Birdwatching in Andaman (Andaman Endemic Bird Tour)
The Andaman & Nicobar archipelago, located in the Bay of Bengal, represents the highest peaks of an underwater mountain range. It rose from the 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 an absolute treasure trove of endemic wildlife, with most having a stronger overall affinity for the Malayan sub-region than that of the Indian subcontinent.
Explore the next 5 days of birdwatching in Andaman and witness its unique bird diversity.
Day 1: Arrival and Birdwatching in Chidiyatapu
Arrive at Port Blair Airport. Our representative will transfer you to the hotel. After lunch, travel to Chidiyatapu to spot the endemic birds, namely Andaman Drongo, Andaman Shama, Andaman Bulbul, Andaman Serpent Eagle, Andaman Coucal, and White-headed Starling, along with some resident birds that occur only in Andaman, including Plume-toed and White-nest Swiftlet, White-breasted Woodswallow, and Ornate Sunbird.
Post sunset, night birding for nocturnal endemics such as the Andaman Nightjar, Andaman Boobook, Hume’s Boobook, and modestus subspecies of Oriental Scops Owl before returning to the hotel.
Day 2: Birdwatching in Andaman (Kalatang & Garacharma)
Leave early in the morning for Kalatang RF. A tropical evergreen forest is about an hour’s drive away. Seek out the shy Andaman Crake, Andaman Cuckoodove, Andaman Cuckooshrike, Andaman Treepie, Andaman Flowerpecker, and the elusive Andaman Wood Pigeon. This hotspot also supports Black Baza, Ruddy Kingfisher, Mangrove Whistler, Forest Wagtail, and Blyth’s Paradise Flycatcher. Return to the hotel for lunch.
Later in the afternoon, visit Garacharma Wetlands in search of the endemic Andaman Teal. Other key species here include winter migrants like the Red-throated Pipit, Red-necked Stint, Long-toed Stint, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Chinese Pond Heron, etc.
After sunset, continue with night birding to search for the Andaman Masked Owl and Andaman Scops Owl, and later return to the hotel.
Day 3: Birdwatching in Shoal Bay & Ograbranj
Another early morning start to reach Shoal Bay RF. A tropical evergreen forest with tall canopy, Birding along the forest road to the village. Search in particular for the elusive Andaman Wood Pigeon, in addition to Andaman Serpent Eagle; Andaman Green Pigeon; Long-tailed Parakeet; Violet Cuckoo, Freckle-breasted Woodpecker; Andaman Bulbul. Head back to the hotel for lunch.
Visit Ograbranj Wetlands in the evening for the endemic Andaman Teals, Other key targets here are Oriental Reed Warbler, Black-browed Reed Warbler, Pallas Grasshopper Warbler, Stork-billed & Blue-eared Kingfishers, Pacific Swift, Pied & Eastern Marsh Harriers.
Day 4: Birdwatching in Chidiyatapu & Ograbranj
A slightly delayed start today for Chidiyatapu, searching for the missed endemic likely to be the Andaman Serpent Eagle and Andaman Wood-Pigeon. Searching along the paddy fields for Amur Stonechats and scanning the rain trees for migrating Arctic Warbler, Pale-legged and Saklin Leaf Warblers, and Greenish Warblers.
Later in the afternoon, visit Sippighat and Chouldari Wetlands, but in different wetland patches further ahead. Target some of the waders missed in the previous sessions and target warblers like Oriental Reed Warbler, Clamorous Reed Warbler, Black-browed Reed Warbler, and Pallas Grasshopper Warbler. Return to the hotel after sunset.
Day 5: Birdwatching in Andaman (Ferrargunj RF)
On the last day, visit the Ferrargunj RF or Mt. Harriet National Park, a tropical evergreen forest similar to Shoal Bay. Today, target some of the endemics or resident birds missed in the previous days. Later, in the afternoon, visit either a wetland or forest habitat, depending on the targeted species.
Day 6 : End of Andaman Birdwatching Tour (Departure)
Check out of your hotel and have our representative drop you off at the airport. No birding session on Day 6.
South & Little Andaman Birding (For species like Nicobar Pigeon & Beach Thick-knee)
For a custom Andaman Birding Tour or a Andaman Birding plus sightseeing tour,
