Bird Walk at Jiwaji University Campus, Gwalior (M.P.)
- Gwalior
- 8 November, 2025
- Rs 200/- per head
- Fee collected goes entirely to the bird guide. Ataavi does not retain or profit from this amount.
About Forest patch near Sant Kanwar Ram School
The area near Sant Kanwar Ram School on Thakur Baba Road, Dabra (Gwalior), is a mosaic landscape of open plains, native grasslands and scattered forest patches. The plains and grasslands provide open foraging grounds and support herbaceous plants, grasses and seasonal wildflowers, while the forest patches—composed of native dry-deciduous trees and scrub—offer shelter, nesting sites and corridors for wildlife. This mix of habitat types creates strong habitat heterogeneity at a very local scale: grassland edges and clearings are valuable for ground-nesting birds, raptors and small mammals, while the wooded pockets harbor arboreal birds, insectivores and reptiles. Seasonal water accumulation in low spots can further enhance local biodiversity by supporting amphibians and aquatic insects that attract foraging birds.
Despite its ecological value, the landscape faces several common threats. Conversion of grassland to agriculture or built land, unregulated grazing, tree-cutting for fuel, littering and pressure from expanding settlements fragment habitats and reduce habitat quality. Invasive plant species, firewood collection and occasional burning can degrade native grass and understory communities, while polluted runoff or dumping near water depresses local wetland function. Conservation should focus on protecting remaining grassland and forest fragments through simple, locally appropriate measures: establish community-managed buffer zones, discourage unnecessary clearing, restore native grasses and tree species, and create small water retention features to support seasonal biodiversity. Engaging the local school and residents in regular clean-ups, bird and biodiversity monitoring, and awareness programs—plus promoting low-impact grazing practices and alternate fuel sources—will help maintain ecological connectivity and ensure the area remains a resilient green patch in the Dabra landscape.
Bird Guide: Ahinsa Jain
Ahinsa Jain is a dedicated bird watcher and nature enthusiast from Gwalior, actively promoting awareness about bird conservation through her field experiences.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Forest Patch near Sant Kanwar Ram School
The forest patch near Sant Kanwar Ram School, Dabra, supports a diverse community of both resident and migratory bird species that thrive in its mosaic of open grasslands, scrub, and tree cover. Common open-area species such as Rock Pigeon, Laughing Dove, House Sparrow, and Black Drongo are frequently observed around the school and nearby settlements. The White Wagtail and Citrine Wagtail often forage in open fields and moist patches, while Eastern Cattle Egret and Little Egret can be seen following livestock or feeding near small water bodies. The Shikra, a small agile raptor, is a regular sight gliding silently above the trees in search of prey, adding a predatory balance to this local ecosystem.
The wooded areas and scattered trees attract a variety of colorful and vocal birds such as the White-throated Kingfisher, Purple Sunbird, Oriental Magpie Robin, and Brown Rock Chat, which are active insect hunters. The Asian Koel, Rose-ringed Parakeet, and Jungle Myna contribute to the forest’s soundscape with their distinctive calls, while Red-vented Bulbuls and Ashy Prinias are often seen flitting through shrubs. Bank Mynas and Large-billed Crows are adaptable species that thrive near human habitation yet play important ecological roles in scavenging and seed dispersal. Together, these birds reflect the ecological richness and adaptability of avifauna in semi-urban forest edges—an encouraging sign of biodiversity resilience amidst development in the Dabra region.
Coppersmith Barbet
Rose-ringed Parakeet
White-breasted Waterhen
Purple Sunbird
Laughing Dove
Indian White Eye
Indian Grey Hornbill
Red-wattled Lapwing
Common Tailorbird
Greater Coucal
Ashy Prinia
Asian Green Bee-eater
White-throated Kingfisher
Common Hawk Cuckoo
Indian Robin
Black Drongo
Large-billed Crow
Red-vented Bulbul
Asian Pied Starling
Paddyfield Pipit
Summary of Walk
A group of 6 enthusiastic participants joined Ahinsa Jain for a delightful bird walk within the Jiwaji University Campus, Gwalior. The serene campus environment, rich with trees and open spaces, provided an excellent backdrop for birdwatching. The group recorded a total of 29 bird species, with notable sightings of the Taiga Flycatcher, Grey Francolin, and Brahminy Starling—each offering a glimpse into the region’s diverse avifauna.
During the walk, participants learnt the fundamentals of birdwatching, discussed its importance in conservation, and explored how technology can aid in bird identification through apps and digital tools. The session inspired participants to continue observing and documenting local birds, fostering a deeper appreciation for Gwalior’s urban biodiversity.
Number of Participants
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