A Hidden Avian Haven in the Heart of Rajasthan.
Birding at and around West Banas Dam in Sirohi is an experience that’s both pleasurable and rewarding. On 7th June 2025, we set out early in the morning to explore this lesser-known gem, knowing full well that by midday, the sun would be merciless—our hides scorched and the landscape blazing. If you're planning a summer trip here, be warned: the Rajasthani heat will put your birding skills to a severe test!
Despite the heat, nature rewarded our effort. We observed many species, including:
* **Yellow Bittern**
* **Common Kingfisher**
* **Black-breasted Weaver**
* **Barred Buttonquail**
* **Indian Golden Oriole**
…along with several other interesting species that added to the richness of the day.
If you’re a birder with an adventurous spirit, West Banas Dam should be on your bucket list. The bird diversity here, especially in the transitional months from summer into the monsoon, is both surprising and delightful.
Enjoy the photo selection I’ve curated from the trip, and stay tuned for more!
Bird of the Day
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| Cinnamon Bittern - Botaurus cinnamomeus |
Cinnamon Bittern - Botaurus cinnamomeus Banas dam Sirohi June 2025.mp4
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| Barred Buttonquail - Turnix suscitator |
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| Barred Buttonquail - Turnix suscitator |
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| Black-breasted Weaver - Ploceus benghalensis |
Black-breasted Weaver - Ploceus benghalensis BANAS dam June 2025.mp4
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| Black-headed Ibis - Threskiornis melanocephalus |
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| Common Kingfisher - Alcedo atthis |
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| Common Kingfisher - Alcedo atthis |
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| Common Kingfisher - Alcedo atthis |
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| Eastern Cattle-Egret - Ardea coromanda |
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| Eastern Cattle-Egret - Ardea coromanda |
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| Grey-headed Swamphen - Porphyrio poliocephalus |
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| Greater Painted-Snipe - Rostratula benghalensis |
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| Greater Painted-Snipe - Rostratula benghalensis |
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| Grey Francolin - Francolinus pondicerianus |
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| Please identify this bird |
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| Please identify this bird |
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| Indian Golden Oriole - Oriolus kundoo |
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| Indian Golden Oriole - Oriolus kundoo |
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| Indian Golden Oriole - Oriolus kundoo |
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| Indian Spot-billed Duck - Anas poecilorhyncha |
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| Indian Spot-billed Duck - Anas poecilorhyncha |
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| Indian Spot-billed Duck - Anas poecilorhyncha |
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| Knob-billed Duck - Sarkidiornis melanotos |
Knob-billed Duck - Sarkidiornis melanotos Banas dam Sirohi June 2025.mp4
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| Little Cormorant - Microcarbo nige |
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| Little Egret - Egretta garzetta |
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| Long-tailed Shrike - Lanius schach |
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| Paddyfield Pipit - Anthus rufulus |
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| Painted Stork - Mycteria leucocephala |
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| Painted Stork - Mycteria leucocephala |
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| Pied Kingfisher - Ceryle rudis |
Pied Kingfisher - Ceryle rudis Banas Dam Sirohi June 2025.mp4
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| Plain Prinia - Prinia inornata |
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| Plain Prinia - Prinia inornata |
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| Plain Prinia - Prinia inornata |
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