Bird Walk at Sanjay Van, New Delhi
- New Delhi
- 8 February, 2026
- Mansi Lodhi and Midori
About Sanjay Van
Sanjay Van is one of New Delhi’s largest and most important urban forests, spread over about 780 hectares along the southern edge of the city near the Aravalli ridge. The landscape is dominated by dry deciduous and thorn scrub forest, interspersed with rocky outcrops, seasonal streams, grasslands, and small wetlands that fill during the monsoon. Native flora such as dhok, babool, neem, peepal, banyan, and ber coexist with plantations and regenerating scrub, creating a complex mosaic of habitats. This diversity supports a wide range of fauna, including mammals like nilgai, golden jackal, Indian hare, and mongoose, along with reptiles, butterflies, and other invertebrates. Sanjay Van is also a celebrated birding hotspot, recording well over 200 bird species, with resident woodland birds, winter migrants, and passage migrants making it a year-round destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Despite its ecological value, Sanjay Van faces significant conservation challenges typical of urban forests. Pressures from encroachment, unregulated construction, invasive plant species, waste dumping, feral dogs, and heavy human footfall threaten habitat quality and wildlife movement. Fragmentation of forest patches and disturbance near nesting and foraging areas can impact sensitive species, while groundwater depletion affects seasonal wetlands. Conservation efforts focus on protecting native vegetation, controlling invasive species, restoring water bodies, and promoting responsible public use through awareness and community involvement. Safeguarding Sanjay Van is critical not only for its biodiversity, but also for its role as a green lung that moderates climate, supports groundwater recharge, and offers Delhi residents a rare connection to natural wilderness within the city.
Partnered with
Bird Guide: Mansi
Nature educator and birding guide with Midori Walks, Mansi blends ecology and mindfulness to create enriching outdoor experiences in urban green spaces.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Sanjay Van
Sanjay Van is a vibrant birding refuge in the heart of New Delhi, with 224 bird species recorded, and even a short walk can reveal an impressive mix of woodland, grassland, and wetland birds. Seasonal waterbodies attract Indian Spot-billed Duck, Eurasian Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, and elegant Black-winged Stilts, while open areas and forest edges are watched over by the hovering Black-winged Kite. The trees and scrub resonate with familiar calls of Indian Peafowl, Rose-ringed and Alexandrine Parakeets, along with Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and Laughing Dove. The undergrowth comes alive with small insectivores such as the Common Tailorbird, Yellow-bellied Prinia, and winter visitors like the Taiga Flycatcher, while the social chatter of Jungle Babblers, Common Mynas, and House Crows fills the forest air. Adding melody and colour are birds like the Oriental Magpie-Robin, Red-whiskered Bulbul, and Red-vented Bulbul, making Sanjay Van a rewarding destination for both casual visitors and dedicated birdwatchers alike.
Indian Spot-billed Duck
Indian Peafowl
Laughing Dove
Eurasian Coot
Black-winged Stilt
Alexandrine Parakeet
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Red-vented Bulbul
Eurasian-collared Dove
Jungle Babbler
Grey Francolin
Common Myna
Eastern Cattle Egret
Little Cormorant
Purple Sunbird
Rufous Treepie
Oriental Honey Buzzard
White-breasted Waterhen
Grey-breasted Prinia
Ashy Prinia
Summary of Walk
The bird walk at Sanjay Van, Delhi, led by Mansi Lodhi in collaboration with Midori Walks, brought together 20 participants for a refreshing exploration of one of the forest’s quieter, lesser-known trails. While Sanjay Van is widely known for its rocky hills and walking paths, this walk ventured into a more secluded pocket, offering a fresh perspective to many participants. The morning unfolded with sightings of familiar yet delightful species such as Oriental Magpie Robin, Red-whiskered Bulbul, Red-vented Bulbul, Eurasian Collared Dove, Brown-headed Barbet, Rufous Treepie, Jungle Babbler, and Jungle Myna, grounding the group in the rich everyday birdlife of the forest.
What truly stole the spotlight, however, were the smaller birds that left everyone amazed by their size and subtle beauty. Species like Hume’s Warbler, Greenish Warbler, and Grey-breasted Prinia became highlights of the walk, with many participants expressing wonder at just how tiny these birds can be. Alongside sightings of White-breasted Waterhen, the walk gently challenged the common perception that urban forests host only parrots and sparrows. For many, this experience became a moment of rediscovery—realizing that the world of birds is far more diverse and intricate than they had imagined. Guided by Mansi’s insights, the walk fostered curiosity, appreciation, and a deeper connection with the hidden avian life of Sanjay Van.
Number of Participants
0
