Bird Walk at Tungareshwar wildlife sanctuary, Virar

Name: Bird Walk at Tungareshwar wildlife sanctuary, Virar
Start: 2026-11-08T07:00:00+05:30
End: 2026-11-08T09:00:00+05:30

About Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

Nestled in the northern outskirts of Mumbai, in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is an important forest ecosystem within the northern Western Ghats landscape. Spread across undulating hills and forested valleys, the sanctuary is characterised by tropical moist deciduous and semi-evergreen vegetation, interspersed with streams, rocky outcrops and dense woodland. Its varied habitats support an impressive diversity of flora and fauna, providing shelter to mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects and numerous bird species. The forest canopy, dense undergrowth and seasonal water sources create ideal conditions for a wide range of wildlife, making the sanctuary an important ecological refuge amidst the rapidly urbanising Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

For birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, Tungareshwar offers rewarding opportunities to explore the rich birdlife of the Western Ghats. Its forest trails and woodland edges are particularly exciting for spotting raptors, colourful pigeons, parakeets, owls, drongos and flycatchers. However, increasing urbanisation, habitat fragmentation, forest encroachment, human disturbance, forest fires and the pressures of unregulated tourism pose significant challenges to this fragile ecosystem. Protecting its forest cover, maintaining wildlife corridors, preventing illegal activities and promoting responsible nature tourism are essential for conserving its biodiversity. Greater community participation and awareness can help ensure that Tungareshwar remains a thriving refuge for wildlife and a valuable natural heritage for future generations.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

Tungareshwar’s diverse forest habitats offer an exciting birdwatching experience, with an impressive mix of woodland birds, raptors and colourful forest dwellers. The sanctuary’s skies are patrolled by magnificent birds of prey such as the Crested Serpent Eagle, White-eyed Buzzard and Oriental Honey-buzzard, while the forest canopy echoes with the calls of parakeets, koels and coucals. The vibrant Yellow-footed Green Pigeon and Emerald Dove add splashes of colour to the woodland, while the elusive Jungle Owlet and Spotted Owlet offer rewarding sightings for patient birdwatchers. The Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, with its distinctive tail streamers, and the elegant Indian Paradise Flycatcher are among the highlights of the forest birdlife. From the melodious Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher to the familiar Red-vented Bulbul, each species adds to the sanctuary’s avian diversity. Together, these birds showcase the ecological richness of Tungareshwar and emphasise the importance of conserving its forest habitats.