Bird diversity in Vidarbha is shaped by its mix of wetlands, forests and grasslands, offering opportunities to observe species that migrate seasonally as well as those that thrive year-round. Two locations in the region have consistently stood out for their significant bird populations, structured surveys and consistent observations.

These areas provide detailed records of species and numbers, making them important destinations for those documenting birdlife. The following account focuses on two such destinations where official counts, landscape features and timings underline their importance for bird sighting. Vidarbha has become a focal point for such activity, as documented numbers and the scale of habitats highlight its place in India’s birdwatching landscape.

1. Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve

The Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve spans across Gondia and Bhandara districts and has become central to bird documentation in Vidarbha. Within this reserve, the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Navegaon is a major attraction, hosting a large variety of species across water and forest habitats. Surveys conducted in 2023 reported 217 species, confirming the site as one of the richest locations in the region for avian diversity.

The sanctuary’s large lake and surrounding vegetation draw winter migrants, including Bar-headed Geese, which are regularly observed at nearby Chorkhamara tank. This reservoir environment makes it particularly suitable for both migratory and resident waterfowl.

The physical layout of the reserve supports effective observation. The lake is bordered by watchtowers and boating points that allow counts to be carried out with accuracy. With the main lake stretching across several kilometres, it provides feeding grounds for large flocks. The forested stretches surrounding the water body also contribute, hosting owls, hornbills and other forest specialists. As a result, both waterbirds and woodland species can be observed in close proximity.

The reserve’s importance is reinforced by its role as a consistent survey site. The 2023 survey highlighted not only the species richness but also the seasonal influx of migrants during October to March. The dawn hours provide the clearest sightlines when birds concentrate along the lake margins and reed beds. Late afternoons also show high activity when flocks return to the water. For observers, entry through Navegaon Bandh and Nagzira gates makes access straightforward, with dedicated routes leading to lake watchpoints. The integration of lake-based observation with forest trails creates varied opportunities for spotting.

Beyond sheer numbers, Navegaon Nagzira contributes to wider state-level bird monitoring. It has been identified as holding a major share of Maharashtra’s documented bird species, a fact that makes it critical for conservation surveys. The sanctuary’s link with Salim Ali’s name adds to its status, as his work has shaped ornithology across India.

As surveys are repeated annually, this reserve continues to be a barometer for bird diversity in eastern Maharashtra. Its landscape features, including reed beds, forest cover and open water, make it particularly suitable for accurate counts of both common and scarce species. The reserve is therefore positioned as one of the top two birdwatching destinations in Vidarbha.

2. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve

Located in Chandrapur district, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is widely noted for its bird diversity, especially during the winter months when migratory flocks arrive. The reserve’s lakes and the Irai Dam backwaters provide expansive aquatic habitats that attract thousands of waterfowl annually.

A census conducted in January 2025 recorded 7,265 birds representing 101 species, underlining the scale of seasonal congregation. This included significant numbers of Red crested Pochard, a species often used as an indicator of healthy waterbird populations in central India.

The survey also noted the presence of raptors such as the Peregrine Falcon, along with species including Brown headed Gull, Lesser Adjutant and Bar-headed Geese. These sightings point to the variety of niches supported by Tadoba’s landscape, where open waters, islets and forest margins converge.

The reserve is not restricted to aquatic species alone, as surrounding woodland provides habitats for resident birds throughout the year. However, the winter months remain the peak season, with December to February offering the highest concentration of sightings.

Observers at Tadoba benefit from clear vantage points along the Irai boating area, which opens out into wide stretches of water suitable for scanning with scopes and binoculars. Additional sites such as Naleshwar and Mahadore lakes also contribute to bird counts, ensuring that coverage is not limited to one water body.

During early mornings, species tend to spread out across shallow waters in search of food, while late afternoons bring flocks back to central roosting sites. This predictable movement allows reliable recording during census exercises.

The diversity documented during the 2025 census reinforces Tadoba’s standing as a prime destination in Vidarbha. With over 100 species observed in one exercise, the reserve reflects both the breadth of migrant arrivals and the strength of resident populations. For conservation monitoring, these numbers provide a benchmark for year-to-year comparisons. Tadoba’s status as a tiger reserve also ensures protection of habitats that support birdlife, linking avian diversity with wider ecological conservation.

The large-scale congregations recorded in recent counts have positioned the reserve alongside Navegaon Nagzira as the two foremost birdwatching destinations in the region.

Bird documentation in Vidarbha highlights the region’s ecological variety and the scale of species numbers that arrive each year. The data from Navegaon Nagzira and Tadoba Andhari demonstrate not only the importance of water bodies and forests but also the role of structured surveys in establishing accurate records.

The presence of over 200 species in one reserve and over 7,000 individual birds recorded in another underlines the scale of diversity within this single region of Maharashtra. These figures show the significance of Vidarbha as a destination for bird monitoring and sighting.

Both locations continue to feature in formal counts, making them consistent contributors to state and national-level bird documentation. Their varied habitats, predictable seasonal windows and accessible observation points ensure that birdwatching remains active and systematic. The fact that these reserves host large winter flocks, raptors and resident specialists side by side makes them unique within the wider landscape.

The detailed surveys carried out at each reserve confirm their place as top sites for those tracking avian diversity. The concentration of species numbers and the sustained focus on these reserves keep them central to Vidarbha’s position in India’s ornithological records.