Bird Walk at Kanifnath Mandir, Pune, Maharashtra

  • Pune
  • 17 May, 2026
  • Arjit Jere

About Kanifnath Mandir

Perched on a scenic hilltop on the outskirts of Pune, the area around Kanifnath Mandir offers a beautiful blend of spirituality and wild landscapes. The terrain is a mosaic of dry deciduous woodland, open scrub, and rocky grasslands—typical of the Deccan plateau—where hardy flora like acacia, neem, and seasonal wild grasses thrive. This diverse habitat supports a vibrant range of fauna, especially birds. Early mornings here come alive with the calls of drongos, striola ted bunting, sirkeer malkoha, prinias, and sunbirds, while raptors like kites soar effortlessly on rising thermals. Whether you’re an experienced birder or a curious beginner, the trails leading up to the temple provide excellent opportunities to observe both resident and migratory species in a peaceful, less-disturbed setting.

However, this fragile ecosystem faces growing pressures. Increasing footfall, unregulated tourism, littering, and habitat disturbance threaten the delicate balance of this landscape. Expansion of nearby urban areas also contributes to habitat fragmentation, impacting both flora and fauna. Conservation efforts here depend heavily on responsible tourism—minimizing waste, sticking to trails, and respecting wildlife. By fostering awareness and encouraging mindful exploration, visitors can play an important role in preserving the natural richness of Kanifnath’s hills, ensuring that its birds, biodiversity, and serene beauty continue to thrive for generations to come.

Partnered with

Bird Guide - Arjit Jere

An animal ecologist turned nature educator from Pune. He has been birding for research and education since half a decade. He enjoys engaging with public through these colorful marvels through bird walks.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Kanifnath Mandir

The rugged grasslands and rocky slopes come alive with bird activity, offering a dynamic mix of raptors, songbirds, and ground dwellers. The sharp whistle of the Grey Francolin echoes across the scrub, while the familiar Rock Pigeon flutters around cliffs and temple structures. Overhead, impressive raptors like the Short-toed Snake Eagle and Black Kite circle effortlessly, scanning the terrain below. Smaller birds add bursts of movement and color—Asian Green Bee-eater dart through the air, while White-bellied Minivet and Small Minivet brighten the trees. The constant chatter of Red-vented Bulbul, Common Myna, and Large Grey Babbler fills the landscape, while open ground specialists like pipits and larks blend seamlessly into the earthy tones. Together, this diverse birdlife reflects the richness of the habitat, making every walk here an engaging and rewarding experience.
Rock Pigeon
Grey Francolin
Laughing Dove
Little Swift
Black-winged Kite

Shikra
Black Kite
Black Winged Kite
White-eyed Buzzard
Asian Green Bee-eater
Coppersmith Barbet
Small Minivet
Common Iora
Black Drongo
House Crow
Large-billed Crow
Common Tailorbird
Gray-breasted Prinia
Jungle Prinia
Plain Prinia

Summary of Walk

The scrub and grassland ecosystems around Kanifnath Mandir provided a rewarding birding trail for 7 participants. The open terrain supported a variety of species adapted to dry habitats, making it an excellent location for grassland birding. The highlight was the rare sighting of a White-bellied Minivet, along with strong raptor activity including Tawny Eagle and Black-winged Kite. With 33 species recorded, the walk stood out for its unique habitat specialists and memorable sightings.
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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