Birds of Periyar Tiger Reserve
Birds (Class Aves) are feathered, winged, warm-blooded, egg-laying vertebrates. They evolved from theropod dinosaurs during the Jurassic period—about 160 million years ago. Modern birds are easily recognized by their feathers, beaks without teeth, hard-shelled eggs, lightweight skeletons, and high metabolic rates supported by a four-chambered heart.
The Periyar Tiger Reserve is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 260 species recorded within its lush habitats. The varied landscapes—ranging from evergreen forests and grasslands to wetlands—provide an ideal environment for both resident and migratory birds.
🐦 Notable Birds Found in Periyar
Some of the most commonly sighted and special birds in the reserve include:
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Malabar Grey Hornbill
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Great Indian Hornbill
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Nilgiri Wood Pigeon (Endemic)
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Black Baza
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Blue-winged Parakeet (Endemic)
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White-bellied Treepie (Endemic)
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Heart-spotted Woodpecker
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Asian Fairy Bluebird
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Scarlet Minivet
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Common Kingfisher
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Hill Myna
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Grey Junglefowl
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Indian Pitta
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Drongos, Flycatchers, Sunbirds, and Babblers
Whether you’re an avid birder or a nature enthusiast, the forests and lake shores of Periyar offer fantastic birdwatching opportunities throughout the year—especially during the cooler months from October to March, when migratory birds arrive.
