Bali’s Birdlife at a Glance

Bali might be a small island, but its birdlife is surprisingly diverse — with over 300 recorded bird species calling it home at different times of the year. While Bali isn’t considered a birdwatching hotspot like parts of Borneo or Papua, it offers a fascinating mix of forest birds, coastal birds, wetland species, and even highland specialists — all within a relatively compact area.

You’ll find birds almost everywhere:

• In villages and temple gardens — sparrows, swallows, and mynas perch on rooftops and sing from power lines.
• In rice paddies — herons, egrets, and kingfishers stalk the shallow waters, especially around Ubud, Tabanan, and Sidemen.
• In the mountains — areas like Bedugul, Batukaru, and Kintamani host rarer species like barbets, drongos, and sunbirds.
• In mangroves and wetlands — along the south and west coasts, you’ll see sandpipers, plovers, and migratory waterbirds depending on the season.

Unlike more remote parts of Indonesia, Bali’s birds live in close proximity to humans. You don’t need to trek deep into the jungle to see them — many species have adapted to village life, temple complexes, and even hotel gardens. This accessibility makes Bali a wonderful place to casually observe birds, even if you’re not a birdwatcher.

Still, some birds have disappeared from plain sight. Habitat loss, poaching, and the illegal bird trade have put pressure on many native species — including Bali’s national bird, the critically endangered Bali Starling.

What you’ll hear in the early mornings and before dusk — from the fluting call of a bulbul to the loud chatter of a Javan myna — is more than background noise. It’s the living soundscape of Bali. And it’s worth tuning into.

Why Birds Matter in Bali

Birds in Bali are more than just background noise — they’re deeply woven into the island’s ecosystem, spiritual symbolism, and cultural traditions. From the temples to the treetops, they play important roles both seen and unseen.

1. Nature’s Gardeners & Pest Patrol

Many birds in Bali help maintain balance in the natural environment:

• Seed dispersers – Sunbirds, barbets, and bulbuls help forests regenerate by spreading seeds after feeding on fruit and nectar.
• Insect controllers – Swallows, bee-eaters, and drongos eat mosquitos and other flying insects — a natural form of pest control in rice fields and gardens.
• Wetland health – Herons, stilts, and egrets act as indicators of wetland and paddy field health, especially in agricultural areas.

2. Spiritual & Symbolic Presence

In Balinese Hinduism, birds are considered part of the visible and invisible natural order. Certain birds are believed to carry messages from the spirit world, and many are associated with the gods:

• White birds are linked with purity and the direction of the east, often seen in religious rituals.
• Offerings (canang sari) sometimes include feathers or rice grains to honor birds as part of the life cycle.
• Ceremonial umbrellas and carvings often depict stylized birds symbolizing protection, vision, and freedom.

3. Cultural Traditions & Challenges

Keeping birds in cages has long been part of Balinese and Javanese tradition — admired for their songs and plumage. However, the growing demand for exotic and rare birds has fueled illegal wildlife trade and poaching, putting enormous pressure on native species.

Bird markets still exist in Bali (like Satria Bird Market in Denpasar), but their existence is controversial — many birds are taken from the wild or kept in poor conditions. Conservationists warn that if this continues unchecked, Bali could lose some of its most iconic species forever.

So when you hear birds in the trees or see them in the rice fields, you’re witnessing a fragile thread in Bali’s living web. One that needs protecting — not just admired in a cage.

Bali’s Top 5 Iconic Birds

With over 300 recorded bird species, Bali is a paradise for birdwatchers — but a handful of birds stand out for their rarity, beauty, and cultural meaning. Here are five of the most iconic species on the island.

Where to See Birds in Bali

From misty mountain forests to lowland rice paddies, Bali offers plenty of opportunities to see birds in their natural habitats — no cages, no tricks, just nature as it is. If you’re a bird enthusiast or simply curious, here are some of the best places to experience Bali’s feathered residents and visitors.

West Bali National Park (Taman Nasional Bali Barat)

This is the last natural habitat of the critically endangered Bali Starling. Covering over 190 km² of protected forest, savanna, and mangrove, it’s Bali’s most important bird conservation area. Local rangers and tour operators can guide you through ethical birdwatching walks.

Bedugul Botanic Garden (Kebun Raya Bali)

Located in the cool highlands of central Bali, this expansive garden is home to a range of highland bird species. The quiet walking trails and diverse flora make it one of the most accessible and relaxing birding spots on the island.

Ubud Rice Fields & River Valleys

You don’t need to go far from the center of Ubud to encounter interesting birds — from kingfishers perched over streams to Java Sparrows flitting between rice stalks. Early mornings or late afternoons are best for activity and soft light.

