Birding Goa, India - 2017

This was to be our second visit to the Indian state of Goa having experienced two weeks of great birding there in January and February 2016. Arriving during the early morning of January 22nd 2017 and after a brief rest at our hotel, we were soon out on the first of many dawn walks, keen to reacquaint ourselves with the amazing birdlife on offer. Over the next couple of weeks we visited many of the main sites in the north but unlike our previous visit also made a brief trip to the south of Goa visiting a couple of forest reserves. Although providing only a brief taster of this area, it is undoubtedly worthy of a birding holiday in itself and it can only be a matter of time before we return. During our two week stay, we saw 266 species and heard another three.

With the exception of the two days we spent in the south, all our birding was unguided and this meant we were able to spend far more time at the sites we wanted to visit. This was the key to our success in finding so many good birds at Carambolim for example. In previous guided visits in 2016 we never had the opportunity to spend time exploring the marsh and paddyfields of Carambolim. We travelled to the various sites with the aid of an excellent taxi driver, Devesh who is based near the Lagoa Azul Hotel in Arpora. Although not a birder, he knew how to get to the sites we wished to visit and comes highly recommended. Davesh’s contact details - telephone number: +91 9923895712 and email: deveshmulgaonkar226@gmail.com

Main sites visited:

Arpora – our hotel was located here so at least part of most days were spent birding the local woods and pools in and around the village. Although the habitat is marginal, we turned up a surprising number of interesting species, including Jungle Owlet, Indian Scops Owl, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Orange-headed Thrush and Asian Palm Swift.

Arpora Wood – being located only a 15 minute walk from our hotel, this productive wood is well worth a dawn visit, although after mid-morning can be very hard work. Our most notable sightings included Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Orange-breasted Green Pigeon, Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike, Black-headed Cuckooshrike and White-bellied Drongo, while we also heard Indian Scimitar Babbler.

Baga Fields/Biera Mar Hotel – this area is no longer the birding hotspot it once was and hence we only paid a single visit. The Cinnamon Bittern had apparently not been seen from the Beira Mar Hotel during the winter while Painted Snipe and Watercock also seem to be a thing of the past.

Baga Hill – another site which is past its best with development continuing to encroach along the southern and eastern sides. However, we did note Red Spurfowl, Indian Pitta, Fork-tailed Swift and a calling Jerdon’s Nightjar while the gardens along the track up the hill continue to prove reliable for Vigor’s Sunbird.

Summit ridge of Baga Hill. Picture: Brian Stretch

Bondla – one of the best jungle habitats in North Goa and when we arrived at dawn, the first bird of the morning was a calling Jerdon’s Nightjar that was also seen briefly in flight. The first few hours provided an intense period of birding where the birds just kept on coming and new birds for us included Blue-faced Malkoha, Emerald Dove and Rufous Woodpecker while we also obtained great views of White-rumped Shama, Nilgiri Blackbird, Greater Flameback, Jungle Owlet and Forest Wagtail.

Bondla reception entrance. Picture: Brian Stretch

Carambolim – we made no fewer than four visits to this fantastically bird rich area, taking in the lake and the woods but concentrating most of our efforts on the marsh area (south of the lake). Here we saw some great birds including Painted Snipe, Ruddy-breasted Crake, Baillon’s Crake, Spotted Crake, Watercock, Jungle Prinia, Red Avadavat, Streaked Weaver, Tri-coloured Munia, Grey-throated Martin, Common Hawk Cuckoo and Western Water Rail - the first confirmed record for Goa!

Cotigao – we spent two nights here and on the first evening were treated to great views of an Oriental Scops Owl while a Sri Lankan Frogmouth called nearby. We also noted Imperial Green Pigeon, Malabar Woodshrike, Malabar Trogan, Asian Fairy Bluebird and Grey Junglefowl.

Mayem Lake – we made a single visit here, largely for Jungle Nightjar of which we saw a single roosting bird. We also saw our second Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike of the trip while we also heard Indian Scimitar Babbler and Little Spiderhunter. This is one of the nearest true jungle habitats to the coast so is always worth a visit.

Morjim – the highlight of an early morning visit were two flyover Small Pratincoles. We also saw a few of the Barred Buttonquails at this regular site although the Bay-backed Shrike that we saw the previous winter could not be located. Gull numbers were generally lower than on our last visit although the number of Slender-billed Gulls moving up the River Chapora was astonishing.

Netravali – we barely scraped the surface with a morning’s visit to this large forested reserve in South Goa. Highlights included a male Indian Blue Robin, Malabar Trogon, two Indian Scimitar Babblers, Square-tailed Bulbul, two Nilgiri Wood Pigeons and two White-rumped Spinetails.

