Kochi’s vibrant birding community shares its experiences and favourite avian hotspots

Discover the elusive nightjar and vibrant birding community in Ernakulam, Kerala, through unique birding experiences and conservation efforts.

The nightjar is generally considered an elusive bird. But it is often found in the thickets of the HMT Estate in Kalamassery. With no flamboyant feathers or a musical call to boast of, it has a few fans who go looking for it. This medium-sized nocturnal bird has a unique camouflage technique that involves it sitting motionless on tree branches or on the ground during the day. “Its brownish, mottled plumage helps it blend with the surroundings. But what makes it truly amusing is that it sits tight even when it senses a threat close by; I have even heard instances of it being stepped on,” says Ashwin Girish, a young birding enthusiast from Kochi, who is fascinated by the steadfastness of the nightjar.

A student of Zoology at the Sacred Heart College, Thevara, and a regular participant in bird surveys and bird counts, Ashwin is among a growing community of birders in Ernakulam. 

In March 2025, Ernakulam emerged checklist leader with 676 checklists (aggregated list of birds identified) on eBird India, a collaborative project managed by Bird Count India, which supports listing and monitoring of birds. The district also emerged species leader with 252 bird species reported in March. Among the birding hotspots, Mangalavanam topped the list with 349 checklists.

“On March 8 and 9 alone, 55 species of birds were recorded in Mangalavanam,” says Vishnupriyan Kartha, secretary of the Cochin Natural History Society, which has been actively participating in bird surveys in and around Ernakulam. Into its 15th year, the CNHS has over a 100 members, which include students, professionals and senior citizens.

“The HMT Estate is a hotspot for birders in Ernakulam, with at least 225 species being recorded from here,” says Vishnupriyan, who has been an active birder for over 30 years.

The wetlands in and around the district are also of special importance to birders as they attract a number of waterbird species. In the Kandakkadavu, Kadamakkudy, Varappuzha, Vypeen, Valanthakkadu, Valiyapadam, Nedumbassery, Karumalloor and Veliyathunadu regions, one can spot herons (grey and purple), egrets (little, medium and great), gulls, terns, cormorants and species such as the marsh harrier. Valanthakkadu near Maradu has multiple heronries (community nests of herons), too. 

“While observing our natural environment, we also work towards protecting and preserving biodiversity,” Vishnupriyan adds.