Birdwatching in Andaman Islands
Andaman Endemics Birding Tour
Renowned as a global hotspot for avian endemism, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer an unparalleled haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Therefore, our specialized 5-night Andaman birding tour is meticulously designed to showcase the rich biodiversity of South Andaman. Specifically, this itinerary targets localized endemics and regional specialties within exceptionally diverse environments.
Furthermore, you will be accompanied by an expert local birding guide, which dramatically maximizes your chances of securing elusive sightings. Ultimately, our Andaman birding itinerary ensures an unforgettable adventure, allowing you to witness rare endemic birds in their natural sanctuary while exploring India’s most captivating island ecosystems
Day 1: Arrival : Immediate Lifers & Night Birding in Andaman
No wasted travel days. After a seamless airport pickup, we bypass the midday heat, have an early lunch and head straight to our first birding stop at Sippighat wetlands just as the afternoon activity peaks to photograph the Andaman Teals (Anas albogularis). Following our Wetland session, we drive further to Ferrargunj Forest for Night Birding to track down the Andaman Scops Owl (Otus balli), Andaman Hawk-Owl (Ninox affinis) & Hume’s Hawk Owl before returning to the resort for dinner.
Key Highlights:
- Wetland Birds: Andaman Teal, Plume-toed Swiftlet, Edible-nest Swiftlet, Pin-tailed Snipe, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Yellow Bittern, Long-toed Stint, Long-toed Stint, Red-necked Stint, Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Curlew Sandpiper, Pacific Golden Plover.
- Owls: Andaman Scops-Owl, Hume’s Hawk-Owl, Andaman Hawk-Owl.
Day 2: Birding in Andaman: Targeting the Forest Endemics
We kick off with a pre-dawn start (5.15am) to drive to one of the premium birding hotspots in Andaman “Kalatang Forest” which sits at the base of the Mt. Harriet National Park range. The journey takes roughly an hour. Upon arrival, we walk the forest tracks just as morning bird activity peaks. Specifically, we target canopy species like the localized Andaman Cuckoo-shrike, Andaman Cuckoo-dove, and Andaman Woodpecker. Meanwhile, nearby mangroves provide prime opportunities to spot the Ruddy Kingfisher. Afterward, we return to the resort to rest and recharge. Later, our afternoon excursion to Chidiyatapu focuses on ticking off the Andaman Serpent-Eagle (Spilornis elgini) and the elusive Andaman Wood-pigeon. Finally, we conclude the day with an exciting night session seeking the endemic Andaman Nightjar (Caprimulgus andamanicus)
Key Highlights:
- Endemics: Andaman Cuckoo-shrike, Andaman Cuckoo-dove, Andaman Drongo, Andaman Bulbul, Andaman Flowerpecker, Andaman Green-pigeon, White-headed Starling, Andaman Woodpecker, Andaman Treepie, Andaman Serpent-Eagle, Andaman Coucal.
- Migrant & Residents: Ruddy Kingfisher, Collared Kingfisher, Ornate Sunbird, Oriental Cuckooshrike, Pacific Reef-Egret, Freckle-breasted Woodpecker, Arctic Warbler, Long-tailed Parakeet, Dollarbird.
- Nocturnals: Andaman Nightjar, Oriental Scops Owl (Waldens)
Day 3: Finding the State-bird “Andaman Wood-Pigeon”
We start our day at 5.30 am today and drive again to Chidiyatapu with a quick stopover at the nearby wetland patch. To tick off the Reed Warblers (Oriental Reed Warbler & Black-browed Reed Warbler), Slaty-breasted Rail, Watercock and Bitterns before continuing to the forest habitat. Our primary focus today is to find the Andaman Wood-Pigeon (Columba palumboides) and other species in the canopy. For our Afternoon Session, we drive to Ograbraj Wetlands to clean up any of our pending wetland targets like Amur Stonechat, Red-throated Pipit. After Sunset, we search for the Andaman Masked Owl (Tyto deroepstorffi) in the nearby forest patch.
Key Highlights:
- Endemics: Andaman Wood-Pigeon, Andaman Shama (Copsychus albiventris), Andaman Drongo, Andaman Flowerpecker (Dicaeum virescens), Andaman Green-pigeon, Andaman Woodpecker, Andaman Treepie, Andaman Serpent-Eagle, Andaman Coucal
- Migrant & Residents: Collared Kingfisher, Ornate Sunbird, Oriental Cuckooshrike, Freckle-breasted Woodpecker, Long-tailed Parakeet, White-breasted Wood-swallow, Oriental Reed Warbler, Black-browed Reed Warbler, Dusky Warbler, Slaty-breasted Rail, Watercock, Voilet Cuckoo, Asian Glossy Starling, Amur Stonechat, Pacific Swallow, Red-throated Pipit (Anthus cervinus)
- Owl: Andaman Masked Owl.
