Birding for Andaman Endemics
Andaman & Nicobar archipelago is located in the Bay of Bengal represents the highest peaks of an underwater mountain range. It rose from sea floor 38 million years ago and is considered to be an extension of Myanmar’s Arakan range and Sumantran Barisan range. Its geographical isolation from other landmasses for centuries eventually allowed evolution to take its course. Now these islands play host to a absolute treasure trove of endemic wildlife, with most having stronger overall affinity towards the Malayan sub-region than that of the Indian sub-continent.
Explore the next 6 days birdwatching in Andaman and witness its unique bird diversity.
Day 1: Arrival & Birding at Chidiyatapu
Arrive at Port Blair airport. Our representative will transfer you to the hotel. After Lunch, travel to Chidiyatapu. A secondary deciduous forest to spot the endemic birds namely Andaman Drongo; Andaman Shama; Andaman Bulbul; Andaman Serpent Eagle; Andaman Coucal; White-headed Starling along with some resident bird that occur only in Andaman including Plume-toed Swiftlet; White-nest Swiftlet; White-breasted Wood-shallow as well as Olive-backed Sunbird.
Stay back post sunset for night birding. Spot endemic owls like Andaman Scops Owl; Andaman Hawk Owl; Hume’s Hawk Owl as well as modestus subspecies of Oriental Scops Owl before returning back to hotel.
Day 2: Birding at Shoal Bay & Sippighat
Start early in the morning to reach Shoal Bay in time. A tropical evergreen forest located an hour’s drive away. Look for the shy Andaman Crake; Andaman Cuckoodove; Andaman Cuckooshrike; Andaman Treepie Andaman Flowerpecker and the elusive Andaman Wood Pigeon. As well as Black Baza; Ruddy Kingfisher; Mangrove Whistler; Forest Wagtail;Blyth’s Paradise Flycatcher prior to returning back to Hotel for Lunch.
Later in the afternoon, leave for Sippighat Wetlands to locate the endemic Andaman Teal as well as many migratory that winter in Andaman like Cotton Teal; Red-throated Pipit; Red-necked Stint; Long-toed Stint; Broad-billed Sandpiper; Chinese Pond Heron etc. Bird till dawn before returning to hotel.
After sunset, continue with night birding to search for the Andaman Masked Owl and Andaman Nightjar and later return back to Hotel.
Day 3: Birding at Mt. Harriet National Park & Ograbranj
Again start early in the morning to reach at Mt. Harriet National Park just after sunrise. A tropical evergreen forest with tall canopy, Hike up the forest road to the submit and take a small forest trail on the summit. Search in particular for the elusive Andaman Wood Pigeon; in addition with Andaman Crake; Andaman Serpent Eagle; Andaman Green Pigeon; Long-tailed Parakeet; Violet Cuckoo; Freckle-breasted Woodpecker; Andaman Bulbul; Orange-headed Thrush.Head back to the hotel for lunch at the same time scan the coastline along the way fro Black-naped Tern; Pacific Reef Egret; Whimbrel; Collared Kingfisher.
Visit Ograbranj Wetlands in the evening for the endemic Andaman Teal as well as many migratory birds like Broad-billed Sandpiper, Red-necked Stint, Long-toed Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Chinese Pond Heron, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Cinnamon & Yellow Bittern, Western Black-tailed Godwit, Lesser Whistling Ducks.
Day 4: Birding at Chidiyatapu & Ograbranj
Drive to Chidiyatapu again. A mixed deciduous forest, taking different trails now than the earlier day. walk along the forest road, a nature trail and along the coastline to spot Dollar Bird; Violet Cuckoo; Andaman Serpent Eagle; Andaman Shama; Collared Kingfisher; Pacific Reef Egret; Changeable-hawk Eagle; Long-tailed Parakeet; Vernal Hanging Parrot; Andaman Bulbul; Asian Fairy Blublird; Olive-backed Sunbird, Asian Glossy Starling, Purple-backed Starling, Philippine Shrike. Head back to Hotel before Lunch.
Later in the afternoon, visit Ograbranj once again but to different wetland patches further ahead. Target some of the waders missed in the previous sessions and targets warblers like Oriental Reed Warbler, Clamorous Reed Warbler, Black-browed Reed Warbler, Palla’s Grasshopper Warbler. Return to Hotel after sunset.
Day 5: Birding at Ferrargunj Reserve Forest
On the last day, visit the Ferrargunj RF, a tropical evergreen forest similar to Shoal Bay. Today, target some of endemics or resident birds missed on the previous days. Later, in the afternoon, Visit either a wetland or forest habitat depending on the targeted species.
Day 6: Departure
Check out from your hotel and have our representative drop you at the airport. Your birdwatching in Andaman ends here.
Birdwatching Tour of South & Little Andaman Island
We can run our tours privately at any time and we can also arrange custom itineraries to suit your needs!