Bird Walk at Kerwa Jungle Camp, Bhopal
- Bhopal
- 9 November, 2025
- Kritalee Chindarkar and MP Tourism Board
About Kerwa Jungle Camp
Kerwa Jungle Camp, located near the scenic Kerwa Dam on the outskirts of Bhopal, is part of a rich forest–wetland ecosystem that extends across approximately 34 square kilometers. The area comprises dry deciduous forests dominated by teak and mixed tree species, interspersed with scrublands, grass patches, and the expansive reservoir that provides a vital aquatic habitat. This blend of terrestrial and wetland ecosystems makes Kerwa a hotspot for bird diversity, supporting over a hundred bird species throughout the year. Waterbirds such as herons, egrets, and cormorants thrive along the lake margins, while forest species like Indian Pitta, Paradise Flycatcher, and various woodpeckers inhabit the wooded trails. The presence of both resident and migratory birds makes Kerwa an important destination for birdwatchers and researchers alike.
However, this thriving habitat faces growing threats from unregulated tourism, urban sprawl, and deforestation due to increasing development pressure from nearby Bhopal city. Construction of resorts, farmhouses, and road expansion have led to habitat fragmentation, disturbing wildlife movement and nesting zones. Conservation efforts are increasingly focused on preserving the forest-water corridor, maintaining water quality, and involving local communities in habitat protection. Sustainable ecotourism practices, stricter land-use regulations, and regular bird monitoring programs could help safeguard the ecological balance of Kerwa Jungle Camp, ensuring it remains a haven for avian and other wildlife species for generations to come.
Bird Guide: Kritalee Chindarkar
She is the Founder of the Tarang Eco Tours where they organize nature trails and camps focused on sustainable tourism and to create environmental awareness among people.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Kerwa Jungle Camp
Kerwa Jungle Camp in Bhopal is a thriving birding hotspot, with an impressive 182 species recorded so far, making it one of the richest avifaunal sites in central India. The mosaic of dry deciduous forest, open scrub, and the Kerwa reservoir provides ideal nesting and feeding grounds for both woodland and water-associated species. Common birds like the Spotted Dove, Laughing Dove, Indian Peafowl, Red-wattled Lapwing, White-throated Kingfisher, and Indian Roller are frequently observed across the landscape. The wetlands attract waders and waterbirds such as the Little Egret, Indian Spot-billed Duck, Eurasian Moorhen, and White-breasted Waterhen, while the surrounding forests echo with the calls of the Coppersmith Barbet, Indian Gray Hornbill, Plum-headed Parakeet, and Asian Koel. In the denser sections, nocturnal birds like the Brown Fish-Owl, Mottled Wood-Owl, and Jungle Owlet add to the site’s remarkable diversity, highlighting its importance as a refuge for species across multiple ecological niches.
Adding to the diversity are insectivorous and migratory birds such as the Hume’s Warbler, Greenish Warbler, and Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, which use the area during seasonal movements. The presence of frugivores like the Black-hooded Oriole, Rufous Treepie, and Common Iora indicates the park’s healthy vegetation and fruit-bearing trees. However, urban expansion and unregulated human activity around the Kerwa Nursery and Dam pose growing challenges, causing noise disturbance and potential habitat degradation. Continued monitoring and awareness initiatives by local birdwatchers are essential for protecting this habitat. Conservation measures focused on preserving native tree cover, maintaining wetland health, and restricting excessive tourist inflow will ensure Kerwa remains a vibrant sanctuary for both resident and migratory bird species in Madhya Pradesh.
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 lively group of 21 participants gathered at Kerwa Jungle Camp for an exciting bird walk led by Kritalee. Surrounded by the lush forest landscape, the group recorded around 30 bird species during the session. Some of the notable sightings included the Verditer Flycatcher, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Common Woodshrike, Lesser Goldenback Woodpecker, and Olive-backed Pipit, offering participants a wonderful mix of woodland and migratory birds to observe.
Throughout the walk, participants learnt techniques for identifying birds by their appearance, calls, and behavior, while also discussing the importance of birdwatching and its role in conservation. Kritalee shared fascinating bird stories that added a touch of wonder to the experience. The walk concluded with participants feeling more connected to nature and inspired to continue exploring the avian world.
Number of Participants
0