Bali Bird Walks (with Su)

If you’re in Ubud and want a gentle introduction to Bali’s birds, Bali Bird Walks has been guiding nature lovers since the 1990s. Su, the founder, is a passionate bird lover with deep knowledge of local species and ecosystems.

Lake Tamblingan & Munduk Highlands

In the north-central highlands, the forests surrounding Lake Tamblingan and the hills of Munduk are less visited, cooler, and great for spotting forest and highland birds like barbets, drongos, and sometimes hornbills.

Rice Terraces in Sidemen & Tabanan

Rice fields are surprisingly rich ecosystems. Look for egrets, herons, bee-eaters, and kingfishers — especially near irrigation canals and early in the day. Bring binoculars and walk quietly.

Important Note: We do not recommend bird parks or “photo ops” with birds in captivity. These often involve caged or restrained animals, which goes against both conservation ethics and animal welfare.

Threats to Bali’s Birdlife & Why It Matters

While Bali may seem like a lush paradise, its bird populations — especially native and endemic species — face serious challenges. These threats are not always visible to tourists, but their impact is significant and ongoing.

1. Illegal Wildlife Trade

Indonesia has one of the highest rates of illegal bird trade in the world. Many wild-caught birds are sold in markets or kept in cages as status symbols. Species like the Bali Starling have been pushed to the brink of extinction by poaching and trafficking.

2. Habitat Loss

Urban expansion, deforestation, and agricultural development continue to shrink Bali’s natural habitats. Wetlands, forests, and mangroves — all critical to bird populations — are being converted into housing, hotels, or farmland. This reduces nesting grounds, feeding areas, and safe migration corridors.

3. Use of Pesticides

Intensive rice farming and ornamental gardening often rely on chemical pesticides. These not only kill insect populations that birds depend on but also poison the food chain, impacting bird reproduction and health.

4. Caged Birds as Decoration

It’s common across Indonesia to see birds in small cages outside homes and warungs. While this is often cultural, it contributes to wild bird depletion and raises serious animal welfare concerns. Birds are social and free-flying by nature — not ornaments for human enjoyment.

5. Climate Change

Changing weather patterns affect food availability, nesting behavior, and migration. Species that depend on specific flowering or insect hatching cycles may find their rhythms disrupted, leading to population declines.

Why It Matters

Birds are more than beautiful creatures — they’re pollinators, seed dispersers, and indicators of environmental health. When birds disappear, it’s often a sign that something is wrong in the ecosystem. Protecting them helps maintain balance in Bali’s natural world and supports sustainable tourism that respects life in all its forms.

The next time you hear birdsong or see a flash of feathers near the rice fields, pause for a moment. It’s more fragile than it seems — and worth protecting.

Did You Know? – Surprising Bird Facts from Bali 🕊️

• “The Bali Starling isn’t known for its song — but its rarity and beauty have driven its price on the black market into the thousands.” Its soft, whistling voice isn’t impressive, but its rarity makes it one of the most prized cage birds in Southeast Asia. UNFORTUNATELY.
• Bird song is part of morning life in Bali’s temples. Many birds roost near temple complexes, and their calls are considered part of the island’s sacred daily rhythm — especially during sunrise offerings.
• Petulu Village near Ubud has a heron colony that returns at sunset — like clockwork. Locals believe the birds are sacred and protect the village. You can watch hundreds land in the same trees every evening.
• Some white birds seen in rituals are herons — but in Balinese Hinduism, they can symbolize purity, ancestors, or even spirits. Their presence during ceremonies is considered auspicious.
• Bali is on the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. That means some birds you see — like sandpipers or terns — might be just passing through on 12,000 km migration routes!
• The Javan Myna — now common across Bali — is actually an invasive species. While charming and clever, it outcompetes native birds for food and nesting sites.
• Birdwatching tours in Bali support conservation. Ethical bird walks, like those in West Bali National Park or Ubud’s rice fields, raise awareness and create income streams that value wild birds alive — not in cages.

Bali’s birds aren’t just background noise — they carry myths, migrations, and mysteries on their wings.

TL;DR – Bali Birds in a Nutshell

• Bali is home to over 300 bird species, from kingfishers to endangered starlings.
• The Bali Starling is the island’s national bird — rare, white, and critically endangered.
• Best birdwatching spots include West Bali National Park, Ubud’s rice fields, and Bali Barat.
• Many birds play a key role in Balinese beliefs, agriculture, and forest regeneration.
• Illegal bird trade and deforestation remain serious threats to Bali’s birdlife.

Birds are everywhere — you just need to slow down and listen.

External Photo Sources / Wikimedia.org

Frequently Asked Questions – Birds in Bali

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