Bird Watching Adventures in the Heart of Arunachal Pradesh
Tucked in the far northeastern corner of India, Arunachal Pradesh is not just a land of scenic beauty and vibrant tribal cultures, it is one of the richest birding destinations in the world. With 889 recorded bird species, this Himalayan state alone accounts for nearly two-thirds of all bird species found in India, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
At the heart of this avian abundance is the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, the crown jewel of Arunachal’s birding map. Spread across 218 sq km of lush, high-altitude forest, Eaglenest is home to over 450 species of birds, including the globally celebrated Bugun Liocichla, a bird discovered here in 1995 and named after the local Bugun tribe. The sanctuary is a magnet for rare and colourful species like pheasants, flycatchers, thrushes, hornbills, warblers, kingfishers, owls, and finches, many of which are difficult to spot anywhere else in the world.
The Eaglenest Bird Festival, held annually, celebrates this rich biodiversity by bringing together bird lovers, conservationists, scientists, photographers, and curious travelers from across the globe. Guided walks, photography trails, expert talks, and community interactions make it more than just a birding event—it’s a cultural and ecological immersion into one of India’s last wild frontiers.
But the wonders don’t end at Eaglenest. Arunachal’s terrain, stretching from subtropical forests to alpine meadows, supports an extraordinary range of birdlife across its numerous protected areas and Important Bird Areas (IBAs). From the remote rainforests of Namdapha National Park to the hornbill-filled canopies of Pakke Tiger Reserve, the entire state feels like a living aviary. In winter, thousands of migratory birds from Siberian cranes to waterfowl—descend upon the wetlands of Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary, turning it into a seasonal spectacle of wings and colour.
What makes birding in Arunachal truly special is not just the sheer number of species, but the diversity ranging from tiny sunbirds and flycatchers to mighty raptors and vibrant trogons. Many of these species are globally threatened, rare, or endemic to this region, making every sighting feel like a personal discovery. With around 25 designated Important Bird Areas, almost every trail, forest edge, and river bend in this state offers a chance to encounter something remarkable.
Beyond the joy of birdwatching, festivals like Eaglenest also play a crucial role in conservation. They highlight the importance of preserving habitats, promote eco-tourism, and empower local communities who are the true guardians of these forests. Arunachal’s birding story is not just about birds, it’s about people, tradition, sustainability, and the quiet harmony between humans and nature.
So whether you’re an avid birder, a photographer chasing rare moments, or a traveler looking for soulful experiences, Arunachal Pradesh invites you to lose yourself in the songs of the wild. Come with curiosity, leave with stories—and a heart full of birdsong.
