Birding in South & Little Andaman
Andaman & Nicobar is a cluster of 572 islands, islets, and rocky outcrops in the Bay of Bengal. The Andaman group of islands is collectively called the Great Andamans due to their close proximity and because of which they share very similar bird diversity. These islands include Rutland, Baratang, South, Middle, and North Andaman Islands.
Not only is Little Andaman an oceanic island sandwiched between the Great Andaman and Nicobars, but it also remains largely undisturbed from human developments. It is also home of the native tribe, “Onge.”. The island is covered with rainforest and hosts all the Andaman endemics as well as the gorgeous Nicobar Pigeon.
Spend the next 7 days birding in Andaman and explore Little Andaman to cover the birds on your Andaman wish list.
Please Note: Since the ferry schedule to Little Andaman is published only 7-10 days in advance. The day-wise activity will vary according to the ferry schedule; we may spend 2-3days days on the Island based on ferry availability
Day 1: Arrival and 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, and White-headed Starling, along with some resident birds that occur only in Andaman, including Plume-toed and White-nest Swiftlet, White-breasted Woodswallow, as well as Ornate Sunbird.
Stay back after sunset for night birding to spot nocturnal endemics like Andaman Nightjar, Andaman Boobook, and Hume’s Boobook, as well as modest subspecies of Oriental Scops Owl, before returning to the hotel.
Day 2: Birding in Andaman (Kalatang & Garacharma)
Start early in the morning to reach Kalatang 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, and Blyth’s Paradise Flycatcher, prior to returning to Hotel for Lunch.
Later in the afternoon, leave for Garacharma Wetlands to locate the endemic Andaman Teal as well as many migrants 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 dusk before returning to hotel.
Day 3: Travel to Little Andaman
Travel to Little Andaman on a ship (depending on schedule, we either get a daytime or overnight vessel). The journey takes roughly 8 hours. Sit on the deck to catch a glimpse of any seabird, such as Black-naped Terns, White-tailed Tropicbird. Upon arrival, leave your bags in the hotel and head straight out for birding as soon as possible. Drive to RK Pur while birding along the way. Continue birding post-sunset for nocturnal endemics like Andaman Scops Owl and Andaman Masked Owl.
Day 4-5: Birding at Little Andaman
Spend the next two days birding around various hotspots in Little Andaman. The morning birding session includes walking a jungle trail (roughly 10 km) to spot the Nicobar Pigeon along with the other endemics, notably Andaman Cuckoo-dove; Andaman Woodpecker; Andaman Shama; Andaman Green Pigeon; Andaman Treepie, etc,. And afternoon sessions at Lotus Point, White-surf Waterfalls, RK Pur, and Butler Bay Beach to look out for Beach Thick-knee. Stay post sunset to cover all the nightbirds, if any missed in previous days.
Day 6: Return to Port Blair
In the morning session, search for birds around Hut Bay like Beach Thick-knee, Oriental Pratincole; Black-browed Reed Warbler; White-breasted Woodswallow; Whimbrel; Grey-headed Lapwing etc. before returning back to Hotel for Check-out.
Board the afternoon ferry back to Port Blair. Transfer to Hotel upon arrival.
Day 7: Birding at Chidiyatapu and Ograbranj
On the last day, spend the morning session birding at chidiyatapu and evening at Ograbranj Wetlands, to target some of the endemics or resident birds missed till now.
Day 8: Departure
Check-out from your hotel and have our representative drop you at the airport. No birding session on day 8.
We offer both custom private tours and numerous scheduled group departures in Andaman and other regions.
