Located in the foothills of the Himalayan range in Uttarakhand, the Jim Corbett National Park is not just a premier tiger safari location but also famous for bird spotting. Bird watching in Jim Corbett has been a very special experience of my life, as during many of my wildlife trips to this beautiful location, I have spotted innumerable varieties of birds that are not just exotic, but also uncommon.
It’s very rare to find many of the birds of this wildlife park in normal city-based geographies. The vast grasslands, Ram Ganga River, and dense sal forests and other trees ecosystem creates a perfect atmosphere for many birds to find shelter here for specific times of the year.
Overall, I can say with confidence that you can find more than 600+ varieties of bird species in Jim Corbett throughout the year. Many of them are critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable, and near threatened. Therefore, this composition has led to some serious wildlife conservation measures being deployed in the region by the Government and concerned authorities to preserve this spot as a valuable bird-watching destination of Northern India.
So, whether you are a beginner bird spotting enthusiast or an experienced bird watcher, this blog is your comprehensive guide to plan the perfect bird watching trip in Jim Corbett National Park, and discover a truly unique side of India’s nature and biodiversity.
Get to know about the variety of birds found here, the best birdwatching spots, the best time for birdwatching in Jim Corbett, the zonal details of spotting diverse and unique birds, and how to plan the perfect Jim Corbett safari for bird lovers with Jungle Revives.
I also have a YouTube Channel where you can find my latest visits to various birding destinations in India.
Table of Contents
Every Season for Bird Watching in Jim Corbett is Unique in Itself
From my personal experience exploring this amazing and oldest wildlife park for so many years, I can say with certainty that there are only 4 seasons in which the entire birding schedule can be bifurcated.
- The Winter Season, which is from November to February
- The spring and Summer Season that spans March to June
- Monsoon Season from July to September
- Post-monsoon, which is roughly during the days of October
So, if you want to go on Bird Watching in Jim Corbett in any of the seasons, our experts at Jungle Revives will assist you through the complete process end-to-end.
Winter Season: The Golden Bird Watching Period
If you decide to go in winter to Jim Corbett for Bird Watching, you will experience a true birder’s paradise that is less frequently seen anywhere else in India. The temperature ranges between 5-25 degrees Celsius, and both the migrant and resident birds take shelter here.
Winter migratory birds in Corbett arrive from regions like Siberia, Europe, and Central Asia. You can spot birds all day long during this peak birding season in Jim Corbett. Himalayan Rubythroat, Siberian Rubythroat, Verditer Flycatcher, Ibisbill, Wallcreeper, Bar-headed Geese, and Northern Lapwing are some of the notable birds found in this season.
Over the years, many people have asked me: Is Jim Corbett good to visit in December?
From my personal experience of planning safari trips in Jim Corbett in all four months (Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb) across the last 8+ years for many birding enthusiasts, I can definitely say that December is the best time for birdwatching in Jim Corbett. So many bird species populate this region that you get overwhelmed spotting such exotic bird species in front of your eyes. Truly magical moments! The same thing continues till January too.
March to June Marks the Breeding Season for Birds in Jim Corbett
This period marks days of spring and then summer, where you will see immense vocal activity from various birds that reside here, whether migratory or resident. Mainly, the males engage in activities to attract the females for breeding. Establishing territories and showcasing nesting behaviours are some of the most observable activities seen during this time of the year with respect to bird watching.
Which are the major Jim Corbett Birds that You can Spot in Summer?
Some of the major summer breeding birds in Jim Corbett that you can find during safari trips may include the Great Slaty Woodpecker, Paradise Flycatchers, Indian Pitta, and Great Hornbill. Usually, during this season, the female birds rely on the male birds for protection and food.
As temperatures during this time of the year rise to almost 40 degrees Celsius, many birds gather around water bodies, and that creates an optimum opportunity for some exceptional bird photography.
Monsoon is Predominant from July to September in Corbett
Monsoon birding in Corbett is a unique experience in itself. Most of the zones are closed for birding enthusiasts, except only a few, due to extremely heavy rainfall. Also, to protect the birds from external dangers and interference related to breeding, the park is closed across most of the zones.
