Bird Walk at Chidiyatapu, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

  • Andaman
  • 8 August, 2026
  • Aldrich Franklin

About Chidiyatapu

Chidiyatapu, set on the southern tip of South Andaman Island near Port Blair, is a captivating blend of tropical littoral forest, mangroves and open woodland, spread over about 40 hectares of lush greenery that reflects the rich biodiversity of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Originally developed to conserve and study the unique endemic and endangered wildlife of the islands, the park’s habitats are populated with majestic Padauk and Mahua trees, thick undergrowth and water bodies that attract a fascinating array of fauna in their natural settings. Visitors strolling the shaded paths may glimpse wild pigs, deer, monitor lizards and saltwater crocodiles, and hear the calls of distinctive island birds echoing through the treetops, making the park a living classroom for wildlife lovers and photographers alike.

Birdwatching at Chidiyatapu is a highlight, as its mosaic of forest edges, mangroves and coastal fringes supports vibrant avian life, from endemic island species like the Andaman wood pigeon, Andaman drongo and Andaman green pigeon to majestic raptors such as the white-bellied sea eagle soaring overhead. The park works actively to enhance native vegetation—including fruit-bearing forest species—to support local birds and frugivores, creating richer habitats over time. Yet this biodiversity hotspot faces conservation challenges: limited space, pressures from tourism, and the need to balance visitor access with habitat protection. Continued efforts in habitat restoration, environmental education and sustainable tourism are crucial to ensure that Chidiyatapu Biological Park remains a thriving refuge for endemic wildlife and a premier nature experience for future visitors.

Bird Guide: Aldrich Franklin

Aldrich have been birding in these beautiful islands of Andaman and Nicobar islands for almost 8 years now and he has covered more than 200 specifies of birds here. Presently in working with Shakti in his company : tribesmen.in as bird guide.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Chidiyatapu

Chidiyatapu Biological Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with an impressive 191 bird species recorded, showcasing the unique avifauna of the Andaman Islands. Forest canopies echo with the wingbeats of the Andaman Green Pigeon, Green Imperial Pigeon and the endemic Andaman Coucal, while tree trunks come alive with the tapping of the Andaman Woodpecker and Freckle-breasted Woodpecker. The melodious calls of the Andaman Shama drift through shaded trails, joined by colourful residents such as the Andaman Bulbul, White-headed Starling and Red-whiskered Bulbul. Parakeets add flashes of green and red, including the Long-tailed (Red-cheeked) Parakeet, Red-breasted Parakeet and the tiny Vernal Hanging Parrot. Raptors like the Crested Serpent Eagle and Changeable Hawk-Eagle patrol the skies, while vibrant species such as the Dollarbird, White-throated Kingfisher, Chestnut-headed and Blue-tailed Bee-eaters bring colour to forest edges. Completing this rich soundscape are birds like the Asian Koel, Black-naped Oriole, Andaman Drongo, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Brown Shrike and winter visitors such as the Grey Wagtail, making Chidiyatapu a must-visit destination for anyone seeking island birdlife at its finest.
Andaman Coucal
Andaman Woodpecker
Freckle-breasted Woodpecker
Red-collared Dove
Andaman Shama

White-headed Starling
Andaman Bulbul
Long-tailed Parakeet
Red-breasted Parakeet
Crested Serpent Eagle
Changeable Hawk Eagle
Dollar Bird
Chestnut-headed Bee Eater
Andaman Drongo
Grey Wagtail
Vernal Hanging Parrot
White - throated Kingfisher
Blue-tailed Bee Eater
Asian Koel
Red-whiskered Bulbul

Summary of Walk

On 8th August 2026, a bird walk was held at Chidiya Tapu in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, led by guide Aldrich Franklin, with 18 participants taking part. Chidiya Tapu, whose name translates to “Bird Island,” is renowned as one of the best birding destinations in the archipelago, its dense tropical forest and coastal fringes hosting a unique mix of resident and endemic species found nowhere else in India. The walk gave participants a wonderful opportunity to experience this rich biodiversity firsthand, with the group recording 26 species over the course of the outing, four of which were island endemics. Among the standout sightings were the White-breasted Woodswallow, the striking Andaman Shama with its melodious call, the impressive Andaman Serpent Eagle soaring overhead, and the Freckle-breasted Woodpecker working its way along tree trunks. Participants showed keen interest not just in the birds but in the island’s broader natural history, and several asked about joining future walks, reflecting how much they enjoyed the session. The combination of endemic species, engaged participants, and the scenic island backdrop made for a thoroughly rewarding and memorable morning of birding at Chidiya Tapu.
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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