Bird Walk at Morlem Gad Foothills, Goa
- Goa
- 9 November, 2025
- WildFoot Prints (Jalmesh)
About Morlem Gad Foothills
Morlem-Gad foothills, located in North Goa near the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, form a biodiverse transition zone between the Western Ghats’ dense forests and the surrounding open scrublands and farmlands. The landscape comprises semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests interspersed with grassy clearings, rocky slopes, and seasonal streams that provide excellent habitats for a wide range of flora and fauna. This region is known for its remarkable bird diversity, with species such as Malabar Grey Hornbill, White-cheeked Barbet, Indian Paradise Flycatcher, Crimson-backed Sunbird, Asian Fairy-bluebird, and Heart-spotted Woodpecker commonly recorded. The foothills also attract several raptors, including the Crested Serpent Eagle and Black Eagle, while the undergrowth shelters insectivorous and ground-dwelling birds like the Indian Pitta and Emerald Dove. The area’s proximity to the Western Ghats makes it an essential corridor for many endemic and migratory species.
Despite its ecological richness, the Morlem-Gad foothills face growing threats from habitat degradation due to mining, unregulated tourism, and expansion of agricultural and settlement activities. These pressures lead to forest fragmentation, soil erosion, and disturbance to nesting and foraging zones of many sensitive bird species. Conservation measures such as regulating tourism, restoring degraded forest patches, and involving local communities in sustainable land-use practices are crucial to preserving this landscape. Strengthening connectivity between Morlem-Gad and nearby protected forests will help maintain healthy wildlife movement and ensure the long-term survival of the area’s avian diversity. With careful management, the foothills can continue to serve as a vital refuge for Goa’s rich and unique birdlife.
Partnered with
Bird Guide: Jalmesh Karapurkar
He is the coordinator of the Goa Bird Atlas initiative and serves as the eBird Reviewer for Goa, playing a key role in documenting avian biodiversity across the state. He also runs an inclusive ecotourism initiative aimed at making nature and wildlife experiences accessible and enriching for all.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Morlem Gad Foothills
The region host an impressive 173 bird species, making it one of the most bird-rich landscapes in the region. The area’s mix of semi-evergreen forests, open scrub, rocky slopes, and agricultural clearings provides ideal habitats for both forest-dwelling and open-country birds. Common sightings include Indian Peafowl, Gray Junglefowl, Spotted Dove, Asian Koel, Greater Coucal, and Indian Pond-Heron—species that thrive in the mosaic of forest and farmland edges. The dense canopy supports Western Ghats endemics such as Malabar Gray Hornbill, Flame-throated Bulbul, and White-cheeked Barbet, while colorful species like the Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Indian Pitta, and Crimson-backed Sunbird add vibrancy to the landscape. Raptors such as the Crested Serpent-Eagle, Black Kite, and Brahminy Kite soar overhead, reflecting the ecological richness of this foothill habitat.
In addition to these, rarer and more elusive birds like the Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Brown Wood-Owl, Jerdon’s Nightjar, and Malabar Pied Hornbill highlight the area’s importance for conservation within the Western Ghats biodiversity corridor. The presence of both resident and migratory species—including Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Orange-headed Thrush, and Blyth’s Reed Warbler—demonstrates the site’s role as a refuge across seasons. However, unregulated tourism, deforestation, and land conversion for agriculture pose threats to these habitats. Protecting the native vegetation, minimizing disturbance in key nesting zones, and involving local communities in conservation initiatives are essential steps to maintain the ecological integrity of the Morlem Gad foothills and sustain its extraordinary bird diversity.
Brown-cheeked Fulvetta
Orange Minivet
Greater-racket tailed Drongo
Ashy Drongo
Malabar Woodshrike
Golden-fronted Leafbird
Grey-fronted Green Pigeon
Jerdon's Leafbird
Green Warbler
Rufous Woodpecker
Yellow-crowned Woodpecker
Puff-throated Babbler
Grey Junglefowl
Indian Scimitar Babbler
Fork-tailed Drongo Cuckoo
Asian Green Bee-eater
Blue-tailed Bee-eater
Black-hooded Oriole
Shikra
Paddyfield Pipit
Summary of Walk
A vibrant group of 23 participants gathered at the Morlem Gad Foothills, Goa, for an unforgettable bird walk led by Jalmesh. The lush landscape and early morning tranquility provided the perfect backdrop for observing birds in their natural habitat. The group recorded an impressive 68 bird species, with remarkable highlights including the Amur Falcon, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Common Cuckoo, Crested Hawk-Eagle, Crested Goshawk, and Asian Fairy-bluebird.
During the session, participants learnt how to use binoculars effectively, observe birds silently, and interpret their behaviours and interactions in the wild. Jalmesh also shared engaging stories about birdwatching and conservation, helping participants understand the deeper significance of observing birds responsibly. The walk concluded with everyone feeling inspired to explore nature further and contribute to the protection of Goa’s rich avian diversity.
Number of Participants
0
