kootagal Betta plays an important role in preserving the rocky hill ecosystems that characterise the Ramanagara landscape. Early mornings are especially rewarding, with birds becoming active across the scrub and forest edges, offering excellent opportunities for observation and photography. However, increasing tourism, littering, habitat disturbance, unregulated trekking, and the risk of wildfires pose growing threats to this fragile ecosystem. Responsible ecotourism, habitat protection, and community-led conservation are essential to safeguarding Kootagal Betta’s biodiversity and ensuring this remarkable landscape continues to thrive for wildlife and future generations.
Bird Guide: Gurprasad K R
He is a passionate nature lover, birding photographer, and conservation advocate, with over a decade of experience observing and documenting birds. Deeply connected to nature and community, he finds joy and inspiration in birds, insects, and butterflies, and is driven to share this wonder to inspire others to connect with the natural world.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Kootagal betta Ramanagara
Kootagal Betta is a paradise for birdwatchers, where rocky cliffs, dry deciduous forests, and scrub-covered slopes support an exciting diversity of birds. The landscape is particularly rewarding for raptor enthusiasts, with majestic species such as the Black Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Oriental Honey-buzzard, Peregrine Falcon, Brahminy Kite, Black Kite, and Shikra frequently soaring above the hills. The forests and scrub also shelter colourful birds including the Blue-faced Malkoha, Indian Roller, White-throated Kingfisher, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Rufous Treepie, and Common Iora, while species like the Indian Peafowl, Greater Coucal, Long-tailed Shrike, and Common Hawk-Cuckoo add to the area’s rich avian diversity. Whether exploring the trails or scanning the skies from the hilltop, Kootagal Betta offers rewarding birdwatching opportunities throughout the year.
Asian Palm Swift
Black Drongo
Black Kite
Blue-faced Malkoha
Bonelli's Eagle
Brahminy Kite
Common Hawk-Cuckoo
Common Iora
Common Woodshrike
Greater Coucal
House Crow
Indian Cuckooshrike
Indian Peafowl
Indian Roller
Little Swift
Long-tailed Shrike
Oriental Honey-buzzard
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Rufous Treepie
Shikra
Summary of Walk
The bird walk at Kootagal Hills saw eight participants embark on a rewarding trek combined with birding. The hilly terrain, with its mix of forest patches and open viewpoints, offered excellent opportunities for spotting raptors and forest birds. The group enjoyed both the physical activity of trekking and the thrill of birding, making the experience dynamic and engaging. The natural landscape created a perfect backdrop for observing birds in flight as well as perched along ridgelines.
Key highlights of the walk included sightings of a Bonelli’s Eagle pair and the striking Black Eagle, often referred to as the “ghost of the forest” due to its silent flight. The Blue-faced Malkoha added to the excitement with its unique appearance and behaviour. In addition to these standout species, participants also observed various smaller birds actively foraging in the forest. The session emphasized scanning techniques and patience, especially while tracking raptors in flight. Overall, the walk offered a perfect blend of adventure and birding, leaving participants with memorable sightings and a sense of accomplishment.
Number of Participants
0
