Chirp, Chirp! Best Places To Go Birdwatching In & Around Hyderabad

If there's one place that immediately comes to our mind when we talk about birdwatching, it's Ameenpur Lake. The first Indian waterbody to be declared as a Biodiversity Heritage Site, this man-made lake is supposedly constructed 300 years ago. Surrounded by rocky formations and outcrops, this lake is home to migratory birds and resident feathered friends. Although the lake has been facing the serious consequences of encroachment and irresponsible travellers littering around, sensible birdwatchers head over to Ameenpur to spot birds like Spot-Billed Pelicans, Shikra, Riven Terns, Common Sandpipers, Booted Warblers, Grey-headed Swamp-hens, etc. In fact, the lake is said to have sighted at least 273 species. 

For those of you who visited KBR Park, you might have spotted a bunch of peacocks and peahens. Never ceasing to amaze, this national park is the closest you can get to spotting birds and even butterflies in the city. Perfect if you're heading out for an evening walk. KBR is said to have around 13 species of birds but if you're interested in knowing some facts — the park is home to 20 species of reptiles, 20 species of mammals, 15 species of butterflies, and over 600 species of plants. While you're not allowed to carry in your DSLR, we recommend checking it if you don't mind basking in the sun and photographing through phone. 

Lotus Pond in MLA Colony is plucked right out of a picture book. Unassumingly lovely and well-maintained, this park has some cheerful inhabitants. From birds and turtles to fish and flora fauna — you're sure to have a great time here. With more than 20 species of birds that include Pied Kingfisher, White Wagtail, Common Coot, Sunbirds, Ashy Prinia, Purple Swamphen, Common Moorhen, Intermediate Egret, Little Cormorant, etc. — there's plenty for you to go observe. The maintenance staff has told us that early mornings are the best hours to spot birds at Lotus Pond so see if you can swing by then.

The residents of Nallagandla have spotted several species of birds at Nallagandla Lake. Yet another lake that's threatened by encroachment, this lake is ill-maintained and you might have to endure overgrowing weed and trash to reach the lake's banks. And when you finally reach, you'll spot species like Black-winged Stilt, Eurasian Coot, Little Egret, Oriental Darter, Painted Stork, River Tern, Purple Sunbird, etc. In fact, it's said that Nallagandla Lake has sighted over 80 species of birds. 

Osman Sagar is one of the most popular spots for birds photography. During the pre-COVID era, lots of Meetup groups used to host bird photography walks around the lake. Home to nearly 300 species of birds, Osman Sagar in Gandipet is quite pleasant too. Wondering which feathered friends you can spot? Well, you're sure to find Black Kites, Booted Eagles, Flamingo, Bar-Headed Goose, Pallid Harrier. Grab those binoculars and walk into the wild (err, not quite, but you get the drift). 

Tucked away in Kukatpally, Pragathi Nagar Lake witnesses various migratory birds during winter. Even passersby stop by to spot birds at the lake which is said to have species like Sunbirds, Purple Swamphens, Painted Storks, Herons, and Coots. Like most lakes in Hyderabad, this one is also facing the threats of encroachment and pollution, but come winter, it's completely blanketed by migratory birds. 

Manjeera Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit if you're planning a weekend getaway to Medak. The sanctuary is home to mugger crocodiles; in fact, it's constructed to conserve the rare species of crocodiles which is on the brink of extinction. Soon, the sanctuary started having cheerful visitors — migratory birds. Some good old fellows you'll find chirping and taking a splash here are Red Avadavats, Indian Silverbills, Tricoloured Munias, weavers, raptors, ducks, waders, fly catchers, and partridges, etc. With over 100 species of birds, if you are looking for a quick weekend getaway, get here. 

Note: Most of these spots are facing issues like pollution and dumping of waste. We urge you to not litter and be responsible as these spots are homes to many birds.