Bird Walk at Asita East DDA Park, Delhi

  • New Delhi
  • 23 August, 2026
  • Anjali Bhardwaj

About Asita East DDA Park

Asita East DDA Park is a large urban green space located along the floodplains of the Yamuna River in East Delhi. Developed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the park was created to restore degraded floodplain habitat while providing recreational opportunities for city residents. The landscape comprises open grasslands, native tree plantations, wetlands, walking and cycling trails, and landscaped gardens that together enhance the ecological value of the area. Its proximity to the Yamuna River makes the park an important green corridor, contributing to groundwater recharge, habitat connectivity, and climate resilience within the city.
The park has emerged as a valuable biodiversity hotspot, attracting a wide range of birds, butterflies, insects, and other urban wildlife. The combination of wetlands, scrub vegetation, grasslands, and mature trees supports both resident and migratory species throughout the year. During the winter months, migratory waterbirds use the wetland habitats for feeding and resting, while the wooded sections provide nesting and roosting sites for numerous terrestrial birds. Asita East DDA Park has become a popular destination for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts, demonstrating how ecological restoration can enhance biodiversity within a densely populated urban landscape.

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 Asita East DDA Park

The diverse habitats of Asita East DDA Park support a rich bird community. Commonly observed species include the Indian Peafowl, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Black Kite, Shikra, White-throated Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher, Coppersmith Barbet, Brown-headed Barbet, Red-vented Bulbul, Red-whiskered Bulbul, Purple Sunbird, Indian Robin, Oriental Magpie-Robin, Black Drongo, Jungle Babbler, House Sparrow, Common Myna, Bank Myna, Spotted Dove, Laughing Dove, Cattle Egret, Indian Pond Heron, Little Egret, Purple Heron, Little Cormorant, White-breasted Waterhen, and Purple Swamphen. During winter, the wetlands also attract migratory ducks, wagtails, and waders, making the park one of the notable urban birding locations in Delhi.
Graylag Goose
Indian Spot-billed Duck
Indian Peafowl
Gray Francolin
Rock Pigeon

Eurasian Collared-Dove
Yellow-footed Green-Pigeon
Greater Coucal
Asian Koel
Little Swift
Common Moorhen
White-breasted Waterhen
Black-winged Stilt
Red-wattled Lapwing
Little Grebe
Black-crowned Night Heron
Little Egret
Black Kite
Spotted Owlet
Asian Green Bee-eater

Summary of Walk

Asita East DDA Park in New Delhi hosted a rain-soaked but thoroughly rewarding walk for 7 participants led by guide Anjali Bhardwaj. Armed with umbrellas and raincoats, the group recorded 33 species, starting with a striking sighting of around 8 Indian Pond Herons foraging for insects on wet grass right at the start of the walk.
A juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron perched among water lily leaves and a Black Drongo displaying with open wings gave the guide an opportunity to explain oil glands and feather care in birds. In a floral patch, several Purple Sunbirds — moulting males, non-breeding males, and females — became a teaching moment on plumage and morphs, while nesting Indian Pied Starlings and two Black-headed Ibis in flight rounded out the sightings. A discussion on brood parasitism and the Asian Koel added an educational layer to a walk that showed the birds, much like the participants, were unbothered by the rain.

Number of Participants
0
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ATAAVI Bird Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between people and the avian diversity of India. Through advocacy, education and conservation efforts, we strive to increase awareness and appreciation for birds across communities.

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