Wings of the Tide: A Birdwatching Journey Through the Sundarbans
Drifting silently through the misty channels of the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, the world feels suspended between land and sea. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger, but for those who look up, it reveals itself as a spectacular paradise for birdwatchers and nature photographers.
As our boat navigated the winding creeks, the dull greys of the mudflats were constantly broken by flashes of electric color. The mangroves here are the kingdom of the Kingfishers. We were lucky to spot three distinct species: the tiny, jewel-like Common Kingfisher, the vocal White-throated Kingfisher, and the rare, stunning Black-capped Kingfisher—a true prize for any birder in this region.
High above the canopy, the forest’s apex predators kept watch. We captured the majestic White-bellied Sea Eagle launching from a dead tree and the distinct chestnut plumage of the Brahminy Kite soaring over the delta.
The exposed tidal flats offered their own drama. A massive Lesser Adjutant Stork landed heavily on the banks, looking prehistoric against the skyline, while graceful Great Egrets stalked fish in the shallows. We even shared a moment with a playful Smooth-coated Otter, who stood tall on the roots to inspect us—a reminder of the rich biodiversity that thrives in these tidal forests.
Exploring the Sundarbans is a lesson in patience, but the rewards are wild, colorful, and unforgettable.
Brahminy Kite
The two raptors perched in the tree with distinct rich chestnut plumage and white heads/breasts are Brahminy Kites. They are one of the most iconic and common raptors found in the Sundarbans mangroves.
Green Bee-eater
The pair of small green birds with long tail streamers perched on a bare branch
Lesser Adjutant Stork
This close-up portrait clearly shows the sparse, hair-like feathers on the head and the massive, wedge-shaped bill that gives this bird its prehistoric appearance.
Lesser Adjutant Stork
The large bird landing with black wings, a white belly, and long trailing legs appears to be a Lesser Adjutant. These large storks are a vulnerable species but are frequently sighted in the Sundarbans mudflats and mangrove trees.
Great Egret
The large white bird with a long neck and yellow bill. It is significantly larger than the Little Egret.
Orange-breasted Green Pigeon
The green bird perched on the dead tree stump with yellow feet and a greyish head.
Common Kingfisher
The small bird perched on the branch with electric blue upperparts and orange underparts/ear coverts is a Common Kingfisher.
Shikra
The greyish raptor with reddish barring on the breast and yellow/orange eyes looks like a Shikra (a small hawk). A very adaptable hunter found in various habitats, including the edges of the mangrove forests.
White-throated Kingfisher
It has a chocolate-brown head/belly, electric blue back, and a large red bill.
White-throated Kingfisher
A clear side profile showing the chocolate-brown head and belly, distinct from the other kingfishers in the region.
Black-capped Kingfisher
The bird in flight shows a black head, a white collar (neck), purple-blue upper parts, and a large bright red bill. The white patch on the wings visible during flight is a key identifier. This species is a winter visitor and resident in the Sundarbans, preferring coastal waters and mangroves.
Black-capped Kingfisher (In Flight)
An incredible action shot. It perfectly displays the "white mirror" (wing patch) on the primary feathers, which is a key identification feature for this species in flight, along with the purple-blue upperparts.
Common Redshank
The mottled brown/grey bird walking on the mudflat with long, bright orange-red legs and a red base to its bill. These are winter visitors to the Sundarbans. They are busy foragers, often seen scurrying along the waterline of the exposed mudflats searching for small invertebrates.
White-bellied Sea Eagle
A majestic profile view of the eagle perched. You can clearly see the clean white head and breast contrasting with the grey wings, identifying it as an adult.
White-bellied Sea Eagle
The raptor in flight shows a stark white head and underparts with dark grey wings. This is a powerful apex predator of the coastal region.
Grey-headed Fish Eagle
The raptor perched in the tree with a grey head/breast and brown wings. It is a near-threatened species often found near slow-moving rivers and lakes.
Brahminy Kite
The two raptors perched in the tree with distinct rich chestnut plumage and white heads/breasts are Brahminy Kites. They are one of the most iconic and common raptors found in the Sundarbans mangroves.