Bird Walk at Haji Malang, Thane, Maharashtra

The birdlife of Haji Malang unfolds as a fascinating blend of grassland, scrub, wetland, and open-sky species, making every visit feel like a new discovery. Ground-dwellers like the Painted Francolin and Rufous-tailed Lark blend seamlessly into the earthy landscape, while flashes of movement reveal birds like the Indian Robin and the winter visitor Siberian Stonechat perched on shrubs. As dusk approaches, the elusive Savanna Nightjar emerges, adding a mysterious rhythm to the hills. The skies above are equally dynamic, with powerful raptors such as the Steppe Eagle, Western Marsh Harrier, and Short-toed Snake Eagle gliding effortlessly on thermals, alongside the ever-present Black Kite. Wet patches and seasonal water bodies further enhance this diversity, attracting species like the Green Sandpiper, Common Snipe, and elegant flocks of Painted Stork. The edges come alive with birds such as the Indian Pond Heron and Indian Cormorant, while shrubs and trees host colourful species like the Indian Golden Oriole, Red-headed Bunting, and Common Rosefinch. Smaller birds like the Plain Prinia, Zitting Cisticola, Long-tailed Shrike, Red-vented Bulbul, and the ever-alert Red-wattled Lapwing complete this vibrant bird community—turning Haji Malang into a rewarding hotspot for birders through the seasons.