View over Netravali. Picture: Brian Stretch

River Zuari – the main attraction of this trip is to obtain views of Collared Kingfisher of which we saw at least three while Black-capped Kingfisher, Terek Sandpiper, Greater Crested Tern and Orange-breasted Green Pigeon were further highlights.

River Zuari. Picture: Brian Stretch

Santa Cruz – a superb wetland site on the outskirts of the state capital, Panjim, the main highlights here were White-tailed Plover and at least five Lesser Adjutants.

Shrigao – we visited this site for the highly localised Red Avadavat and were fortunate to see a male.

Siolim Marsh – we made a brief visit, the most notable bird being a White Stork, a rare bird in Goa.

Species noted:

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis - four were counted on a lake SSW of Arpora Junction on January 22nd, two were seen at Communidade Lake and five at Lake Raital on February 1st.

Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger - noted most days in suitable habitat throughout the trip.

Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis - noted less frequently than the above with the two most reliable sites being Carambolim Lake and Santa Cruz Marshes.

Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster - noted in very small numbers at Carambolim Lake, Curtorim Lake, Communidade Lake, on the small lake just south of Lagoa Azul Hotel, on the lagoon opposite the Marinha Dorada Hotel, Santa Cruz Marshes and Shrigao.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta - noted daily throughout the trip.kingfisher

Western Reef Egret Egretta gularis - one was seen on the coastal headland at the west end of Baga Hill on January 26th and up to three were noted on the River Zuari trip on February 3rd.

Great Egret Casmerodius albus - noted most days throughout the trip.

Intermediate Egret Mesophoyx intermedia - noted most days throughout the trip.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea - a single bird was noted at Arpora on various dates while one was seen at Santa Cruz Marshes on 28th and three at Carambolim on 30th.

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea - recorded in small numbers at the larger wetlands including Carambolim, Santa Cruz Marshes and Siolim Marsh.

Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus - noted daily throughout the trip.

Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii - noted daily throughout the trip.

Striated Heron Butorides striatus - frequently recorded in the creeks and channels around our hotel base in Arpora and two adults were seen on the River Zuari boat trip on February 3rd.

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax - two adults were seen in trees near the bridge over the Baga Canal south of Arpora Junction on January 22nd, 18 flew over the area south of our hotel on 26th, while three adults flew over the same area on 27th while an immature bird was there on 30th. Additional sightings comprised two at Shrigao on 24th, an adult over Carambolim Marsh on 31st, an adult on the River Zuari on February 3rd and at least 15 were noted flying in a north-westerly direction over Carambolim Marsh at dusk later that day.

Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala - twenty were seen at Santa Cruz Marshes on January 28th.

Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans - two were seen along the Baga Canal on January 22nd, one flew over Carambolim Marsh on January 27th and one was also noted there on 30th and 31st.

Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus- four were noted at Siolim Marsh on January 24th, two at Carambolim Lake on 27th and 13 at Santa Cruz Marshes on 28th.

White Stork Ciconia ciconia - one was seen at Siolom Marsh on January 24th - a rare bird in Goa.

Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus - one circled over the north side of Carambolim Wood on January 27th, five were seen at Santa Cruz Marshes on 28th and three were seen on the River Zuari boat trip on February 3rd.

Lesser Adjutant. Picture: Andy Warr

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus - up to 100 were noted at Carambolim Marsh during our four visits to the site.

Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus - seven were seen along the Baga Canal on January 22nd, many were noted at Siolim Marsh on 24th, two were seen at Santa Cruz Marshes on 28th, up to six were seen at Carambolim Marsh during our four visits to the site and three along the Zuari River on February 3rd.

Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber - two immature birds were seen at Carambolim Marsh on January 27th, 30th, 31st and February 3rd although by the latter date, one of the birds had a broken wing.

Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica - hundreds were noted at Carambolim Lake during our four visits to the site and at least 100 were seen at Curtorim Lake.

Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea - up to five were noted at Carambolim Marsh during our four visits to the site.

Comb Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos - seven were noted at both Communidade Lake and Lake Raital on February 1st.

Cotton Teal Nettapus coromandelianus - around twelve were noted at Carambolim Lake on January 27th, five were seen at Curtorim Lake on February 1st while many more were noted at Communidade Lake, Maina Lake and Lake Raital the same day.

Indian Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha - around 25 were seen at Carambolim Marsh during our four visits to the site.

Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata - around 20 were seen at Carambolim Marsh during our four visits to the site.

Northern Pintail Anas acuta - small numbers were seen at Carambolim Marsh during our four visits to the site. Also noted at both Communidade Lake and Lake Raital on February 1st.

Garganey Anas querquedula - up to 150 were noted at Carambolim Marsh during our four visits to the site. Also noted at both Communidade Lake and Lake Raital on February 1st.

Common Teal Anas crecca - around 20 were seen at Carambolim Marsh during our four visits to the site. Also noted at both Communidade Lake and Lake Raital on February 1st.

Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca - a drake was seen Lake Raital on February 1st.

Oriental Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus - singles were seen over Arpora on January 22nd, Arpora Woods on 23rd, Saligao Wood on 29th and Baga Hill on February 4th.

Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus - two were seen briefly in flight near Muddavaddi on January 29th.

Black Kite Milvus migrans - noted daily throughout the trip.

Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus - noted daily throughout the trip.

White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster - singles were seen over Arpora on January 22nd, Baga Hill on 26th and on the River Zuari boat trip on February 3rd while two (including one on a nest) were seen from Baga Hill on 4th.

Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela - two were seen at Arpora Wood on January 23rd and singles on Baga Hill on 26th, Arpora Wood on 29th and Cotigao on February 1st.

Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus - records comprised one near Lagoa on January 22nd, four (2 males & 2 females) at Siolom Marsh on 24th, two at Carambolim Lake on 27th, two at Santa Cruz Marshes on 28th, singles at Arpora and Carambolim Marsh on 30th, one near Curtorim Lake on February 1st, one along the River Zuari on February 3rd and two over Arpora on 4th.

Western Marsh Harrier at Siolim. Picture: Andy Warr

Shikra Accipiter badius - noted most days throughout the trip.

Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga - one was seen over the Assonora River near Shrigao and two at Siolim Marsh on January 24th.

Greater Spotted Eagle at Shrigao. Picture: Andy Warr

Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus - one was seen over Baga Fields on January 25th,

Crested Hawk Eagle Nisaetus cirrhatus - one was seen at Arpora Woods on January 23rd and two vocal birds were seen at Mayem Lake on 24th.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus - singles were seen at Arpora on 26th, Carambolim Lake on 27th, Carambolim Marsh and Arpora on 30th, Arpora and Beira Marsh on 31st and Lake Raital on February 1st while two were seen on the River Zuari river trip on 3rd.

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus - one was seen at Carambolim Marsh on January 30th and an adult was seen perched on the road bridge over the River Zuari on February 3rd.

Red Spurfowl Galloperdix spadicea - one of two birds was seen at close range on Baga Hill on January 26th and three were seen in flight at the same site on February 4th.

Grey Junglefowl Gallus sonneratii - a single male was seen at Netravali and six males were seen well at Cotigao on February 2nd.

Grey Junglefowl at Cotigao. Picture: Andy Warr

Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus - noted in small numbers at Arpora Woods, Carambolim, Shrigao, Lagoa and Saligao Wood.

Barred Buttonquail Turnix suscitator - several seen at the regular site in the dunes behind the beach shacks at Morjim on January 25th.

Slaty-breasted Rail Gallirallus striatus - a juvenile was seen at Carambolim Marsh on January 31st and a sub-adult along a creek off the River Zuari on February 3rd.

Water Rail - an adult was seen well at Carambolim Marsh on January 31st and again on February 3rd. Apparently the first confirmed record for Goa!

Western Water Rail at Carambolim Marsh. Picture: Andy Warr

White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus - noted in small numbers on most days throughout the trip.

Baillon’s Crake Porzana pusilla – up to three were seen well at Carambolim Marsh on January 31st and February 3rd.

Spotted Crake Porzana porzana - one was seen well at Carambolim Marsh on February 3rd.

Spotted Crake at Carambolim Marsh. Picture: Andy Warr

Ruddy-breasted Crake Porzana fusca - up to three were seen at Carambolim Marsh on January 30th, 31st and February 3rd.

Ruddy-breasted Crake at Carambolim Marsh. Picture: Andy Warr

Watercock Gallicrex cinerea - a female was noted at Carambolim Marsh on January 30th.

Grey-headed Swamphen Porphyrio poliocephalus - noted at Carambolim Lake, Carambolim Marsh, Santa Cruz Marsh.

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus - noted in very small numbers at Carambolim Lake and Shrigao.

Eurasian Coot Fulica atra - noted in very small numbers at Carambolim Lake and Maina Lake.

Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus - noted in small numbers at Carambolim Lake, Carambolim Marsh, Communidade Lake, Curtorim Lake and Siolim Marshes.

Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidius indicus - noted at Arpora, Carambolim Lake, Carambolim Marsh, Communidade Lake, Curtorim Lake, Santa Cruz Marshes and Siolim Marshes.

Greater Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis - a female was seen well at Carambolim Marsh at dusk on February 3rd.

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva - up to ten were noted on the pans at Arpora throughout our stay.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola - two were noted at Carambolim Marsh on January 30th and three along the Zuari River on February 3rd.

Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula - one was seen on the pool just south of Lagoa Azul Hotel on January 22nd.

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius - up to four were seen on a pool near the hotel in Arpora while one or two were seen at Carambolim Marsh and three were seen at Santa Cruz Marshes.

Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus - around 20 were seen at Morjim Beach on January 25th.

Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus - around 200 were seen at Morjim Beach on January 25th.

Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii - five were seen at Morjim Beach on January 25th.

Greater Sand Plover at Morjim. Picture: Brian Stretch

Yellow-wattled Lapwing Vanellus malarbaricus - five were seen at Dona Paula on January 28th.

Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus - noted daily throughout the trip.

White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus - a single bird was seen at Santa Cruz Marshes on January 28th. Presumably the same individual we saw in 2016.

White-tailed Plover at Santa Cruz Marshes. Picture: Andy Warr

Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura - several were seen in flight at Baga Fields on January 25th while singles flew over Carambolim Marsh and Arpora on 30th.

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago - noted at most of the wetland sites we visited.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa – a flock of at least 200 was noted at Carambolim Marsh.

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus - one was noted along the River Zuari on February 3rd.

Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata - fifteen flew over Morjim Beach on January 25th and three were noted along the River Zuari on February 3rd.

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus - two were seen at Carambolim Marsh

Common Redshank Tringa totanus - noted in small numbers at Arpora, Carambolim Marsh and along the River Zuari.

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia - noted in small numbers at Arpora, Carambolim Marsh and along the River Zuari.

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis - up to nine were noted on the pans at Arpora, Carambolim Marsh and two were seen at Santa Cruz Marshes.

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus – up to three were noted at Arpora and Carambolim Marsh and three were seen at Santa Cruz Marshes. Considerably scarcer than the next species.

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola - noted at Arpora (up to 25), Carambolim Marsh (up to 10) and Santa Cruz Marshes (up to 30).

Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus - at least three were noted along the River Zuari on February 3rd.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos - noted daily throughout the trip.

Sanderling Calidris alba - fifteen were noted on the beach at Morjim on January 25th. 

Little Stint Calidris minuta - around 50 were noted at Carambolim Marsh on January 27th, one was seen at Santa Cruz Marshes on January 28th, at least 75 were counted at Carambolim Marsh on 30th, 31st and February 3rd and two were seen on the salt pans at Arpora on February 4th.

Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii - two were seen at Carambolim Marsh on January 27th, 30th and 31st while three were noted there on February 3rd, Elsewhere, one was seen at Arpora and three at Santa Cruz Marshes all on 28th.

Dunlin Calidris alpina - ten were noted on the beach at Morjim on January 25th, 

Ruff Philomachus pugnax - up to four were seen at Carambolim Marsh while the only other one to be seen was at Santa Cruz Marshes on 28th.

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus- up to 15 were noted on the pans at Arpora, c20 at Carambolim Marsh, a few at Communidade Lake and c40 at Santa Cruz Marshes.

Small Pratincole Glareola lactea - two circled the beach at Morjim on January 25th before flying off along the River Chapora.

Heuglin’s Gull Larus heuglini – an adult was seen at Morjim on January 25th.

Brown-headed Gull Larus brunnicephalus - six were noted at Morjim Beach, with 70+ seen flying upriver there on January 25th.

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus - six noted at Morjim Beach, with 100+ seen flying upriver there on January 25th.

Slender-billed Gull Larus genei – Huge numbers, estimated to be around 3000+ were seen flying upriver from the beach at Morjim on January 25th.

Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica - four were noted at Morjim on January 25th and one at Carambolim Lake on 27th, then two there on 31st and 11 along the River Zuari on February 3rd.

Greater Crested Tern Sterna bergii - three were seen near the bridges on the River Zuari on February 3rd.

Greater Crested Tern on the River Zuary. Picture: Andy Warr

River Tern Sterna aurantia - on February 1st, five were noted at Communidade Lake and two at Lake Raital.

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus - singles were seen at Carambolim Lake on January 27th, Carambolim Marsh on 30th and Communidade Lake on February 1st.

Rock Pigeon Columba livia - noted most days in variable numbers.

Nilgiri Wood Pigeon Columba elphinstonii - two were seen well at Netravali on February 2nd.

Nilgiri Wood Pigeon at Netravali. Filmed by Brian Stretch

Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis - noted most days in small numbers.

Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica - several were seen at Bondla on 1st, mostly in flight although one was seen well perched briefly.

Orange-breasted Green Pigeon Treron bicincta - five were noted at Mayem Lake on January 24th, two were seen in Arpora Woods on 29th and a male showed well along the River Zuari on February 3rd.

Grey-fronted Green Pigeon Treron affinis - seen in small numbers (up to six) at Cotigao on February 1st and 2nd.

Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea - one was seen at Cotigao on February 1st while four flew over Netravali on February 2nd and two more were seen at Cotigao the same day.

Vernal Hanging Parrot Loriculus vernalis - one flew over Dona Paula on January 28th, two were seen at Bondla on February 1st and two were also seen at Cotigao later the same the day.

Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria - noted most days throughout the trip.

Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri - noted daily throughout the trip.

Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala – three were seen at Mayem Lake on January 24th, singles at Carambolim Wood on 27th, Arpora village wood on 30th, Bondla on February 1st, 10 at Cotigao on 2nd and two on Baga Hill on 4th.

Southern Coucal Centropus parroti - one or two were noted on a regular basis around Arpora.

Blue-faced Malkoha Phaenicophaeus viridirostris - two were seen well at Bondla on February 1st.

Blue-faced Malkoha at Bondla. Filmed by Brian Stretch

Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea - noted daily throughout the trip.

Common Hawk Cuckoo Hierococcyx varius - one was seen at Carambolim Marsh on February 3rd.

Oriental Scops Owl Ketupa zeylonensis - a rufous morph bird at Cotigao was heard calling and then seen well during the evening of February 1st.

Oriental Scops Owl at Cotigao. Filmed by Brian Stretch

Indian Scops Owl Otus bakkamoena - one was seen roosting at the Marinha Dourada Hotel on February 3rd.

Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum - two were discovered roosting in a small patch of woodland in Arpora on January 28th with at least one was noted there over the following days while another was located at Bondla on February 1st.

Jungle Owlet at Arpora. Picture: Brian Stretch

Spotted Owlet Athene brama - four were seen at Carambolim Wood on January 27th.

Brown Hawk Owl Ninox scutulata - two were seen at Carambolim Wood on January 27th.

Indian Jungle Nightjar Caprimulgus indicus - a roosting bird was noted at Mayem Lake on January 24th.

Jerdon’s Nightjar Caprimulgus atripennis - single calling birds were noted just before first light at Bondla on February 1st (and seen briefly in flight) and on Baga Hill on February 4th.

Indian Swiftlet Collocalia unicolor - two were seen at Bondla on February 1st.

White-rumped Spinetail Zoonavena sylvatica - two were seen at Netravali on February 2nd.

Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis - several were often seen over the pool just south of Lagoa Azul Hotel throughout our stay and two at Dona Paula on January 28th.

Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus - one flew east over Baga Hill on January 26th.

Little Swift Apus affinis - noted in very small numbers throughout the trip.

Crested Treeswift Hemiprocne coronata - small numbers were seen at Mayem Lake on January 24th and at both Bondla and Cotigao on February 1st.

Malabar Trogon Harpactes fasciatus - a male was seen Netravali and a pair at Cotigao on February 2nd.

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis - noted daily throughout the trip.

Stork-billed Kingfisher Halcyon capensis - singles were seen at Carambolim Lake on January 27th and on the River Zuari boat trip on February 3rd.

White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis - noted daily throughout the trip.

Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pileata - two were seen on the River Zuari boat trip on February 3rd.

Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris - three or four were seen on River Zuari boat trip on February 3rd.

Collared Kingfisher on the River Zuari. Picture: Andy Warr

Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis - two were noted at Carambolim Lake on January 27th, three were noted at Carambolim Marsh on 30th and singles at Maina Lake and Lake Raital on February 1st.

Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis - noted daily throughout the trip.

Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus - noted daily throughout the trip.

Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti - one was seen in Arpora Woods briefly on January 29th.

Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis - noted daily throughout the trip.

Common Hoopoe Upupa epops – one was seen in a field south of Lagoa Azul Hotel on January 26th, at least three were seen at Dona Paula on January 28th and one was seen at Bondla briefly on February 1st.

Malabar Grey Hornbill Ocyceros griseus - one was seen at Bondla on February 1st while two were seen at Cotigao and one at Netravali on February 2nd.

Malabar Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros coronatus – two were at Arpora Wood on January 29th and two at Bondla on February 1st.

Brown-headed Barbet Psilopogon zeylanicus - four were seen at Bondla on February 1st.

White-cheeked Barbet Psilopogon viridis – noted in most woodland habitats that we visited.

Malabar Barbet Psilopogon malabaricus - one was seen at Netravali on February 2nd.

Coppersmith Barbet Psilopogon haemacephalus – noted in most woodland habitats that we visited.

Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla - singles were seen at Baga Fields on January 25th and Bondla on 1st.

Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopus nanus - one was seen at Cotigao on 2nd.

Rufous Woodpecker Micropternus brachyurus - one showed well at Bondla on 1st.

Black-rumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense - noted most days in suitable habitat.

Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes lucidus - two were seen at Bondla on 1st.

Heart-spotted Woodpecker Hemicircus canente - two were seen at Cotigao on 1st.

Indian Pitta Pitta brachyura – one at the top of the track on the east side of Baga Hill on January 26th, then two birds were seen there early morning on February 4th.

Malabar Lark Galerida malabarica – five were seen in a field near Lagoa on January 22nd, then up to seven there on January 26th and two at Baga Fields on 25th.

Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula - up to four were seen at Dona Paula on January 28th.

