Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Kerala
Best time to visit: October to March
Peak: November–February – when weather is pleasant (cool, dry, 20–29°C), migratory birds arrive from the Himalayas/north, and sightings are optimal with less rain and better visibility. Winter maximizes overwintering species and activity; early mornings are prime.
Monsoon: June–September – brings breeding residents and lush forests but heavy rain, leeches, and slippery trails—some prefer it for herping/nocturnals, though birding is tougher.
Visible Species
✔ Malabar Grey Hornbill.
✔ Malabar Trogon.
✔ Sri Lanka Frogmouth (Ceylon Frogmouth).
✔ Malabar Parakeet.
✔ White-bellied Blue Flycatcher.
✔ Crimson-backed Sunbird.
✔ White-cheeked Barbet.
✔ Wayanad Laughingthrush.
✔ Heart-spotted Woodpecker.
✔ Greater Racket-tailed Drongo.
✔ Rufous Babbler.
✔ Grey-headed Fish Eagle.
✔ Black Baza.
✔ Nilgiri Flowerpecker.
✔ Blyth’s Starling (Malabar Starling).
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary (also known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary or Thattekkad) is a premier lowland birding gem in Kerala, India, nestled near the foothills of the Western Ghats along the Periyar River in Ernakulam district (~25–26 sq km). Established in 1983 and named after legendary ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali (who called it one of India’s richest bird habitats), it features tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, riverine patches, grasslands, and bamboo groves. This diversity supports over 270–300+ bird species, including many Western Ghats endemics, rarities like nocturnal frogmouths, hornbills, and flycatchers. It’s a must-visit for birders seeking elusive specialties amid lush greenery, with boat trips, guided walks, and eco-lodges (e.g., near Kothamangalam, ~60 km from Kochi) enhancing the experience. The sanctuary also hosts mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies.