Bird Walk at Kolarampathy, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

About Kolarampathy Lake

Kolarampathy Lake is a man-made wetland in Coimbatore that forms part of the city’s important network of traditional waterbodies. Spread across roughly 66 acres of water-spread area, the lake receives water through the Chitraichavadi Anicut Channel and supports surrounding agricultural land through its irrigation system. Its shallow margins, aquatic vegetation, trees and open water create a range of habitats that are particularly attractive to birds. Surveys have recorded an impressive diversity of avifauna at the lake, with 185 bird species recorded between 2011 and September 2022, highlighting its importance within the Coimbatore wetland landscape. Resident wetland birds such as Lesser Whistling Duck, Little Grebe, Eurasian Moorhen and Bronze-winged Jacana can use the lake for feeding and breeding, while suitable water conditions during autumn and winter can attract migratory ducks and other seasonal visitors. The lake’s surrounding vegetation also provides habitat for terrestrial and insectivorous species, making a walk around the wetland more diverse than simply observing the open water.

Kolarampathy is also an example of why urban and peri-urban wetlands need careful conservation. The lake supports biodiversity while simultaneously being connected to agriculture and the wider water-management system of the region. Its location near roads and settlements, however, exposes it to pressures including encroachment, dumping of domestic solid waste and building debris, and disturbance from surrounding development. Conservation concerns have also been raised about the removal of trees and vegetation around the lake, which can directly affect nesting and roosting birds. Maintaining the ecological character of Kolarampathy therefore requires balancing water management, agricultural needs and biodiversity conservation. For birdwatchers, the lake offers an excellent opportunity to experience Coimbatore’s wetland ecosystem and observe how waterbirds, woodland species and agricultural landscapes interact. Its diversity also makes it a valuable location for regular monitoring and citizen-science observations.

Bird Guide: Aparna

She is a wildlife photographer and passionate birdwatcher from Coimbatore with 6 years of experience observing and documenting birds in their natural habitats. Her work combines photography with a strong commitment to wildlife conservation, using visual storytelling to inspire appreciation for nature. She was recognized as a Young Conservationist by the Coimbatore Forest Division for her contributions to conservation awareness and environmental stewardship.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Kolarampathy Lake

Kolarampathy is a rewarding wetland in Coimbatore, offering a mix of open water, marshy edges, vegetation and surrounding open landscapes that support a diverse range of birds. The wetland attracts good numbers of waterbirds, with Indian Spot-billed Ducks, Lesser Whistling-Ducks, Eurasian Coots, Eurasian Moorhens and Little Grebes among the highlights. Waders and wetland visitors such as Red-wattled Lapwing, Asian Openbill, Indian Pond-Heron, Eastern Cattle Egret and Grey Heron add further diversity. The surrounding areas also provide suitable habitat for raptors, with Black Kite, Brahminy Kite and Shikra recorded here. Beyond the waterbody, Kolarampathy’s vegetation and open areas offer opportunities to observe a variety of terrestrial and insectivorous species. Blue-faced Malkoha, Greater Coucal, Asian Koel and Common Hawk-Cuckoo bring an interesting woodland element, while Asian Green Bee-eater, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Common Hoopoe and Asian Palm Swift can be seen using the open landscape. The presence of Blue-faced Malkoha is particularly notable, adding a colourful and less frequently encountered species to the birding experience. With its combination of wetland, vegetation and open habitats, Kolarampathy provides an excellent setting for observing both resident and seasonal birdlife and highlights the importance of Coimbatore’s urban and peri-urban wetlands for biodiversity.