Birds in Ranthambore

Avifauna

Ranthambore has over 300 species of birds. While the park is good for birding, restrictions placed by the authorities to control the crowds may not appeal to serious birders. Some of the best birding areas are on the outskirts, and outside the park. Here one can walk without any restrictions, something you cannot do inside the park.

Some great areas for birding are:

Surwal Lake - It is a shallow seasonal lake, which dries up by April - May. A good time for birding out here is November - March when one can see Painted Storks, Flamingos, Spoonbills, Sarus, Demoiselle Cranes and Greylag Geese. One should reach the lake before sunrise for serious bird watching.

Mansoravar - It is the largest lake in the area. In winter one can see pintail ducks, geese, pelicans and herons in large numbers.

Park Entrance, to the Fort - This is the only place in the Park where you are permitted to walk. Because of the pilgrim traffic to the temples in the fort, people are allowed to walk on this stretch from sunrise to sunset. Tigers are seen on this road. The walk, which would last you between 2-3 hours, can net you more than 50 species. The base of the fort is a very good place for Parakeets, Doves, Flycatchers, Painted Spurfowl, Peacocks etc., along with a large horde of monkeys.

Bhoori Pahadi - It is a village on the banks of the Banas River. It is a good spot for bird watching, especially Indian Skimmers and River Lapwings.