Birding at Ranganathittu

This was visit number three to Ranganthitttu and possibly was the most successful in terms of sightings so far. We reached the sanctuary, later than expected, at 7:45 (courtesy a drunk and sleepy driver from Pleasant Travels).


White Breasted Kingfisher

Our first bird sighting was of the Tickel’s Blue Flycatcher. For some odd reason, the photos I take of it are always shaky. Next we saw the Paradise flycatcher - Adult male with the white tail streamers, Keshav managed to get one shaky photo of the fickle little thing. These were sighted near the bamboo thicket on the way to the rest rooms.



We took a boat ride (we paid Rs. 250 to our boat man and guide) on the river. The crocodiles were sadly not in a basking mood, we saw a few in the water. Sadly we didnt see any otters this time.


River Tern

River Sightings:
White Breasted Kingfisher
Pied Kingfisher
River Tern
Great Thick Knee (Great Stone Plover) – Pair
Black headed Ibis
Darters (Snake Birds)


Great Thick Knee

In the thickets along the walk way (particularly at the bridge), we saw several birds
Grey Headed Starling
Tickel’s Blue Fly catcher (again)
Drongos (Pair)
Paradise Fly catcher (juvenile male – rufus coloured, with little streamers)
Grey wagtail
Common Iora
Tailor Bird
Sunbirds

Black Headed Ibis

Black Headed Munia Snake Bird

The lily pond near the restaurant yielded several sightings
Small Blue Kingfisher
Pied KingFisher (again)
Weaver Birds with nests
Spotted Munia
Black Headed Munia
White Rumped Munia ( several )


Pied KingFisher


White Rumped Munia Pair

Ranganthittu is sadly also visited by large groups of loud people who think it’s a great place for their unruly brats to work off their high spirits. It is most unfortunate that the park officials turn a blind eye to these pests.

Ranganathittu has a restaurant and clean rest rooms. It also has a large parking area. The park tends to get crowded once it opens ( offical opening hours are beyond 9 ). Park officials will admit visitors as early as 6:30 am for a fee - no ticket will be issued for this :) The boat men and guides are very well versed with local bird life.