Bird Walk at Chandu and Najafgarh Jheel, Gurugram, Delhi NCR

  • New Delhi
  • 12 July, 2026
  • Navneet Kaur Virk

About Chandu and Najafgarh Jheel

Chandu and Najafgarh Jheel form part of one of northern India’s most significant wetland landscapes, straddling the Delhi–Haryana border. Comprising extensive marshes, shallow lakes, reed beds, mudflats, grasslands, and surrounding agricultural fields, the area provides a vital habitat for a remarkable diversity of birds and other wildlife. Seasonal fluctuations in water levels create a dynamic ecosystem that supports aquatic vegetation, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and countless insects, making the wetland an important refuge for both resident and migratory species.
Renowned as one of the premier birding destinations around Delhi, Najafgarh Jheel attracts thousands of migratory waterbirds during the winter, while its marshes and grasslands remain active with resident birds throughout the year. However, the wetland faces increasing threats from urban expansion, encroachment, pollution, habitat degradation, and changes in hydrology. Continued conservation efforts, wetland restoration, and responsible birding are essential to protect this internationally important habitat and its extraordinary biodiversity.

Bird Guide: Navneet Kaur Virk

A passionate birdwatcher since 2023, she spends her free time exploring the villages, wetlands, and agricultural landscapes around Gurgaon, documenting their rich birdlife through observation and photography. Her birding journey is driven by self-learning, field experience, and a growing interest in ornithology, with a strong focus on sharing nature and inspiring appreciation for local biodiversity.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Chandu and Najafgarh Jheel

The wetlands of Chandu and Najafgarh Jheel offer exceptional birdwatching opportunities, with expansive open water and marshes supporting an impressive variety of waterbirds and grassland species. Visitors can encounter elegant Flamingos, Asian Openbill Storks, Black-winged Stilts, Indian Spot-billed Ducks, Eurasian Coots, Common Moorhens, Little Grebes, Little Egrets, Cattle Egrets, and the secretive Watercock among the reed beds. The surrounding grasslands and farmlands are equally rewarding, with Baya Weavers, Scaly-breasted Munias, Grey Francolins, Long-tailed Shrikes, Asian Green Bee-eaters, Greater Coucals, House Sparrows, and Red-wattled Lapwings adding to the area’s remarkable avian diversity. Whether during the peak winter migration or the breeding season, the wetlands provide unforgettable birdwatching experiences for nature enthusiasts.
Asian Green Bee-eater
Asian Openbill
Baya Weaver
Black-winged Stilt
Cattle Egret

Common Moorhen
Eurasian Coot
Flamingo
Greater Coucal
Grey Francolin
House Sparrow
Indian Spot-billed Duck
Little Egret
Little Grebe
Long-tailed Shrike
Red-wattled Lapwing
Scaly-breasted Munia
Painted Stork
Little Cormorant
Purple Heron

Summary of Walk

Sixteen participants gathered for a pleasant morning bird walk across the grasslands and wetlands of Chandu and Najafgarh Jheel, one of the National Capital Region’s most important habitats for waterbirds and migratory species. Comfortable weather and a gentle breeze created ideal birding conditions as participants explored a variety of habitats, recording an impressive 42 bird species. The combination of wetlands, open fields, and marshes produced excellent sightings throughout the morning while providing plenty of opportunities to discuss bird behaviour and habitat conservation.

Among the many highlights was the rare sighting of a Greater Sand Plover, which generated great excitement among the group. Elegant Sarus Cranes, colourful Black-breasted Weavers, Streaked Weavers, Oriental Pratincoles, and Black-winged Stilts tending their nests added further excitement to the checklist. The walk concluded with an engaging reflection activity where participants shared which bird they would most like to be for a day, sparking thoughtful conversations and reinforcing their connection with nature. The combination of exceptional sightings, interactive learning, and beautiful wetland landscapes made the outing an enriching experience.

Number of Participants
0
ataavi-logo
ATAAVI Bird Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between people and the avian diversity of India. Through advocacy, education and conservation efforts, we strive to increase awareness and appreciation for birds across communities.

About

Terms

Contact

© 2026 Ataavi. All rights reserved.
Scroll to Top