Bird Walk at Rachanamadu (Near Valley School), Bangalore
- Bangalore
- 18 July, 2026
- Rahuldev Rajguru
About Rachanamadu
Tucked away on the quieter southern edge of Bengaluru, Rachanamadu is a beautiful mosaic of scrub forest, open grassland, rocky outcrops, and seasonal wetlands that still carries the feel of old Bangalore. Spread across a gently undulating landscape along the fringes of the city, the area forms part of an ecologically important dry deciduous and scrub-forest belt connected to the larger Bannerghatta landscape. Native trees such as neem, tamarind, banyan, acacias, and flowering species like gulmohar and amaltas dot the terrain, while monsoon grasses and thorny thickets create ideal habitat for insects, reptiles, and small mammals.
For birders, Rachanamadu is one of those rare places where every trail feels alive with possibility. Early mornings can bring the calls of Grey Junglefowl, Indian Peafowl, barbets, and coucals echoing through the scrub, while grassland edges hold larks, pipits, shrikes, and occasional raptors soaring overhead. Sunbirds flash through flowering trees, parakeets streak noisily across the canopy, and winter often brings migratory surprises to the wetlands and open fields. The landscape also supports butterflies, reptiles, and mammals including hares, mongooses, and occasionally larger wildlife moving through connected forest patches. Yet, like many of Bengaluru’s remaining wild spaces, Rachanamadu faces growing pressure from rapid urban expansion, land conversion, invasive plants, waste dumping, and habitat fragmentation. Conservation efforts in the region increasingly emphasize the importance of protecting these fragile urban-edge ecosystems—not only for wildlife, but also as living outdoor classrooms where people can reconnect with the biodiversity that still survives around the city.
Bird Guide: Rahuldev Rajguru
With over 25 years in software and entrepreneurship, he now focuses on birding, wildlife photography, and conservation, while also writing to inspire people to connect with nature.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Rachanamadu
Rachanamadu is one of Bengaluru’s hidden birding gems, where scrub forests, rocky outcrops, grasslands, and seasonal wetlands come together to support an incredible diversity of birdlife. A walk through the landscape can reveal everything from the secretive Blue-faced Malkoha moving through dense foliage to the loud calls of Asian Koels and the constant chatter of bulbuls, babblers, and prinias in the scrub. Raptors are a major highlight here, with Bonelli’s Eagles regularly nesting in the area and soaring above the valley alongside Oriental Honey-buzzards, Brahminy Kites, White-eyed Buzzards, and Eurasian Kestrels hunting over the open grasslands. Indian Grey Hornbills glide between trees, Spotted Owlets peer curiously from old cavities, while Green Bee-eaters, drongos, barbets, flamebacks, fantails, and parakeets keep the trails alive with colour and movement. During the right season, the wetlands attract cormorants, egrets, and kingfishers, making Rachanamadu a dynamic and rewarding landscape where every walk offers a glimpse into the wild side of Bengaluru.
Bonelli's Eagle
Blue-faced Malkoha
Spotted Owlet
Red-wattled Lapwing
Black Kite
Brahminy Kite
Asian Green Bee-eater
Coppersmith Barbet
White-cheeked Barbet
Black-rumped Flameback
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Small Minivet
Spot-breasted Fantail
Black Drongo
Ashy Prinia
Eastern Red-rumped Swallow
Common Tailorbird
Indian White Eye
White-browed Bulbul
Red-whiskered Bulbul
Summary of Walk
A total of 20 participants joined the guided bird walk at Rachanamadu, Bengaluru, despite a gloomy morning filled with thick clouds and low light. While the weather made bird photography slightly challenging, it certainly did not affect the excitement of the group. Participants explored the wetlands and surrounding woodlands while learning about bird identification, behaviour, and the importance of preserving Bengaluru’s remaining natural habitats. The peaceful atmosphere encouraged everyone to slow down, observe carefully, and appreciate how bird activity continues even under overcast skies. By the end of the morning, the group had recorded an excellent 38 bird species, proving that rewarding birding experiences are possible in every season.
Among the biggest highlights were six Spotted Owlets, delighting participants with prolonged views of these charismatic nocturnal birds resting during daylight hours. Another memorable sighting was the White-cheeked Barbet actively attending its nesting cavity, offering an excellent opportunity to discuss nesting behaviour and breeding ecology. The diverse habitats around Rachanamadu support both woodland and wetland birds, making it one of Bengaluru’s productive birding locations throughout the year. The walk reinforced the value of careful observation, patience, and habitat conservation while giving participants a memorable introduction to the rich birdlife thriving on the city’s outskirts.
Number of Participants
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