Bird Walk at Perumbakkam/ Sholinganallur Marshland , Chennai, TN
- Chennai
- 17 October, 2026
- Francis Anish
About Perumbakkam–Sholinganallur Marshland
The Perumbakkam–Sholinganallur Marshland is one of the important remaining wetland landscapes within the rapidly urbanising southern part of Chennai. Located along the Old Mahabalipuram Road and surrounded by the neighbourhoods of Perumbakkam, Sholinganallur and Medavakkam, the marshland forms part of the Pallikaranai wetland ecosystem. Its mosaic of shallow wetlands, open water, marshy vegetation, grasslands and seasonal inundated areas provides habitat for a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife.
The marsh is particularly significant for birdwatching, supporting resident wetland birds as well as migratory species that use the landscape during their seasonal movements. Open waters and marshy edges attract herons, egrets, ibises, ducks, waders and kingfishers, while the surrounding scrub and grassland provide habitat for smaller passerines and raptors. Despite its ecological importance, the wetland faces considerable pressure from urban expansion, habitat fragmentation, pollution, invasive vegetation and changes in water flow. Protecting the remaining marshland and maintaining its natural hydrology are essential for conserving Chennai’s wetland biodiversity. For birdwatchers, the Perumbakkam–Sholinganallur marsh remains an important urban refuge and an excellent place to experience the city’s wetland birdlife.
Bird Guide: Francis Anish
He is an ornithologist and avid birdwatcher with over three years of research experience at the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), Coimbatore. His work includes research on the Critically Endangered White-bellied Heron, reflecting his strong interest in bird conservation and ecology. Beyond research, he regularly explores the field as a passionate birder, deepening his understanding of bird behavior and habitats. He has also volunteered as a bird expert for the Tamil Nadu Forest Department's raptor survey in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, contributing to important wildlife monitoring and conservation efforts.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Perumbakkam–Sholinganallur Marshland
The Perumbakkam–Sholinganallur Marshland supports a rich assemblage of wetland and grassland birds, highlighting the ecological importance of this urban wetland landscape. Its open waters and marshy edges provide suitable habitat for waterbirds such as Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Bronze-winged Jacana, Black-winged Stilt, Eurasian Moorhen, Eurasian Coot and Gray-headed Swamphen. Ducks including Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Lesser Whistling Duck and Indian Spot-billed Duck can also be found across the wetland, while waders such as Wood Sandpiper make use of shallow water and muddy margins. Larger wetland birds including Painted Stork, Spot-billed Pelican, Glossy Ibis, Gray Heron, Purple Heron and various egrets add to the diversity. Indian Cormorant, Oriental Darter and Little Grebe are associated with the open water, while White-breasted Waterhen and Zitting Cisticola occupy marshy vegetation and grassland edges. Asian Palm Swift further adds to the bird diversity of the landscape. Together, these species demonstrate the importance of the marshland as a feeding, resting and breeding habitat for a variety of wetland birds within Chennai’s rapidly urbanising surroundings.
Pheasant-tailed Jacana
White-breasted Waterhen
Fulvous Whistling-Duck
Eurasian Moorhen
Lesser Whistling Duck
Eurasian Coot
Wood Sandpiper
Painted Stork
Spot-billed Pelican
Zitting Cisticola
Great Egret
Indian Cormorant
Little Egret
Indian Spot-billed Duck
Asian Palm Swift
Grey-headed Swamphen
Black-winged Stilt
Bronze-winged Jacana
Little Grebe
Purple Heron
Summary of Walk
Six birders joined guide Francis Anish at the Sholinganallur and Perumbakkam marshland in Chennai on 17 October for a walk that delivered a fantastic 46 species and some real drama. The marsh is a magnet for birds at this time of year, and the group saw a lively mix of resident and migratory species. Among the residents were Indian Spot-billed Ducks, Fulvous Whistling Ducks and Ashy Prinias, while the migrants included the Pied Avocet, with its elegant upturned bill, the Garganey, a graceful duck that arrives from far away, the Greater Cormorant, the Black-tailed Godwit and an Osprey, a skilful fish hunter that kept the group watching the sky. The most memorable moment of the walk came when a Peregrine Falcon was spotted perched on an electrical tower, a magnificent sight that thrilled everyone, because the Peregrine is one of the world’s fastest birds and a prize for any birdwatcher. Francis helped the group take careful looks through the binoculars and scopes, explaining the differences between similar waders and ducks and sharing stories about the long journeys these birds undertake each year. The mix of open water, mud and reeds gave the walk a lovely variety, and the group moved along the marsh at an easy pace. Participants left with a handful of new birds on their lists and plenty of photographs, and a fresh respect for the importance of Chennai’s wetlands as stopovers for migratory birds. It was a lovely reminder that remarkable wildlife can be found right at the edge of a big city, if you know where to look.
Number of Participants
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