Bird Walk at Kopra Dam Chhattisgarh
- Bilaspur
- 2 November, 2025
- Rahul Gupta
About Kopra Dam
Kopra Dam, located in Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh, is a freshwater reservoir surrounded by mixed dry deciduous forest, agricultural fields, and open grasslands. The dam provides a mosaic of aquatic and terrestrial habitats—ranging from deep water zones and muddy shallows to vegetated banks that support rich birdlife throughout the year. Waterbirds such as Lesser Whistling-Duck, Indian Spot-billed Duck, Little Cormorant, Purple Heron, and Bronze-winged Jacana are commonly sighted, while the adjoining woodlands host Black Drongo, Indian Roller, Green Bee-eater, and Spotted Dove. During winter, the dam attracts migratory species like Northern Pintail, Common Teal, and Wood Sandpiper, adding to its avian diversity and making it a favored spot for local birdwatchers and researchers.
However, Kopra Dam faces several ecological threats. Increasing human activity around the reservoir—particularly fishing, sand extraction, and grazing—has led to habitat disturbance and reduced nesting opportunities for waterbirds. Agricultural runoff containing pesticides and fertilizers pollutes the water, affecting aquatic life and food availability for birds. Encroachment of wetlands for cultivation and the spread of invasive vegetation further degrade the natural ecosystem. Conservation efforts should focus on community engagement, awareness programs, and promoting sustainable fishing and farming practices. Establishing buffer zones and regular bird monitoring through citizen-science initiatives can help ensure the long-term protection of this biodiverse wetland ecosystem.
Partnered with
Bird Guide: Rahul Gupta
Electrical Engineer by profession, bird guide by passion — blending circuits and songbirds with equal precision.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Kopra Dam
Kopra Dam, situated in Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh, has emerged as one of the most vibrant birding sites in central India, with over 200 bird species recorded so far. The dam’s diverse habitats — open water, marshes, grass patches, and scrublands — attract both resident and migratory birds in impressive numbers. Waterfowl dominate the landscape in winter, with large flocks of Red-crested Pochards, Eurasian Coots, Gadwalls, Garganeys, and Bar-headed Geese using the reservoir as a crucial stopover and feeding ground. Alongside these are regular sightings of Knob-billed Ducks, Cotton Pygmy-Geese, and Indian Spot-billed Ducks. The shallower fringes are preferred by Black-winged Stilts, Common Sandpipers, Bronze-winged Jacanas, and Pheasant-tailed Jacanas, while herons, egrets, and cormorants such as the Little Cormorant, Great Egret, and Asian Openbill add to the site’s rich wetland diversity.
Black Kite
Scaly-breasted Munia
Red Avadavat
Eurasian Hoopoe
House Sparrow
Asian Green Bee-eater
Bronze-winged Jacana
Pheasant-tailed Jacana
Eurasian Coot
Lesser Whistling Duck
Shikra
Baya Weaver
Asian Openbill
Brown Shrike
Wire-tailed Swallow
Little Cormorant
Little Egret
Red-wattled Lapwing
White-breasted Waterhen
Indian Roller
Summary of Walk
The Kopra Dam Bird Walk in Bilaspur, led by Rahul Gupta, marked a significant milestone as the first-ever bird walk in the city, drawing an enthusiastic response from the community. A total of 22 participants joined the event, including several first-time birders who enjoyed discovering the joy of birdwatching in a group setting. The participants recorded over 30 bird species, exploring the serene landscape of Kopra Dam while learning the basics of bird identification and observation.
The interactive nature of the walk, combined with Rahul’s engaging explanations, created an enjoyable and educational experience for everyone. Many participants shared photos and videos on Instagram (tagging Ataavi) and in local WhatsApp groups, helping to spread the excitement of birding in Bilaspur. The event successfully fostered curiosity about birds and set a positive tone for future birdwatching activities in the region.
Number of Participants
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