Salim Ali Bird sanctuary is one of the smallest bird sanctuaries in Goa. The sanctuary has been named after India`s renowned ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali. This sanctuary is spread over an area of merely 1.8 square kilometres. Though small, the sanctuary homes around 400 species of birds, both local and migratory. The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is the only Goa wildlife reserve that is dedicated to the birds of the region.

Tourists are allowed to visit the sanctuary only after seeking permission from the Chief Wild Life Warden, Forest Department located in Panaji. The nearby located island of Chorao is covered with vast mangrove swamps thus producing exceptional cover and vegetation that attracts exotic bird species and small wild animals. It has been a nestle for different breeds of local coastal bird as well as the perfect resting ground for migrating birds from all around the world. The dense mangrove vegetation has become the basis for procreation for a number of varieties of fish and insects, which form the base of the food chain. Also prawns, planktons, an unusual variety of mudskipper fish, tiny crabs and shrimps can be found around the sanctuary. Washed by a network of mini river streams and tributaries the sanctuary pays host to a variety of birds such as eagles, kites, kingfishers, egrets, parrots, cormorants, herons, drongos, wood peckers, myna, curlews, sandpiper, redshank, and hoopoe etc. Other birds such as the Coots and Pintails visit the sanctuary during the winter season.

Besides the rich diversity of exotic birds, different types of wild animals like crocodiles, foxes, flying squirrels and jackals are also seen here. The sanctuary is open throughout the year but the best time to pay a visit to the sanctuary is from October to March.

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