Bird Walk at Siswan Forest, Mohali
- Mohali
- 11 October, 2026
- Pushkar Bali
About Siswan Forest
Located along the foothills of the Shivalik Range on the outskirts of Chandigarh, Siswan Forest is one of the region’s most important natural landscapes. The forest is a mosaic of dry deciduous woodland, riverine patches, seasonal streams, grasslands, scrub forests, and small wetlands, creating habitats for a remarkable diversity of birds and wildlife. The area’s proximity to the Siswan Dam and Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary further enhances its ecological significance, supporting both resident and migratory species. Scenic trails, forest roads, and tranquil surroundings make Siswan a favourite destination for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.
Siswan Forest is also an important ecological buffer for Chandigarh, helping conserve native biodiversity while protecting watershed functions and soil stability. However, increasing human activity, habitat fragmentation, invasive plant species, and urban expansion continue to pose challenges. Continued conservation efforts and responsible ecotourism are essential to preserving this valuable forest ecosystem.
Bird Guide: Pushkar Bali
He is a passionate birder with over 10 years of birding experience and a keen interest in documenting rare and significant bird sightings. He has recorded six bird species for the first time in Punjab, including the Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Black-throated Accentor, Greater Scaup, Falcated Duck, Pied Wheatear, and Himalayan Rubythroat, contributing valuable observations to the region's ornithological records.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Siswan Forest
Siswan Forest supports an exceptional variety of wetland, woodland, and foothill birds. Wetlands attract Lesser Whistling-Ducks, Knob-billed Ducks, Indian Spot-billed Ducks, Black-winged Stilts, Little Cormorants, Little Egrets, and Red-wattled Lapwings. Forest trails reveal colourful species such as Indian Pitta, Indian Golden Oriole, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Black-rumped Flameback, and Alexandrine Parakeet. The canopy is home to Indian Gray Hornbills and Rufous Treepies, while the undergrowth shelters Common Tailorbirds and Plain Prinias. Raptors like the White-eyed Buzzard patrol overhead, and elusive species such as the Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo add excitement for experienced birders. With its blend of forest and wetland habitats, Siswan Forest is among the finest birdwatching destinations in northern India.
Alexandrine Parakeet
Black Drongo
Black-rumped Flameback
Black-winged Stilt
Blue-tailed Bee-eater
Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker
Chestnut-headed Bee-eater
Common Tailorbird
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Greater Coucal
Indian Golden Oriole
Indian Grey Hornbill
Indian Peafowl
Indian Pitta
Indian Spot-billed Duck
Knob-billed Duck
Lesser Whistling-Duck
Little Cormorant
Little Egret
Plain Prinia
Summary of Walk
Seventeen birders joined guide Pushkar Bali at Siswan Forest and its surroundings near Mohali on 11 October for a walk that carried them through the forested foothills and the open land around them, and that ended with a splendid 58 species on the list. The forest edge, scrub, fields and water bodies make a rich mosaic of habitats, and the group moved at an easy pace, listening for calls and scanning the trees. Among the highlights was the Oriental Turtle-Dove, a handsome dove with a scaly, rufous back that gave excellent views on a bare branch, and the Siberian Stonechat, a charming winter visitor perched on grass stems, signalling that the migratory season is well under way. The Long-tailed Minivet, with its flame-orange and black plumage flashing through the canopy in lively flocks, was the sight that drew the most gasps of admiration. Along the way, the group also enjoyed a lively variety of woodland and scrub birds, from babblers and bulbuls to flycatchers and warblers, which kept everyone’s binoculars busy. Pushkar guided the walk with deep knowledge and plenty of humour, helping participants learn to tell similar species apart by their calls, shapes and habits, and sharing stories about the forest and the birds that depend on it. The setting was a pleasure, with the sound of birdsong all around and a new sighting around every bend. A tally of 58 species is a fine achievement for a morning and a delightful reminder of how rich the foothills of the Shivaliks are for birdwatchers.
Number of Participants
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