Bird Walk at Vetal Tekdi, Pune

  • Pune
  • 12 July, 2026
  • Ksheetij Pandey

About Vetal Tekdi

Vetal Tekdi in Pune, Maharashtra, is a leafy natural gem rising above the city as part of the Vetal Hill complex — a spur of the Western Ghats that forms Pune’s highest point and stretches across sprawling grassland and scrub habitats interwoven with dry deciduous woodland. Traditionally a grass-scrub ecosystem, the hill today supports a rich mix of native trees, shrubs and herbaceous flora, alongside some exotic plantations, and boasts remarkable biodiversity for an urban landscape. Its abandoned stone quarries and monsoon ponds attract a variety of life, from reptiles and invertebrates to mammals, but it is most celebrated for its varied birdlife, with birding events regularly recording over 150 species, including resident woodland birds and seasonal migrants such as flycatchers, bee-eaters and raptors. Locals and naturalists alike relish early morning walks here, enjoying the calls of woodshrikes, orioles and parakeets amid the scrub and forest edges, as well as sightings around the quarry waterbody that draw keen birders.
Despite its natural charm, Vetal Tekdi faces mounting conservation challenges typical of urban green spaces. Proposed infrastructure projects from new roads and transit routes to slope development threaten to fragment its habitats, cut down significant tree cover and disrupt groundwater recharge zones that sustain the hill’s vegetation and wildlife. Environmental surveys have shown a diversity of tree species, shrubs, climbers and fauna that could be severely impacted by such development, prompting strong opposition from residents and activists who argue the hill’s ecological value outweighs short-term urban gains. There’s also concern about invasive plant species and unplanned afforestation altering the native grassland character, and human pressures like unregulated trails and disturbance around water bodies. Protecting Vetal Tekdi means balancing Pune’s growth with sustained conservation, community stewardship and habitat management to preserve this urban biodiversity hotspot for future generations.

Bird Guide - Ksheetij Pandey

Ksheetij Pandey is a Master’s student at Banaras Hindu University and a Mumbai-based birdwatcher with 3 years of birding experience. Passionate about wildlife photography, he brings a sharp eye for birds and a naturalist’s curiosity to every outing.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Vetal Tekdi

Vetal Tekdi is a vibrant haven for birdlife, with an extraordinary 284 species recorded so far, making it one of Pune’s most rewarding urban birding destinations. Its grasslands, scrub, wooded slopes, and quarry waterbodies host a rich mix of birds—from water-associated species like Indian Spot-billed Duck, Eurasian Moorhen, Little and Great Cormorants, Indian Pond Heron, Little Egret, and Common Sandpiper, to open-country and scrub specialists such as Red-wattled Lapwing, Laughing Dove, Spotted Dove, and Greater Coucal. Raptors like the Black Kite, Black-winged Kite, and Booted Eagle soar above the hill, while evenings may reveal the cryptic Indian Nightjar and the watchful Spotted Owlet. Colour and sound come courtesy of Asian Green Bee-eaters, Asian Koel, and a striking trio of parakeets—Alexandrine, Rose-ringed, and Plum-headed—alongside familiar urban species like Rock Pigeon and the occasional Indian Peafowl. This remarkable diversity, packed into a single hill complex, highlights Vetal Tekdi’s importance as a living refuge for birds within an ever-growing city.
Indian Spot-billed Duck
Indian Peafowl
Spotted Dove
Asian Koel
Asian Palm Swift

Red-wattled Lapwing
Common Sandpiper
Little Egret
Eurasian Moorhen
Indian Pond Heron
Black Kite
Spotted Owlet
Asian Green Bee-eater
Alexandrine Parakeet
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Plum-headed Parakeet
Black Drongo
Red-vented Bulbul
Greater Coucal
Common Myna

Summary of Walk

Eighteen participants joined the bird walk at Vetal Tekdi, one of Pune’s most important urban green spaces known for its dry deciduous woodland, grasslands, and excellent bird diversity. Despite the large group size, the outing progressed smoothly, allowing participants to comfortably explore the hill’s trails while recording an impressive 37 bird species. The varied habitats supported a mix of woodland birds, raptors, and wetland species, providing enjoyable sightings throughout the morning.

Among the highlights were excellent views of the colourful Brahminy Starling, the agile Shikra, the graceful Little Grebe, and the melodious Indian Blackbird. These sightings kept participants engaged while also offering opportunities to discuss bird identification and behaviour in different habitats. The combination of productive birding, pleasant weather, and enthusiastic participation ensured a memorable outing that showcased the biodiversity thriving within Pune’s urban landscape.

Number of Participants
0
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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.

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