Bird walk at Rabindra Sarobar Safari Park, Kolkata, WB

About Rabindra Sarobar Safari Park

Rabindra Sarobar Safari Park in south Kolkata is part of the larger Rabindra Sarobar urban wetland complex, a roughly 192-acre green lung with a 73-acre waterbody surrounded by parks, wooded patches and trails right in the heart of the city. The habitat here is a mosaic of open water, marshy shallows, wooded thickets and undergrowth left intentionally wild in places, creating a surprisingly rich refuge for wildlife amidst urban bustle. The lake shores and islands host fish, dragonflies and butterflies, and the dense canopy of thousands of mature trees—many over 70 years old—supports diverse flora including native trees and aquatic plants that in turn sustain an array of fauna. The Safari Park area itself, with its mix of shady groves and quieter ground cover, has become especially prized by birders for spotting ground-foraging species and migrants that prefer less-disturbed pockets within the landscape.

This urban oasis boasts over 200 bird species recorded historically, including more than 110 in recent years, making it one of Kolkata’s premier birding destinations. Resident and migratory species use the wetland for feeding, resting and nesting, with birders reporting a remarkable variety from waterbirds like cormorants and storks to woodland migrants and thrushes during winter months. However, conservation challenges persist: habitat degradation from beautification drives, clearing of undergrowth and construction activities near bird hotspots can disrupt nesting and foraging grounds, and populations of some migratory birds have shown declines. Noise pollution from nearby urban activities and loss of natural cover on the islands also pose threats to sensitive species. Conservationists and local birding communities are actively advocating for protection of wild patches, minimal disturbance of key habitats, and designation of the lake as a heritage biodiversity site to safeguard its ecological value amid rapid urbanization.

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Common birds of Rabindra Sarobar Safari Park

Rabindra Sarobar Safari Park is a paradise for bird lovers, with an extraordinary 213 bird species recorded, reflecting the richness of its wetland–woodland mosaic in the heart of Kolkata. The lakes and islands are frequented by impressive waterbirds such as the Painted Stork, Indian Cormorant, Great Cormorant, and Grey Heron, while the surrounding trees come alive with flashes of color from Black-hooded, Black-naped, and Indian Golden Orioles. Nectar-rich flowering trees attract tiny jewels like the Purple Sunbird and Purple-rumped Sunbird, while fruiting figs and old trunks support Coppersmith, Blue-throated, and Lineated Barbets, along with the Black-rumped Flameback Woodpecker. The canopy and open edges host elegant flycatchers and monarchs such as the Verditer Flycatcher and Black-naped Monarch, and the air is often animated by agile insect-hunters like the Black Drongo, Ashy Drongo, and Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo. Adding to the soundscape are the calls of the Common Hawk-Cuckoo and the constant chatter of Rose-ringed Parakeets, making every visit a rewarding experience and underlining Rabindra Sarobar’s status as one of eastern India’s finest urban birding hotspots.