Oriental Skylark at Dona Paula. Picture: Andy Warr

Grey-throated Martin Riparia chinesis - five were seen at Carambolim Marsh on January 31st and two on February 3rd.

Dusky Crag Martin Hirundo concolor - five were seen together at Bondla on February 1st.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica - noted daily throughout the trip.

Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii - noted most days in small numbers throughout the trip.

Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica - noted daily throughout the trip.

Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus - one was noted at Bondla on February 1st.

White-browed Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis – two were noted by our hotel in Arpora on 22nd, two were seen at Shrigao on 24th, two at Communidade Lake on February 1st and two were noted at Cotigao on 2nd.

Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola – ten to fifteen were noted at Carambolim Marsh.

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava - two or three were noted at Carambolim Marsh and one at Dona Paula.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea - one was noted at Carambolim Lake on January 27th

Richard’s Pipit Anthus richardi – one was seen in a field near Lagoa on January 26th.

Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus - noted at Baga Fields, Baga Hill, Dona Paula, Lagoa, Morjim Beach.

Paddyfield Pipit. Picture: Andy Warr

Tawny Pipit Anthus - seven were seen at Dona Paula on January 28th.

Tawny Pipit at Dona Paula. Picture: Andy Warr

Blyth’s Pipit Anthus godlewskii - one was seen at Dona Paula on January 28th.

Blyth's Pipit at Dona Paula. Picture: Andy Warr

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis - up to eight were seen at Baga Fields on January 25th.

Black-headed Cuckooshrike Coracina melanoptera – up to three were seen at Arpora Woods on January 23rd and six there on 29th while one was also seen at Mayem Lake on 24th.

Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus – at least ten were seen at Arpora Woods on January 23rd, a pair on Baga Hill on 26th, eight at Arpora Woods on 29th, a female at Cotigao on February 2nd and three on Baga Hill on 4th.

Small Minivet. Picture: Andy Warr

Orange Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus – one was seen briefly at Bondla on February 1st, while two were seen at Netravali and one at Cotigao on 2nd.

Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus - one was seen briefly at Mayem Lake on January 24th and one at Arpora Wood on 29th.

Malabar Woodshrike Tephrodornis sylvicola - two were seen at Cotigao on February 2nd.

Common Woodshrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus – three were noted at Arpora Woods on January 23rd and five there on 29th.

Asian Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi – noted in one’s and two’s at every woodland habitat we visited.

Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea – one or two were noted at Arpora Village Wood, Arpora Woods and at least a dozen at Mayem Lake.

White-spotted Fantail Rhipidura albogularis – two were seen in Arpora Woods on January 23rd and three there on 29th, two on Baga Hill on 26th and one near our hotel in Arpora on 30th.

Grey-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus priocephalus - noted in small numbers at Arpora Woods on January 23rd, 29th and February 4th, two at Mayem Lake on 24th, one at Carambolim Marsh on 30th while many were seen and heard at Netravali on February 2nd.

Grey-headed Bulbul. Picture: Andy Warr

Flame-throated Bulbul Pycnonotus gularis - two were seen at Bondla on February 1st.

Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus - noted daily throughout the trip.

Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer - noted in small numbers at Arpora Woods, Baga Fields, Baga Hill, Bondla, Carambolim Marsh and Dona Paula.

White-browed Bulbul Pycnonotus luteolus - up to three were noted at Arpora Woods, Baga Hill, Bondla, Carambolim Marsh, Mayem Lake and Morjim.

Yellow-browed Bulbul Iole indica - one or two were seen at Netravali on February 2nd.

Square-tailed Bulbul Hypsipetes ganeesa - two were seen at Netravali on February 2nd.

Square-tailed Bulbul at Netravali. Picture: Andy Warr

Common Iora Aegithina tiphia – up to six were noted at Arpora Woods, two on Baga Hill, one at Baga Fields and three at Mayem Lake.

Golden-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons – at least two were noted at Arpora Woods, one at Mayem Lake and three at Bondla.

Jerdon's Leafbird Chloropsis jerdoni – two were seen at Arpora Woods on 23rd, with one also noted there on 29th while another was seen at Bondla on February 1st and three on Baga Hill on 4th.

Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus - singles noted at various locations in the Arpora area throughout our visit.

Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach - noted daily throughout the trip.

Orange-headed Thrush Zoothera citrina - up to two were seen in a small patch of woodland in Arpora on January 30th, February 3rd and 4th. Singles were also seen at Mayem Lake on January 24th and Arpora Woods and Saligao Wood, both on 29th.

Nilgiri Blackbird Turdus simillimus – a male was seen briefly at Mayem Lake on January 24th while a male and female were seen at Bondla on February 1st.

Malabar Whistling Thrush Myophonus horsfieldii – three were noted at Mayem Lake on January 24th, while singles were at Saligao Wood on 29th and Arpora Village Wood on 30th.

Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica - one was seen at Arpora village wood on January 23rd and singles seen around gardens on the south-east side of Baga Hill on 26th and February 4th.

Brown-breasted Flycatcher Muscicapa muttui – singles were seen at Bondla on February 1st and Netravali the following day.

Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva – one was noted in a field south of Lagoa Azul Hotel on January 30th.

Taiga Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla – one at Lagoa Azul Hotel on January 24th, one in fields south of Lagoa Azul Hotel on 28th, 30th and 31st and two at Arpora Village Wood on February 4th.

Red-breasted Flycatcher (left) and Taiga Flycatcher. Pictures: Andy Warr 

Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassina - one was seen at Bondla on February 1st.

White-bellied Blue Flycatcher Cyornis pallipes - a female was seen at Netravali on February 2nd.

Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae – noted at Arpora Village Wood, Arpora Woods, Baga Hill and Bondla.

Bluethroat Luscinia svecica - a male and female were seen at Carambolim Marsh on January 30th, a male on 31st and two males there on February 4th.

Indian Blue Robin Luscinia brunnea - a male showed well briefly at Netravali on February 2nd.

Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis - noted daily throughout the trip.

Oriental Magpie Robin. Picture: Andy Warr

White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus - one was seen well at Bondla on February 1st.

White-rumped Shama at Bondla. Picture: Brian Stretch

Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicata – noted in small numbers at Arpora Woods, Baga Hill, Bondla, Dona Paula and Saligao Wood.

Siberian Stonechat Saxicola torquata - noted daily throughout the trip.

Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata – one or two were noted at Baga Fields and five in fields near Lagoa on January 26th.

Puff-throated Babbler Pellorneum ruficeps - noted in small numbers at Arpora Woods, Baga Hill and Mayem Lake.

Indian Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus horsfieldii - one was heard calling at Arpora Woods on 23rd, two were also heard at Mayem Lake on January 24th and three were noted at Netravali on February 2nd including two which were seen well.

Indian Scimitar Babbler at Netravali. Picture: Andy Warr

Dark-fronted Babbler Rhopocichla atriceps - four were seen along the approach road at Bondla on February 1st and three were also seen at Netravali on 2nd.

Jungle Babbler Turdoides striatus - eight were seen at Bondla on February 1st.

Brown-cheeked Fulvetta Alcippe poioicephala - more often heard than seen although six were seen at Mayem Lake on January 24th while four were seen along the approach road at Bondla on February 1st. Also heard at Arpora Woods and Baga Hill.

Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis - one or two noted at Arpora saltpans, Carambolim, and in a field near Lagoa and at Shrigao.

Grey-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsonii – one in fields south of Lagoa Azul Hotel on January 22nd and noted in small numbers during each of our visits to Arpora Woods and Baga Hill.

Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis - noted most days throughout the trip.

Plain Prinia Prinia inornata - noted most days throughout the trip.

Jungle Prinia Prinia sylvatica - one seen well at Carambolim Marsh on January 31st was an unexpected find and apparently a rare bird in Goa.

Jungle Prinia at Carambolim Marsh. Picture: Andy Warr

Jungle Prinia at Carambolim Marsh. Filmed by Brian Stretch

Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius - noted most days throughout the trip.

Common Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia - one was seen at Carambolim Marsh on January 31st.

Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler Locustella certhiola – an elusive bird was seen several times at Carambolim Marsh on February 3rd.

Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola - three were seen at Carambolim Marsh on January 30th and two there on February 3rd.

Blyth’s Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum - noted daily throughout the trip.

Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus - one was seen briefly at Carambolim Marsh on January 31st.

Sykes’s Warbler Hippolais rama - two or three were seen regularly in vegetation by the pool just south of Lagoa Azul Hotel throughout our stay.

Greenish/Green Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides/nitidus - noted daily throughout the trip.

Western Crowned Warbler Phylloscopus occipitalis - one was seen at Netravali on February 2nd.

Hume's Whitethroat Sylvia althaea - one was seen regularly in vegetation by the pool just south of Lagoa Azul Hotel throughout our stay.

Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca – one was seen along Baga canal on January 22nd.

Indian Yellow Tit Machlolophus aplonotus - up to two were noted at Arpora Village Wood on January 30th, February 3rd and 4th.

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis – one at Cotigao on February 2nd.

Thick-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum agile – two were seen on Baga Hill on January 26th and one at Arpora Woods on January 29th.

Pale-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum erythrorhynchos - a pair were noted feeding young in the grounds of the Lagoa Azul Hotel and one near Marinha Dourada saltpans on January 22nd, while two were on Baga Hill on January 26th with one also noted there on February 1st and two on 4th.

Nilgiri Flowerpecker Dicaeum concolor - noted daily throughout the trip.

