Bird walk at Tumariya Dam, Maldhan, Ramnagar, Nainital

Name: Bird walk at Tumariya Dam, Maldhan, Ramnagar, Nainital
Start: 2026-02-14T06:30:00+05:30
End: 2026-02-14T08:30:00+05:30

About Tumariya Dam

Tumariya Dam, situated near Maldhan village in Ramnagar, Nainital district of Uttarakhand, is a striking freshwater reservoir sprawled over approximately 2,094 hectares, cradled in the lush foothills of the Middle Himalayas. Originally constructed as an earthen dam to support drinking water supply and irrigation, it forms a shallow lake that fills with rain-fed waters and reflects the surrounding forested hillsides, creating a tranquil oasis amidst the vibrant Terai–Bhabhar landscape. The area around the dam transitions from moderate to dense forests into wetland edges fringed with reeds and seasonal hydrophytic vegetation, offering a mix of open water, marshy shallows, and verdant riparian belts that make it an inviting habitat for nature lovers and birders alike.

This quiet gem is a birding hotspot, drawing both resident and migratory species that thrive in its mosaic of habitats. While detailed species lists for the dam itself are limited, the broader Nainital–Ramnagar region is renowned for its rich avian diversity—home to hundreds of bird species, from kingfishers and herons along the water’s edge to forest songbirds in the surrounding woods. Mammals such as barking deer, langurs and small carnivores wander nearby, and the wetlands support an array of aquatic life. However, like many freshwater ecosystems in the Himalayas, Tumariya Dam faces threats from habitat disturbance, sedimentation, water extraction and development pressures that can reduce water quality and disrupt breeding grounds. Conservation efforts focused on sustainable water management, habitat protection, and community-based eco-tourism could help preserve this serene landscape and its wildlife for future generations.

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Common birds of Tumariya Dam

Tumariya Dam is a rewarding birding destination where open waters, reedbeds, mudflats, and forest edges come together to host an impressive diversity of birds. The reservoir regularly supports a rich mix of waterfowl, including Ruddy Shelduck, Indian Spot-billed Duck, Green-winged Teal, and the striking Red-crested Pochard, while rails such as Eurasian Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, and White-breasted Waterhen move quietly through the marshy fringes. Shorelines and exposed shallows attract waders like Black-winged Stilt, River Lapwing, Red-wattled Lapwing, Common and Green Sandpipers, and the eye-catching Bronze-winged Jacana, with occasional highlights such as the elusive Ibisbill adding excitement for keen observers. Beyond the wetlands, surrounding scrub and woodland are home to Indian Peafowl, Red Junglefowl, Greater Coucal, Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and Spotted Dove, creating constant activity across habitats. With around 291 bird species recorded so far, Tumariya Reservoir stands out as one of the most species-rich birding sites in the Ramnagar–Nainital landscape, offering something special in every season for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.