Bird Guides

Bird Guides of the World: Sudheesh Thattekad, South India

July 28, 2026 by Editor No Comments

What is your favorite bird species?

My favorite bird species are the Sri Lanka Frogmouth (Batrachostomus moniliger) and the Ceylon Bay Owl (Phodilus assimilis). Both are highly nocturnal, brilliantly camouflaged, and tracking them down in the dense forests of the Western Ghats is always a thrilling experience for me and my clients.

What is your name, and where do you live?

My name is Sudheesh Thattekad (Sudheesh M.S.). I live in Thattekad, Kerala, India—right next to the famous Thattekad Bird Sanctuary.

What are the main regions or locations you cover as a bird guide?

I cover the entire Western Ghats of South India (including key hotspots like Thattekad, Munnar, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Ooty, and Mudumalai) as well as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

How long have you been a bird guide?

I have been working as a professional independent naturalist, birdwatching guide, and herping guide for 28 years.

Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher

How did you get into bird guiding?

Living right on the fringes of the diverse Thattekad lowland forests, nature was my backyard from childhood. My passion for tracking wildlife, understanding bird vocalizations, and exploring the dense canopy naturally drew me into the world of guiding. Over nearly three decades, this deep connection with the forest turned into my full-time profession through my company, Nature and Wildlife Team.

What are the aspects of being a bird guide that you like best? Which aspects do you dislike most?

  • What I like best: The pure joy and excitement on a client’s face when we finally spot a rare endemic after a long track. I also love the opportunity to continuously record bird vocalizations and document rare reptiles in the field.
  • What I dislike most: Seeing pristine wildlife habitats being disturbed by unregulated tourism or destructive development, which threatens the birds we love.

What are the top 5-10 birds in your region that are the most interesting for visiting birders?

The Western Ghats endemics and high-altitude specialties are the top targets. The most sought-after include:

  • Sri Lanka Frogmouth
  • Ceylon Bay Owl
  • Nilgiri Laughingthrush
  • White-bellied Sholakili (Blue Robin)
  • Nilgiri Thrush
  • Black-and-orange Flycatcher
  • Malabar Trogon
  • Wynaad Laughingthrush

Great Eared Nightjar

Can you outline at least one typical birdwatching trip in your area? Please briefly describe the locations, the key birds, and the approximate duration of such a trip.

A classic itinerary is the 8-Day Western Ghats & Foothills Birding Tour:

  • Day 1–2: Thattekad (Lowland Forests): Focusing on Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Ceylon Bay Owl, Malabar Trogon, and Rufous Babbler.
  • Day 3–4: Munnar (High-Altitude Shola-Grasslands): Targeting high-altitude endemics like Nilgiri Laughingthrush, Nilgiri Thrush, and Black-and-orange Flycatcher.
  • Day 5: Ooty: Exploring Nilgiri Sholas for montane specialties like White-bellied Sholakili and Nilgiri Wood Pigeon.
  • Day 6: Mudumalai (Dry Deciduous Foothills): Transitioning to dry forest birding for Jerdon’s Bushlark, Malabar Woodshrike, and various woodpeckers.
  • Day 7: Mysore: Wetland birding and scrub forest species around Mysore’s lakes.
  • Day 8: Bengaluru: Departure.

What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in your area? (for example, what to bring, which season to choose, etc.)

  • Best Season: The prime birding season is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and migratory birds arrive.
  • What to bring: Good leech socks are essential for forest trekking. Bring lightweight, dull-colored clothing, a sturdy tripod for low-light forest photography, and a good raincoat since weather in the mountains changes quickly.

Mottled Wood Owl

If any readers of 10,000 Birds are interested in birding with you, how can they best contact you?

They can reach me directly via: