Birding in Goa

About Birding in Goa

Apart from offering the best beach holiday in India, Goa is also a great destination for birdwatching. The state is home to 5% of the world’s bird species and about 50% of the bird species found in India, thus making it an important site for birding.

The bird lovers can choose to go for bird watching at Goa’s 8 premium hotspots - Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Carambolim Lake, Soccorro Plateau, Morjim Beach, Curtorim Wetland Complex, and Zuari.

Season of Operation

Throughout the year. In winters, migratory birds can be sighted here in a large number.

Best Birdwatching Destinations in Goa

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in northeastern Goa, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is spread in an area of 8 sq km. The sanctuary is popular for sighting birds like Rose-ringed parakeet, Alexandrine parakeet, Plum-headed parakeet, Silver pheasant. Apart from the birds, the wildlife sanctuary is also home to a number of wild animals like sambar deer, Indian bison, Malabar giant squirrel etc.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is between October and June.

Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary

Nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats, Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest preserve in Goa. The sanctuary is the home to a variety of birds and animals and also house attractions like Dudhsagar Waterfall, the Devil’s Canyon, the Tambdi Surla Temple, and Tambdi Falls.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary is throughout the year. In monsoon, it becomes an ideal place to visit in Goa with Dudhsagar Waterfalls coming to life.

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

The second-largest wildlife reserve in Goa, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on Goa-Karnataka border. The sanctuary is ideal place for birdwatching and a variety of floral species. Wild animals like flying squirrel, Indian pangolin, mouse deer, four-horned antelope and some other species can be spotted in Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is considered to be October to March. However, monsoon is also considered a great time to enjoy the lush greenery of the place.

Carambolim Lake

One of the most picturesque lakes in Goa, Carambolim Lake is a paradise for bird lovers. This man-made lake is home to a large number of indigenous and migratory birds or which some are aquatic and some are terrestrial type.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Carambolim Lake is the monsoon season, however, in order to sight migratory birds, the months from October to March are ideal.

Soccorro Plateau

Located in North Goa, Soccorro Plateau is a great place for birding in the state. Bird watchers can spot birds like Red Whiskered, Red Vented Bulbuls, Common Ioras, Minivets, Black Hooded Orioles, Coppersmith and White Cheeked Barbets and Indian Pitta Bird along with other species of water birds.

Best Time to Visit

Soccorro Plateau is best visited during the monsoon and winter season, when a large number of birds can be sighted.

Morjim Beach

Situated in the extreme northern part of Goa, Morjim Beach is a hub of many birds like gulls and terns. The beach receives many migratory birds in the winter season like Caspian, Heuglin’s, Steppe, Great Black-headed, Slender-billed & Brown-headed Gulls and Great Crested, Lesser Crested, Caspian & Gull-billed Terns, Greater & Lesser Sand Plovers.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Morjim Beach is the winter season, October to March, when a large number of migratory birds can be spotted.

Curtorim Wetland Complex

A series of artificial reservoir, Curtorim Wetland Complex is a habitat for a large number of birds in Goa. Along with avifauna, the complex boasts being the home to migratory ducks, waders, and raptors. Around 230 bird species can be sighted at Curtorim Wetland Complex in Goa.

Best Time to Visit

The Curtorim Wetland Complex can be visited throughout the year, but July to March is considered the best time to visit.

Zuari

Zuari is a river in Goa which is quite popular amongst birders who come here on boats to sight a variety of birds. The river area is rich with birds like western reef heron, peregrine falcon, Eurasian Curlew, Brahmny Kite, common kingfisher, and more.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Zuari River is between October and March, when a large number of migratory birds along with the indigenous species can be seen.