Bird Walk at Jahanpanah City Forest, Delhi
- Delhi
- 9 August, 2026
- Anjali Bhardwaj
About Jahanpanah City Forest
Tucked amid the urban sprawl of South Delhi, Jahanpanah City Forest is a green refuge that blends history, restoration, and biodiversity into a unique natural space. Spread across a patchwork of wooded trails, scrubland, grass clearings, and rocky terrain, the forest supports a rich variety of native flora including neem, keekar, amaltas, and dense undergrowth that provides shelter for wildlife. This semi-arid habitat attracts an impressive range of birds—from colourful parakeets and barbets to drongos, owlets, and seasonal migrants—making it a rewarding destination for birders right within the city. Early mornings here are especially vibrant, with bird calls echoing through the trees and sunlight filtering through the canopy.
Despite its ecological value, Jahanpanah City Forest faces the constant pressures of urbanisation. Encroachment, littering, invasive plant species, and disturbance from heavy footfall can impact habitat quality and reduce biodiversity over time. As one of Delhi’s important green lungs, the forest plays a crucial role in supporting wildlife, improving air quality, and offering people a connection to nature. Sustained conservation efforts—such as habitat management, waste control, and increased awareness about responsible use—are essential to protect and enhance this urban forest. Jahanpanah stands as a reminder that even within a bustling metropolis, nature can survive and thrive when given the space and care it deserves.
Bird Guide: Anjali Bhardwaj
A passionate birder and researcher, I am currently a PhD scholar in biogeography at Jamia Millia Islamia with 3.5 years of experience studying urban birdlife in Delhi. My work focuses on bird occupancy, vocalisations, and their relationship with tree species,combining field birding with research to offer deeper, more insightful birding experiences.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Jahanpanah City Forest
This lively mix of birds perfectly captures the essence of an urban forest ecosystem, where dense tree cover, open clearings, and human proximity come together to support remarkable biodiversity. From the striking calls of the Asian Koel echoing through the canopy to the rhythmic tapping of barbets and woodpeckers, the soundscape is constantly alive. Bright flashes of colour from White-Throated Kingfishers, Purple Sunbirds, and Rose-Ringed Parakeets contrast beautifully with the earthy tones of francolins and babblers moving through the undergrowth. Raptors like the Oriental Honey-Buzzard and Black Kite soar above, while species such as the Greater Coucal and Oriental Magpie-Robin add character with their distinct behaviours and calls. Together, these birds showcase how even within city limits, well-preserved green spaces can support a rich and engaging birding experience.
White-Throated Kingfisher
Indian Peafowl
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Greater Coucal
Oriental Honey-Buzzard
Black-Rumped Flameback
Rosy Starling
Gray Francolin
Yellow-Footed Green-Pigeon
Asian Koel
Black Kite
Coppersmith Barbet
Brown-Headed Barbet
Rose-Ringed Parakeet
Common Tailorbird
House Sparrow
Indian White-Eye
Jungle Babbler
Common Myna
Purple Sunbird
Summary of Walk
On 9th August 2026, an evening bird walk was organised at Jahanpanah City Forest, Delhi, guided by Anjali Bhardwaj, with 20 participants taking part. The walk was designed to give an opportunity to those keen to start birding but hesitant about early morning outings, and nearly half the group fell into that category, making the evening slot a comfortable option for beginners to ease into the hobby. The walk got off to a rewarding start with a family of Brown-headed Barbets sighted on a neem tree, comprising two adults and four juveniles, and the group went on to record 28 species overall.
In the same patch, a pair of Indian Grey Hornbills offered a great teaching opportunity about how their casques help amplify calls and differentiate males from females. As the walk progressed, participants heard the calls of the Indian White-eye, Red-whiskered Bulbul and Black-rumped Flameback, alongside interesting discussions on fungi found throughout the forest floor. The undoubted highlight was spotting a Grey Francolin calling from a high perch, a rare treat given how shy and hard to see these birds usually are. The guide closed the walk with a fun activity, asking first-time participants to name three birds they had learned about, rounding off an engaging and memorable evening at Jahanpanah.
Number of Participants
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