Bird Walk at E.F.I Bird Watching Point – Muttukadu Backwaters, Chennai

About E.F.I Bird Watching Point

E.F.I Bird Watching Point at the Muttukadu Backwaters is situated along Chennai’s coastal wetland landscape, where the backwaters, mudflats, shallow waters, mangroves and surrounding vegetation create an important habitat for birds. Located along the East Coast Road, Muttukadu is part of the network of wetlands and waterways that connect Chennai’s urban landscape with the Bay of Bengal. The changing water levels expose muddy and shallow areas that can provide feeding grounds for waders and other waterbirds, while deeper sections support ducks, herons, egrets, cormorants and kingfishers. The mix of aquatic and terrestrial habitats also attracts smaller insectivorous and woodland species around the edges. Early mornings and low-tide periods can be particularly rewarding for birdwatching, when birds are actively feeding across the exposed wetland areas.

The Muttukadu Backwaters are ecologically significant as part of the broader coastal wetland system of Chennai and the surrounding Chengalpattu–East Coast landscape. Wetlands such as these provide important ecosystem services, including supporting aquatic biodiversity, regulating water and offering refuge to resident and migratory birds. The surrounding mangroves and wetland vegetation also provide shelter and breeding habitat for a variety of wildlife. However, increasing tourism, development, pollution, plastic waste, disturbance and changes to natural water flow can place pressure on these fragile habitats. Maintaining natural wetland vegetation, protecting shallow feeding areas and minimising disturbance are important for sustaining their ecological value. For birdwatchers, the EFI Bird Watching Point offers a convenient opportunity to explore Chennai’s coastal biodiversity and observe how birds utilise the interconnected backwaters, mudflats and vegetation of the Muttukadu landscape.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of E.F.I Bird Watching Point

The location offers a good mix of wetland, wader and water-associated birds, making it particularly interesting for birdwatching. Herons and egrets are well represented, with Indian Pond-Heron, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Grey Heron, Purple Heron and Black-crowned Night Heron using the wetland edges and shallow waters for feeding. Waterbirds such as Indian Spot-billed Duck, Little Cormorant, White-breasted Waterhen and Common Moorhen add further diversity, while Asian Openbill, Painted Stork and Black-headed Ibis are notable larger wetland species. The muddy edges and shallow areas also attract migratory and resident waders, including Common Sandpiper and Green Sandpiper, while Whiskered Tern can be seen around the water. Raptors such as Black Kite and Brahminy Kite add another dimension to the birding experience, often scanning the wetland and surrounding areas for prey. Away from the water, Asian Koel and Rose-ringed Parakeet represent the tree-associated birdlife. Together, these species highlight the importance of maintaining healthy wetlands with open water, shallow margins and surrounding vegetation for a diverse range of birds.