Bird Walk at Viva Wetlands, Virar, Maharashtra

About Viva Wetlands

Nestled just outside Virar in Maharashtra’s vibrant Vasai-Virar region, Viva Wetlands is an unassuming but ecologically rich wetland oasis that delights nature lovers and birdwatchers alike. While precise measurements of its area aren’t widely documented, this mosaic of marshes, shallow lakes, grasslands, and scrub forms part of the larger network of coastal wetlands that fringe the northern reaches of the Mumbai metropolitan region. The habitats here are shaped by seasonal water levels and monsoon pulses, supporting a tapestry of aquatic plants, sedges, grasses and wetland vegetation that provide food and shelter for a remarkable variety of life. In the water and along its edges, dragonflies dart and frogs chorus at dusk, while the grasslands beyond ripple with larks and pipits in the gentle breeze — a lively stage set for wildlife throughout the year.

For birding enthusiasts, Viva Wetlands is an ever-changing spectacle. The mix of open water and marsh attracts waterfowl and waders — from jacanas and moorhens to sandpipers and plovers — especially during the migratory seasons, while grassland and scrub habitats host munias, pipits, larks, prinias and raptors overhead. Local birding groups often record an impressive variety of species here, making early mornings walkable adventures filled with calls, colors, and flight displays. However, like many urban-proximate wetlands, Viva faces mounting threats from habitat loss, encroachment, pollution, and disturbance as development pressures and land-use change nibble at its edges. Conservationists and birders alike emphasize the importance of protecting these wetlands — not just as bird habitats but as natural sponges and biodiversity hotspots — through awareness, responsible tourism, and community stewardship to ensure that the songs of its feathered residents continue to echo for generations to come.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Viva Wetlands

Viva Wetlands in Virar is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with its shallow waters, marshes, and mudflats supporting an impressive diversity of wetland and migratory birds—over 254 species recorded so far. Calm stretches of water host Lesser Whistling-Duck, Eurasian Coot, Eurasian Moorhen, Gray-headed Swamphen, and White-breasted Waterhen, while dense reedbeds conceal secretive gems like Spotted Crake, Ruddy-breasted Crake, and Baillon’s Crake. The open mudflats come alive with winter visitors such as Black-tailed Godwit, Ruff, Little Stint, Common, Green and Wood Sandpipers, Common Greenshank, and striking plovers including Pacific Golden-Plover, Black-bellied Plover, and Little Ringed Plover. Overhead, Little Swifts and Asian Palm Swifts slice through the sky, while nearby scrub and trees shelter birds like the Greater Coucal and Gray-bellied Cuckoo. Familiar residents such as Rock Pigeon and the ever-alert Red-wattled Lapwing add to the scene, and seasonal appearances by Black-headed Gulls lend a coastal touch. Together, this rich mix of waterbirds, waders, and terrestrial species makes Viva Wetlands one of the most exciting urban birding hotspots along the northern Mumbai coast.

Summary of Walk

The bird walk led by Sukhpreet Kohli turned into a truly rewarding experience, with an intimate group of 3 participants making the most of the morning despite the remote location. The walk began on an invigorating note as the group explored grasslands alongside a nearby water body, spotting Ashy and Plain Prinias, Red-vented, White-eared, and Red-whiskered Bulbuls, and a striking Greater Coucal. Entering the main grasslands brought an unforgettable sighting of a Pied Bushchat, which lingered long enough to offer excellent photographic opportunities, followed soon after by a Black Kite basking in the sun.

Moving deeper into the open grasslands, the group encountered Siberian Stonechats, vibrant Red Avadavats, a Western Marsh Harrier in flight, and both Ashy and Black Drongos. The enthusiasm of the participants peaked while photographing Asian Green Bee-eaters, one of the highlights of the walk. Towards the end, at another water body, the group observed Bee-eaters actively foraging and also recorded Common and White-throated Kingfishers, a Little Cormorant, and a Grey-headed Swamphen. With over 40 species identified, the walk beautifully demonstrated that passion, patience, and shared curiosity matter far more than the size of the group, making it a memorable and fulfilling birding experience.

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Bird Walk at Viva Wetlands, Virar, Maharashtra

About Viva Wetlands

Bird Guide: Sukhpreet Kohli

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Viva Wetlands

Lesser-whistling Duck

Greater Coucal

Asian Palm Swift

Eurasian Coot

Grey-headed Swamphen

White-breasted Waterhen

Pacific Golden Plover

Black-tailed Godwit

Common Sandpiper

Little Stint

Painted Stork

Western Marsh Harrier

Little Cormorant

Eastern Cattle-Egret

Grey Heron

Purple Heron

Asian Green Bee-eater

Common Kingfisher

Black Drongo

Red-vented Bulbul

Summary of Walk

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