So, in this season, if you decide to go for a birding experience in Jim Corbett National Park, all you will experience is lush greenery everywhere, intensified nesting activities, very little tourist crowd, and an undisturbed bird watching and photography experience. Indian Pitta, Peacocks, and Asian Koels are some of the major bird species that intensify breeding activity during this season.
But many people have a genuine worry that is Jim Corbett Safe During Monsoon?
From my personal experience, yes, it is absolutely safe to visit Jim Corbett during monsoon season. But you must follow the guidelines set by the authorities for seamless travel during rainy weather to avoid causing any harm to yourself and the birds.
October Marks the Post Monsoon Transition Period for Birds
Jim Corbett migratory birds season gets concluded during the month of October, and you will see a transition of birds during this time of the year.
Forests start to rejuvenate, which creates fresh greenery, and new migratory birds start arriving in the region. Tourists are also less during this time and marking the beginning of the pre-winter phase.
Notable birds can be seen in Jim Corbett during this time, which include Indian Pitta, Black-naped Monarchs, and Jungle Owlets.
The Complete Jim Corbett Bird Species List
Throughout the year, you can find hundreds of different bird species in Jim Corbett. It’s truly a paradise for bird watchers and bird photography enthusiasts. The table below lists the comprehensive list of majority of the resident and migratory birds found in India’s oldest Wildlife National Park.
I have tried my best to include as many birds as possible, but there’s always scope for new additions to the list. Also, the Jungle Revives team will plan your trip for Bird watching in Jim Corbett in such a manner that you end up spotting many unique birds throughout your entire duration of the bird safari for a truly unique experience.
Birds Segregation by their Wildlife Conservation Status
| CRITICALLY ENDANGERED | Red-headed Vulture, White-rumped Vulture, Indian Vulture, Slender-billed Vulture |
| ENDANGERED | Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Egyptian Vulture |
| VULNERABLE | Great Hornbill, Grey-crowned Prinia, Great Slaty Woodpecker, River Tern |
| NEAR THREATENED | River Lapwing, Oriental Darter, Red-breasted Parakeet, Himalayan Griffon, Lesser Fish-Eagle, Gray-headed Fish-Eagle, Great Thick-knee, Black-necked Stork, Asian Woolly-necked Stork, Alexandrine Parakeet |
| SIGNATURE & SPECIALTY BIRDS | Ibisbill, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Tawny Fish Owl, Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Hodgson’s (White-throated) Bushchat, Wallcreeper, Long-tailed Broadbill |
Birds Found in Jim Corbett Based on Their Status & Type
| RESIDENT RAPTORS | Crested Serpent Eagle, Black-winged Kite, Shikra, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Himalayan Grey-headed Fishing Eagle, Himalayan Vulture, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle, Black Eagle |
| MIGRATORY RAPTORS | Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Booted Hawk-Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Pied Harrier, Eurasian Marsh Harrier |
| RESIDENT WATERBIRDS | Cormorants (Little, Indian), Oriental Darter, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Egrets (Large, Cattle, Little), White-necked Stork, Black-necked Stork, Spotbill Duck, Large Pied Wagtail, White-capped Redstart |
| MIGRATORY WATERBIRDS | Great Crested Grebe, Bar-headed Goose, Graylag Goose, White Stork, Black Stork, Ruddy Shelduck, Northern Pintail, Common Teal, Eurasian Wigeon, Mallard, Gadwall, Garganey, Sandpipers (Green, Common, Marsh), Common Snipe, Plovers and Lapwings, Great Black-headed Gull |
| GRASSLAND & OPEN GROUND BIRDS | Black Partridge, Indian Roller, Green Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Shrikes (Long-tailed, Bay-backed), Larks, Mynas (Common, Bank, Jungle), Bulbuls (Red-vented, Himalayan, Ashy), Cisticolas, Prinias, Tailor Bird, Bayas, Finches |
| NIGHTJARS & OTHER NIGHT BIRDS | Franklin’s Nightjar, Jungle Nightjar, Great Stone Plover (Great Thick-knee), Stone Curlew |
| PHEASANTS & GROUND BIRDS | Kalij Pheasant, Red Junglefowl, Indian Peafowl, Black Francolin |
