Bird Walk at Sanjay Gandhi National Park – Nisarga Parichaya Kendra, Thane, MH

About SGNP - Nisarga Parichaya Kendra

Sanjay Gandhi National Park’s Tikujini Wadi – Nisarga Parichaya Kendra (Nature Interpretation Centre) in Thane offers an inviting gateway into one of the most remarkable urban wildernesses in India. This entrance and interpretation centre lies on the northern fringe of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, a protected forest of roughly 87 km² that straddles the boundary of Mumbai and Thane and represents a rare expanse of tropical deciduous and semi-evergreen habitat within a megacity. From the Nisarga Parichaya Kendra, gentle nature trails and mini treks unspool through thick teak, bamboo and kadamba forests, past butterfly gardens and small lakes, revealing a mosaic of habitats that support a stunning array of life — from tiny understorey herbs and brilliant wildflowers to dense canopies that ring with bird calls. The centre itself enriches your visit with exhibits and informative displays that explain the park’s ecology and biodiversity, making it an excellent starting point for first-time visitors and birdwatchers alike.

Within this green bastion, wildlife thrives in surprising diversity despite its urban surrounds. SGNP shelters over 1,000 plant species, around 219 bird species, numerous butterflies, reptiles and amphibians, and iconic mammals such as Indian leopards, sambar deer, rhesus macaques and barking deer that regularly draw nature lovers and photographers. Birdwatchers at Tikujini Wadi often encounter vibrant resident species — from racket-tailed drongos and orioles to woodpeckers and paradise flycatchers — and seasonal migrants that paint the skies in winter.
But the park’s biodiversity is not without pressures: persistent urban encroachment, human-wildlife conflict (notably involving leopards), pollution, and habitat fragmentation challenge conservation efforts. Protecting SGNP’s fragile ecosystems requires vigilant management, community stewardship, and sustainable visitor practices to ensure this extraordinary urban wilderness remains a thriving sanctuary for generations to come.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of SGNP - Nisarga Parichaya Kendra

Nisarga Parichaya Kendra at Sanjay Gandhi National Park is alive with bird activity, making it an excellent spot for casual birdwatching and nature walks. Common and adaptable species like Rock Pigeons and House Crows share the landscape with more forest-associated birds such as Coppersmith Barbets, Common Tailorbirds and Tawny-bellied Babblers, whose calls form the everyday soundtrack of the area. Open skies are often dotted with fast-flying Asian Palm Swifts and Little Swifts, while flashes of colour come from Indian Golden Orioles, Blue-tailed and Asian Green Bee-eaters, and the jewel-like Purple-rumped Sunbird. Seed-eaters like Indian Silverbills and Scaly-breasted Munias forage in grassy patches, as Rose-ringed Parakeets screech overhead and Black Kites soar above the canopy. Seasonal visitors such as Red-breasted Flycatchers and Common Rosefinches add to the diversity, highlighting how this green pocket within a bustling city continues to support a rich and rewarding birdlife experience.

Summary of Walk

A bird walk at Sanjay Gandhi National Park – Nisarga Parichaya Kendra, Thane, led by Sukhpreet Kohli brought together 12 participants for a memorable morning amid chilly and foggy conditions. The walk began with Green and Greenish Warblers hopping actively between trees, setting the tone for the outing, followed by striking sightings of two White-throated Kingfishers near the pond and a fleeting glimpse of a Common Kingfisher, while a Little Cormorant perched calmly on a rock added to the tranquil atmosphere. As the group moved uphill, a mix of jungle and grassland birds appeared, with Black and Ashy Drongos flying energetically overhead and an Ashy Prinia calling from the bushes. A delightful moment came with a group of Puff-throated Babblers busily foraging through leaf litter, constantly chattering as they searched for insects. Participants, ranging from first-time birdwatchers to amateurs, remained highly enthusiastic and interactive throughout the walk, enjoying introductions, trivia, and shared learning. Reaching Tiger Hill, the group paused to admire the majestic Thane skyline, and the walk concluded beautifully with the return sighting of the Common Kingfisher at the entrance pond, lingering for several minutes as a snake quietly approached through the water, making for a dramatic and unforgettable end to the experience, with a total of 36 bird species recorded during the walk.

Number of Participants

Bird Walk at Sanjay Gandhi National Park – Nisarga Parichaya Kendra, Thane, MH

About SGNP - Nisarga Parichaya Kendra

Bird Guide: Sukhpreet Kohli

Bird walk Location

Common birds of SGNP - Nisarga Parichaya Kendra

Rose-ringed Parakeet

Black Drongo

Asian Palm Swift

Common Tailorbird

Indian Golden Oriole

Coppersmith Barbet

Jungle Babbler

Purple-rumped Sunbird

Black Kite

Asian Green Bee-eater

Common Rosefinch

Greater Coucal

Alexandrine Parakeet

Common Woodshrike

Ashy Drongo

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo

Rufous Treepie

Asian Koel

Red-wattled Lapwing

Little Egret

Summary of Walk

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