Indian Pitta

Central-South : The central south India has several bird species in store for us in a region shared by three States - Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It is hilly region comprising dry deciduous forest prominently dotted with ever green corridors. It is contiguous with the Western Ghats. We can do : Bangalore, Mysore, Nagarhole, Coonoor, and Indira Gandhi National Park (formerly Anaimalai,  the best spot being Top Slip). The prominent species can number nearly two hundred.

Nagarhole Park : It is close by Ooty. The significant species are : Rufous Babbler, Blue-capped Rock Thrush, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Blue-winged Parakeet, Indian Swiftlet, Black-headed Cuckoo Shrike, White-bellied Woodpecker, Red-headed Vulture, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, White-cheeked Barbet, Jungle Owlet, Plum-headed Parakeet, Tickell's Flowerpecker, Thick-billed warbler etc.

At Coonoor, we can include Nilgiri Woodpigeon, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, Indian Hill Swallow, Blue-capper Rock Thrush, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Western-crowned Babbler, Nilgiri Verditer, White-cheeked Barbet, Indian Scimitar-babbler, Spotted Babbler, Dusky Craig Martin etc.

Top Slip : The Indira Gandhi Park (Top Slip) is an excellent area, the principal habitat is partially logged deciduous forest and teak plantations. The ever green shola is the most valuable habitat bearing vast grass cover. Birds here include: White-bellied Treepie, Malabar Tragon, Indian Pitta, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Crimson-fronted Barbet, Small Sunbird, Ceylon Frogmouth, Black-throated Munia, Jerdon's Nightjar, Wynad Laughing Thrush, Rufous-winged Cuckoo, White-rumped Needletail, Rufous Babbler, Red Spurfowl, Grey Junglefowl, Black-headed Babbler, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Black-crested Bulbul, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, Blue-faced Malcoha, Tickell's Warbler, Large-billed Warbler, Green Warbler, Blue-winged Parakeet, Orange-headed Ground Thrush, Black Bird, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Blue-throated Flycatcher, Purple-rumped Sunbird, Yellow-browed Bulbul etc.

We thus cover Karnataka and northern fringe of Tamil Nadu and enjoy staying in nice resorts located amidst dense jungle. Several wild mammals are to be encountered here, Elephant is outstanding. A week will be good for birding here. This forest (Top slip region) is being considered for being declared as the Project Tiger.