Bird Walk at Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary, Dewas (MP)
- Dewas
- 5 October, 2025
- Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board and Om Uikey
About Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary
Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary, spread across nearly 132 square kilometers in the Dewas and Sehore districts of Madhya Pradesh, is a mosaic of dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and small wetlands that together create a rich ecological haven. The sanctuary’s undulating terrain and mixed vegetation make it an excellent habitat for a wide variety of bird species. Flocks of parakeets, barbets, drongos, and woodpeckers are common in the wooded areas, while the open grasslands support larks, pipits, and lapwings. Wetland patches and seasonal streams attract waterbirds such as herons, storks, and kingfishers, while raptors including eagles, kites, and owls are often spotted soaring above or roosting in the forest canopy. Seasonal migrants also find refuge here during winter, adding to the sanctuary’s reputation as a rich birding destination.
Despite its biodiversity, Kheoni faces challenges from human pressures such as grazing, firewood collection, and encroachment, which threaten both habitats and wildlife. Climate fluctuations further impact the availability of water in its wetlands, reducing resources for both birds and mammals. Conservation efforts in recent years have aimed at improving habitat management, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and promoting eco-tourism to create awareness among local communities. With its combination of diverse habitats and high avian diversity, Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary stands out as not only an important refuge for birds and mammals of central India but also a promising site for long-term conservation initiatives that can balance human needs with ecological sustainability.
Bird Guide: Om Uikey
He is a Naturalist and passionate birder with 5+ years of experience in Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary. He specializes in migratory and resident birds including iconic Indian Paradise Flycatcher, and promotes eco-tourism and wildlife conservation through guided bird walks.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary
Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary, with a record of 166 bird species, showcases remarkable avian diversity across its dry deciduous forests, scrublands, grass patches, and seasonal wetlands. The sanctuary supports both resident and migratory species, making it an important birding hotspot in central India. Forest birds like the Sirkeer Malkoha, Indian Grey Hornbill, Coppersmith Barbet, and Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker thrive in the wooded areas, while open landscapes harbor larks, prinias, buntings, and lapwings. Wetland patches and reservoirs draw waterbirds including the Indian Pond-Heron, Little Cormorant, Black Stork, and Osprey, with colorful bee-eaters and kingfishers enlivening the riparian zones. The presence of raptors such as the Crested Serpent-Eagle, Shikra, and Egyptian Vulture indicates a healthy food chain within this habitat mosaic.
Adding to its richness, Kheoni is also home to migratory visitors like Barn Swallows, Red-breasted Flycatchers, wagtails, and buntings that arrive in the winter months, greatly enhancing seasonal diversity. Iconic residents such as the Indian Peafowl, Painted Francolin, Rock Bush-Quail, and Indian Pitta underline the sanctuary’s ecological significance. However, this avian abundance is also vulnerable to habitat degradation, human disturbance, and water scarcity in drier years. Sustained conservation efforts to protect its forests, wetlands, and grasslands are crucial to ensure Kheoni remains a refuge for this wide spectrum of birdlife, offering birdwatchers and researchers alike a unique window into the biodiversity of Madhya Pradesh.
Indian Paradise Flycatcher
Black Drongo
Greater Coucal
White-throated Kingfisher
Common Tailorbird
Grey Heron
Red-vented Bulbul
Red-wattled Lapwing
Purple Sunbird
Little Cormorant
Indian Roller
Asian Green Bee-eater
Black-rumped Flameback
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Indian Peafowl
Laughing Dove
Coppersmith Barbet
Spotted Owlet
Oriental Magpie Robin
Bay-backed Shrike
Summary of Walk
The bird walk at Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary, led by Om Uikey, turned into an adventurous and memorable experience as a small group of four participants came together to explore the remote jungles of Dewas, Madhya Pradesh. Surrounded by the untouched wilderness, the participants immersed themselves in the sights and sounds of nature, eager to discover the hidden avian treasures of the sanctuary. One young participant’s boundless enthusiasm to learn about birds added a special energy to the walk, inspiring everyone to observe more keenly and appreciate the wonder of the natural world.
Under Om’s guidance, the group learned not only to identify birds by their appearance and calls but also to understand their behaviors, habitats, and ecological importance. Through insightful discussions and close encounters, participants developed a deeper appreciation for the role of birds in maintaining forest balance and biodiversity. The walk beautifully blended learning with adventure, leaving everyone with lasting memories of discovery and a stronger connection to the wild heart of Madhya Pradesh.
Number of Participants
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