Bird Walk at Poomala Dam, Thrissur, Kerala

About Poomala Dam

Poomala Dam, located about 12 km from Thrissur city in Kerala, is a serene freshwater reservoir spread across roughly 5 square kilometers, framed by gently rolling hills and lush greenery. Built across the Poomala River, this scenic dam creates a mosaic of open water, marshy edges, grasslands, and patches of moist deciduous vegetation typical of Kerala’s midland landscape. Coconut palms, bamboo clumps, shrubs, and seasonal wildflowers add texture to the surroundings, while the calm waters support fish, amphibians, dragonflies, and small mammals. The mix of aquatic and semi-forested habitats makes Poomala not just a picnic destination, but a thriving ecological pocket where nature flourishes quietly alongside tourism.

For birdwatchers, Poomala Dam offers rewarding sightings throughout the year. Waterbirds such as herons, egrets, cormorants, and kingfishers are commonly seen along the shoreline, while winter brings migratory ducks and wagtails to the reservoir. The surrounding trees and scrub host bulbuls, sunbirds, drongos, woodpeckers, and raptors that patrol the skies above the hills. Early mornings and late afternoons are especially magical, when the still waters reflect flocks in flight. However, increasing tourism pressure, littering, boating disturbances, and gradual habitat modification pose challenges to the dam’s ecological balance. Sustainable visitor management, protection of shoreline vegetation, and community awareness are essential to ensure that Poomala remains both a scenic getaway and a safe haven for Kerala’s vibrant birdlife.

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Common birds of Poomala Dam

Poomala Dam in Thrissur is a vibrant birding destination with around 106 recorded species, where wetlands and wooded slopes create a lively avian stage throughout the year. The reservoir often hosts flocks of Lesser Whistling Ducks, elegant Grey Herons, Little Egrets, Cattle Egrets, and Pond Herons, while the shallow edges are patrolled by Red-wattled Lapwings and graceful Pheasant-tailed and Bronze-winged Jacanas. The striking Oriental Darter can sometimes be seen drying its wings along the banks. In the surrounding trees, birders may spot the dramatic Crested Honey Buzzard, the colorful Indian Pitta during migration, and the brilliant flashes of Chestnut-headed, Green, and Blue-tailed Bee-eaters. Woodland patches echo with the calls of Greater Flamebacks, Racket-tailed Drongos, and other drongos, while smaller favorites like Tailorbirds, Magpie Robins, Red-vented Bulbuls, and White-browed Bulbuls add constant movement and melody. Together, these species make Poomala Dam not just a scenic retreat, but a dynamic hotspot for bird lovers in central Kerala.