Bird Walk at Mallathahalli Lake, Bengaluru

Name: Bird Walk at Mallathahalli Lake, Bengaluru
Start: 2026-03-14T07:00:00+05:30
End: 2026-03-14T09:00:00+05:30

About Mallathahalli Lake

Mallathahalli Lake, located in the western part of Bengaluru near Nagarbhavi, is a small but ecologically important urban wetland that provides a green refuge within the city’s rapidly expanding landscape. Surrounded by residential neighbourhoods and patches of open land, the lake supports a mix of shallow water, marshy edges and scattered trees that create diverse micro-habitats. Aquatic vegetation such as water lilies, reeds and grasses grow along the margins, while nearby trees provide shelter and nesting sites for many birds. These wetland conditions also support fish, amphibians, insects and other small aquatic life, forming a productive ecosystem that sustains a variety of wildlife.

For birdwatchers, Mallathahalli Lake offers surprisingly rewarding sightings despite its modest size. The lake regularly hosts waterbirds such as herons, egrets, cormorants and pond-herons, along with kingfishers, swallows and several urban garden birds that frequent the surrounding trees. During certain seasons, migratory waders and ducks may also visit, making early mornings around the lake particularly lively for birding enthusiasts and photographers. However, like many urban lakes in Bengaluru, Mallathahalli faces threats from pollution, encroachment, waste dumping and shrinking water levels. Continued community awareness, lake restoration initiatives and responsible management are essential to protect this valuable wetland so it can continue to support biodiversity while serving as a peaceful nature space for city residents.

Bird walk Location

Common birds of Mallathahalli Lake

Mallathahalli Lake supports a lively mix of wetland and woodland birds, making it a rewarding spot for birdwatchers within Bengaluru. The calm waters often host Indian Spot-billed Ducks paddling across the lake, while marshy edges are busy with Eurasian Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, Gray-headed Swamphen and White-breasted Waterhen moving through the reeds. Waders such as Red-wattled Lapwing, Common Sandpiper and Wood Sandpiper forage along the muddy shores, and Little Grebes quietly dive beneath the surface. The lake also attracts larger waterbirds including Painted Stork, Black-headed Ibis, and a variety of herons and egrets such as Gray Heron, Purple Heron, Little Egret, Medium Egret and Indian Pond-Heron, often seen patiently hunting in shallow water. Overhead, Little and Great Cormorants perch or dry their wings near the lake, while nearby trees host birds like Asian Koel, Greater Coucal, Blue-faced Malkoha and the occasional Shikra. Garden and open-country birds such as Indian Peafowl, Spotted Dove and Laughing Dove add to the scene, creating a vibrant mix of calls and activity. With around 123 bird species recorded in and around the lake, Mallathahalli has become a small but important urban birding hotspot for nature lovers in the city.