Top 15 Types Of Birds In Chennai (With Pictures)

Observe Chennai's 15 spectacular bird species, from the acrobatic Black Drongo to the melodious Indian Robin—discover more inside!

bird diversity in chennai

Chennai is home to a rich variety of birds, notable for their unique characteristics and adaptations to the urban and natural landscapes. Among the prominent species, the House Sparrow is known for its adaptability to urban areas, thriving near human habitation. The Indian Robin is admired for its vivid coloration and melodious songs, frequently spotted in gardens. The Purple-rumped Sunbird, with its dazzling hues, feeds gracefully on nectar, while the Black Drongo, recognized by its glossy black plumage and forked tail, performs acrobatic feats to catch insects. The elusive Asian Koel, another standout, is often heard within the city's dense foliage. Each species enhances Chennai's vibrant avian tapestry, inviting further exploration of their fascinating world.

House Sparrow

common city dwelling bird

The House Sparrow, a ubiquitous avian resident of Chennai, exhibits a robust adaptability to urban settings and a distinctive plumage that varies with the seasons.

Thriving in urban areas, these sparrows are commonly seen in flocks, utilizing the proximity to human habitation to access seeds and grains.

Their adaptability, however, faces challenges from habitat loss and dwindling nesting opportunities.

Indian Robin

black bird with red

Shifting focus to another avian inhabitant of Chennai, the Indian Robin captivates with its striking coloration and melodious vocalizations. Males showcase a black throat and face mask, contrasting with females' lighter hues.

Commonly found in scrublands and urban gardens, these birds exhibit agile foraging and defend their territories fervently during breeding season, enhancing their presence in local biodiversity.

Purple-rumped Sunbird

colorful sunbird species description

Purple-rumped Sunbirds, a vibrant addition to Chennai's avian diversity, showcase dazzling colors and intriguing behaviors. These small, colorful birds are easily recognizable; males display a glossy, metallic purple patch on their rump, while females are olive green with a yellowish belly.

They thrive in gardens and parks, gracefully feeding on nectar from flowers through their long, curved bills.

Black Drongo

sleek black bird species

Commonly observed throughout Chennai, the Black Drongo is distinguished by its glossy black plumage and striking forked tail.

This bird is known for its aggressive behavior, often seen chasing larger birds away from its territory.

Perched on tree tops or utility wires, it skillfully catches insects like grasshoppers and beetles in mid-air, showcasing its agile flying abilities and acrobatic maneuvers.

Asian Koel

cuckoo native to asia

The Asian Koel, a large cuckoo species, is characterized by its glossy black plumage in males and blackish brown in females, making it a distinctive presence in Chennai's avian landscape.

Known for laying eggs in other birds' nests, the elusive Asian Koel thrives in dense tree cover, often heard before seen, and adapts well to urban environments.

Greater Flamingo

majestic pink feathered bird

Gracefully wading through Chennai's wetlands, Greater Flamingos are an elegant sight, yet they face significant challenges in their breeding habitats.

Known for their selective breeding requirements, these birds have been absent from their traditional nesting locations since 2011 due to factors like electrocution risks.

Optimism grows, however, as conditions improve, fostering hope for their imminent return to Anda Bet Island this breeding season.

Painted Stork

majestic bird with pink

Amid the diverse avian population of Chennai, Painted Storks stand out with their vibrant pink and white plumage and distinctive yellow beaks.

These large wading birds thrive in shallow waters, sweeping their beaks side to side to catch fish, frogs, and insects.

Their synchronized nesting colonies highlight their communal nature, although they face threats from habitat loss and pollution, marking them as near-threatened.

Spot-billed Pelican

elegant water bird species

Spot-billed Pelicans, distinguished by their large wingspan and unique bill pouch, are a notable species among Chennai's diverse bird population. These birds, weighing up to 12 kg, thrive near water bodies, engaging in communal nesting.

They primarily feed on fish, capturing them in their expansive pouch-like bills. Conservation is crucial as their habitats are increasingly threatened by human activities.

Indian Peafowl

majestic ornate indian bird

Indian Peafowls, known for their spectacular display of colorful plumage, are a prominent species native to South Asia and commonly observed in Chennai's diverse habitats.

Males, called peacocks, showcase vibrant blue-green feathers and long tail displays to attract females, known as peahens, who sport subtler brown plumage.

These birds thrive in open forests, agricultural areas, and close to water bodies.

White-breasted Kingfisher

colorful bird with long beak

The White-breasted Kingfisher, a vibrant presence along Chennai's waterways, is easily recognized by its bright blue and white plumage. This medium-sized bird thrives near lakes, rivers, and marshes, often spotted perched on branches or wires.

Its diet consists mainly of fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects, captured with a distinctive, loud cackling laugh that heralds its diving hunt.

Oriental Darter

bird with long neck

Continuing our exploration of Chennai's avian diversity, we encounter the Oriental Darter, a large water bird known for its elongated neck and graceful swimming capabilities.

This species, resembling a snake due to its neck, skillfully dives with sharp bill and strong wings to catch fish, often resting on rocks or branches near water, camouflaged by its black and white plumage.

Little Egret

elegant white wading bird

Numerous Little Egrets, with their striking white plumage and elegant black legs, grace the shallow waters of Chennai's marshes, ponds, and estuaries.

This species, recognized by their small stature and yellow feet, is adept at hunting, primarily feeding on fish, frogs, and insects.

During the breeding season, their distinctive plumes are showcased in courtship displays, emphasizing their elegance and skill in survival.

Brahminy Kite

bird of prey species

Often observed soaring above Chennai's coastal and inland waters, the Brahminy Kite is a striking bird of prey with a distinctive white head and chest. Its reddish-brown body and wings contrast vividly against its white plumage.

This medium-sized raptor frequents areas near water, feeding mainly on fish and occasionally scavenging for carrion and small animals, making it a common sight in local wetlands.

Common Sandpiper

bird found near water

While the Brahminy Kite dominates the skies, the Common Sandpiper frequents Chennai's water edges, showcasing a different aspect of the region's avian diversity.

As an essential part of the waterbirds group, this small wader with a white belly and brown upperparts is noted for its teetering movements and tail bobbing. Its distinctive call often signals its presence near rivers and lakes.

What Birds Can Be Found in Chennai and Hyderabad?

In Chennai and Hyderabad, you can find a variety of types of birds in Hyderabad with pictures including Indian roller, rose-ringed parakeet, black drongo, and white-throated kingfisher. Chennai is home to Indian peafowl, brahminy kite, spotted dove, and Asian koel. Both cities offer diverse birdwatching opportunities.

Yellow-wattled Lapwing

distinctive yellow face mask

The Yellow-wattled Lapwing, easily recognized by its yellow facial wattle, thrives in Chennai's open grasslands and scrub areas.

Characterized by a black crown and white face, this bird is notable for its loud call resembling 'did he do it.'

It engages in distraction displays to protect its nests from predators, showcasing a fascinating aspect of its behavior in its natural habitat.