Bird Walk at Chota Mahadev, Chhindwara (MP)

  • Chhindwara
  • 14 December, 2025
  • Rohit Yadav

About Chota Mahadev (Jamuniya Machagora Dam)

The Chota Mahadev region, near the Machagora Dam (Jamuniya), Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh, lies in the Satpura foothills, in relatively rugged, forested terrain. The dam’s backwaters and associated riparian zones, mixed with forested hills, create a mosaic of aquatic and forest habitats. Such mixed habitat is attractive to waterbirds, waders, kingfishers, herons, and forest edge species like barbets, flycatchers, woodpeckers, and raptors. The area around Chota Mahadev is reported to have deep forest cover, waterfalls, and steep hillsides.

However, threats include water fluctuations (due to dam operations), habitat disturbance from boating or tourism, siltation, aquatic pollution, and edge effects from human settlement or agricultural runoff. Preserving the riparian vegetation buffer, regulating human use of the dam’s periphery, and integrating the dam’s management with forest conservation are key steps. Local awareness and possible designation as a conservation or bird-sanctuary zone could help protect sensitive species.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Jamuniya Machagora Dam

For Chota Mahadev near the dam area, one would expect a mix of waterbirds plus forest and edge species. Common water-affiliated species in central India include Indian River Tern, Indian Pond Heron, Grey Heron, Little Cormorant, White-throated Kingfisher, and Pied Kingfisher (typical of river/ reservoir habitats). (These are widely recorded on dams and reservoirs across central India in eBird). Surrounding forest and scrub might host Indian Peafowl, Racket-tailed Drongo, Greenish Warbler, Coppersmith Barbet, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, White-browed Wagtail, and Spotted Dove.
Because Chota Mahadev lies in the Satpura foothill region, one can also expect occasional raptors (e.g. Black Kite, Crested Serpent Eagle) and forest edge species such as Barbets, Barbets, and bulbuls.
Knob-billed Duck
Black Drongo
Greater Coucal
White-throated Kingfisher
Common Tailorbird

Grey Heron
Red-vented Bulbul
Red-wattled Lapwing
Purple Sunbird
Little Cormorant
Little Egret
Asian Green Bee-eater
Indian Spot-billed Duck
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Indian Peafowl
Laughing Dove
White-breasted Waterhen
Black-winged Stilt
Green Sanpiper
Paddyfield Pipit

Bird Guide: Rohit Yadav

Rohit Yadav, an engineer by profession, developed his interest in wildlife, forests, and birds through his uncle, who was a guide at Kanha National Park. His curiosity deepened into a passion in 2017 when he received training from his uncle, and by 2019, he began his journey as a naturalist in Ranthambore National Park. Since then, he has also worked in Kanha and Pench National Parks, gaining valuable experience in wildlife interpretation and conservation.

Summary of Walk

The bird walk at Chota Mahadev Jamuniya Machagora Dam, led by Rohit Yadav, was a truly wonderful experience. The group reached the location before sunrise, allowing everyone to witness a calm and beautiful dawn over the landscape. The peaceful atmosphere and golden hues of the rising sun set the perfect mood for the walk, creating excitement and anticipation for the birding session ahead.

After enjoying the sunrise, the bird walk officially began, and the group went on to spot around 35 bird species in total. The highlight of the walk was the Purple Heron, which impressed everyone with its massive size and elegant presence. Another memorable moment was observing the Ruddy Shelduck, especially when participants learned about its long migratory journey, which left them amazed. Overall, the walk was enriching, educational, and deeply enjoyable for all who attended.
Number of Participants
0
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ATAAVI Bird Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between people and the avian diversity of India. Through advocacy, education and conservation efforts, we strive to increase awareness and appreciation for birds across communities.

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