The Great Hornbill, locally known as “Vezhaambal”, is Kerala’s pride.
Where to spot: Periyar Tiger Reserve, Silent Valley, Wayanad
Features: Large yellow casque, loud wing flaps, powerful bill
Fun Fact: Their courtship dance and bill-clacking sounds are spectacular to observe.
A species found only in the Western Ghats.
Where to spot: Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Wayanad
Features: Grey body, orange beak, distinctive calls
Specialty: Unlike the Great Hornbill, this species does not have a casque.
Known as the Navaranga Kuruvi, the Indian Pitta is a vibrant beauty.
Where to spot: Forests in Idukki, Palakkad, Thrissur
Features: Bright green, blue, yellow, and orange feathers
Season: Commonly seen during winter migration.
One of the most beautiful parakeets of India, found only in Kerala and nearby regions.
Where to spot: Western Ghats, Sholayar ranges
Features: Blue-green body, long tail, red beak
Behavior: Usually seen in small flocks near forest edges.
A highly photogenic bird with a long tail.
Where to spot: Silent Valley, Athirappilly, Nelliyampathy
Features: Black head, white belly, brown wings
Why special: Found only in the Western Ghats—nowhere else in the world!
Common around Kerala’s wetlands and paddy fields.
Where to spot: Kumarakom, Kole Wetlands, Kuttanad
Features: Long neck, reddish-purple plumage
Perfect for: Backwater bird photography.
A majestic raptor seen often near water bodies.
Where to spot: Alleppey, Kollam, Vembanad Lake
Features: White head, chestnut-brown body
Symbolism: Often seen as a sign of power and freedom.
A mysterious nocturnal bird!
Where to spot: Thattekad Bird Sanctuary (famous for sightings)
Features: Wide frog-like mouth, leaf-like camouflage
Fun Fact: Hard to spot due to their excellent hiding skills.
Known as the “Bird Watcher’s Paradise”, once studied by Dr. Salim Ali.