Bird Life
A melodious cacophony of various sounds and notes prevails in the campus, thanks to the scores of bird species found in the forest here. Varied habitat, cool shade and water and plenty of availability of food are some of the factors that have helped sustain the density as well as diversity of bird life in campus. While this is a treat for an ardent bird watcher , the novice too scores a point as these feathered wonders are easy to spot in the landscaped greens of the property.
For a special few, bird watching trips can be organized on request and trips offer limitless scope for birding in forested areas of the property. As it is well known fact amongst birdwatchers, that birding is quite a task in thick forests, water holes have been created to attract birds and make birding a memorable experience. The forests adjoining the property have been declared as an Important Bird Area by Bird Life International.
Our forests are home to some species of endemic birds that are restricted to the Western Ghats of India and are a birders delight. We welcome you to view these amazing feathered friends of our forests and watch in awe at their sheer beauty and rareness.
- Malabar whistling Thrush- a solitary bird, the Malabar whistling thrush is an Indian endemic and is also known as the Whistling Schoolboy for its melodious birdsong.
- Malabar Grey Hornbill- an endemic species of Hornbill, restricted to the Western Ghats, this must see bird species at Wildernest is also known for its unique breeding habits of sealing its female in a tree hollow with the young and taking care of it till it matures.
- Indian Pitta- a favorite of all professional birders, the Indian Pitta is a brilliantly colored bird endemic to the Indian Subcontinent and is a species that is mainly restricted to the forest floor.
- Nilgiri Wood Pigeon- an endemic and rare species of the Southern Western Ghats, the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon is a breeding resident of these forests and sightings depend on sheer luck and chance.
- Loten’s sunbird- A sunbird species which is endemic to the Indian subcontinent, the Lotens sunbird, is a breeding visitor to our forests and is known for its striking colors amongst all sunbirds.
- Crimson backed sunbird- an endemic species to the South India, this exquisitely colorful bird is one of the many species of sunbirds found at Wildernest and is conspicuous by its dramatic birdsong every morning.
- White Cheeked Barbet- an endemic to the Western Ghats of India, the White cheeked barbet is a often seen in the company of other birds and is prominently noticed by its shrill metallic call at dawn and dusk.
- Nilgiri Flycatcher- an endemic to the Southerrn Western Ghats of India, this species has been observed only at altitudes above 600 meters above sea level and chance sightings are possible in many areas at Wildernest.
While many of the of above mentioned species can be sighted on the Bird watching trails and other treks into the forests around Wildernest, the area around ‘Randhan’ and the folk dance area are a birders delight and long hours at these places can be rewarded with excellent results. Happy birding.