Bird Walk at Umbarli Hills, Thane, Maharashtra

  • Thane
  • 13 September, 2026
  • Sukhpreet and Ninad

About Umbarli Hills

Umbarli Hills, located in the Thane district of Maharashtra, is a landscape of rocky hillocks, scrubland, open grass patches, seasonal streams and pockets of natural vegetation. Situated along the rapidly developing outskirts of the Thane–Dombivli region, the area presents an interesting transition between urban spaces and semi-natural habitats. The combination of elevated terrain, scattered trees, low vegetation and nearby water sources creates a variety of microhabitats that support a diverse bird community. The hills become especially attractive for birdwatching during and after the monsoon, when seasonal streams and small water bodies hold water and the surrounding vegetation becomes greener and more productive.

These conditions attract waterbirds such as ducks, grebes, herons, egrets and waterhens, while the open scrub and grassland provide feeding grounds for lapwings, drongos, cuckoos and other insectivorous species. The rocky and wooded sections also offer suitable habitat for owls, kingfishers, parakeets and smaller passerines.Umbarli Hills is particularly valuable as an accessible natural space within a rapidly urbanising landscape. Its mix of habitats allows birdwatchers to observe species associated with wetlands, scrub, woodland and human-dominated areas during the same walk. The area also highlights the importance of protecting remaining green spaces around Thane, which provide refuge for wildlife while offering local communities opportunities for nature observation and outdoor recreation.

Bird Guide: Sukhpreet Kohli

He is a passionate birder from Mumbai, has been exploring the city’s rich avian life for many years. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and leading engaging bird walks that connect people with nature.

Bird Guide: Ninad Barve

Ninad Barve is an 18-year-old bird guide and wildlife photographer with 3–4 years of experience. Passionate about nature and wildlife, he is dedicated to exploring, documenting and contributing to conservation efforts.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Umbarli Hills

A bird walk through Umbarli Hills revealed an interesting mix of wetland, woodland and open-country birds. The Indian Spot-billed Duck was among the waterbirds recorded, along with Little Grebe, Little Cormorant, White-breasted Waterhen and Black-crowned Night Heron. The presence of Red-naped Ibis and a group of Eastern Cattle-Egrets added further variety to the wetland sightings. The walk also produced several species associated with the surrounding vegetation and open landscape, including Greater Coucal, Pied Cuckoo, Asian Koel and Gray-bellied Cuckoo. Raptors such as Black Kite were recorded alongside a Spotted Owlet, while Common Kingfisher and White-throated Kingfisher highlighted the area’s aquatic habitats. Asian Palm Swift, Rose-ringed Parakeet and Black Drongo added to the diversity, making Umbarli Hills a rewarding birding destination with a good combination of waterbirds, raptors and resident woodland species.
Indian Peafowl
Gray Francolin
Red Collared-Dove
Spotted Dove
Laughing Dove

Asian Koel
Little Swift
Black-winged Kite
Shikra
Eurasian Hoopoe
Rose-ringed Parakeet
White-browed Fantail
Black Drongo
Common Tailorbird
Red-vented Bulbul
Yellow-eyed Babbler
Large Gray Babbler
Jungle Babbler
Indian Robin
Oriental Magpie-Robin

Summary of Walk

Umbarli in Thane hosted a memorable bird walk on 13 September with 15 participants, marking a collaborative debut for guide Ninad Barve alongside Sukhpreet Kohli. Continuous rain couldn’t dampen the group’s spirits, and they were greeted almost immediately by a pair of Malabar Starlings and a juvenile Wire-tailed Swallow near the pond shed. The walk went on to yield 43 species, including a family of Little Grebes, Baya Weavers tending their pendulum-shaped nests, and a rare view of five Common Kingfishers — two adults and three fledglings — perched side by side on a single branch. A full sweep of the region’s Prinia species (Ashy, Plain, Jungle, and Grey-breasted) added further depth, while the standout sighting was a majestic Indian Eagle-Owl resting quietly in the canopy, carefully photographed by one of the participants. A vibrant male Red Avadavat in full breeding plumage provided a striking finale to a walk that, despite the downpour, underscored just how much biodiversity Umbarli holds.
Number of Participants
0
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ATAAVI Bird Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between people and the avian diversity of India. Through advocacy, education and conservation efforts, we strive to increase awareness and appreciation for birds across communities.

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