Bird walk at Rajarhat, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Kolkata
- 5 September, 2026
- Sounak and Sudipta
About Rajarhat
Rajarhat, located in the northeastern part of Kolkata, West Bengal, is a rapidly developing urban landscape where modern residential and commercial areas coexist with wetlands, agricultural fields, ponds, grasslands, and patches of vegetation. This mosaic of habitats makes Rajarhat an interesting destination for birdwatching, particularly around the remaining wetlands and open areas. The region forms part of the wider East Kolkata landscape, where numerous water bodies and low-lying habitats provide important ecological spaces amid increasing urbanisation.
The diverse habitats around Rajarhat support both resident and migratory birds, making it a rewarding location for nature walks and birdwatching throughout the year. Open water and marshy areas provide feeding and roosting grounds for waterbirds, while grasslands, shrubs, and scattered trees support insectivores, seed-eaters, and woodland species. During winter, the area becomes particularly interesting as several migratory species arrive, adding to the diversity of the resident bird community. The wetlands and green spaces of Rajarhat therefore play an important role in maintaining urban biodiversity and providing opportunities for people to connect with nature.
Bird Guide: Sudipta Ghosh
Sudipta is from Kolkata and is an academician who teaches Biology in a college. Coming from a background of Zoology, she is an avid observer of Nature. She is passionate about Birding and is also deeply involved with activities promoting Nature awareness among all age groups.
Bird Guide - Sounak Dutta
Sounak is an academician teaching Chemistry in a college based in Kolkata. As a passion, he does Birding and Nature Photography. From the last year, he has been doing Nature walks with kids and elders.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Rajarhat
Common birds found around Rajarhat include Lesser Whistling Duck, Indian Pond Heron, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Little Cormorant, Oriental Darter, Purple Swamphen, White-breasted Waterhen, Common Moorhen, Black-winged Stilt, Red-wattled Lapwing, White-throated Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher, Green Bee-eater, Black Drongo, Indian Roller, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Red-vented Bulbul, Red-whiskered Bulbul, Purple Sunbird, Ashy Prinia, Common Tailorbird, Oriental Magpie-Robin, Indian Robin, Jungle Babbler, Common Myna, House Sparrow, Spotted Dove, and Black Kite. During winter, migratory ducks, waders, wagtails, and other wetland birds can also be observed around the area’s ponds and wetlands.
Tricolored Munia
Black-hooded Oriole
Scaly-breasted Munia
Common Myna
Purple-rumped Sunbird
Indian Cormorant
Zitting Cisticola
Purple Heron
Coppersmith Barbet
Black Drongo
Eurasian Moorhen
Plain Prinia
Black Kite
House Sparrow
White-throated Kingfisher
Indian Pond Heron
Grey-headed Swamphen
Common Hawk-Cuckoo
Red-vented Bulbul
Common Tailorbird
Summary of Walk
The 5 September 2026 walk at Rajarhat’s Proposed Silicon Valley Area in Kolkata drew 17 participants for a guided session led by Sudipta Ghosh and Sounak Dutta. Set amid open grassland adjoining ongoing construction, the site proved a surprisingly rich habitat, and the group recorded 33 species over the course of the walk, showcasing the resilience of birdlife even in fast-changing urban landscapes and the value of documenting it while such open ground still remains within reach of the city. Despite the surrounding development, the site’s open grassland has remained a haven for grassland specialists, and the group was struck by just how much birdlife persists there.
The undoubted highlight was a large mixed flock of Tricoloured and Chestnut Munias moving through the grassland together. Birders also spotted Cinnamon and Yellow Bitterns, Plain Prinia, Zitting Cisticola, and Scaly-breasted Munias, along with a Watercock in flight — a genuine treat for the group. Nearby water bodies added Little Grebes, Little Cormorants, and Pheasant-tailed Jacanas to the list, while a migratory Brown Shrike rounded out a wonderfully diverse morning at Rajarhat, guided expertly and enthusiastically by Sudipta and Sounak throughout the walk. Sudipta and Sounak’s combined expertise meant the group benefited from two perspectives throughout the walk, with detailed explanations of habitat use and seasonal movement patterns along the way. Many participants said they would return to Rajarhat for future walks.
Number of Participants
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