Mangaluru: The 12th Karnataka Bird Festival will be held at Pilikula from January 9 to 11, bringing together bird lovers, conservationists, researchers, students, and nature enthusiasts from across the state and the country. Organised by the Karnataka Ecotourism Development Board in association with the Karnataka Forest Department, the festival aims to deepen public awareness of avian diversity, encourage responsible birdwatching, and reduce pressure on tiger-centric tourism by spotlighting Karnataka’s rich birdlife.
Karnataka is among India’s most bird-rich states, home to over 500 species of birds, supported by a remarkable diversity of habitats ranging from forests and wetlands to coastlines and grasslands. Over the past 12 years, the Karnataka Bird Festival has emerged as a flagship conservation outreach initiative, fostering appreciation for birds while highlighting the need to protect their habitats.
A decade-long journey across Karnataka
Since its inception in 2014, the Karnataka Bird Festival has been hosted at ecologically diverse locations across the state. The inaugural edition was held at Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, followed by festivals at Kali Tiger Reserve, Daroji Bear Sanctuary, Pilikula Nisargadhama, Halladakeri Tree Park, Nandi Hills, BRT Tiger Reserve, Madikeri, Kollur, Bagalkot, and Bhadra Tiger Reserve.
Each edition has showcased the unique birdlife of its host landscape, helping participants understand how different ecosystems support distinct avian communities. The return of the festival to Pilikula underlines the ecological importance of coastal and near-coastal habitats in sustaining both resident and migratory birds.
Festival highlights and activities
The Karnataka Bird Festival has consistently attracted a wide cross-section of participants, including amateur birders, seasoned ornithologists, conservation practitioners, photographers, and students. During the three-day event at Pilikula, registered participants will take part in a range of curated activities, including guided birdwatching walks across varied habitats and expert talks and panel discussions led by renowned ornithologists and conservationists.
These interactions are designed not only to enhance identification skills and ecological understanding but also to spark dialogue on current conservation challenges, citizen science, and sustainable nature-based tourism.
Birdwatching, as a low-impact nature activity, has gained global recognition for its role in conservation education, as outlined in broader discussions on Birdwatching and citizen engagement with biodiversity.
Focus on student engagement in 2026
A special emphasis of the 2026 edition is student engagement. More than 160 college students from multiple institutions in Mangaluru will participate as a dedicated cohort. These students will be introduced to the fundamentals of birdwatching and learn about the ecological importance of birds, their role as indicators of ecosystem health, and the urgent need to conserve habitats.
Organisers believe that early exposure to field-based learning can inspire young people to pursue careers in conservation, ecology, and environmental policy. By nurturing curiosity and stewardship among students, the festival aims to help build the next generation of conservation leaders.
White-bellied Sea Eagle chosen as mascot
The White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) has been selected as the mascot for the 12th Karnataka Bird Festival. This majestic raptor, often seen soaring along coastlines and large water bodies, is a powerful symbol of healthy coastal and wetland ecosystems. As a top predator, it plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and serves as an important indicator of environmental health.
The choice of this species draws attention to the growing pressures faced by coastal, riverine, and wetland habitats due to urbanisation, pollution, and unregulated development. Protecting these ecosystems is essential not only for birds but also for fisheries, livelihoods, and climate resilience.
Why Mangaluru and Pilikula matter
Mangaluru’s geographical setting makes it uniquely suited for hosting a bird festival of this scale. The region features a mosaic of habitats, including a long coastline, rivers, estuaries, mangroves, wetlands, lateritic plateaus, and forest patches. This diversity supports a rich assemblage of resident and migratory birds, ranging from seabirds and shorebirds to raptors, waterbirds, and forest species.
The area also lies along the western migratory flyway, serving as an important stopover and wintering ground for several migratory species. Pilikula, with its protected green spaces and proximity to varied habitats, offers an ideal setting for both birdwatching and conservation education.
Strengthening conservation and sustainable ecotourism
Through guided trails, expert interactions, and focused student participation, the Karnataka Bird Festival 2026 seeks to strengthen public engagement with nature and reinforce Karnataka’s commitment to sustainable ecotourism. By broadening the conservation narrative beyond charismatic megafauna, the festival highlights the importance of protecting entire ecosystems and the myriad species they support.
For updates and coverage of nature and conservation initiatives, readers can explore related stories on Newskarnataka.com and follow environmental reporting from coastal Karnataka on Newskarnataka.com.