Bird Walk at Baruipur Marshes, West Bengal
- Baruipur
- 5 July, 2026
- Sounak Dutta
About Baruipur Marshes
Baruipur Marshes, nestled on the southern fringe of Kolkata in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, are a captivating tapestry of wetlands, shallow marshes, open water bodies, reed beds and grasslands that together create a dynamic habitat mosaic for wildlife and birds. While exact figures for the total area aren’t formally published as a protected park, this extensive marshy grassland landscape spreads across the peri-urban plains around Baruipur town and adjacent Chandipur, making it an accessible yet surprisingly rich natural refuge just beyond the city’s bustle. The mix of aquatic zones, marshy floodplain and tall grasses supports a remarkable variety of species — from resident birds like Lesser Whistling Ducks, Grey-headed Swamphens, Asian Openbills and Red/Tricoloured Munias to elusive grassland dwellers such as Bengal bush larks and even the vulnerable Bristled Grassbird that thrive in tall marsh vegetation. Enthusiasts also record rare visitors and winter migrants like Bluethroats, Chestnut-eared Buntings and other passerines, making it a year-round hotspot for birdwatching and photography.
Yet beneath the charm of dawn choruses and shimmering wetlands lies a story of conservation challenge. Unlike official sanctuaries, Baruipur Marshes are largely unprotected and interspersed with industrial plots, expanding infrastructure and proposed developmental land use, posing constant pressure on this delicate ecosystem. With grasslands and marshes at risk of conversion to concrete and human activity increasing — including troubling reports of bird trapping — the very habitats that sustain grassland-dependent species and migratory visitors are shrinking or degrading. Conservationists emphasize the urgency of safeguarding these wetlands through thoughtful land-use planning, community stewardship and awareness, so that the marshes continue to pulse with life and retain their role as a green gem for birders and nature lovers alike
Partnered with
Bird Guide: Sounak Dutta
Sounak is an academician teaching Chemistry in a college based in Kolkata. As a passion, he does Birding and Nature Photography. From the last year, he has been doing Nature walks with kids and elders.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Baruipur Marshes
Baruipur Marshes in West Bengal host an impressive avian spectacle, with a rich mix of wetland, grassland and woodland birds contributing to a checklist of nearly 260 recorded species. Shallow waters come alive with Lesser Whistling Ducks, Eurasian Coots, Cotton Pygmy Geese, Purple Swamphens and elegant Bronze-winged Jacanas, while taller wetlands support Asian Openbills, Oriental Darters and stately Purple Herons. Along reedbeds and fields, small but lively birds such as Paddyfield Pipits, Zitting Cisticolas, Yellow-bellied Prinias, Tricoloured Munias and Bengal Bushlarks flit constantly, joined in winter by visitors like the Siberian Stonechat. The marsh edges and trees resonate with the calls of Greater Coucals, Spotted Doves and Long-tailed Shrikes, while splashes of colour come from Asian Green Bee-eaters, Common Hoopoes and the striking Stork-billed Kingfisher. Overhead, Black-winged Kites and seasonal Oriental Honey Buzzards patrol the skies, making Baruipur Marshes a vibrant, ever-changing birding destination where water, grass and sky converge.
Lesser-whistling Duck
Oriental Darter
Bronze-winged Jacana
Asian Green Bee-Eater
Long-tailed Shrike
Eurasian Coot
Paddyfield Pipit
Siberian Stonechat
Grey-headed Swamphen
Greater Coucal
Cotton Pygmy Goose
Purple Heron
Stork-billed Kingfisher
Spotted Dove
Common Hoopoe
Oriental Honey Buzzard
Black Kite
Indian Pond Heron
White-throated Kingfisher
Black Drongo
Summary of Walk
Eighteen participants joined the Ataavi bird walk at Baruipur Wetlands under the guidance of Sounak Dutta for a memorable morning that blended excellent birding with classic monsoon weather. Birders from diverse professions and age groups, including a school student accompanied by their mother and a noted film director, gathered early before beginning introductions and learning about Ataavi’s conservation initiatives. The group then explored the reed-lined wetland trails, where munias, prinias, and Long-tailed Shrikes welcomed them. Although the weather soon turned from light drizzle to heavy rain, participants embraced the experience, continuing to bird through the showers while enjoying the unique atmosphere that monsoon wetlands provide.
As the rain eased, bird activity increased dramatically, rewarding the group with a checklist of 44 species. Yellow Bittern and Cinnamon Bittern emerged from the reeds, while Pheasant-tailed Jacanas and Bronze-winged Jacanas were seen moving gracefully across wetland vegetation. One of the most dramatic moments came when participants spotted a Shikra carrying a bird chick in its talons during light rain, offering a rare glimpse into predator-prey interactions. Later, improved weather revealed excellent activity among Tricoloured Munias before the walk concluded over tea and snacks, where participants shared their observations and expressed appreciation for both the bird guide and Ataavi’s efforts in promoting bird conservation.
Number of Participants
0
