Bird Walk at Chandreshwar Parvat, Paroda, Goa
- Goa
- 31 January, 2026
- Kuldip (WildFootPrints)
About Chandreshwar Parvat
Chandreshwar Parvat is a scenic forested hill rising roughly 300–350 metres above the surrounding plains near Paroda in South Goa, forming part of the Western Ghats foothills, one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots. The hill is cloaked in a mosaic of evergreen and semi-evergreen forest, scrub, rocky laterite slopes and woodland edges, creating varied micro-habitats within a compact area. Native trees such as mango, cashew, kokum and jackfruit mingle with climbers, shrubs, medicinal plants and seasonal wildflowers, supporting a lively web of insects, butterflies, reptiles and small mammals. For birdwatchers, the quiet forest trails and open viewpoints offer chances to spot Western Ghats birds, woodland species and soaring raptors, while the changing light and dense greenery make it an appealing destination for nature photography and slow exploration.
Beyond its natural allure, Chandreshwar Parvat is also a place of deep cultural significance, crowned by the ancient Shri Chandreshwar-Bhootnath Temple, which attracts pilgrims year-round and adds a spiritual dimension to the landscape. However, growing visitor numbers bring emerging conservation challenges, including trampling of vegetation, soil erosion on steep paths, littering and disturbance to wildlife, especially during festivals and peak tourist seasons. As a relatively small and sensitive hill ecosystem, Chandreshwar Parvat depends on responsible tourism, careful trail management and community-led conservation to balance pilgrimage and recreation with habitat protection, ensuring this tranquil green hill continues to thrive as both a cultural landmark and a refuge for biodiversity.
Partnered with
Bird Guide: Kuldip Topo
Kuldip Topo is a Goa-based naturalist and freelance birding guide with a strong foundation in field conservation, biodiversity research, and ecotourism across the state. Blending scientific training with hands-on experience, he leads engaging birding trails, night walks, and immersive nature experiences that connect wildlife, landscapes, and local culture.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Chandreshwar Parvat
Chandreshwar Parvat in South Goa offers rewarding birding within its forested slopes and open hill edges, with over 181 bird species recorded, reflecting the richness of the Western Ghats foothills. The skies are often ruled by raptors such as the Crested Serpent-Eagle and Brahminy Kite, while forest canopies host Western Ghats specials like the Nilgiri Wood-Pigeon, Gray-fronted Green-Pigeon and the impressive Malabar Imperial-Pigeon. Woodland trails echo with the calls of Indian Paradise-Flycatcher, Small Minivet, Black-hooded Oriole, Ashy Drongo and Black Drongo, while bursts of colour come from Blue-bearded and Blue-tailed Bee-eaters and the ever-present White-throated Kingfisher. Open patches and nearby wetlands attract Asian Openbill, Black-headed Ibis and Eastern Cattle-Egret, while dense undergrowth shelters birds like Greater Coucal and winter visitors such as Blyth’s Reed Warbler. Together with familiar species like Gray-headed Bulbul and Eastern Red-rumped Swallow, Chandreshwar Parvat delivers a rich, varied birding experience that blends forest, hill and wetland influences into a single, memorable location.
Crested Serpent Eagle
White-throated Kingfisher
Black Drongo
Indian Paradise Flycatcher
Eastern Red-rumped Swallow
Grey-fronted Green Pigeon
Greater Coucal
Black-headed Ibis
Brahminy Kite
Blue-tailed Bee Eater
Small Minivet
Black-hooded Oriole
Common Snipe
Brown-cheeked Fulvetta
Tickell's Blue Flycatcher
Jerdon's Leafbird
White-rumped Munia
Oriental Honey Buzzard
Malabar Trogon
Orange Minivet
Summary of Walk
The bird walk at Chandreshwar Parvat, Paroda, organized by WildFootPrints in collaboration with Ataavi Bird Foundation and led by bird expert Kuldip, began early morning with 7 participants. Right from the start, participants were treated to stunning sightings of Indian Paradise Flycatchers, including both intermediate and white morph males. The forest echoed with calls of sunbirds, Indian Golden Oriole, Red-whiskered Bulbul, and several warblers, setting a vibrant tone for the walk.
As the group explored deeper into the trail, they observed Jerdon’s Leafbird, Golden-fronted Leafbird, White-rumped Munia, Ashy and Bronzed Drongos, and a memorable sighting of two Jungle Nightjars perched on a Kokum tree. Other highlights included Red Spurfowl, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, and a Grey Junglefowl female viewed through a spotting scope. The walk concluded with a closing briefing, leaving participants eager to explore more forest habitats.
Number of Participants
0
