Bird Walk at Karave Wetlands, Navi Mumbai
- Navi Mumbai
- 24 January, 2026
- Sukhpreet Kohli
About Karave Wetland
Karave Wetland in Navi Mumbai, often referred to by birders as Karave Flamingo Point or part of the TS Chanakya wetlands, is a unique coastal marsh ecosystem nestled amid urban development and mangrove fringes. Spanning a mosaic of tidal mudflats, shallow ponds, mangroves, and wet grasslands, it serves as a vital stopover and feeding ground for a rich array of resident and migratory birds, including thousands of flamingos that arrive each winter, painting the landscape in stunning pink hues before they disperse to nearby areas such as Thane Creek and DPS Lake. Besides flamingos, a diverse suite of waterbirds, shorebirds, waders, gulls and terns, as well as marsh and scrub-dwelling species, rely on its varied microhabitats for nesting, foraging, drinking and social interactions. The surrounding flora—mangroves, reed beds and tidal grasses—supports a complex food web, from microscopic algae and crustaceans to fish and insects, which in turn sustains the wetland’s vibrant birdlife and other fauna.
Today, Karave Wetland stands as a cherished recreational and ecological space where walkers, joggers, and birdwatchers cross paths with fishermen and locals enjoying quiet moments. The tidal influence from the creek and the mix of wetland habitats draw a variety of wildlife, particularly during the migratory season when the site comes alive with the calls and movements of visiting birds. Efforts by local naturalists and birding groups have helped highlight the ecological significance of the area, encouraging appreciation and awareness for conserving this rare green space amid rapid urban growth.
Bird Guide: Sukhpreet Kohli
He is a passionate birder from Mumbai, has been exploring the city’s rich avian life for many years. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and leading engaging bird walks that connect people with nature.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Karave Wetland
The wetlands and open grasslands around Karave support a rich variety of birdlife, making it one of Navi Mumbai’s popular birding spots. Large waders such as Lesser and Greater Flamingos gather in impressive numbers, often joined by Painted Storks, Grey-headed Swamphens, and Spot-billed Ducks along the shallow pools. The edges of the water bustle with activity from Wood Sandpipers, Little Stints, Eurasian Curlews, and Common Sandpipers, while Whiskered Terns skim gracefully over the water surface. The marshes and trees around the site host Little and Great Egrets, Little Cormorants, and charismatic kingfishers like the White-throated and Common Kingfisher. In the surrounding scrub and grassland, birdwatchers can spot smaller but equally charming species including the Bluethroat, Eurasian Hoopoe, Ashy Prinia, Ashy Drongo, and White-eared Bulbul, making the area a vibrant mosaic of wetland and woodland birdlife.
Lesser-whistling Duck
Little Egret
Painted Stork
Lesser Flamingo
Common Kingfisher
Black-winged Stilt
Eastern Cattle Egret
Common Woodshrike
Indian Pied Starling
Little Grebe
Jungle Babbler
Indian Spot-billed Duck
Grey-headed Swamphen
Green Sandpiper
Wire-tailed Swallow
Pheasant-tailed Jacana
Bronze-winged Jacana
Great Egret
Oriental Magpie Robin
