Feathered Friends of Bengaluru: A Look at the City’s Most Commonly Spotted Birds

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Bengaluru may be known as India’s Silicon Valley, but amidst the busy streets and tall glass towers, the city is also home to a surprising wealth of birdlife. At People for Animals Wildlife Hospital, we see firsthand how urban landscapes and wildlife coexist — and sometimes collide — in this rapidly growing metropolis. One of the most heartening sights for Bengalureans is waking up to the calls and flashes of color from our feathered neighbors.

Here’s a look at some of the most commonly spotted birds of Bengaluru:

1. House Crow (Corvus splendens)

Intelligent, resourceful, and ever-present, the house crow is perhaps the most familiar bird of the city. Often seen near markets and food outlets, they play an important role as scavengers but are also indicators of how human waste disposal impacts wildlife.




2. Jungle Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos)

Larger and more robust than the house crow, jungle crows are often seen in leafy neighborhoods, outskirts, and even within the city. Their loud “caw” and striking black plumage make them hard to miss.

3. Black Kite (Milvus migrans)

Soaring gracefully above our roads and neighborhoods, black kites are scavengers that help keep the city clean. They’re often spotted circling over meat shops and garbage dumps — an example of how urban ecosystems provide for raptors.


4. Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis)

With their yellow beak and legs, and a loud, cheerful call, mynas are a delight to spot. They are expert foragers and can often be seen hopping around gardens, playgrounds, and even city streets.

5. Purple-rumped Sunbird (Leptocoma zeylonica)

Tiny, dazzling, and fast-moving, these nectar-loving birds bring a splash of brilliance to city gardens. They play a vital role as pollinators, reminding us of the importance of preserving flowering plants in Bengaluru.

6. Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri)

Their green plumage and unmistakable screeching calls make parakeets easy to spot. They are often seen in flocks, perched on trees or swooping across the skies — a lively reminder of Bengaluru’s wild heritage.



7. Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus)

Cheerful and melodious, bulbuls are garden favorites across Bengaluru. With their distinctive crest and bright red patch, they thrive in urban greenery, filling mornings with song.

8. White-cheeked Barbet (Psilopogon viridis)

Also known as the “coppersmith,” the barbet is often heard before it is seen, thanks to its repetitive “kutroo…kutroo” call. These fruit-eating birds are vital seed dispersers in the city’s urban forests and parks.

9. Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)

Seen following cows and grazing livestock, cattle egrets are small, white birds that feed on insects stirred up by movement. They are frequent visitors to open fields and peri-urban landscapes around the city.

Protecting Bengaluru’s Birds

These feathered friends are more than just familiar sights — they are indicators of the city’s ecological health. Yet, Bengaluru’s birds face growing threats from habitat loss, pollution, glass collisions, and shrinking green cover.

At PfA Wildlife Hospital, we often rescue birds injured due to urban challenges — from kite string entanglements to window strikes. But conservation begins at home:

  • Plant native trees and shrubs to provide food and nesting sites.

  • Avoid chemical pesticides that harm insects — a vital food source for many species.

  • Make windows bird-safe with visual markers to prevent collisions.

  • Support urban green spaces that give wildlife a refuge amidst the concrete.

By protecting Bengaluru’s birds, we safeguard not only their survival but also the delicate ecological balance that sustains our city.

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