Highlights
This very unique coastal tidal mangrove habitat is located in South-west Bangladesh and hosts a large collection of bird species ranging from waterbirds, storks, kingfishers, woodpeckers, waders & forest passerines that include several Critically Endangered and Endangered Birds. Tourists and birders can stay for several days inside the forest on very comfortable modern houseboats and enjoy the forest and its biodiversity silently while exploring canals. Very little walking is involved, and the food served is scrumptious. Lots of opportunities to see several species of land and marine mammals, reptiles, and butterflies/moths as well. Expert tour operators and bird guides will assist you in seeing your desired birds and other wildlife.
Masked Finfoot and habitat
Key Bird Species and Families
- Masked Finfoot – Critically Endangered Waterbird and one of 3 finfoots found in the world. This bird is now only reliably found in the Sundarban, Bangladesh, so if you want to see this bird, you gotta visit Bangladesh.
- White-eared Night Heron – Endangered Bird from Eastern China, winters in Sundarban in very small numbers. Only forages in the dark during low tide on open mudbanks along narrow canals. Using a thermal camera and a spotlight is your best bet to see this bird in the Sundarban.
- Brown-winged Kingfisher – One of the Largest Kingfishers in the world, found plentiful in the Sundarban.
- Ruddy Kingfisher – Shy and skulker kingfisher of the Sundarban. Prefers to sit inside the forest in shaded areas.
- Mangrove Pitta – Another more heard than Seen Bird. But it can be spotted with careful scanning & timing from a boarwalk.
- Buffy Fish Owl – Large Species of Owl, found plentiful at night and often during the day as well.
- Brown Wood Owl – Another Large Owl Species, more heard than seen at night.
- Mangrove Whistler
- Streak-breasted Woodpecker
- White-bellied Sea Eagle
- Lesser Adjutant
Buffy Fish-Owl
Best Regions for Birding
- Kalabogi (Haddora Khaal) Canal
- Kochikhali-Dimer Char
- Karamjal Boardwalk Foot Trail
- Pakhir Khaal Canal
- Sundari Khaal Canal
Brown Wood Owl
Best Birding Season
- October-March is the best season for Birdwatching Tours in Sundarban. You can see most of the birds at this time, and the weather is quite pleasant with good visibility.
- To see the Masked Finfoot and White-eared Night Heron, you have to come between December and February, though, and try to go there after a full moon.
- Mangrove Pittas are most vocal and seen between March and May.
Birding Trip Suggestion(s)
Sundarban is very easily accessible from Capital Dhaka. After arriving at Dhaka Airport, take a 5 hour Roadtrip to Khulna to Board Your Pre-booked Houseboat. About 03 hour cruise on the houseboat takes you to the Forest, and you shall explore the Forest as per your itinerary in the next 04-06 Days.
Suggested itinerary:
Please book your schedule with a ship at least 03-06 months prior to your visit in Bangladesh and plan to stay inside the Sundarban for at least 4 Days & 5 Nights. Tell your Tour Operator about which species of birds you’re looking to see, and he will arrange the houseboat and route accordingly.
Try visiting at least one Boardwalk inside the forest and do it in the Morning. Many woodland birds can be seen this way at close proximity.
Night exploring can also be done in the Sundarban, looking for nocturnal herons and owls.
Mangrove Whistler
Practical Tips
- Try booking a Flight that arrives at Dhaka in the evening or at midnight. So the Overnight Roadtrip can be done avoiding Dhaka City traffic, and the Houseboat can start at night or early at dawn.
- Sundarban Small Houseboats can accommodate 6-8 Persons comfortably, so a group of 4 or above is ideal for private, affordable trips. AC and Non-AC are both available.
- Carry Flashlights and Thermal if possible for night photography. Binoculars are a must.
- Bring a hoodie and jackets for dawn & dusk because Sundarban is cold in winter. Trust me, bring jackets in winter.
Books
HELM Field Guides – Birds of Bangladesh – written by Grimmet, Thompson & Inskipp.
Links
Birds Bangladesh Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/2403154788
White-eared Night Heron
By Zaber Ansary
Zaber Ansary works as a Tour Leader for BirdingBD Tours based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He arranges Masked Finfoot Tours in the Sundarban and is one of the most experienced birdwatching guides & tour operators in Bangladesh. Zaber can be reached at info@birdingbd.com or on WhatsApp at +8801777845775
Bengal Tiger Pugmark
Cover Illustration: “Sundarbans web” by europeanspaceagency is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
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