Bird walk at Buddha Jayanti Park, Delhi
- Delhi
- 12 September, 2026
- Ankit Aryan
About Buddha Jayanti Park
Spread across nearly 75 acres along Delhi’s Central Ridge near Dhaula Kuan, Buddha Jayanti Park is one of the capital’s most serene urban green spaces. Developed to commemorate the 2500th birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, the park forms part of the northern Aravalli ridge system, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. Its habitat is a mix of dry deciduous forest, scrub woodland, grassy clearings, and small water bodies that support a surprising diversity of life amidst the bustling city. Native and planted tree species such as neem, jamun, arjun, peepal, and acacia create layered vegetation that offers shelter and food for numerous species of birds, butterflies, and small mammals.
For birdwatchers, the park is a rewarding oasis. Resident species like parakeets, barbets, woodpeckers, bulbuls, and drongos thrive here, while winter brings migratory visitors including warblers, flycatchers, and wagtails. Raptors such as shikras and kites are often seen soaring above the canopy, and the park’s quieter corners occasionally reveal owls and nightjars. However, as with many urban forests, Buddha Jayanti Park faces pressures from habitat fragmentation, invasive plant species, pollution, and heavy visitor footfall. Continued ecological restoration, native plantation efforts, and responsible public engagement are vital to preserving this green lung- ensuring it remains a peaceful retreat for both wildlife and Delhi’s residents.
Bird Guide - Ankit Aryan
He is a Mechanical Engineer with 3 years of experience in birdwatching and a strong passion for environmental conservation. He enjoys exploring nature, observing and documenting birds, and deepening his understanding of their behaviour and habitats. Through his interest in birding, he hopes to encourage greater awareness and appreciation for wildlife and the natural environment.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Buddha Jayanti Park
The park’s woodland canopy and open clearings resonate with an energetic mix of resident and migratory birds, making every walk a lively experience. Black Kites circle effortlessly overhead, while Rose-ringed Parakeets screech across the treetops in bright green flashes. Tree trunks echo with the metallic calls of Brown-headed and Coppersmith Barbets, and in flowering patches the shimmering Purple Sunbird darts between blossoms. Winter adds delicate visitors like Hume’s and Greenish Warblers, often moving alongside Grey-headed Canary Flycatchers in mixed feeding flocks. Red-whiskered and Red-vented Bulbuls add constant chatter, while Tailorbirds stitch their way through shrubs and Oriental White-eyes move in restless groups through the foliage.
On the ground and along quieter edges, Indian Peafowl stride gracefully, White-breasted Waterhens slip near water bodies, and flocks of House Sparrows and Yellow-throated Sparrows gather around open spaces. Jungle Babblers move noisily in groups, Rufous Treepies glide between branches, and Eurasian Collared Doves perch calmly in sunlit spots. Yellow-footed Green Pigeons blend beautifully into fruiting trees, while lapwings patrol open patches with alert calls. Black Drongos claim exposed perches, and even hornbills may occasionally grace the taller trees, adding a dramatic silhouette to the skyline. Together, these species create a colorful, ever-changing tapestry of calls, movement, and behavior, transforming the park into a vibrant urban birding haven.
On the ground and along quieter edges, Indian Peafowl stride gracefully, White-breasted Waterhens slip near water bodies, and flocks of House Sparrows and Yellow-throated Sparrows gather around open spaces. Jungle Babblers move noisily in groups, Rufous Treepies glide between branches, and Eurasian Collared Doves perch calmly in sunlit spots. Yellow-footed Green Pigeons blend beautifully into fruiting trees, while lapwings patrol open patches with alert calls. Black Drongos claim exposed perches, and even hornbills may occasionally grace the taller trees, adding a dramatic silhouette to the skyline. Together, these species create a colorful, ever-changing tapestry of calls, movement, and behavior, transforming the park into a vibrant urban birding haven.
Black Kite
Rose Ringed Parakeet
Brown Headed Barbet
Coppersmith Barbet
Purple Sunbird
Grey Headed Canary Flycatcher
Common Tailorbird
Greenish Warbler
Red Whiskered Bulbul
White Breasted Waterhen
Red Vented Bulbul
Indian Peafowl
Black Drongo
Indian Grey Hornbill
Jungle Babbler
Eurasian Collared Dove
Rufous Treepie
Yellow Footed Green Pigeon
Red Wattled Lapwing
House Sparrow
Summary of Walk
The walk scheduled for Buddha Jayanti Park on 12 September took place in the nearby DDA Forest Park on Delhi’s Central Ridge, with 9 participants led by guide Ankit Aryan. The Ridge’s forest cover offered a great backdrop for birding, and the group recorded 29 species during the session.
Highlights included the Pied Cuckoo, Eurasian Hoopoe, and Indian Silverbill, all of which drew plenty of attention from the group. Beyond birds, participants were thrilled to encounter other wildlife typical of the Ridge, including a mongoose, a nilgai (blue bull), and jackals, adding an extra layer of excitement to the morning. The variety of birds and mammals on display made for a memorable outing on Delhi’s forested Central Ridge.
Number of Participants
0
