Bird Walk at Aviary Bird Sanctuary, Van Vihar National Park and Zoo, Bhopal

About Van Vihar National Park and Zoo

Van Vihar National Park & Zoo in Bhopal is a remarkable urban wildlife oasis that seamlessly blends natural habitat with conservation and visitor experience. Spanning roughly 4.45 km² (445 hectares) on the serene banks of the Upper Lake (Bada Talab), this green refuge transitions from once-depleted scrubland into a thriving mosaic of dry deciduous woodland, grasslands, pools and wetland margins that support rich biodiversity right in the heart of the city. The park’s floral tapestry includes hundreds of plant species, from native trees like Amaltas, Babul, Reunjha and Saja to diverse grasses that sustain grazers. The adjacent lake and marshy edges offer a unique wetland habitat for both resident and migratory birds, with over 200 avian species recorded — including striking winter visitors like bar-headed geese, painted storks and spoonbills alongside resident raptors and woodland birds — a true magnet for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.

What makes Van Vihar especially intriguing is its dual role as a protected national park and a modern zoological reserve. Free-ranging herbivores such as sambar, chital, blackbuck and nilgai roam open landscapes, while majestic carnivores — from tigers and lions to leopards and hyenas — are cared for in spacious, naturalistic enclosures. This blend provides visitors with both wild sightings and educational encounters that spark curiosity and respect for wildlife. Yet, like many urban conservation areas, Van Vihar faces ongoing pressures from surrounding development, habitat fragmentation, pollution and human disturbance, which can stress wildlife and degrade ecosystems if not carefully managed. Efforts such as no-vehicle zones, eco-friendly transport initiatives, research programs, and awareness campaigns aim to reduce these threats and foster coexistence between people and nature, ensuring that this vibrant sanctuary remains a thriving haven for generations to come.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Van Vihar National Park and Zoo

Van Vihar National Park & Zoo is a paradise for birdwatchers, with an impressive 265 recorded bird species reflecting its rich mix of wetlands, grasslands and wooded habitats. Commonly seen birds include elegant waterbirds like the Indian pond heron, little egret, cattle egret, little cormorant and Indian spot-billed duck, especially around the Upper Lake and marshy edges. Bright and charismatic species such as the white-throated kingfisher, green bee-eater, Indian golden oriole, red-vented bulbul and wire-tailed swallow add vibrant colour to the landscape, while woodland and scrub areas echo with the calls of black drongo, jungle crow, jungle babbler, Indian robin and oriental magpie robin. Seasonal visitors and elusive songbirds like Indian white-eye, green warbler, Hume’s warbler, ashy prinia and tailorbird reward patient observers, while larger and more dramatic species such as the black kite, black-winged kite, Asian openbill stork, red-wattled lapwing and the unmistakable calls of sarus cranes highlight the park’s ecological diversity. Together, these birds make Van Vihar a living symphony of sights and sounds, offering unforgettable encounters with avian life in the heart of Bhopal.

Summary of Walk

The bird walk at the Aviary Bird Sanctuary, Van Vihar National Park and Zoo, led by Ankit Malviya, brought together 14 participants for an immersive nature experience. Despite the misty atmosphere, participants enjoyed several exciting sightings, including the dramatic hovering movement of a Pied Kingfisher, which became a major highlight of the walk. Along with birds, participants also observed other wildlife within the park, adding to the richness of the overall experience.

Throughout the walk, the group recorded a total of 37 bird species, reflecting the diverse habitats within Van Vihar. Notable sightings included Red-breasted Flycatcher, Black Redstart, Painted Stork, Grey Francolin, Grey Heron, Indian Pond Heron, White-throated and Common Kingfishers, White-breasted Waterhen, Indian Spot-billed Ducks, Grey-headed Swamphen, Siberian Stonechat, Peacock, Jungle Babbler, Greenish Warbler, Common Moorhen, Eurasian Collared Dove, Laughing Dove, Spotted Dove, Little and Greater Cormorants, Grey Hornbill, Pied Bushchat, and Greater Coucal. Under Ankit Malviya’s guidance, participants learned about bird identification, behavior, and habitats, making the walk both educational and memorable.

Number of Participants

Bird Walk at Aviary Bird Sanctuary, Van Vihar National Park and Zoo, Bhopal

About Van Vihar National Park and Zoo

Bird Guide: Ankit Malviya

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Van Vihar National Park and Zoo

White-throated Kingfisher

Pond Heron

Black Drongo

Jungle Babbler

Red-vented Bulbul

Small Minivet

Little Egret

Little Cormorant

Green Warbler

Ashy Prinia

Common Tailorbird

Black Kite

Indian Spot-billed Duck

Indian Golden-Oriole

Indian Robin

Oriental Magpie Robin

Asian Green Bee-eater

Pied Cuckoo

Red-wattled Lapwing

Common Sandpiper

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