Birdwatching in Tadoba & Pench: Species, Hotspots & Best Season (2026)

Most people come to Tadoba and Pench for tigers and leave talking about the birds. Both reserves are recognised as Important Bird Areas by BirdLife International, and between them they hold most of central India's forest birds, plus a winter flood of migrant waterfowl.

This guide covers what you can see, where, and when — using the reserves' own surveys where they exist.

How many species?

• Tadoba: around 195 species recorded. Older forest-department checklists list 181–185, and a newer rapid bird survey commissioned by the reserve is updating the list. Five globally threatened species have been recorded here.
• Pench: 310 species on the checklist compiled by the Central India Bird Academy. A citizen-science survey of the Maharashtra side in January 2023 found 226 species over 741 sq km.

Birds to look for

In the forest (both reserves):

• Raptors: grey-headed fish eagle along the water, crested serpent eagles perched over the roads.
• Indian paradise flycatcher: the male's long white tail streaming through the bamboo is one of Tadoba's classic sights.
• Malabar pied hornbill (Pench): a highlight of the 2023 Pench survey, and evidence that the species ranges far wider than once thought.
• Vultures: the critically endangered white-rumped vulture was also recorded in the 2023 Pench survey.
• Peafowl, junglefowl, woodpeckers, drongos, orioles and owls are common on every safari.

On the water (winter):

Tadoba's January 2025 waterbird census counted the most birds — 3,906 — at Irai lake (the Erai backwaters), more than at any other waterbody in the reserve. Across the census, red-crested pochard was the most numerous species (1,605 birds), and black storks and bar-headed geese were recorded at several waterbodies.

Sarus cranes: Tadoba is near the southern edge of their range. They aren't found inside the forest; they have been reported at lakes outside the reserve, but sightings are rare.

Where to bird

Tadoba's official activities include several made for birders:

On safari: ask your guide to stop for birds. Morning safaris are best for forest birds; waterholes in summer bring everything in.

In Pench: Karmajhiri, along the Pench river, is the quieter gate with excellent birdlife. See our Pench guide.

When to go

• November to February: the best birding season. Migrant ducks, geese and storks arrive on the lakes, the weather is comfortable, and forest birds are active all morning.
• March to June: hot, but birds gather at the few remaining waterholes — and it's the best time for tigers too.
• July to September: core zones close; the buffer stays open. Breeding plumage and lush forest, but heavy rain.

What to pack

• Binoculars (8×42 is the standard choice) — most important of all.
• A field guide or a bird-ID app, and a notebook. Upload your sightings to eBird; Tadoba and Pench still have gaps in their records.
• A lens of 400 mm or more if you photograph birds. Our photography guide covers gear and rules.
• Muted clothing, a hat, and water.

Birding etiquette

Stay on trails and in vehicles, keep your voice low, never use playback to call birds near nests, and carry all litter out — plastic isn't allowed inside the reserve.

Plan a birding trip

A birding trip fits naturally around safaris. Our Pench Classic — 3 Nights (from ₹69,000 per couple) covers Turia and riverside Karmajhiri. The Tadoba + Pench Combo (from ₹1,09,000 per couple) gives you both forests and the Erai backwaters.

Tell us your dates and target species, or WhatsApp us.