Bird Walk at Gunjur Palya Lake, Bengaluru

About Gunjur Palya Lake

Gunjur Palya Lake, located on the eastern outskirts of Bengaluru, serves as an important urban wetland ecosystem amidst rapidly expanding residential landscapes. The lake and its surrounding habitats support a mosaic of open water, marshy edges, grass patches, shrubs, and scattered tree cover that collectively sustain diverse biodiversity. Such wetlands play a crucial ecological role by regulating local microclimate, recharging groundwater, supporting insect populations, and functioning as green refuges within urban environments. The lake also attracts butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies, and other aquatic organisms that contribute to maintaining ecological balance and nutrient cycling within the wetland system.

Bird diversity forms one of the most notable ecological features of Gunjur Palya Lake. The wetland provides feeding, roosting, and nesting opportunities for both resident and seasonal bird species. Water-associated birds such as kingfishers, egrets, cormorants, pond herons, and wagtails are commonly observed around the lake margins, while surrounding vegetation supports species including bee-eaters, doves, mynas, and barbets. The presence of these bird communities indicates the ecological significance of urban wetlands as biodiversity hotspots and highlights the importance of conserving and restoring lake ecosystems in Bengaluru for long-term avifaunal conservation.

Bird walk Location

Common Birds of Gunjur Palya Lake

Gunjur Palya Kere supports a rich mix of wetland and garden birds, making it a rewarding birding destination on Bengaluru’s outskirts. The lake attracts waterbirds such as the Indian Spot-billed Duck, Little Grebe, Eurasian Coot, Grey-headed Swamphen, White-breasted Waterhen, and Oriental Darter, along with the Little Cormorant and Great Cormorant. Wading birds are well represented by the Black-headed Ibis, Indian Pond-Heron, Eastern Cattle Egret, Grey Heron, and Purple Heron, which frequent the shallows and reed edges. The Common Kingfisher and White-throated Kingfisher are regularly seen along the water’s edge, while the Asian Green Bee-eater and White-cheeked Barbet add colour to the surrounding trees. The Rose-ringed Parakeet, Wire-tailed Swallow, and Purple-rumped Sunbird round out the list, reflecting the lake’s value as a mosaic of open water, wetland vegetation, and garden habitat for both resident and migratory species.

Summary of Walk

Led by Ghautham RR, eighteen participants enjoyed a wonderful morning exploring Gunjur Palya Lake and its surrounding habitats in Bengaluru. The lake’s blend of open water and wetland vegetation supports a great mix of resident and wetland birds, making it a rewarding urban birding destination. The undisputed highlight of the walk was a beautiful Pheasant-tailed Jacana, offering memorable views as it moved gracefully across the aquatic vegetation. The group was also delighted by a rare glimpse of the usually shy White-browed Bulbul, along with a striking Ashy Wood-swallow, both adding to the excitement of the morning. Each sighting served as a reminder of the incredible bird diversity found within Bengaluru’s urban wetlands, making for a rewarding experience for beginners and seasoned birders alike, filled with learning, observation and appreciation for these vital habitats.

Number of Participants

Bird Walk at Gunjur Palya Lake, Bengaluru

About Gunjur Palya Lake

Bird Guide: Ghautham RR

Bird walk Location

Common Birds of Gunjur Palya Lake

Purple-rumped Sunbird

Wire-tailed Swallow

White-throated Kingfisher

Rose-ringed Parakeet

White-cheeked Barbet

Common Kingfisher

Asian Green Bee-eater

Purple Heron

Eurasian Coot

Grey-Headed Swamphen

White-Breasted Waterhen

Black-Winged Stilt

Red-Wattled Lapwing

Bronze-Winged Jacana

Little Grebe

Black-headed Ibis

Little Cormorant

Indian Pond Heron

Little Cormorant

Little Egret

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