Jim Corbett National Park was established in 1936 with an aim to conserve and protect Uttarakhand's forests and the wildlife within. Since then, the park has been home to a number of wild animals such as leopards, elephants, deer, and many species of reptiles. Though today, the national park is most prominently known for its population of the Bengal tigers, found in abundance, Jim Corbett also houses around 664 species of birds within, both native and migratory which includes various species of ducks, pheasants, doves, pigeons, eagles, owls, woodpeckers, crows, patridges, and bulbuls among others.

Apart from sighting the tiger, Jim Corbett National Park is also an amazing place to spot and view a number of birds from different species. The dense forest of moist deciduous type trees along with its many lakes, rivers, and valleys, the national park makes the perfect habitat for plenty of birds to live in to such an extent that Jim Corbett is also considered to be one of the important bird conservation areas in the country. Endangered species of White-rumped Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, and the Black-bellied Tern can also be spotted at the park. While birdwatching, patience is of utmost importance, along with a pair of good binoculars that can help to spot birds sitting atop high branches. Some of the popular places in Jim Corbett National Park to spot birds include the grasslands of Dhikala and Bijrani zones, hill terrains of Durgadevi zone, banks of Ramganga River and Kalagarh reservoir.

Prominent Bird Species to Spot in Jim Corbett National Park:

Some of the popular birds that can be spotted during a visit to the park include the Great Hornbill, Himalayan Woodpecker, Blue-throated Barbet, Brown Fish Owl, Common Kingfisher, Greater Coucal, Indian Peafowl, Crested Serpent Eagle, Black Kite, Green Bee Eater, Himalayan Flameback, and the Oriental Magpie Robin.

Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis): Distinctly recognized by its yellow casque and concave beak, the Great Hornbill is among the many birds that can be spotted at Jim Corbett National Park. Owing to its size and stature, the bird has been regarded as a talisman by various cultures throughout history, and is the largest species of Hornbill that is found in India. The Great Hornbill prefers to nest on tall trees growing in hilly areas and is mainly found in the countries of India, Nepal, Southeast Asia and the Indonesian island of Sumatra.

Himalayan Woodpecker (Dendrocopos Himalayensis): Found primarily in the countries of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, the Himalayan Woodpecker is one of the birds found in the Jim Corbett National Park. A medium-sized woodpecker, this bird can be recognized by its black back, white patches on the shoulders that run downwards, and spotted feathers. In males, the crown of the head is a distinct red color that is otherwise black in females.

Blue-throated Barbet (Psilopogon Asiaticus): The Blue-throated Barbet is a bird, native to the continent of Asia and is found in foothills of the Himalayas and Southeast Asia. Named so due to its blue throat, the rest of its body is bright green in color flaunting a red crown. In the forest, the Blue-throated Barbet can be seen at trees that bear fruits, or in tree cavities where it prefers to nest.

Brown Fish Owl (Ketupa Zeylonensis): The Brown Fish Owl is a larger one within its species and has a distinct appearance with its horizontally spread ear tufts. Showcasing a reddish-brown back and slightly paler underparts, its body is marked with dark streaks all over. The Brown Fish Owl is found in thicker parts of the forest, and spends most of its time near water given its diet, which mainly consists of fish, frogs, shrimps, and lizards.

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo Atthis): Distributed widely across continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa, the Common Kingfisher is a smaller bird among its species. Found along water bodies such as rivers, lakes and streams in search of small fish to feed upon, the Common Kingfisher can be recognized by its blue and orange plumage. The bird has a long and steep bill that helps it to pick up its prey when it plunges into the water.

The 6 Most Prominent Bird Watching Trails in Jim Corbett National Park are

1)- Haati Dangar- Haati Dangar is the abode of Vultures, Storks, Eagles, Kingfishers, Sandpipers, species of Lapwings, Martins, sometimes some mammals like Wild Boars, Spotted Deer, even Tigers and Leopards etc can be sighted in this region.

2)- Kosi Barrage and Sitabani- This zone does not fall under the Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve area but if you are fond of serene ambiance of the natural beauty, must visit Sitabani area for captivating bird watching activities and photography. Species which can be sighted here are Red Starts, Lesser and Greater Cormorants, Ruddy Shell duck, Herons, Eagles, Kingfishers etc.

3)- Kyari to Powalgarh- With the area of about 60 km. the species found here include Barbets Nut hatchs, Owlets, Woodpeckers, Vultures, Lapwings, Hornbills, Babblers, Bulbuls etc.

4)- Garjiya Temple- Along with river Kosi, species found here are Cormorant, Redstart, Wall creepers, Herons, Water hens, Kingfishers etc.

5)-Mohaan to Kumariya- Bird species like Thrushes, Brown dippers, Owls, Fantails, Flycatchers, Paradise Flycatchers, Eagles etc can be found here.

6)- Bhakrakot to Marchula- Species found here are Fish Eagles, Redstart. Hornbills, Nuthatchs, Tree Creepers, Bulbiuls, Magpies, Great Hornbills, Birds of Prey, Long Billed Thrushes, Tesia etc.

Best Time for Birdwatching at Jim Corbett National Park :

The winter months of November to March are considered ideal times to visit Jim Corbett National Park to view birds, since it is during these months that a number of migratory birds can be spotted along with the native ones. Not a disappointing time to visit during summers, different sets of migratory birds can be seen inhabiting the park.