Day 4: Photographing the elusive “Andaman Crake”
With most endemics in the bag by now, we return to Kalatang to photograph the elusive Andaman Crake (Rallina canningi), a difficult species until our guides cracked the formula to photograph it, a few years ago. We will spend the morning session playing the waiting game for the crake to emerge. Waiting time varies from 5 mins to 2hrs but patience does pay off. In the evening, we head out to Foreshore Road near Chatam Island to strike out Pied Imperial Pigeon, Pacific Reef-Egret, Collared Kingfisher and Daurian Starlings as they come to roost from our target list.
Key Highlights:
- Endemics: Andaman Crake, Andaman Cuckoo-shrike, Andaman Drongo, Andaman Woodpecker(Dryocopus hodgei), Andaman Bulbul, White-headed Starling (Sturnia erythropygia)
- Migrant & Residents: Ruddy Kingfisher, Mangrove Whistler, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Pacific Reef Egret, Collared Kingfisher, Daurian Starling
Day 5: Birding in Andaman: Target Clean-up
We dedicate this morning and evening to any missed targets from your checklist. Whether you need a crisp photograph of any species or are still hunting any endemic, our guide customizes this session to circle back to any key habitat if a specific target eluded us earlier in the week
Day 6: Departure
After breakfast at the hotel, our driver will drop you off at the airport for your flight back to mainland India, concluding your successful Andaman birdwatching tour.
Please note, no birding sessions are scheduled or included for this final day. However, if you have a late afternoon flight, you can optionally add a half-day birding or sightseeing tour for an extra charge.
Quick Facts
- Group Size: Max 4 birders (ensures minimal trail disturbance)
- Starting/Ending Point: Port Blair Airport (IXZ)
- Lead Guide: Local endemic specialist and Top eBird Contributor
- Optimal gear: 500mm–600mm lenses with Full Frame or APSC Cameras.
- Tripod/Monopod Use: As per personal shooting preference
- Binocular: 8x magnification recommended for Canopy Birding.
- Playback: Playback is restricted to Scops Owls and key endemics—used minimally, quietly, and non-invasively
Birding Pace & Comfort Guarantee
This birdwatching tour is designed for maximum bird yield with minimum physical strain.
Slow & Steady: We don’t hike for exercise; we walk for birds. Our average pace is less than 1.5 km per hour, featuring constant stops to sit, observe, and photograph.
Vehicle Proximity: Most of our prime birding locations are highly accessible, keeping us within walking distance of our vehicle.
Zero-Pressure Flexibility: If you ever feel tired during a forest session, our vehicle and driver are always on hand for a rest break.
Assistance with Camera Equipment: If you are tired or need help carrying your tripod or gear, our drivers act as your sherpas. But, please do tip them for their assistance.
Mid-day Rest: In the tropics, birds go quiet between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. We capitalize on this natural biological pause so you are recharged for the evening & night session.
Middle Andaman Extension (3 Days)
Opted as a pre-tour extension of our Andaman itinerary to cover the Pale-footed (Andaman) Bush Warbler, rediscovered after 114 years by our founder and lead guide G. Shaktivel himself.
Day 1: Arrival and Drive to Middle Andaman
Arrive at Port Blair Airport (IXZ), ideally before noon. Thereafter, we begin our long drive to the town of Rangat in Middle Andaman for a two-night stay.
However, please note that this 9 to 10-hour trip passes through two Jarawa Tribal Reserves. Consequently, vehicles must travel strictly within scheduled convoys without stopping midway, meaning birding en route will be very limited.
Day 2 & 3: Twitching the Pale-footed Bush Warbler
We’ll dedicate the entire day to birding around Middle Andaman, focusing on the Pale-footed (Andaman) Bush Warbler (Urosphena pallidipes osmastoni) – a species famously rediscovered after 114 years. We’ll also be targeting other key endemics, including the Andaman Wood Pigeon, Andaman Crake, Andaman Cuckoo-Dove, and Andaman Serpent Eagle. On our final morning, we’ll drive back to Port Blair to rejoin the main tour itinerary.