Top Sites for Bird Watching in Andaman Island

Paradise of Birds

Andaman Island stands as an ultimate destination for bird lovers, with diverse environments ranging from dense forests to peaceful coastal areas, each presenting a plenty of bird species. There are various spots to witness these cute chirpers, every corner presents an opportunity to encounter the unique bird life of Andaman. The Andaman island offers a remarkable diversity of birds from endemic species to migratory travelers.

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

Birds of Andaman

Andaman 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.

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Top Sites for Bird Watching in Andaman Island

1. Mount Harriet National Park

Most accessible and right here in Port Blair, Mount Harriet National Park is a bird lover’s paradise with its lush green forests and diverse range of bird species. The park boasts nearly 90 rare Andaman bird species, making it a must-visit destination for birdwatchers. The birds of Andaman that can be spotted at the park are the Andaman serpent-eagle, Wood Pigeon, Hawk Owl, Cuckoo-dove, and many more. Birdwatchers can spend hours exploring the park and observing the birds in their natural habitat. The serene environment and the melodious chirping of the birds make the experience truly unforgettable.

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Location:  Click Here.

2. Chidiya Tapu

Chidiya Tapu is the perfect route for bird sighting and bird photography. The 4km stretch Trek of the evergreen moist forest offers a variety of Andaman birds to watch and photograph including Andaman Drongo, Andaman Serpent Eagle, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Alexandrine Parakeet,  and many more, which makes the trek exciting. If you want to enjoy birding to the fullest, visit the place early in the morning as the bird photography done with the sunrise is simply spectacular. You get to see most birds of Andaman types chirping and flying.

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Location:  Click Here.

3. Havelock Island

The tropical climate of the islands makes them a perfect year-round vacation destination and a welcoming habitat for most Birds of Andaman. Although migratory birds are occasionally present, the majority of the species are exclusive to the islands, making them a unique sight. Havelock Island is a sanctuary for mangroves, dense forests, and a diverse population of Andaman birds that have disappeared from urban areas and thrive in the island’s blue waters and expansive sky. Mornings on the island are filled with the melodious chirping of various bird species, creating a symphony for birdwatching enthusiasts. 

For those who love birds, Havelock Island offers the opportunity to observe many exotic species, such as the green pigeon, emerald dove, hanging parrots, long-tailed parakeets, and more. These indigenous Andaman birds can be observed during the early morning hours or at the enchanting sunset, providing an extraordinary experience for bird enthusiasts.

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Location:  Click Here.

4. Sippighat

Sippighat, once a lush expanse of privately owned paddy fields, was ravaged by the deadly tsunami that hit the coast on the morning after Christmas in 2004. Today, rusting iron scaffolding and a few bare concrete columns remain as a painful reminder of how the tragedy ravaged the island. The place is a haven for rare birds of Andaman such as the Brown Hawk Owl, Collared Kingfisher, Sunda Teal, Black-napped tern, Andaman Hawked Owl, Orange-headed thrush, and Olive-backed sunbird. To avoid scaring the birds away, visitors are advised to maintain silence. The best time to watch birds is early in the morning or after sunset.

The afternoon is the least active time for the birds.

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Location:  Click Here.

5. Cuthbert Wildlife Sanctuary

Cuthbert Wildlife Sanctuary boats a bird population along with being an Olive Ridley turtle nesting site. Located in the Rangat area of North Andamans, it is not the easiest place to reach. Nevertheless, the avian residents of Cuthbert include endemic and migratory birds such as the Andaman woodpecker, Andaman treepie, white-bellied sea eagle, and numerous others. This sanctuary offers an exceptional opportunity for birdwatching, photography, and the chance to immerse oneself in the harmonious melodies of nature.

Read More: Rangat
Location:  Click Here.

6. Shoal Bay

Shoal Bay is a paradise for birdwatchers. It offers the opportunity to see almost all of the unique Andaman birds along with many other flying wonders. A day spent birding at Shoal Bay can be very rewarding, with sightings of the Andaman Woodpecker, Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker, Dollarbird, Blue-eared Kingfisher, and Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher. This beautiful beach is located in a secluded area of the Andaman Islands, and it’s known for its clear water and peacefulness, away from the noise and crowds of city life. Shoal Bay Beach is a hidden gem in South Andaman, inviting those with enough time in Port Blair to discover its natural beauty. Spend a day here swimming and wandering around in search of rare birds. 

Location:  Click Here.