Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Overview - Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a cluster of 300 or so islands located in the Bay of Bengal. It lies in the South-East direction relative to India, to the West of Myanmar.
Though the archipelago has numerous islands, around 90% are uninhabited, and tropical rainforests cover the majority of these areas in addition to the long coastlines – literally a paradise for wildlife.
It is definitely one the most interesting places for birders around the world as it is home to 27 endemic bird species and subspecies along with 250 or so of the remaining species here, providing ample opportunities for an excellent birding itinerary.
The forest type is as follows :
• Evergreen Forest
• Tropical Evergreen Forest
• Andamans Moist Deciduous Forests
• Littoral Forests
• Mangrove Forest
At present, access is only permitted at a few places on the Islands, most of it is the Andamans. Hence, it may be agreed that there are species waiting to be discovered or recorded here still.
Best Time to Visit Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The Winters from October – March end is the best time to be here. Opportunities for winter migrants and pelagic birding also increase during the winters.
Summers are also pleasant here, though days may be hot and humid.
The monsoon from June – September on the islands is awash with rain with restricted flight operations and storm warnings.
Highlight Species - Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Andaman Wood Pigeon
- Andaman Crake
- Nicobar Drongo
- White-headed Starling
- Andaman Treepie
- Andaman Coucal
- Andaman Flowerpecker
- Narcondam Hornbill
- Nicobar Scrubfowl
- Andaman Woodpecker
- Andaman Hawk Owl
- Andaman Scops Owl
- Great Nicobar Serpent Eagle
- Andaman Shama
- Edible Nest Swiftlet
- Sunda Teal
- Andaman Green Pigeon
- Nicobar Sparrowhawk
- Hume’s Hawk Owl
- Andaman Masked Owl
- Nicobar Parakeet
Types of Safaris - Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Walking Safaris :All birding here is done along walking trails. Vehicles can be taken in between destinations or to traverse between birding hotspots. Most productive birding here is done on walking trails or waiting at strategic points.
How to reach Andaman & Nicobar Islands
By Air : Daily flights to Port Blair from New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata & Chennai.
