Bird Walk at Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Panvel, Mumbai
- Panvel
- 12 October, 2025
- Kritalee Chindarkar
About Karnala Bird Sanctuary
Karnala Bird Sanctuary covers about 12.11 sq. km of protected forested land near Panvel. It comprises moist deciduous forests, with patches of evergreen vegetation in deeper valleys or near perennial water sources, and supports a rich diversity of birdlife—both resident and migratory. Fauna also includes mammals like wild boar, jungle cat, common langur, and occasionally leopard. The terrain is hilly (e.g. Karnala Fort hill) with trails through forest canopy, rocky outcrops, and water holes. Its habitat acts as an important green patch in a densely populated region, offering refuge for wildlife, maintaining local microclimates, and acting as a recreation and education spot for city dwellers.
Conservation at Karnala includes legal protection (sanctuary status since the late 1960s), regulated trails and entry points, and efforts to expand the protected area. Threats include littering, disturbance from picnickers especially near sensitive nesting/roosting areas, noise and pollution from adjacent roads (Mumbai–Goa highway), and habitat degradation. Sustaining the sanctuary requires limiting human disturbance, maintaining trails, protecting corridors, ensuring water sources remain clean, forest health preserved, and engaging the local community in monitoring and protection.
Partnered with
Bird Guide: Kritalee Chindarkar
She is the Founder of the Tarang Eco Tours where they organize nature trails and camps focused on sustainable tourism and to create environmental awareness among people.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Karnala Bird Sanctuary
Karnala Bird Sanctuary, nestled at the base of the Karnala Fort near Panvel, is one of Maharashtra’s most vibrant avian hotspots, recording over 244 bird species throughout the year. The sanctuary’s lush moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests, combined with open scrub and small water bodies, make it an ideal refuge for a mix of forest specialists, waterbirds, and migratory species. Common sightings include the Spotted Dove, Greater Coucal, Red-vented Bulbul, Common Iora, and Jungle Babbler, which enliven the forest with their calls. Along streams and wetlands, birds such as the Indian Pond Heron, Little Egret, and Asian Openbill are often seen wading gracefully. Vibrant forest residents like the Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher, and Coppersmith Barbet add splashes of color to the green canopy, while the White-rumped Shama and Oriental Magpie Robin fill the early mornings with melodious songs.
Raptors like the Crested Serpent Eagle, Brahminy Kite, and Oriental Honey Buzzard dominate the skies, maintaining the sanctuary’s ecological balance. The dense foliage shelters smaller insectivores and nectar feeders, including Sunbirds, Flowerpeckers, and the brilliant Golden-fronted Leafbird. Seasonal migrants such as the Gray Wagtail, Indian Pitta, and Asian Brown Flycatcher visit during the monsoon and winter, taking advantage of the sanctuary’s abundant food sources. Small flocks of White-rumped Munias, Scaly-breasted Munias, and Indian Silverbills can be spotted feeding near clearings, while the Red Spurfowl and Malabar Whistling Thrush are shy treasures often glimpsed deeper within the forest. Together, these species make Karnala an essential biodiversity hub for the Mumbai region — a living classroom where one can experience the beauty, variety, and interdependence of India’s birdlife.
Spotted Dove
Greater Coucal
Common Iora
Jungle Babbler
Spotted Owlet
Crested Serpent Eagle
Rosy Starling
Common Woodshrike
Indian Pied Starling
Lesser Flameback
Red-wshikered Bulbul
Vigor's Sunbird
Asian Openbill
Brown Shrike
Wire-tailed Swallow
Coppersmith Barbet
Indian Peafowl
Asian Green Bee-eater
Oriental Magpie Robin
Black Drongo
Summary of Walk
An enthusiastic group of 18 participants joined an early morning bird walk at Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Panvel, led by Sarang. The walk took the group through the lush trails of the sanctuary, where they observed a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. With Sarang’s guidance, participants learned the nuances of bird identification and the significance of birdwatching and nature walks as a way to connect with the environment.
During the walk, the group recorded an impressive 31 bird species, including notable sightings such as the Bronzed Drongo, Vigors Sunbird, Jerdon’s Leafbird, Common Hawk Cuckoo, and White-rumped Shama. Sarang’s expertise and storytelling made the trail memorable, turning the morning into a rewarding experience of learning, exploration, and appreciation of the rich avian diversity at Karnala.
Number of Participants
0
