Bird Walk at Mhatoba Hill (Tekdi), Pune

Name: Bird Walk at Mhatoba Hill (Tekdi), Pune
Start: 2025-08-10T07:15:00+05:30
End: 2025-08-10T09:00:00+05:30

About Mhatoba Hill (Tekdi)

Mhatoba Hill, commonly known as Mhatoba Tekdi, is named after an old temple with the same temple which is built at the very top of the hill. It is a rugged green expanse nestled within the fast-urbanizing landscape of Pune. Comprising undulating terrain, rocky outcrops, grasslands, and dry deciduous scrub, the hill offers a rare natural escape amidst dense city development. Its open trails and panoramic views attract walkers, nature enthusiasts, and locals seeking quietude. Ecologically, the hill plays a vital role in supporting native vegetation, stabilizing the local microclimate, and allowing groundwater recharge. The sparse tree cover and shrublands protect against soil erosion, while seasonal grasses and native flora contribute to the area’s resilience and biodiversity.

As surrounding neighborhoods expand and green spaces shrink, Mhatoba Hill stands out as a crucial ecological buffer. It not only sustains local ecosystems but also offers mental and physical well-being to the urban population. Preserving this natural hillscape is essential to maintaining Pune’s environmental balance and safeguarding its natural heritage for future generations.

Partnered with

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Mhatoba Hill (Tekdi)

Mhatoba Hill, a prominent natural outcrop in Pune’s urban matrix, has recorded over 120 bird species, making it an important biodiversity refuge amidst city development. Its varied terrain—comprising rocky slopes, scrublands, grasslands and woodlands—supports a wide range of birdlife across seasons. Raptors such as the Black Kite, Shikra, Oriental Honey-buzzard, and even the striking Bonelli’s Eagle and Greater Spotted Eagle patrol the skies, indicating a robust ecological presence.

The scrub and grassy areas host resident species such as Baya Weavers, Scaly-breasted Munias, Ashy Prinias, and Indian Silverbills, while the woodlands echo with the calls of Rufous Treepies, Coppersmith Barbets, and White-throated Kingfishers. Migrants like the Barn Swallow, Eurasian Wryneck, Red-breasted Flycatcher, and Booted Eagle boost seasonal diversity. From ground-dwelling Gray Francolins to canopy-dwellers like Rose-ringed Parakeets, the hill offers niches for a wide variety of birds. This rich avifaunal presence reflects Mhatoba Hill’s ecological value—not just as a birding site, but as a vital green space that supports urban wildlife and citizen-led conservation efforts.