Bird Walk at Krishnampathy Lake, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- Coimbatore
- 17 October, 2026
- Pradeeshwar RJ
About Krishnampathy Lake
Krishnampathy Lake is a scenic freshwater wetland located in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, forming an important part of the city’s network of traditional irrigation tanks. Surrounded by marshes, open water, grasslands, agricultural fields, and scattered native trees, the lake supports a rich mosaic of habitats for aquatic plants, fish, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and a wide variety of birds. Its tranquil setting and year-round water availability make it a valuable ecological refuge as well as a popular destination for birdwatching and nature photography.
The lake is particularly known for its thriving population of resident wetland birds, while seasonal migrants further enhance its biodiversity during the winter months. Like many urban wetlands, Krishnampathy Lake faces challenges from pollution, encroachment, invasive aquatic vegetation, and increasing developmental pressures. Continued habitat restoration, responsible wetland management, and community participation are essential to conserving this important ecosystem and its remarkable birdlife.
Bird Guide: Pradeeshwar R J
He is a wildlife ecologist specializing in the field of ornithology, community ecology, fire ecology and bioacoustics. Being a researcher, he is trying to understand the patterns and processes of the system.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Krishnampathy Lake
Krishnampathy Lake is an excellent birdwatching destination, with its open waters and marshes supporting a rich diversity of wetland birds throughout the year. Visitors can observe Indian Spot-billed Ducks, Eurasian Coots, Gray-headed Swamphens, White-breasted Waterhens, Little Grebes, Oriental Darters, Little Cormorants, Indian Pond-Herons, Black-crowned Night Herons, and Grey Herons foraging along the lake margins. The surrounding trees and open countryside are equally lively, hosting Indian Rollers, Common Kingfishers, Black-rumped Flamebacks, Rose-ringed Parakeets, Greater Coucals, Brahminy Kites, Black Kites, Grey Francolins, and Common Mynas. Together, these species make Krishnampathy Lake one of Coimbatore’s rewarding urban wetlands for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Black-crowned Night Heron
Black Kite
Black-rumped Flameback
Brahminy Kite
Common Kingfisher
Common Myna
Eurasian Coot
Gray Francolin
Gray-headed Swamphen
Gray Heron
Greater Coucal
Indian Pond-Heron
Indian Roller
Indian Spot-billed Duck
Little Cormorant
Little Grebe
Oriental Darter
Rock Pigeon
Rose-ringed Parakeet
White-breasted Waterhen
Summary of Walk
Nine birders joined guide Pradeeshwar RJ at Krishnampatti Lake in Coimbatore on 17 October for a walk that showed the rich bird life of this city wetland. The group recorded 19 species, and the walk began with a lively gathering of Little Grebes, Eurasian Coots and Eurasian Moorhens busy on the water. Participants were full of questions about resident and migratory birds, and the guide used each sighting to explain how to tell one from the other, which made the walk as educational as it was enjoyable. In the middle of the walk, a flock of Spot-billed Pelicans flew towards the island in the wetland, a majestic sight that drew gasps of admiration, with their huge wingspans and slow, powerful wingbeats. The group also observed Little Cormorants nesting in the trees on the island, a lovely glimpse into the breeding season of the wetland’s residents. The Glossy Ibis, the Indian Spot-billed Duck and the Lesser Whistling-Duck were other highlights, and each added to the sense of a lake humming with life. Pradeeshwar led the walk with patience and good humour, helping participants learn the key features that distinguish water birds and encouraging everyone to share their own sightings. The group enjoyed the open views across the lake and the calm of the morning, and they left with a deeper appreciation of the role urban lakes play as homes for birds and as places of calm for people. It was a lovely reminder that Coimbatore’s wetlands are well worth protecting, and that a morning spent beside the water is always rewarding.
Number of Participants
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