Bihar: Bird Watching Trail Introduced at Valmiki Tiger Reserve to Boost Eco-Tourism

Bettiah: The Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) is seeing a steady rise in tourist attraction as the number of tigers increases. To further enhance eco-tourism, VTR is introducing several new facilities. Among these, tourists will now be able to enjoy bird watching at Manguraha in the reserve. The VTR administration has taken the initiative to develop a dedicated bird-watching trail.

The areas surrounding the Pandai River have been identified as prime locations for this trail. Tourists will receive detailed information about the local bird species, their unique characteristics, and the migratory birds that frequent the area. To facilitate this, two forest personnel have been specially trained by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The fee for the bird-watching trail is yet to be determined.

VTR Division-1 Deputy Director, Pradyumna Gaurav, explained that the Pandai River area, located at the forest’s edge, forms an eco-tone—a transition zone between the forest and the river. This zone provides an ideal habitat for birds, attracting a variety of species. The eco-tone area is particularly conducive to both native and migratory birds, including the Siberian Stonechat, Black-headed Stork, and Ridged Flowerpecker, among others.

The Valmiki Tiger Reserve is home to a wide range of bird species, including some rare and endangered varieties. Besides the commonly seen peacocks and red jungle roosters, VTR hosts birds such as the Oriental Darter Anhinga, Spotted Redshank, and Vernal Hanging Parrot. Rare parrots like the Plum-headed Parrot, Red-breasted Parakeet, and Sitatula Cyanocephala, which are nearing extinction, can also be spotted.

In addition, species like the Dollarbird, Oriental Pied Hornbill, and four varieties of Chestnut-capped Babbler and Rufous-rumped Grassbird are found in the reserve, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts.