Bird Walk at Tal Talaab, Behind Tal Tiger Resort, Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
- Madhya Pradesh
- 5 May, 2026
- Rs 250/- per head
- Fee collected goes entirely to the bird guide. Ataavi does not retain or profit from this amount.
About Tal Talaab
Tucked away near Tal Talaab, behind Tal Tiger Resort, this quiet corner of Kanha Tiger Reserve offers a more intimate glimpse into the park’s rich wilderness. The landscape here is a beautiful blend of moist deciduous forest, scattered bamboo, and open patches surrounding the talaab (waterbody), creating a lifeline for wildlife. The presence of water attracts a variety of fauna—from grazing herbivores visiting the edges to smaller creatures thriving in the undergrowth. Towering sal trees and dense vegetation provide shelter and nesting spaces, while the talaab itself supports aquatic life and seasonal plant growth, making this microhabitat especially vibrant and dynamic.
For birders, Tal Talaab is a hidden gem where forest and wetland species converge. The still waters draw in kingfishers, jacanas, and egrets, while surrounding trees host hornbills, woodpeckers, flycatchers, and drongos. Early mornings here are filled with layered bird calls and subtle movements, offering rewarding sightings in a peaceful setting away from busier safari routes. However, even such secluded spots are not free from pressure. Increasing tourism infrastructure, disturbance around water sources, and habitat alteration in buffer areas pose growing challenges. Protecting these smaller yet critical habitats—through responsible tourism and mindful conservation—is essential to ensure they continue to support the incredible biodiversity that makes Kanha so special.

Bird Guide: Prateek Kashyap
A statistician-turned-wildlifer with over 12 years of birding experience in the Terai, with key roles in Bengal Florican and Dudhwa Rhino conservation projects. Known for documenting rare birds and snakes, combining field expertise with ecological insight.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Tal Talaab
The tranquil surroundings of Tal Talaab, just behind Tal Tiger Resort within Kanha Tiger Reserve, create the perfect setting for a rich and lively birding experience. The waterbody draws in species like the Cotton Pygmy Goose and Bronze-winged Jacana, while the edges echo with the calls of Red-wattled Lapwing. Bright splashes of colour from Indian Roller and Orange-fronted Leafbird stand out against the forest greens, as nuthatches quietly move along tree trunks in search of insects. Kingfishers—including the Common Kingfisher and White-throated Kingfisher—bring flashes of blue along the water’s edge, while species like Black Drongo and Brown Shrike keep watch from open perches. From the lively chatter of parakeets and treepies to the subtle presence of robins and tailorbirds, this mix of wetland and woodland birds makes Tal Talaab a dynamic, ever-changing haven for birdwatchers.

Cotton Pygmy Goose

Indian Roller

Black Drongo

Indian Grey Hornbill

Common Kingfisher

White-throated Kingfisher

Indian Robin

Oriental Magpie Robin

Indian Pied Starling

Brown Shrike

Rufous Treepie

Plum-headed Parakeet

Eastern Cattle Egret

Greater Coucal

Red-wattled Lapwing

Bronze-winged Jacana

Common Tailorbird

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch

Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch

Orange-fronted Leafbird
- Fee collected goes entirely to the bird guide. Ataavi does not retain or profit from this amount.