| FLYCATCHERS & WARBLERS (SUMMER/MONSOON) | Paradise Flycatcher, Indian Pitta |
| FLYCATCHERS & WARBLERS (WINTER) | Verditer Flycatcher, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Ultramarine Flycatcher, Slaty Blue Flycatcher, Little Pied Flycatcher, various Leaf and Bush Warblers |
Bird Categories Found in Corbett Based on Their Diversity
| FISH OWLS | Tawny Fish Owl, Brown Fish Owl, Spot-bellied Eagle Owl |
| FOREST OWLS | Brown Wood Owl, Spotted Owlet, Jungle Owlet, Collared Owlet, Asian Barred Owlet, Mountain Scops Owl, Indian Scops Owl, Collared Scops Owl, Oriental Scops Owl |
| HORNBILLS | Great Hornbill, Indian Grey Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill |
| WOODPECKERS | Great Slaty Woodpecker, Himalayan Flameback, Streak-throated Woodpecker, Scaly-bellied Woodpecker, Rufous Woodpecker, Lesser Golden-backed Woodpecker, Black-naped Green Woodpecker, Brown-headed Barbet |
| KINGFISHERS | Crested Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Blue-eared Kingfisher |
| PIGEONS & DOVES | Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Spotted Dove, Red Collared Dove, Laughing Dove, Emerald Dove |
| PARAKEETS | Plum-headed Parakeet, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Red-breasted Parakeet, Alexandrine Parakeet |
| BARBETS | Blue-throated Barbet, Great Barbet, Lineated Barbet |
| ORIOLES & DRONGOS | Golden Oriole, Maroon Oriole, Black Drongo, Ashy Drongo, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo |
| BABBLERS & LAUGHINGTHRUSHES | Crested Laughingthrush, Streaked Laughingthrush, White-crested Laughingthrush, Puff-throated Babbler |
| THRUSHES & CHATS | White-rumped Shama, Oriental Magpie Robin, Indian Robin, Common Stonechat |
| LEAFBIRDS | Golden-fronted Leafbird, Orange-bellied Leafbird |
| MINIVETS | Scarlet Minivet, Rosy Minivet |
| SUNBIRDS | Purple Sunbird, Black-throated Sunbird, Crimson Sunbird, Green-tailed Sunbird |
| SWIFTS | Indian Alpine Swift, Crested Treeswift, Little Swift, Blyth’s Swift |
| SWALLOWS & MARTINS |
| Barn Swallow, Wire-tailed Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Dusky Crag Martin, Streak-throated Swallow |
Best Birding Spots in Jim Corbett National Park for Tourists
Jungle Revives has 7+ years of experience in planning the perfect Jim Corbett safari for bird lovers who are curious to explore India’s biodiversity.
I have been to every place in Jim Corbett for bird watching, and from my personal experience, I can say with full confidence that these are some of the best spots for bird photography in Corbett.
- Dhikala
- Remains open for Bird Watching between November 15 and June 15 every year.
- Major birding habitats include grasslands and the Ram Ganga River.
- Bijrani
- Remains open for Bird Spotting from October 15 to June 30 every year
- Sal Forests, grasslands, and water streams form major spots in Bijrani where birds can be spotted.
- Jhirna
- Open year-round for bird lovers.
- Major habitats for birds include dry deciduous forests and large grassland areas.
- A true haven for bird-watching enthusiasts in the Monsoon.
- Dhela
- Again, another zone is open throughout the year for bird watching in Jim Corbett.
- You can spot birds near dense forest areas, grasslands, and large water reservoirs.
- You can spot a variety of birds across every season since it’s open year-round.
- Durga Devi
- Open for Bird Spotting between October 15 to June 15 every year.
- You can find diverse bird species around hilly terrain, river streams, and dense forests.
- One of the best spots for scenic bird watching due to its geography.
- Sitabani
- Again, open all year round for bird spotting. Falls under the less-explored region of Jim Corbett, but a very good option for bird watching.
- You can spot diverse bird species around sal trees and river streams. This zone has a few temples, also, where lots of birds can be spotted too.
Also, multiple people keep on asking me frequently that,
Is it better to book a morning or afternoon safari?
Well, both are good options for bird watching in Corbett. Most of the birds are active during early morning or late afternoon. So you can plan either one of these or both with Jungle Revives depending on your preferences.
