The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are home to over 240 species of birds, of which 18 are endemic. All the endemic birds are forest-dwelling species; some appear quite commonly in disturbed forest and have been recorded near the capital, Port Blair.
In the Andamans, one does not necessarily need to be an expert or have trained eye to spot and admire some of these fine feathered fellows. Given the dense canopy of forests, the mangrove ecosystem and the wide array of tropical fruits, birds here are easy to spot even from the balcony of your cottage.
A trek, a pair of binoculars, some patience and a good guide will have you awe struck at the sheer beauty and uniqueness of the endemic species that have evolved on these stunning islands.
Escorted nature walks and bird watching trails with Barefoot Holidays:
- Enjoy walking through the forest spotting the endemic birds, butterflies, small mammals and the occasional reptile.
- There could be a bit of scrambling-up steep inclines, but your escort will help you negotiate the trickier sections.
- Easier walks can be arranged for guests with children.
- Flocks of Parrots, Brahminy Kites, Hornbills, Sea Eagles and Herons will delight the birdwatcher.
- Join a group of people and enjoy bird watching as a team and make new friends. Bird watching is a niche yet growing market.
Email us and make your booking today. Bird watching or Birding as it is being referred to can be a very rewarding and fun activity for your group or family.
Species endemic to the Andaman Islands
- Andaman Serpent-eagle, Spilornis elgini
- Andaman Crake, Rallina canningi
- Brown Coucal, Centropus andamanensis
- Andaman Scops-owl, Otus balli
- Narcondam Hornbill, Aceros narcondami
- Andaman Woodpecker, Dryocopus hodgei
- Andaman Drongo, Dicrurus andamanensis
- Andaman Treepie, Dendrocitta bayleyi
Species endemic to the Nicobar Islands
- Nicobar Serpent-eagle, Spilornis minimus
- Nicobar Sparrowhawk, Accipiter butleri
- Nicobar Parakeet, Psittacula caniceps
- Nicobar Bulbul, Hypsipetes nicobariensis
Havelock Island
- Sunda Teal, Andaman Woodpecker
- Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker, Mangrove Whistler,
- Besra, Changeable Hawk Eagle
- Andaman Serpent Eagle, Japanese Sparrowhawk
- Sanderling, Black-naped Tern
- Watercock, Common or Swinhoe’s Snipe
- Brown Hawk Owl, Andaman Hawk Owl
- Andaman Scops Owl, Oriental Scops Owl
- Edible Nest Swiftlet, Brown-backed Needletail
- Red-breasted Parakeet, Long-tailed Parakeet
- Vernal Hanging Parrot, Alexandrine Parakeet
- Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Brown Coucal
- Stork-billed Kingfisher, Blue-eared Kingfisher
- Dollarbird, Collared Kingfisher
- White-headed Starling, Common Hill Myna
- Pacific Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow
- Dusky Warbler, Olive-backed Sunbird
- Yellow Wagtail, White-rumped Munia
- White-rumped Shama, Asian Brown Flycatcher
- Orange-headed Thrush, Black-naped Monarch
- Andaman Drongo, Large Cuckoo shrike
- Andaman Treepie, White-breasted Woodswallow
- Black-naped Oriole
The Wandoor and Jolly Buoy Islands, South Andaman
- Andaman Woodpecker, Stork-billed Kingfisher
- Collared Kingfisher, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater
- Brown Coucal, Vernal Hanging Parrot
- Alexandrine Parakeet, Red-breasted Parakeet
- Long-tailed Parakeet, Brown-backed Needletail
- Watercock, Beach Thick-knee
- Black-naped Tern, Crested Serpent Eagle
- Besra, Mangrove Whistler
- White-breasted Woodswallow, Large Cuckoo shrik
Mt Harriet National Park, South Andaman Island
- Andaman Crake, Andaman Woodpecker
- Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker, Dollarbird
- Brown Coucal, Vernal Hanging Parrot
- Alexandrine Parakeet, Red-breasted Parakeet
- Long-tailed Parakeet, Brown-backed Needletail
- Andaman Wood Pigeon, Andaman Cuckoo Dove
- Andaman Crake, Japanese Sparrowhawk
- Andaman Treepie, Black-naped Oriole
- Large Cuckoo shrike, Bar-bellied Cuckoo shrike
- Andaman Drongo, Black-naped Monarch
- Orange-headed Thrush, Asian Brown Flycatcher
- White-headed Starling, Black-headed Bulbul
- Dusky Warbler, Olive-backed Sunbird
- Forest Wagtail
Chiriya Tapu, South Andaman Island
- Andaman Crake, Andaman Woodpecker
- Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker, Collared Kingfisher
- Stork-billed Kingfisher, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater
- Brown Coucal, Vernal Hanging Parrot
- Alexandrine Parakeet, Red-breasted Parakeet
- Long-tailed Parakeet, Brown-backed Needletail
- Mangrove Whistler, Black-naped Oriole
- Large Cuckoo shrike, Bar-bellied Cuckoo shrike
- Andaman Drongo, Andaman Treepie
- Asian Brown Flycatcher, White-rumped Shama
- White-headed Starling, Common Hill Myna
- Pacific Swallow, Black-headed Bulbul
- Oriental White-eye, Pale-footed Warbler
- Dusky Warbler, Olive-backed Sunbird
At Chatham
- Collared Kingfisher, Pacific Reef Egret
- Greater Sand Plover, White-bellied Sea Eagle
- Terek Sandpiper, Little Tern
- Great Knot
At Corbyn’s Cove
- Mangrove Whistler, Stork-billed Kingfisher
- Collared Kingfisher, Watercock
- Wood Sandpiper, Pond Heron
- Yellow Bittern, Cinnamon Bittern
- Pacific Swallow, Rusty-rumped Warbler
- Dusky Warbler, Blyth’s Reed Warbler
- Clamorous Reed Warbler