Bird Walk at Pandarakulam, Alleppey, Kerala

Pandarakulam in Alappuzha lies within Kerala’s characteristic wetland landscape, where waterways, paddy fields, marshes and open agricultural areas create an excellent habitat for a wide range of waterbirds. The area is particularly notable for large congregations of Lesser Whistling-Ducks, with a record of 100 individuals, while Indian Spot-billed Ducks, Black-headed Ibises, Eastern Cattle Egrets and Indian Pond-Herons add to the impressive wetland diversity. Waders such as Black-winged Stilt and Common Snipe use shallow waters and muddy edges, while Little Cormorants, Oriental Darters and egrets take advantage of the productive waterways for feeding. The presence of Whiskered Tern and Lesser Crested Tern further reflects the variety of aquatic habitats around the area. Pandarakulam also supports a good mix of birds beyond the wetlands. Western Marsh Harrier, Shikra and Brahminy Kite can be seen hunting over open areas and wetland edges, while Jungle Owlet, Greater Coucal and Asian Koel represent the woodland and tree-associated birdlife. The striking Stork-billed Kingfisher and White-throated Kingfisher add colour to the waterways and vegetation. The combination of extensive wetlands, paddy fields and surrounding vegetation makes Pandarakulam an important landscape for both resident and seasonal birds. Its bird diversity also highlights the ecological importance of Alappuzha’s traditional wetland systems, which provide feeding, roosting and breeding habitats while remaining closely connected to the region’s agricultural and water-based livelihoods.