Bird Walk at Aravalli Biodiversity Park, New Delhi
- New Delhi
- 5 July, 2026
- Anjali Bhardwaj
About Aravalli Biodiversity Park, New Delhi
Aravalli Biodiversity Park, New Delhi, is a 699-acre ecological restoration site situated on the northwestern edge of Vasant Vihar. Once heavily degraded by mining and dominated by the invasive Prosopis juliflora, the park is now being transformed into a mosaic of native dry deciduous forest, scrub, and grassland ecosystems—aimed at reviving the near-extinct biodiversity of the Delhi Aravallis.
This rewilded urban forest sustains over 205 bird species, from prinias and paradise flycatchers to owls and raptors, and also shelters jackals, nilgai, and reptiles. Functioning as a vital ecological buffer, the park aids in groundwater recharge, carbon capture, and urban heat regulation. Recognized as India’s first OECM site, Aravalli Biodiversity Park showcases the potential of urban restoration to create resilient green lungs in the heart of a rapidly expanding city.
Bird Guide: Anjali Bhardwaj
A passionate birder and researcher, I am currently a PhD scholar in biogeography at Jamia Millia Islamia with 3.5 years of experience studying urban birdlife in Delhi. My work focuses on bird occupancy, vocalisations, and their relationship with tree species,combining field birding with research to offer deeper, more insightful birding experiences.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Aravalli Biodiversity Park
Aravalli in New Delhi continues to be a thriving refuge for a remarkable diversity of birdlife. A total of 205 bird species have been recorded so far, ranging from common residents like the Indian Peafowl, Jungle Babbler, and Red-vented Bulbul to more elusive visitors such as the Indian Paradise-Flycatcher, Indian Scops-Owl, and Yellow-footed Green-Pigeon. Raptors like the Shikra, Black Kite, and Oriental Honey-buzzard patrol the skies, while grassland and scrub-loving species such as Baya Weavers, Rufous Treepies, and Small Minivets remain active in the lower canopy and thickets. Water-associated birds like the Indian Spot-billed Duck, Eurasian Moorhen, and White-breasted Waterhen have also been noted in the park’s seasonal wetlands.
Migratory and wintering species such as the Green-winged Teal, Taiga Flycatcher, Siberian Stonechat, and Bluethroat add seasonal richness to the park’s avifauna. The presence of woodland specialists like the Indian Grey Hornbill, Spotted Owlet, and Black-rumped Flameback, alongside warblers and buntings like the Booted Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, and White-capped Bunting, indicates the variety of microhabitats now available. These observations reaffirm Aravalli Biodiversity Park’s success as a restored urban ecosystem, offering vital habitat for both resident and migratory birds within the heart of the capital.
Ashy Prinia
Red-vented Bulbul
Coppersmith Barbet
Indian Robin
Large-billed Crow
Common Tailorbird
Eastern Cattle Egret
Black Drongo
Indian Peafowl
Indian Golden Oriole
Jungle Babbler
Indian Spot-billed Duck
Grey-headed Swamphen
Eurasian Collared Dove
Brown-headed Barbet
Rufous Treepie
Grey Francolin
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Oriental Magpie Robin
Purple Sunbird
Summary of Walk
Twelve participants explored the rich habitats of Aravalli Biodiversity Park during an engaging Ataavi bird walk that combined careful observation with natural history learning. The morning began with an unforgettable sighting of a Red-wattled Lapwing chick protected by its attentive parents, immediately setting the tone for an immersive experience. As participants moved through the park, they encountered a variety of resident birds including Greater Coucal and Grey-breasted Prinia while learning to interpret subtle signs in nature, such as seed pods opened by parakeets that reveal feeding behaviour even before the birds are spotted.
A total of 33 species were recorded during the walk, with several remarkable behavioural observations becoming memorable highlights. Participants watched a flock of Black Drongos expertly mimic Shikra calls, causing nearby Ashy Prinias and Red-vented Bulbuls to scatter in alarm—a fascinating demonstration of avian communication and behaviour. They also witnessed the spectacular courtship display of Indian Peafowl and continued observing the protective behaviour of the Red-wattled Lapwing family. Interactive techniques such as using simple mnemonics to remember bird calls encouraged active participation, leaving everyone with new birding skills and a deeper appreciation for observing nature beyond simply identifying species.
Number of Participants
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