Birds of Rajaji National Park and Bird Watching
Rajaji National Park, also known as Rajaji Tiger Reserve, is a fascinating destination for birdwatching in Uttarakhand, supporting approximately 400 species of birds. Its Sal forests, mixed deciduous forests, grasslands, riverine areas, forest edges and open clearings support a diverse assemblage of resident, migratory and altitudinal migrant birds.
Hornbills
Charismatic canopy dwellers critical for seed dispersal across the Shiwalik canopy.
- Great Hornbill (Near Threatened)
- Oriental Pied Hornbill
- Indian Grey Hornbill
Woodpeckers (11 Species)
Inhabiting the ancient Sal and Haldu tree trunks throughout the reserve.
- White-naped Woodpecker
- Himalayan Woodpecker
- Rufous Woodpecker
- Lesser Yellownape
- Greater Yellownape
- Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker
- Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker
- Brown-fronted Woodpecker
- Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker
- Yellow-crowned Woodpecker
- Rufous-bellied Woodpecker
Barbets
Loud, vibrantly colored frugivores active in fruiting fig and berry canopies.
- Great Barbet
- Brown-headed Barbet
- Lineated Barbet
- Blue-throated Barbet
- Coppersmith Barbet
Raptors & Birds of Prey
Apex aerial hunters patrolling the open riverbeds and canopy heights.
- Pallas's Fish Eagle
- Crested Serpent Eagle
- Northern Goshawk
- Himalayan Griffon Vulture
- Eurasian Griffon
- White-eyed Buzzard
Kingfishers
Brilliantly plumaged divers fishing along the Ganges river and quiet forest brooks.
- Crested Kingfisher
- Pied Kingfisher
- Stork-billed Kingfisher
- Common Kingfisher
- White-throated Kingfisher
Waterbirds & Wetland Species
Wintering flocks congregating around the Bhimgoda Barrage backwaters and river islands.
- Black-necked Stork (Near Threatened)
- Painted Stork
- Darter (Snakebird)
- Ferruginous Pochard
- Ruddy Shelduck (Brahminy Duck)
- Bar-headed Goose
- Black-bellied Tern