Birds of Andaman Island

Did you know the Andaman Islands aren’t just your regular beach trip?

They offer a total recharge for your body and mind. Along the sandy shores and adventures, these islands are widely known as the Paradise of Birds. Yep, there are over 240 bird species, from migratory to exclusive Andaman birds, and more than 50 endemic bird species. Every year, these islands become a hotspot for all sorts of bird species, allowing travelers to enjoy bird photography and immerse themselves in a soulful experience.

Let’s explore prime bird-watching spots in the Andaman Islands and a look into the various species of birds native to the region.

Unique Birds of Andaman Island

1. Andaman wood Piegeon

The Andaman wood pigeon (Columba palumboides) is a bird species found only in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Classified as the National Bird of Andaman and  ‘near threatened’ by the IUCN, its population ranges from 2,500 to 10,000 mature individuals. It has a white head, black body, and red, yellow-tipped beak and claws. It is related to the green imperial pigeon and rock dove and is mostly found on North Passage Island.

2. Andaman Hawk Owl

The Andaman hawk owl is a type of owl that belongs to the Strigidae family and is found only in the Andaman Islands. This owl species usually lives in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests. Unfortunately, the Andaman hawk-owl population is decreasing due to the loss of its natural habitat. The owl has a compact body, and its face and upperparts are brownish. Note the bold, rust-colored streaks running down the underparts. The vent is usually white, and the tail has bars running across it and its significant yellow eyes makes it one of the most beautiful Birds of Andaman. Relatively shy, active outside daylight hours in well-wooded areas. The call is a distinctive low and resonant guttural “kroooo.”

3. Andaman Woodpecker

The Andaman woodpecker is a bird species belonging to the woodpecker family Picidae. It is native to the Andaman Islands in India and is found in tropical moist lowland forests. Sadly, it is threatened by habitat loss. The Andaman woodpecker is a large black bird with a red crest that is easily recognizable. It has a long, dark bill and strikingly pale eyes. This bird species is usually found in mangroves and evergreen forests, often in pairs or small groups. It is known to feed higher up in the trees but sometimes comes down to look for invertebrates. Its call is loud, sharp, and shrill and usually consists of one or two notes.

4. Andaman Teal

The Andaman teal is a type of duck that can only be found in the Andaman archipelago located in the Bay of Bengal. This species was previously considered to be a subspecies of the Sunda teal. It is a small brown duck with a pale throat and scalloped feathers. The face may be entirely white or have a white eye ring. During flight, a white panel can be seen on the upper wings as well as white armpits on the underwing. These ducks are sociable and can be seen gathering in marshy waterbodies. Go to Sippighat for finding this teal. You’ll find them nesting in tree holes.

5. Narcondam Hornbill

The Narcondam hornbill is the most beautiful among the birds of Andaman in the Bucerotidae family, found only on the Indian island of Narcondam in the Andamans. The bird is small with a black body, a white tail, and a pale bill with a flat, grooved casque on top. The males and females have different colors on their head and breast. The male has a rust-colored head and breast while the female’s head and breast are black. These Andaman birds have the smallest home range of all Asian hornbills. They feed on berries and fruits in tall trees. Their calls consist of short, wavering notes that have a somewhat nasal quality, as well as barks and grunts.

6. Andaman Serpent Eagle

This Andaman Bird is a relatively small, uniformly dark brown eagle with a bright yellow bare patch between the eye and the bill that contrasts with the rest of its body. Its underparts have small white spots. When in flight, the wings display narrow black-and-white bands and the tail has thick black bands. The juvenile looks similar to the adult but with a pale, cream-colored head. This eagle is often seen perched in trees under the canopy, where it watches for small prey. Its calls consist of 4-5 short, chirp-like whistles.

7. Andaman Drongo

The Andaman drongo is a medium-sized bird with dark feathers, a strong bill, and a forked tail that curls outwards at the tips. It lives in forests and forest edges, where it searches for insects under the canopy. Drongos are often found in small groups and will flock with other species as well. They make a variety of calls, including tinkling sounds, metallic whistles, and short, harsh notes which makes it one the most melodiest Birds of Andaman.

8. Longtailed Parakeet

The long-tailed parakeet is a highly social bird that is often observed communicating with other birds of its kind. Though typically found in small groups, flocks of thousands of these birds have been spotted in the Andaman Islands and Borneo, particularly during the breeding season. The long-tailed parakeet is known for its colony breeding habits.

9. Andaman Treepie

The Andaman treepie belongs to the Corvidae family and is a slender, medium-sized dark bird with a long tail. Its face, wings, and tail are black, while the underparts and back are reddish-brown. You can identify it by the small white patch on its wings. These Andaman Birds are commonly found in well-wooded habitats, where it form small groups and hunt with other species. Its calls include a variety of metallic sounds, harsh screeches, dry trills, and soft whistles.

10. Andaman Flowerpecker

The Andaman flowerpecker belongs to the Dicaeidae family and is a small bird with a slim, dark, curved bill. Its upperparts are olive-green, while the pale underparts have a yellow smudge on the belly. These Andaman birds flit around restlessly in treetops, seeking fruits and flowers, and are usually found alone or in pairs. Although it is difficult to locate it in the canopy which makes it rare to see among other Birds of Andaman, its buzzy single-noted calls often give away its presence.