Ranthambore is as rewarding for birds as for tigers. Lakes, grassland, dry forest and rocky hills give it a long list, with more than 300 species recorded in and around the park.
Birds you will almost certainly see
- Indian peafowl: India’s national bird, everywhere in the park
- Rufous treepie: bold and noisy around vehicles
- Grey francolin and painted spurfowl along the tracks
- Indian roller, flashing blue in flight
- White-throated kingfisher near water
Birds of prey
- Crested serpent eagle
- Changeable hawk-eagle
- Shikra
- Brown fish owl around the lakes
- Indian scops owl and spotted owlet in old trees and ruins
Water birds
The lakes of the core zones, Padam Talao, Rajbagh and Malik Talao, attract painted storks, woolly-necked storks, spoonbills, egrets, herons, darters and cormorants. In winter, migratory ducks and geese arrive.
Best time
November to February is best, when winter migrants join resident birds and the light is soft. Mornings are most active.
Tips
- Bring binoculars; 8×42 is a good all-round size
- Ask your guide to point out calls
- A Canter’s higher seats help when scanning water
- Pair your trip with the Chambal river safari for skimmers and river birds