
Bird Walk at Chidikhon Wildlife Sanctuary, Narsinghgarh (MP)


- Narsinghgarh
- 28 September, 2025
- Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board and Pawan Gupta
About Chidikhon Wildlife Sanctuary
Chidikhon Wildlife Sanctuary, situated near Narsinghgarh in Madhya Pradesh, forms part of the larger Narsinghgarh Wildlife Sanctuary landscape. Centered around the Chidikhon reservoir and its surrounding forested hills, the sanctuary encompasses a mosaic of dry deciduous woodland, grassland patches, and wetland habitats. The reservoir acts as a perennial water source, sustaining wildlife and local communities while enhancing the sanctuary’s ecological character.
This diverse habitat supports a rich assemblage of birdlife, with migratory and resident species flocking to its waters and forests. Painted storks, bar-headed geese, herons, and cormorants are commonly sighted around the reservoir, while peafowl, parakeets, drongos, and raptors thrive in the surrounding woodland. The sanctuary not only provides critical refuge for avifauna but also contributes to regional biodiversity conservation by linking aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Despite increasing pressures from grazing, fuelwood collection, and tourism, Chidikhon Wildlife Sanctuary remains an important haven for birds and wildlife, exemplifying the coexistence of natural and cultural landscapes in central India.

Bird Guide: Pawan Gupta
Master trainer, Naturalist, Bird Watcher, Wildlife Photographer from Narsinghgarh, birding since last 8 years. Passionate about birds, nature and wildlife and sharing the knowledge and spreading awareness about conservation to people.
Bird walk Location

Common birds of Chidikhon Wildlife Sanctuary
Chidikhon Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled around the scenic Chidikhon reservoir near Narsinghgarh, is a thriving haven for birds in central Madhya Pradesh. The wetland at its core attracts a variety of waterbirds, with painted storks, cormorants, herons, and egrets frequently seen along the shoreline. In the winter months, the reservoir becomes a seasonal refuge for migratory species such as bar-headed geese, gadwalls, and northern pintails, adding to the sanctuary’s richness. The shallow waters also support waders like sandpipers and lapwings, which forage actively in the mudflats.
The surrounding dry deciduous forests and scrub hills enhance the sanctuary’s avifaunal diversity by sheltering terrestrial and woodland birds. Peafowl, parakeets, drongos, and treepies are common residents, while raptors such as shikras and kites circle above the open areas. Seasonal visitors like flycatchers and warblers enliven the habitat during migration periods. Together, the wetland and woodland ecosystems make Chidikhon a vibrant birding site, offering a striking blend of aquatic and terrestrial avifauna within a compact protected landscape.

Knob-billed Duck

Black Drongo

Greater Coucal

White-throated Kingfisher

Common Tailorbird

Grey Heron

Red-vented Bulbul

Red-wattled Lapwing

Purple Sunbird

Little Cormorant

Little Egret

Asian Green Bee-eater

Indian Spot-billed Duck

Rose-ringed Parakeet

Indian Peafowl

Laughing Dove

White-breasted Waterhen

Black-winged Stilt

Green Sanpiper

Paddyfield Pipit
Summary of Walk
The bird walk at Chidikhon Wildlife Sanctuary in Narsinghgarh, led by Pawan Gupta, brought together 8 participants along with forest staff for a memorable morning of exploration. Over the course of the walk, the group recorded around 30 bird species, with notable sightings including the Indian Grey Hornbill, White-browed Wagtail, Crested Serpent Eagle, Long-tailed Shrike, and Yellow-footed Green Pigeon. The participants greatly appreciated the enthusiasm and insightful explanations shared by the bird guide, which enriched their experience and deepened their understanding of bird behavior and identification.
This was the very first bird walk organized in the region, marking a significant milestone for both local tourism and the forest department. The successful turnout and positive response highlighted the sanctuary’s potential as a rich birding destination, while also encouraging community involvement in conservation. The event not only introduced participants to the avian diversity of Chidikhon but also emphasized the value of such initiatives in promoting eco-tourism and fostering appreciation for the natural heritage of the area.
Number of Participants
0