Bird Walk at Kelambakkam Backwaters , Chennai, TN

  • Chennai
  • 29 August, 2026
  • Francis Anish

About Kelambakkam Backwaters

Kelambakkam Backwaters form an important coastal wetland landscape on the outskirts of Chennai, where tidal waters, mudflats, shallow pools and surrounding scrub create a productive habitat for a wide variety of waterbirds. The backwaters are particularly valuable for observing birds that depend on intertidal areas and shallow wetlands for feeding, resting and roosting. During suitable seasons, the exposed mudflats and water edges attract migratory waders, while resident herons, ibises, terns, ducks and wetland species use the area throughout the year. The changing water levels associated with tides continually alter the feeding habitat, making different sections of the backwaters productive at different times.
The open nature of the wetland provides good opportunities to observe birds in flight as well as feeding along the shoreline. Species such as flamingos and sandpipers can be especially rewarding sightings, while terns use the coastal waters and mudflats for feeding. The presence of species such as Black-winged Stilt, Glossy Ibis, Black-headed Ibis, Black-crowned Night Heron, Purple Heron and Gray Heron reflects the diversity of wetland habitats available here. The backwaters also provide important ecological services by supporting aquatic food webs and serving as feeding and resting grounds for migratory birds. Responsible birdwatching, maintaining distance from roosting flocks and avoiding disturbance are important for conserving this sensitive coastal ecosystem.

Bird Guide: Francis Anish

He is an ornithologist and avid birdwatcher with over three years of research experience at the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), Coimbatore. His work includes research on the Critically Endangered White-bellied Heron, reflecting his strong interest in bird conservation and ecology. Beyond research, he regularly explores the field as a passionate birder, deepening his understanding of bird behavior and habitats. He has also volunteered as a bird expert for the Tamil Nadu Forest Department's raptor survey in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, contributing to important wildlife monitoring and conservation efforts.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Kelambakkam Backwaters

Kelambakkam Backwaters support a diverse assemblage of wetland and coastal birds, with the combination of mudflats, shallow water and tidal habitats providing important feeding and resting areas. The bird list includes several notable waterbirds such as Flamingos, Wood Sandpiper, Black-winged Stilt, Glossy Ibis, Black-headed Ibis and Black-crowned Night Heron. The presence of both resident and migratory species highlights the importance of these backwaters within Chennai’s coastal wetland network. Different sections of the wetland attract different species depending on water levels and tidal conditions. Great Crested Tern and Little Tern use the coastal waters and open areas, while Purple Heron, Gray Heron and Little Egret forage along the shallow edges. Ducks such as Fulvous Whistling Duck and Lesser Whistling Duck add diversity to the open-water habitats, while Gray-headed Swamphen, Indian Cormorant and Eurasian Coot are associated with freshwater and marshy sections. This combination makes Kelambakkam Backwaters particularly valuable for observing wetland bird diversity.
Greater Flamingo
Wood Sandpiper
Great Crested Tern
Fulvous Whistling Duck
Lesser Whistling Duck

Indian Cormorant
Gray-headed Swamphen
Black-winged Stilt
Little Tern
Glossy Ibis
Black-headed Ibis
Black-crowned Night Heron
Little Egret
Asian Green Bee-eater
Asian Koel
Common Tailorbird
Gray Heron
Purple Heron
Eurasian Coot
Ashy Prinia

Summary of Walk

Guided by Francis Anish, twenty-two participants explored the scenic Kelambakkam Backwaters on the outskirts of Chennai, a productive wetland known for hosting an impressive number of migratory shorebirds each season. The mix of open backwaters and muddy flats here creates ideal feeding grounds for a wonderful variety of resident and visiting species. 

The group recorded 41 species during the walk, with the Eurasian Whimbrel, Common Redshank and Common Greenshank among the standout sightings. Other notable species included the Spot-billed Pelican, Black-headed Ibis, Painted Stork, Marsh and Wood Sandpipers, and a striking Pied Kingfisher. Peafowls and Red-wattled Lapwings added further colour to the morning, alongside Grey-headed Swamphens moving through the reeds. With so many migratory species on display, it was a wonderfully rewarding walk that highlighted just how important Kelambakkam’s backwaters are for wintering shorebirds. 

Number of Participants
0
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