Iconic bird of Karnataka India Western Ghats

Common Birds of Karnataka India Western Ghats

Karnataka's Western Ghats are a global biodiversity hotspot harboring 16 endemic bird species, spectacular wildlife reserves, and some of India's finest forest birding.

540+
Total species
16
Endemics
30
Threatened
Oct–Mar
Best months
Anthracoceros coronatus

The signature bird of the Western Ghats β€” massive black-and-white hornbill with a bold yellow casque, flying noisily between fruiting trees in pairs and family groups.

Pitta brachyura

One of India's most colorful birds with nine distinct colors in its plumage β€” a winter visitor that forages on leaf-litter, best found by its two-note whistle.

Harpactes fasciatus

A Western Ghats endemic with crimson belly and green back β€” detected by its deep, resonant call in closed canopy evergreen forest and best seen perching motionlessly.

Ficedula nigrorufa

A tiny endemic flycatcher with vivid orange and jet-black plumage β€” restricted to the highest shola forests of the Western Ghats above 1,500 m elevation.

Dendrocitta leucogastra

A Western Ghats endemic with snow-white underparts and chestnut back β€” noisy and bold in forest canopy, often the first bird heard at dawn.

Myophonus horsfieldii

Known as the "Whistling Schoolboy" for its human-like whistling β€” found along every rocky stream in the Western Ghats, territorial males singing from boulders at dawn.

Eumyias albicaudatus

An endemic flycatcher restricted to high-elevation shola forest edges β€” the male has a striking combination of deep violet-blue upperparts and white outer tail feathers.

Ketupa zeylonensis

A massive owl with horizontal ear tufts and amber eyes β€” hunts large fish from overhanging branches at forest rivers; the Kabini riverside is a reliable nocturnal site.

Free: Backyard Birds ID Chart

Printable PDF β€” verified eBird data

Get It Free

Ready to Bird Karnataka India Western Ghats?

Use our smart trip planner to get a custom itinerary β€” best hotspots, species targets, and seasonal timing tailored to your visit.

Build My ItineraryBuy a Field Guide β†’