Purple-rumped Sunbird Leptocoma zeylonica - noted daily throughout the trip.

Crimson-backed Sunbird Leptocoma minima - two were seen at Arpora Woods on January 23rd with three noted there on 29th, while two were seen at Bondla on February 1st and one at Netravali on 2nd.

Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiatica - noted daily throughout the trip.

Loten’s Sunbird Cinnyris lotenius - one was seen at Arpora Woods on January 23rd and four were seen on Baga Hill on 26th.

Vigor's Sunbird Aethopyga vigorsii single males were seen around gardens on the south-east side of Baga Hill on January 26th and February 4th.

Vigor's Sunbird at Baga Hill. Picture: Andy Warr

Red Avadavat Amandava amandava - single males were seen at Shrigao on January 24th and Carambolim Marsh on 27th.

White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata - five were noted near the hotel on January 22nd, five were noted at Baga Fields on 25th, eight on Baga Hill on 26th, seven at Carambolim Marsh on 27th and eleven were noted near the hotel on February 4th.

Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata - four were seen at Arpora village wood on January 26th, five in fields near Lagoa on 26th, 30 at Dona Paula on 28th, 20 were seen from the Beir Mar Hotel on January 31st and six at Bondla on February 1st.

Tri-coloured Munia Lonchura malacca - eight were seen at Carambolim Marsh on January 30th and 15 there on 31st.

House Sparrow Passer domesticus - six were seen at the regular site by the bridge just west of the Marinha Dourada Hotel on January 22nd, six were noted at Morjm on 25th and a female was seen at Carambolim Marsh on 27th.

Chestnut-shouldered Petronia Petronia xanthocollis - c30 were seen at Cotigao on February 2nd.

Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus - the most frequently encountered Weaver, noted at Carambolim Marsh and along the River Zuari while the largest flock was seen from the Beir Mar Hotel where c100 were counted on January 31st.

Streaked Weaver Ploceus manyar - up to 45 were seen at Carambolim Marsh on January 30th, 31st, then increased to 70 on February 3rd. Two were also seen with Bay Weavers from the Beir Mar Hotel on January 31st.

Streaked Weaver at Carambolim. Picture: Andy Warr

Chestnut-tailed Starling Sturnus malabaricus - noted in small numbers throughout the trip but not on a daily basis.

Malabar Starling Sturnus blythii - three were seen at Bondla on February 1st and one at Netravali on February 2nd.

Malabar Starling at Bondla. Picture: Andy Warr

Brahminy Starling Sturnus pagodarum - two were seen at Morjim on January 25th while one was noted at Bondla on February 1st.

Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus - noted daily throughout the trip.

Common Myna Acridotheres tristis – despite the name, this is a relatively scarce species in Goa and we noted a just single bird near the hotel on January 25th and February 4th, two at Beira Mar on January 31st and one on Baga Hill, plus another 6 around gardens on the south-east side of Baga Hill on February 4th.

Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus - noted daily throughout the trip.

Indian Golden Oriole Oriolus kundoo - noted daily throughout the trip.

Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus – one at Arpora Wood on January 23rd, two at Mayem Lake on 24th, two were seen in flight at Saligao Wood on 29th and at least four were seen at Bondla on February 1st.

Asian Fairy Bluebird Irena puella – one was seen at Cotigao on February 1st and ten at Netravali the following day.

Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus - noted most days when we birded in open country.

Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus - noted daily throughout the trip.

White-bellied Drongo Dicrurus caerulescens - four were seen at Arpora Woods on January 29th and at least three were seen at Saligao Wood later the same day.

Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus - three were seen at Mayem Lake on January 24th, three were seen at Saligao Wood on 29th and one at Netravali on February 2nd.

Spangled Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus - singles were seen at Bondla and Cotigao on February 1st and at Netravali on 2nd.

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus - two were seen at Mayem Lake on January 24th, two were seen at Bondla on February 1st, one was seen at Cotigao on 1st and four there on 2nd and one at Netravali, also on 2nd. 

Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus - up to five birds were seen at Carambolim Marsh on February 3rd.

Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda - encountered regularly around Arpora village with at least four noted together on January 31st. Also seen at Arpora Woods, Bondla, Carambolim.

House Crow Corvus splendens - extremely common and noted daily throughout the trip.

Jungle Crow Corvus macrorhynchos - noted most days in small numbers throughout the trip.

Heard only:

Sri Lanka Frogmouth Batrachostomus moniliger - one was heard calling at Cotigao during the evening of February 1st and early morning of 2nd.

Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus - one was heard at Cotigao during the evening of February 1st.

Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra - at least two were heard at Mayem Lake on January 24th and another heard calling at Cotigao on February 1st.

Brian Stretch and Andy Warr

The Oriental Bird Club is a UK registered charity for birders and ornithologists around the world who are interested in birds of the Oriental region and their conservation.