Undoubtedly, Uttarakhand has a terrific avifaunal diversity. Uttarakhand’s bird list consists of over 50% of the birds found in India. Being in the foothills of Western Himalayas, due to its strategic location and diverse habitat, Doon Valley has a rich birdlife.

If you are a bird watcher and enjoy birding then Dehradun is certainly one place which you should not miss. Being on a transition zone between plains and the mountains one can see large species of birds in Doon Valley region either as residents or migrants.  

Doon valley and adjoining region supports diverse habitat. While the glory of the valley is majestic Sal Forest, wide open marshes, wetlands and narrow ravines - surrounding hills are clothed with mixed vegetation, vast stretches of grasslands interspersed with cluster of Oak and Rhododendron forests. The diversity of terrain, vegetation and climate provides for a rich avian life in Dehradun region.

Over 580 species of birds are recorded in the region of which about 25 are globally threatened. In fact, more than 450 species of birds have been recorded in the valley alone. Migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia, besides altitude migrants are a huge attraction in the valley. These include ducks, geese, cranes and giving them company are assortment of flycatchers, warblers, pipits thrushes, wagtails, finches, swallows and raptors.

Come winters and the water bodies and wetlands teem with variety of water birds, waders and fowls. Thick foliage provides for a safe breeding area to these feathered guests. The best part of birding in Dehradun is that one doesn’t have to travel far from Dehradun to see these beautiful gifts of nature and can easily make a day trip.

We can organise a customized bird watching tours in and around Dehradun for you with experienced field guides if desired.

Some of the Birding Hotspots in and around Dehradun are as follows:

Forest Research Institute

Rio Resorts (Garhi Cantt)

Lachhiwala (20 Km)

Maldevta and Kumalda Village

Thano Forest (23 Km)

Jhilmil Jheel (20 mins from Haridwar)

Assan Wetlands and Conservation Reserve

Dak Pathhar, Kalsi

Shahanshai Ashram Area

Rajaji National Park

Devalsari

Checklist of the birds in Dehradun and Adjoining Area