5 stunning birds that visit India every summer

India is home to a diverse range of birds found across the country. While some soar high in the sky, others dot the waterbodies.

Wetlands and woodlands fill with excitement each year as birds fly in from distant lands during the summer. These feathered travelers chase better weather, plenty of food, and safe spots to nest and raise their young. From Africa's swamps to Europe's forests, they cross oceans and mountains, landing in places like Gujarat, Haryana, and Bengal.

Spotting one of these feels magical and is a sign to witness nature's amazing cycles. Their trips remind us of how connected our world is, but also of how climate change and habitat loss put these journeys at risk.Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. While it draws on publicly available sources, including references to records and observations about summer birds in India and their sightings, some details may vary depending on ongoing research and regional studies.


Here are some birds that can be spotted during the summer in IndiaPhoto via Canva

The comb duck, also called 'Nakta' in India, comes from Africa and visits places like Haryana to breed. Males develop a unique, leaf-like knob on their bill during mating. They weigh 1 to 2.9 kg, have shiny blue-green backs and white bellies, and love quiet marshes.

Comb ducks fly from South Asia and Africa to northern India, pulled by monsoon waters. They show up in April-May to nest in trees or on the ground, laying 6-20 eggs. Haryana's wet areas are perfect for them. They eat seeds, grass, frogs, and small fish there.

The blue-cheeked bee-eater is a small, speedy bird with jewel colours. It has a blue cheek patch, an orange throat, and a curved bill. They breed in North Africa, Europe, and West Asia, and then visit northwest India in summer. They catch bugs like dragonflies, bees, and wasps in the air. They can clearly be heard 'prruuping' loudly, calling over the open.

These birds migrate from Europe and Africa to India for warm summers. They pass through northwest India on the way south and sometimes in places like Tamil Nadu.

The Eurasian golden oriole flies in from Europe and Africa for Indian summers, unlike its local cousin. It's bright yellow with black wings, and is a real beauty to spot in trees. Its fluty 'me-ow' call sticks in your mind. They eat fruits and bugs, building hanging nests high up. They can be spotted in central India along their routes.

The Asian koel lives across South Asia but moves around with the seasons. Its sweet 'koel' song starts our summers, males are shiny black, while females are brown with spots. They trick crows by laying eggs in their nests. They follow food like fruits during monsoons and is Pondicherry's state bird.

The black-crowned night heron lives worldwide and visits Bengal's waters. It's stocky, with a black cap, yellow legs, and red eyes. Called 'night raven,' it hunts fish, snakes, and bugs at dusk. It breeds across Asia and comes to India in the summer.


This heron breeds in many places and winters in the tropics; some Indian ones move north-south, as they favor Bengal's marshes and mangroves.