Bird Walk at Khalanga Reserve Forest, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Dehradun
- 21 June, 2026
- Ankush Panwar
About Khalanga Reserve Forest
Tucked on the outskirts of Dehradun, Khalanga Reserve Forest is a quiet stretch of Himalayan foothill forest that blends history with natural richness. Characterised by dry deciduous woodland, sal patches, scrub, and open clearings, the forest supports a diverse range of flora adapted to the Shivalik landscape. Native trees, shrubs, and grasses create layered habitats that sustain insects, reptiles, and small mammals, while seasonal changes bring shifts in colour and activity. The terrain, dotted with gentle slopes and rocky patches, adds to its ecological diversity, making it a valuable green space within the expanding city.
For birders, Khalanga Reserve Forest offers a rewarding escape into nature, with a mix of woodland and edge species thriving here. The canopy echoes with calls of barbets, woodpeckers, and flycatchers, while warblers and babblers move through the understory. Raptors can often be seen soaring above the forest edges, and seasonal migrants add to the diversity during certain times of the year. However, like many urban forest patches, Khalanga faces increasing pressure from encroachment, habitat fragmentation, and human disturbance. Waste, trail overuse, and expanding urban limits pose ongoing challenges, making conservation awareness and responsible use essential to preserving this important ecological refuge.
Bird Guide: Ankush Panwar
A passionate birder since November 2025, with a life list of 229 species and ranked among the top 20 eBird birders this year. Actively explores Uttarakhand and Greater Noida, documenting birds through sight, calls, and behaviour, while focusing on strengthening identification skills by ear and introducing children aged 3–8 to birding.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Khalanga Reserve Forest
The forested trails of Khalanga Reserve Forest are alive with a rich mix of Himalayan birdlife, where every layer of the forest reveals something unique. The chatter of Jungle Babbler and the calls of Himalayan Bulbul fill the air, while vibrant species like the Red-billed Blue Magpie and White-crested Laughingthrush bring bursts of colour to the canopy. Secretive birds such as Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch and Pale-billed Flowerpecker move quietly through the foliage, while woodpeckers and barbets add rhythm to the forest. The presence of cuckoos—including the Common Hawk Cuckoo—along with drongos, warblers, and flycatchers, creates a dynamic and ever-changing soundscape. From forest specialists to edge species, this diversity makes Khalanga a rewarding destination for birders seeking an immersive Himalayan experience.
Jungle Babbler
Indian White-eye
Large-billed Crow
Himalayan Bulbul
Brown-headed Barbet
Indian Grey Hornbill
Plum-headed Parakeet
Common Hawk Cuckoo
Hair-crested Drongo
Greenish Warbler
Red Junglefowl
Grey Treepie
Pale-billed Flowerpecker
White-crested Laughingthrush
Red-billed Blue Magpie
Red-billed Leiothrix
Grey-headed Woodpecker
Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch
Cinereous Tit
Indian Cuckoo
Summary of Walk
The bird walk at Khalanga Reserve Forest brought together six participants, including a young 7-year-old attending her first birding session. The forest’s dense vegetation and undulating terrain offered a peaceful yet dynamic environment. Initial bird activity was subdued due to a nearby yoga event, but as the group moved deeper into the forest, sightings steadily improved.
A total of 31 species were recorded, with highlights including Red-billed Blue Magpies, Grey Treepies, and a flock of Chestnut-bellied Nuthatches. A particularly special moment was the sighting of a Bar-tailed Treecreeper, marking a lifer for the guide. The session was enriched by storytelling, bird behaviour discussions, and interactive learning. The enthusiasm of the young participant added a unique charm, making the walk memorable and reinforcing the importance of introducing nature education at an early age.
Number of Participants
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