Goa’s top bird watching spots
Goa is home to an abundance of lush vegetation, and hence, to more than 450 species of birds, many that are endangered. If you still need another leg-up, The following are prime spots to see a variety of birds—especially in the cooler months:
Important Bird Areas identified by BNHS
The state has seven “IBA” to encourage national as well as international bird tourism. A network of Rest Houses, private hotels and motels, secure transport and a well spread road network along with professional tour operators offer convenient access to the protected areas.
The sanctuaries within these “IBA” are:
Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Named after the legendary Indian ornithologist, this sanctuary is home to a number of species that flock here to nest in the swampy mangroves. Some of the water birds found here are the Terek sandpipers, Temminick’s stint and the Purple Heron. And when you’ve had your fill of the beautiful life, a leisurely canoe ride through this fragile terrain will be just what you need.
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
When it comes to watching the rarest of bird species, you don’t have to travel to the ends of the earth. Southern Goa should do quite nicely. Some of these exotic migrants include the Sri Lankan frogmouth, Malabar Trogon and the white-bellied woodpecker.
Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
Visitors to this region should know that it’s designated as a Global Biodiversity Hotspot, as well as an area of high endemism by Conservation International. The camp has been declared an International Bird Area as well because of the presence of globally threatened species like Nilgiri wood-pigeon, Malabar parakeet, Malabar grey hornbill, Grey-headed bulbul, Rufous babbler, White-bellied blue-flycatcher and crimson-backed sunbird (as a bonus, you could spot the Bengal Tiger as well.)
Carambolim Lake
Haven to a number of aquatic and herbivorous birds, the lake and its surrounding forest have been declared a protected habitat by the state. Birders in the know keep a look out for the purple Swamp hen, the northern pintail and the oriental darter amongst others.
Curtorim
If you love waterfowl and waders, head to Curtorim between November and March. Located on the banks of River Zuari, Sonbem lake in Maina–Curtorim has emerged as a major bird watching spot. The best thing is you don’t have to play statue for hours to spot rare wetland birds like the Red Wattled lapwing, white throated kingfisher, the White-breasted Water hen and river tern.
Other birding sites
Saligao
The birds around Saligao’s perennial spring include the Indian peafowl, the orange-headed thrush, the greenish warbler and the purple sunbird. An avian wonderland that needs to be moved up on your itinerary
Morjim Beach
Swoop down to this sparsely inhabited beach in Northern Goa to spot the slender-billed gulls, the Caspian terns, lesser and the white-bellied sea-eagle.
Besides, Avi-Tourism , Goa dominates for its scenic splendidness of sun kissed world famous beaches , grandeur of Old Goa Churches & marvelous architecture of Goan Temples will also be worth seeing when in Goa