Guidelines to Follow for Bird Watching in Jim Corbett Across Seasons
I have seen over the years that many people are confused related to bird watching and also what are the rules to follow in Jim Corbett? So I have bifurcated them into multiple contexts based on seasonality to give you a better idea.
During the Jim Corbett migratory birds season, as a responsible bird watcher and spotter, you must adhere to the following guidelines.
- Do not engage in flash photography.
- Avoid surrounding the bird-occupied areas and causing any type of crowding.
- Keep your voices low and switch your phones to silent or vibration mode.
- Never disturb birds for better photography or videography shots.
Similarly, when winter migratory birds in Corbett start occupying various spots across the National Park, as a sensible birding lover, you must,
- Never alter habitats for better photography shots.
- Stay aware of bird sounds and alarm calls.
- Respect other birders and photographers.
- Maintain silence in prime birding areas.
Coming to the summer breeding birds in Jim Corbett, when visiting the national park between March to June, you must,
- Move slowly in your safari jeep as birds are highly active due to the breeding season.
- Stay on designated safari routes and always listen to your guide.
- Never do any type of feeding to any bird species.
- Do not cause any harm to any of the bird nests.
Lastly, during monsoon birding in Corbett, you should,
- Maintain a safe distance from birds and their nests, as it marks the peak of their breeding season.
- Always observe from a distance to avoid causing stress to the birds.
- Back off immediately if the birds show any signs of distress.
- Do bird photography from a distance and always follow the rules mentioned by the guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which are the Best birding spots in Jim Corbett?
Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, Sitabani, and Durga Devi are some of the best spots for bird spotting in Jim Corbett National Park.
How comprehensive is the Jim Corbett bird species list?
It’s pretty comprehensive because throughout the Corbett Wildlife Park, you can spot more than 600+ varieties of birds throughout the year. They fall under categories like endangered, vulnerable, and threatened from a wildlife conservation perspective.
When is the Jim Corbett migratory birds season?
November to February is the peak season for spotting migratory birds in Corbett. Hundreds of birds flock here from regions like Serbia, Europe, and Central Asia.
Which are some of the top Winter migratory birds in Corbett
Siberian crane, Wagtails, Flamingos, Grey-Headed Fish Eagle, Brown Dipper, Wallcreeper, Bar-headed Goose, and Ibisbill. These are some of the migratory birds that you can spot in Jim Corbett National Park during the winter season.
What are the top summer breeding birds in Jim Corbett that visitors can spot and photograph?
Asian Koel, Indian Pygmy Woodpecker, Indian Scops Owl, Great Hornbill, Blue-throated Barbet, Indian Pitta, Red Junglefowl, Asian Paradise-flycatcher, and Black-naped Monarch are some of the notable breeding birds found in summer in Jim Corbett.
Should I opt for monsoon birding in Corbett?
Yes, you should definitely go for bird watching in Corbett in the Monsoon as that will be a totally new and unique experience with less crowd and more peacefulness throughout the safari.
Why is Jim Corbett so famous?
It’s the oldest National Park in India, which is popular for tiger spotting as well as bird watching. Also, it’s India’s first Wildlife Park in honour of the famous wildlife hunter and conservationist Edward James Corbett. It’s also the ground zero for Project Tiger.
Which River is located in Jim Corbett National Park?
Ramganga River passes through the Jim Corbett National Park and is one of the major bird-watching spots for wildlife and nature lovers.
Which National Park is called Paradise of Birds?
Jim Corbett is one of the major wildlife parks of India, also called a haven or paradise for bird lovers due to the inflow of hundreds of varieties of bird species every year across seasons.
What is the First name of Jim Corbett Park?
Hailey National Park was the first name by which people used to call Jim Corbett Wildlife Park back in 1936, when it was first established in honour of James Corbett.
What clothes to wear in Jim Corbett?
During wildlife safari in Jim Corbett, you must wear light colored clothing that easily blends in with the forest and natural ecosystem. Avoid vibrant colors.
What is the Best Zone in Jim Corbett?
Dhikala is the most sought-after zone in Jim Corbett by tourists due to its vast landscapes and beautiful scenery. Although other zones like Bijrani, Dhela, Jhirna, and other buffer zones are all unique in themselves and offer different types of experiences.
