Bird Walk at Dottabetta, Ooty, Nilgiri, TN

  • Pune
  • 1 August, 2026
  • S.Jeevanandan

About Dottabetta

Doddabetta Peak, located about 10 km from Ooty in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, is the highest point in the state, rising to an elevation of approximately 2,623 m above sea level. Situated at the meeting point of the Eastern and Western Ghats, the peak offers sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding Nilgiri Hills, rolling valleys, tea estates, and, on clear days, distant plains. The summit is surrounded by montane shola forests interspersed with grasslands, making it an ecologically important part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
The diverse habitats around Doddabetta support a rich assemblage of flora and fauna, including several endemic species of the Western Ghats. The shola forests provide habitat for birds such as the Nilgiri flycatcher, Nilgiri wood pigeon, black-and-orange flycatcher, and various laughingthrushes, making the area a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Besides its ecological significance, Doddabetta is one of the most visited attractions in the Nilgiris, with a telescope house at the summit that allows visitors to enjoy enhanced views of the surrounding landscape. The cool climate, scenic beauty, and biodiversity make it an important destination for both tourism and environmental education.

Bird Guide - S.Jeevanandan

Guided birdwatching activities by helping participants identify native and endemic bird species while explaining their behavior, habitats, and ecological significance. Promoted responsible birdwatching and increased awareness of wildlife conservation through engaging nature interpretation.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Dottabetta

Doddabetta Peak supports a diverse assemblage of resident and migratory birds owing to its unique shola forest and montane grassland habitats. Characteristic endemic species such as the Nilgiri Laughingthrush and Nilgiri Flycatcher are among the highlights for birdwatchers, along with the striking Black-and-orange Flycatcher. Other commonly encountered birds include the Cinereous Tit (Asian Tit), Indian White-eye, White-browed Fantail, Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher, Grey Junglefowl, Spotted Dove, Red-vented Bulbul, Red-whiskered Bulbul, Greenish Warbler, Square-tailed Bulbul, Jungle Myna, House Sparrow, and Pied Bushchat. Together, these species reflect the rich avian diversity of the Nilgiri Hills and make Doddabetta one of the most rewarding birdwatching destinations in southern India.
Nilgiri Laughingthrush
Asian Tit
Spotted Dove
Black and Orange Flycatcher
Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher

House Sparrow
Red-vented bulbul
Red-whiskered Bulbul
Greenish Warbler
Grey Junglefowl
Black Kite
Spotted Owlet
Pied Bushchat
Alexandrine Parakeet
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Plum-headed Parakeet
Black Drongo
Red-vented Bulbul
Greater Coucal
Common Myna

Summary of Walk

A bird walk at Dottabetta in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, guided by S. Jeevanandan, brought together eight participants for a rewarding morning amid the region’s scenic hill forests and water bodies. The group recorded a diverse range of species, including the Spot-billed Duck, Indian White-eye, and numerous sunbirds, alongside the White-cheeked Barbet, Common Coot, Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher, Purple and Purple-rumped Sunbirds, Indian Blackbird, and Red-whiskered Bulbul. This mix of wetland and forest species highlighted the rich avian diversity that Ooty’s varied habitats support, giving participants excellent opportunities for identification and discussion along the way.
One of the most memorable moments of the walk was discovering an actively nesting cormorant colony, with multiple nests offering fascinating insight into the birds’ breeding behaviour. The colourful sightings of the White-cheeked Barbet, Purple-rumped Sunbird, and Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher added further excitement to the outing. Participants expressed great enthusiasm throughout, enjoying both the scenic surroundings and the chance to watch birds in their natural habitat, making the walk an engaging and educational experience for the whole group.

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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