Bird Walk at Chidikhon Wildlife Sanctuary, Narsinghgarh (MP)

About Chidikhon Wildlife Sanctuary

Chidikhon Wildlife Sanctuary, situated near Narsinghgarh in Madhya Pradesh, forms part of the larger Narsinghgarh Wildlife Sanctuary landscape. Centered around the Chidikhon reservoir and its surrounding forested hills, the sanctuary encompasses a mosaic of dry deciduous woodland, grassland patches, and wetland habitats. The reservoir acts as a perennial water source, sustaining wildlife and local communities while enhancing the sanctuary’s ecological character.

This diverse habitat supports a rich assemblage of birdlife, with migratory and resident species flocking to its waters and forests. Painted storks, bar-headed geese, herons, and cormorants are commonly sighted around the reservoir, while peafowl, parakeets, drongos, and raptors thrive in the surrounding woodland. The sanctuary not only provides critical refuge for avifauna but also contributes to regional biodiversity conservation by linking aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Despite increasing pressures from grazing, fuelwood collection, and tourism, Chidikhon Wildlife Sanctuary remains an important haven for birds and wildlife, exemplifying the coexistence of natural and cultural landscapes in central India.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Chidikhon Wildlife Sanctuary

Chidikhon Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled around the scenic Chidikhon reservoir near Narsinghgarh, is a thriving haven for birds in central Madhya Pradesh. The wetland at its core attracts a variety of waterbirds, with painted storks, cormorants, herons, and egrets frequently seen along the shoreline. In the winter months, the reservoir becomes a seasonal refuge for migratory species such as bar-headed geese, gadwalls, and northern pintails, adding to the sanctuary’s richness. The shallow waters also support waders like sandpipers and lapwings, which forage actively in the mudflats.

The surrounding dry deciduous forests and scrub hills enhance the sanctuary’s avifaunal diversity by sheltering terrestrial and woodland birds. Peafowl, parakeets, drongos, and treepies are common residents, while raptors such as shikras and kites circle above the open areas. Seasonal visitors like flycatchers and warblers enliven the habitat during migration periods. Together, the wetland and woodland ecosystems make Chidikhon a vibrant birding site, offering a striking blend of aquatic and terrestrial avifauna within a compact protected landscape.