Bird Walk at Mullur lake, Bangalore, Karnataka

About Mullur Lake

Nestled on the southeastern edge of Bangalore, Mullur Lake is a quiet mosaic of open water, marshy fringes, and scrubby grasslands that together create a surprisingly rich urban wilderness. The lake’s seasonal water levels shape its character—during monsoons, it expands into a thriving wetland, while in drier months, exposed mudflats and grassy patches attract a different suite of life. Native grasses, acacia scrub, and scattered trees provide habitat complexity, making it a haven not just for aquatic species but also for insects, reptiles, and small mammals. This layered habitat structure is what makes Mullur especially rewarding for birders.

For birdwatchers, Mullur Lake offers a dynamic checklist—waders probing the shallows, raptors scanning from above, and songbirds flitting through the scrub. It’s the kind of place where a morning walk can shift from spotting herons and jacanas to catching glimpses of bee-eaters and shrikes. However, like many urban wetlands, Mullur faces mounting pressures from encroachment, waste dumping, and habitat degradation. Fluctuating water quality and shrinking green buffers threaten its ecological balance. Yet, growing awareness among local communities and birding groups is slowly turning attention toward conservation—highlighting the urgent need to protect such pockets of biodiversity before they fade into the cityscape.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Mullur Lake

Mullur Lake unfolds as a vibrant stage where waterbirds, grassland specialists, and urban adapters come together in a constantly shifting spectacle. Rafts of Eurasian Coot and Little Grebe ripple across the water, while elegant Black-winged Stilt pick their way through the shallows with striking precision. Along the edges, the calls of White-breasted Waterhen and Gray-headed Swamphen echo through dense vegetation, revealing the richness of the marsh. Overhead, flashes of movement from Little Swift and the occasional drama of lapwings chasing away predators add energy to the scene, while iconic species like Painted Stork and Black-headed Ibis bring a sense of grandeur. Even common birds—from the ever-adaptable Rock Pigeon to the melodious Asian Koel—play their part, making every visit feel alive with stories, behaviours, and seasonal surprises.